Displaying items by tag: Pokemon

On Friday, April 30, two console-exclusive games, Returnal on PS5 and New Pokémon Snap on Nintendo Switch, will be released.

Returnal: The first PS5-exclusive

Returnal is a third-person shooter with rogue-like style horror elements. I won't go into too much detail about the game here, as there is already an interesting article about it in our Gaming News-section.

New Pokémon Snap: Gotta Snap Them All

Anyone who grew up with Pokémon in their childhood and is perhaps still a big fan of the pocket monsters can certainly remember the harmonious, cozy "Pokémon Snap" back on the N64. In a small wagon, we gondolled across an island, equipped with a camera, in search of the perfect snapshot of a Pokémon. If the whole thing sounds a bit monotonous at first, the game enjoyed a great deal of popularity back then. Apart from the battles and the catching of Pokémon, it was mainly about keeping your eyes open to get a, sometimes more sometimes less rare, Pokémon in front of your lens.

New Pokémon Snap doesn't reinvent the wheel, because the principle remains similar to back then, you sit in a vehicle and drive across an island full of Pokémon. Of course, in addition to many Pokémon from the first generations, there are also many Pokémon from the newer generations. In total, there are over 200 Pokémon to discover.

Although the game follows a rough storyline, the main goal here is still to fill the photo codex with your snapshots. The quality of the photos also plays a role. After each outing, the photos are evaluated by a professor. Pictures will be rated well if the Pokémon can be seen well and large enough on the photo, if it looks in the direction of the camera, possibly takes an exciting pose and if additionally other Pokémon can be seen in the background.
In addition to the story, there will also be different missions (such as "take a total of 100 photos") through which you can unlock different filters or frames.

As a Pokémon fan, this game should almost be a must-have, but even not so die-hard fans who are looking for a quiet game with a high replay value should get their money's worth here.

This is the announcement we wanted but didn't expect. This even with certainties that one could only hope for.

Pokémon returns with a new game. After a very successful Diamond / Pearl remake. After an opus of a different style with Legends: Arceus, in my opinion close to perfection.

So what can we expect from this game? A certain return to basics compared to the last game mentioned, that goes without saying. The return of arenas and trainers who are just waiting to meet our eyes, that seems quite clear.

A criticism that I read and reread in relation to Legends: Arceus was precisely that the game was a little "empty", a lack of challenge in combat in particular. This is due to the fact that we have no trainers standing in our way. For my part, I do not agree at all. For one simple reason. The story the game tells. For my part it was clear from the first minutes that it was about something other than being able to / having to fight incessantly.

Scarlet / Violet has to go somewhere else though. History, its environment, its purpose is quite different from that of the last released game. So it seems logical that the fights are much more frequent. We will certainly be able to take advantage of all the new features of the latest games released. All the best aspects of Sword / Shield as well as Legends: Arceus will be blended into this newcomer.

On the official site and visible on the presentation video, the Pokémon are not shy and do not hesitate to be out of the high grass. Perfect. One of the best points of the latest Pokémon released for me is precisely the multiple options we have for catching the small monsters. On the other hand, will we be entitled to Pokémon Gigantamax of Sword / Shield or will we be entitled to alpha Pokémon of Legends: Arceus? Who knows, we might even be entitled to both? The alphas when you play alone and if you play with an internet connection you may be entitled to the Gigamax phenomenon?

I loved the intentions and mechanics of the Gigamax Pokemon and would like to see it again with new monsters. I also look forward to knowing if the story will be more or less banal or if we will be entitled to some novelties compared to what leads us to go on an adventure. Know if there will be arenas and if so how many? Will a league always be what will represent the best of trainers? Will the story be richer and more poetic than for other games? Will our rivals, whether good or bad, be more useful or present in our quests?

All these questions remain unanswered and we can't wait to find out. I for one hope to see a more standard TM / HM system back in fashion. Not for a homecoming or nostalgia. I simply find that this mechanism in itself is really good and brings something more, even freedom of movement finally. I still remember exploring the seabed with my Pokemon in Sapphire/Ruby. If not, why not add vehicles instead? A little in the same vein as in the Final Fantasy games in which throughout the story we got a car or raft, boat, small plane, aircraft and so on.

