With what little time I could spare playing Alpha Sapphire last night and earlier this afternoon I managed to reach Petalburg City and complete all current in-game events in the area. While I was at it I also tiptoed a lot trying to get near exceptional 'mons using the new DexNav in Route 102 and 103. So far I have five Pokemons in my party, four of those caught thanks to DexNav encounters. I dunno, it's just so tempting to get near the wild Pokemon when you hear that rustling sound even if the details are already displayed on the screen.
My Current Party
Here's my current party in the order I acquired them:
1. Torchic
Nickname: Hatto
Coming up with nicknames took a lot of my time as I played the game. It had to be both meaningful to me and the Pokemon I'm giving it to so I really thought hard about either a deep name or a pun. My Torchic's nickname, Hatto, was supposed to be Hotori because I took Hot and the Japanese word for bird which is Tori together forming Hotori which I interpret both as 'Hot Bird' and 'Fire Bird' since Ho is also Japanese for fire. I settled with the shortened Hatto in the end because it's cuter, simpler, and it just speaks 'hot' on the get go. Maybe people might even think I thought about Hattori Hanzo as I gave the nickname.
I also got Torchic with an Adamant nature. I don't know if that was a stroke of luck or the game is programmed to give starters with that nature. Either way, Adamant for a starter Pokemon is a nice way to start the team, even if I actually chose Torchic out of impulse. As I was training him before the first rival battle, deep inside I was (slightly) regretting why I didn't pick Mudkip instead. Oh well, Torchic would be good against the battle with Norman anyway.
2. Lotad
Nickname: Alto
I caught Lotad in the middle of my starter Pokemon crisis because back in my childhood days I always chose the Water-type starter - Mudkip just happened to be my second favorite (after Piplup) the problem is, out of impulse thanks to my decision back in Pokemon X influencing me on my choice I picked Torchic. As I was training Torchic before the first rival battle, I suddenly realized my great need for a water-type especially against Roxanne and Flannery. A ground-type was also ideal against the Mauville city Gym - which as we all know is Mudkip's second type. But then came Lotad - a water/plant Pokemon. I didn't think twice in catching this one since his second type will have a good advantage over Brendan's Mudkip, most of Team Aqua, and hopefully when I face Kyogre. Still, I have a lot of training to do with Alto.
I got the nickname by just removing and rearranging the letters of Lotad's name after a few minutes of failing with coming up with some ideal names.
3. Poochyena
Nickname: Shinna
I think most of you who played either Alpha Sapphire or Omega Ruby already have an idea as to where I got my Poochyena. Yah, this is the Poochyena detected by the DexNav when Brendan was explaining how to use it. Apparently I took the game's bait of making you catch the detected Pokemon by convincing you the rare Ice Fang move would go a long way. Hopefully, it actually would since it's an advantage against Ground (for rival) and Flying (for the Fortree gym).
I got the nickname right after Poochyena's name - pooch-SHINNA. Yah, I know it's stupid, forgive me.
4. Ralts
Nickname: Paella
After Wally's first scenario in the game - where he catches a Ralts - I decided I want one too (ha!). But to be fair, it's not out of jealousy it's out of pure love because I know just how beautiful and powerful a Ralts can get when she evolves to a Gardevoire. I got lucky enough by encountering a Ralts shortly after the first encounter with Wally, What I didn't notice was Ralts' gender. I CAUGHT A TRAP!!!!! No, I'm not really hating on the adorable Pokemon, it's just...I was really hoping for a girl, yeah? Besides, I never really liked the design of Gallade so...so...damnit.
I named her...him Paella because I don't want to be reminded that the Ralt's I caught was male. Of course, I could always wait for another Ralts to come but I couldn't just spend all my incredibly short free time waiting for someone who might not come at all (...it hurts). And I like Paella, it's delicious. It also reminds me of a character in Happiness where her staff's name is Paella...yeah. I think it's cool.
5. Taillow
Nickname: Allia
Taillow's the latest Pokemon I caught just this afternoon. I figured I need at least one Pokemon who can take me places (via Fly) and a strong one against the second Gym. The offside here is that Taillow is Flying/Normal so I still better be careful with her against the fighting gym. I named her Allia after jumbling and putting her name in a blender.
So that's my current party. As you all could see, I only really put too much thought on my Torchic's name. There's still plenty of Pokemon to come my way, in fact I already have the last slot for a Magikarp once I get the Old Rod because a well trained Gyarados is always a nice addition to the team.
Changes
Aside from the obvious visual eye candy that the developers gave Pokemon ORAS, I also noticed that they took the sentiment and value of bonds from Pokemon X and Y and thoughtfully added it into the story of ORAS. The end product not only made the characters and the game itself more moving and animated in terms of gameplay but it's also the same in story.
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| too bad for you Brendan, I'm actually a guy |
They have more emotions now, and relationships feel all the more important in the remakes. That was a great new addition along with all the updates and new features adding in a good depth to the already great game. I also like to note the day-night cycles of the game, it's more noticeable here than in Pokemon X and Y.
Still Feels New
Despite ORAS being a remake of the original Gen. III, it still feels fresh and new in a way. It doesn't have the appeal of Pokemon X where you're discovering something new, it has that appeal where you're revisiting an old place expecting everything to be the same but they're not - they're better. And your return becomes extra special because your now exploring to see everything that changed.
My current adventure has been amazing so far. And with my progress still at Petalburg city, I think there's a Mt. Coronet's worth of surprises lying in wait. Have fun my fellow trainers! I'll catch up soon!
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