The lands seem to be vast, much larger than any other Pokémon game. We can therefore hope for new developments in terms of freedom of movement. We can also see on some images how much space we will have. The coming months will certainly bring us a lot of crisp information.

As for starters, I'm already a fan of Fuecoco. Its design is superb and I can already imagine the crazy developments to expect and its name and a superb word game worthy of a great Pokémon (in french, Chochodile "cho" which means hot but written differently). For Sprigatito, I'm not really a fan of the design. For the pun I like it because it makes me think of Sacha, the first trainer (again in french the name is Poussacha). As for Quaxly, I don't know what to think of its design. It's far from the worst but I don't find it special. The pun, on the other hand, is superb again (Coiffeton in french, coiff which is the beginning of haircut and -eton which is the end of the word for duckling).

What is certain, the end of the year will be beautiful. A nice Christmas gift is coming!

See you soon and good game!

The Nintendo Direct of September 13 was rich in information. Here is what I learned and noted (almost everything yes)

We start with a presentation of Fire Emblem Engage. We are given the tone. Heroes called the "Emblems" saved the world alongside armies from the continent of "Elios" consisting of four realms and a sacred point at its center. A cobra-headed dragon threatens the continent and thanks to the heroes peace has returned.

A thousand years later, the threat rumbles and concern wins the heart of the woman who tells us this story. The heroes "wake up" to end the threat.

The cinematic is beautiful. The animations are superb and we recognize the style of a franchise that has been able to renew itself continuously. The "classic" strategy mode fights are well shown. We immediately recognize the emblematic style of Fire Emblem.

The protagonist has a ring that allows him to be connected to Marth. This hero so known to the franchise. The same goes for other heroes. We therefore understand that these rings are the key to the game. Release for January 2023 planned.

We arrive at the traditional sequence of presentations.

It takes two is shown. The co-op game is presented with its different worlds. You can play it locally or online for two. Released for November, the 4th. So there is still a little time to wait before enjoying it on Big N's hybrid console.

The forbidden story begins. That sets the tone. Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is presented with a catchy phrase that makes you feel unconfortable. A game that keeps you in suspense and plans to thrill you. We try to find lost, violent or frightening spirits with a special and dedicated camera. We will be entitled to this game in 2023. It's a long time, but from what we've seen it seems promising.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 expansion pass number two is introduced. Ino the new heroine will be available. Once the quests concerning her have been completed, you will be able to play with this character. She seems to have a mechanical body. A wave battle challenge is also presented. A next expansion scheduled for October 13.

Sponge Bob will be entitled to a game on the Japanese console. This with the original vocals! The game is coming next year.

A rhythm game is featured with: Fitness Boxing, Fist of the North Star. A game with which you have to keep the rhythm and throw punches in the right tempo! There is even a battle mode with the same gameplay.

Oddballers is then in the spotlight. Funny arenas, to be played with 6 players. The game is coming in 2023. A game that combines dexterity, fun and the rules of Dodgeball. All this with funny objects and in arenas for the less original.

Tunic, the Zelda-like action/adventure starring a fox is coming to the Switch. The game arrives on September 27.

Front Mission and Front Mission 2 are entitled to their Remake. The first, in which you can guide military robots to fight turn-based against enemies. Robots can be upgraded and tested in the Coliseum. In the 2 the goal is the same, with many additional improvements. The remake of the three will arrive next year. As for the first two, their releases will follow one another during the end of the year.

Story of seasons: A wonderful Life is then highlighted. We find ourselves in Forgotten Valley, in which we inherit the farm from our father and which we will have to maintain. We have to maintain it, expand it, take care of the animals. Becoming friends with neighbors will be important and even having a family will be possible. We get older and we even see the evolution of everyone's age. We will be entitled to the game in the summer of 2023

Splatoon 3 arrives without warning in the presentation. We are presented with the "Splatfest" theme dated 9/23 at 5 p.m. and 9/25 at the same time. We are notified of further updates to come.

A Square Enix game is coming. We immediately recognize the style of Octopath Traveler. This is indeed the sequel. At first glance, you immediately recognize that the graphic style is maintained with a slight change in depth. We are introduced to the different characters. The same profiles are present, warrior, thief, hunter, etc. It's perfect as it was already well done on the first opus.

The stories of the different protagonists seem well done and in a few seconds you can identify with the characters. A vast world will be available with awesome quests, beautiful characters and epic battles.

The game is scheduled for the end of February 2023 and we are already looking forward to it.

New games are presented. Starting with Faefarm. You can play solo or locally or online with up to 4 players. The seasons change, they make it possible to change the way of managing the farm. Managing it allows you to learn many movements and other magic. Many enemies will be defeated through many journeys. The game is coming for Spring 2023.

Thearrhythm: Final Bar Line. The FF franchise is getting a rhythm game for the 35th anniversary of the franchise. We are presented with a catalog of more than 380 songs that will be playable in this game with cute graphics. It will even be playable with friends. Something to delight the neighbors.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Ubisoft's crazy game is presented, once again. We can see a little more gameplay side, out of combat. Like the shops, the recruits. The game arrives for October 20, we are presented with the Gold Edition and the pre-order is already available.

Rune Factory 3 Special is coming to console. The game is coming in 2023, but that's not all. A new franchise game is in development.

We are now presented with a few Nintendo 64 games that are making their way into the pack. Like Mario Party games, Pokémon Stadium and others. The games are coming in two waves. Part this year and part next year.

Then there is a special mention that gets started. Simply with the legendary GoldenEye! on N64. It will come with an online mode! Just that.

An immersive RPG is presented next with the game :Various Daylife. The game arrives the same day of the announcement. But we don't really learn more.

We then see the game Factorio. Following a crash with the ship, you have to rebuild it and survive. You have to mine, create machines, a base protected from monsters and that until you finish the creation.

A 2nd free update is available to Mario Striker players. Pauline arrives with Diddy Kong! New stadiums and equipment are coming in September.

A new JRPG / adventure. Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. The adventurers will discover the origins of alchemy in order to save their island. The open world to discover alongside 11 different characters, each with their specificities. On February 24, 2023 the game makes its arrival.

We are presented with a (small) part of wave 3 of Mariokart 8 Deluxe's ​​Booster Course Pass. There will be a race from MarioKart Tour and one from MarioKart on DS. The rest is a mystery but it will surely be good in view of what we have already had so far.

Pikmin Bloom is then shown. Like Pokémon Go. With today's location and technology, you can find Pikmin and the items they collect outside. The further you walk, the more you can find, just like the items the Pikmin find. We are then shown the map of the world which is discovered where we walked.

Pikmin 4 is then presented. In 2023 the game will be able to make its arrival. We have no right to gameplay. Just an image where we can see that we can play with the perspective of a Pikmin.

Just Dance 2023 is coming. We can even play with friends online. A special recommendation will also be available in the game. Ubisoft is preparing the game for November this year.

Harvestella is then presented. The "Season of Death" is coming and a way must be found to stop it from doing its thing. A demo is already available (since September 13) and the game in November.

Bayonetta shows up with a small presentation of the first two opuses. In the third, she must defend humanity against man-made robots/monsters. We will be entitled to this opus on October 28th. More gameplay and a new trailer on Nintendo's youtube channel is to be discovered.

Resident Evil Village in Cloud Version is coming to console. The game will be available on October 28. With this they also announced three more Resident Evil that will be available (the recent remakes)

Crisis Core, Final Fantasy VII – Reunion will be coming to Switch. The FF VII prequel will be entitled to its Nintendo version. We can play Zack alongside Sephiroth and Cloud on December 13.

Tales of Symphonia arrives in Remastered version. One of the most successful games of the Tales of franchise, deserves a well-deserved comeback. We find Lloyd and Colette in this action RPG. The epic battles and this poetic story arrive at the beginning of 2023.

In the last video we are entitled to a new trailer of the great saga The Legend of Zelda. We understand that this is the long-awaited sequel to Breath of the Wild. Well it won't just be "2" but the game will have its own name "Tears of the Kingdom"

We don't see much there, except that we can jump from islands in levitation, that there are flying platforms and that we can always climb and equip ourselves in different ways. With the date at the end, May 12, 2023.

Let's not forget that it has been a bad habit for a while that the dates are not respected, so let's not be too impatient all the same.

Well that was a wealth of information. While waiting for new information to be given, I wish you a good game!

Franchises I love

Pokemon

POKEMON! Catch them all ! Ah so many memories. So many great moments spent. And to think that I am writing in the past tense when as soon as I finish the article I will continue to play Pokémon Shield on my Switch. I've been playing this franchise for so long. It’s the first franchise I’ve ever played on my own.

As you may know, this is not the top 1 in my ranking of favorite franchises. It’s still the first franchise I’ve actually played. I had the blue version and my brother the red one. From the start my brother knew some mechanics like being able to swap small monsters.

So he and I were careful to send the missing Pokémon to the other's version's Pokédex. Also, we were careful that some could only evolve while being exchanged. For example Machoke or Graveler or Haunter.

Last detail and not the least, in these versions as in most afterwards, it was impossible to have the other starting pokemon. There was Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. What we were doing was simple. We were moving forward in the game's story until we could trade. Then we gave the other the starting companion we had chosen. And we would do it all over again until we had it all twice. Yeah we were trying hard.

In short, it was excellent.

Then when the 2nd generation came I was really happy. I had the Silver version and my brother Gold.

The starting Pokémon were super cool, especially the fire one for my taste, Cyndaquil was THE Pokémon of this generation for me. Most impressive was that we also had to go to the island of the first generation to beat the arenas and the league! So there was twice the work than in the first game!

I remember the train to take, it was fantastic! But I almost forget the yellow version! With my brother we had this version too! Pikachu following you like in the anime. You can talk to him to see how happy he is. And you had all three starting Pokémon without having to resort to trading! You receive them if Pikachu is happy to the maximum. It was great to do, otherwise the game was the same as the first generation naturally.

With Silver and Gold we had a lot of fun. There were great things to do, and the new Pokémon were looking good. It was well done but there was nothing really new after all. Then there was the Crystal version, crazy innovation, a battery to be able to remember the time and so the game was on real time. So you had / could tell the difference between playing at night and playing by day. What good memories.

On the other hand, when generation three came, Sapphire and Ruby. I was so excited. I will always remember this! We were in the south of France on vacation. We had the Game Boy Advance. My parents had gone shopping. I was on the little terrace with my grandparents and there we get the game in hand. I must have said "I can't believe it" at least ten times.

I have to say, I wasn't too impressed with the starter Pokémon. They didn’t stand out for me. I still think I remember Sceptile's crazy speed. Otherwise nothing new under the sun for the starting Pokémon. On the other hand Tarsal, Terhal and Draby marked me! These Pokémon, if I can get them in every Pokémon game I play, I catch them. I find them awesome!

However, the story was super cool. The bad guys too. What also stood out to me was the new HMs (Hidden Machines). Those are abilities (attacks) learned by Pokémon. You could buy abilities and you MUST find the special ones called HM. Without these you could not move forward. Like Fly, Surf, Strength or Cut. You had to get them or else you were stuck.

In Sapphire / Ruby, there was additional Waterfall and Dive. There were places where you could use it to get underwater and find new Pokémon. What crazy innovation, it was exhilarating.

Then there was Emerald for this generation, which I missed yes. Too bad but without too many regrets anyway.

Then there was Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. A less memorable story than its predecessor and fewer Pokémon that I liked. I played and enjoyed it but it was hard to do better or as well as Sapphire and Ruby in my eyes. So less exciting.

What I remember deeply is Lucario. He's iconic and everyone loves him. No wonder I love him too but loved this super cool little monster. Otherwise it was a bit bland in my opinion.

A little refreshment with the Heartgold and Soulsilver versions. You will understand, they have remade Gold and Silver with the new possibilities offered by 2010. I did not buy it for myself because I did not see the point ... and still not today.

The next generation, the 5th now is with White and Black. The starting choices are earlier cool in design and there's the appearance of Roggenrola which is clearly too cool in final evolution. What's also pretty cool is that there weren't any other Pokémon available other than this generation. You had to receive the National Pokédex in order to obtain other Pokémon from previous generations. This was no longer the case in Black and White 2. Pokémon of the 5th and other generations are available from the start of the adventure. The map, the champions and those kinds of details change a bit, but nothing much better.

Who says Pokémon X and Y says: Greninja I love you. The coolest of his generation and surely the most iconic. Big novelty for this game, the Mega-Gems. This allows the Mega-Evolution, Pokémon then called Mega-Pokémon.

This evolution is not permanent but allows during the fight to clearly gain the upper hand and see your favorite Pokémon take a super cool or "Mega" form. Capturing a Pokémon (finally) gives experience points to Pokémon on its team, there are wild hordes of Pokémon, so we end up at 1 to 5.

More novelties also in terms of internet connection with the game and therefore new features.

Obviously there is also the full 3D view that it is on the Nintendo 3DS that the game is released. This naturally brings a more graphical advantage even if we do not use the 3D option. Too bad though that apart from Amphinobi, no monster will have marked my mind ...

A remaster of Ruby and Sapphire with the names Ruby Omega and Sapphire Alpha. All on 3DS, they also made a special version in 2DS with pretty consoles I must say. This one was given to me with the metal box. It was naturally cool to get back into that story. But nothing more you have to be sincere. The pleasure was still there.

Then comes Sun and Moon. So I was disappointed for the first time. I didn't really like the mechanics, the story and the way of going. I didn't hang on too much. On the other hand, Incineroar is really cool. It didn't impress me so much that I didn't buy Ultra-Sun / Ultra-Moon.

I was even afraid that I would no longer appreciate this franchise. I respect the idea and the attempt at innovation, however for me it was a clear stop. And then what had to happen happened.

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee!

Small slap of nostalgia. On the other hand, I am happy that afterwards they did not stay on this idea. It was great for me especially since I had never touched or even downloaded Pokémon Go!

I don't see any point in it especially since I don't have time for that stuff. I liked this game and go back to that first region and do what we had to do there again. It was quite exciting, but we also notice that it was "important" to facilitate everything. Some things were done more naturally and it felt when you played almost all of the games in the franchise.

It was still a pleasure and what was really great, the flight. When you fly you are on top of the map with your Pokémon and see other Pokémon to catch. It's still super interesting.

With the latter, I am right in it. And I have fun like a kid. Between old-fashioned mechanics and new things, we are right in the middle of what I unwittingly wanted for a game in this franchise.

Sword and Shield, this game is really very good. The history, the fights, the Dynamax, the camping and the cooking. These things make the game epic. I miss this need for CS but it seems that time is over.

Gaming remains one of my highlights over the past two years. I am happy. There are also some notable Pokémon like Corviknight, Orbeetle or Coalossal. Everything is more to me in this game and I'm glad I did not miss the call. On the other hand, we also notice a certain ease in achieving to the end of the game.

I can't wait to see the future. First with the Pearl and Diamond Remaster. To see if that can convince me and patch me up with this generation. Like I said, it wasn't the game that struck me the most. And then what to say about what will happen next: Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

This game which takes up the distant past of the Pokémon universe. We will have to complete the first Pokédex. We're in the Sinnoh region and we're going to have a maybe more sophisticated game system of watching and waiting to catch a little monster. We can choose between combat and the Pokémon Go way to catch a Pokémon.

A game full of promise, full of expectation and above all that changes what we have known so far. To see if the turn this game takes will be a major turning point for the franchise or if it is just a side game. I sincerely favor the first option, especially given, the means they have to make something great.

The past has been bright, the present beautiful, and the future looks great. What happiness with this franchise for which my feelings have nevertheless pitched at times.

Long live Nintendo, Long live Pokémon and long live video games!

You read each other correctly. The Pokémon park. So what is it?

No this is not a new amusement park. This is a park, a real park. You can go for a walk with friends, lovers or family. The idea for this park comes from the very idea of ​​creating this franchise. Love for finding and "collecting" animals and more specifically insects.

Suddenly Pokémon was born, then this park took shape. So we can walk in this large natural park and look for little monsters hidden everywhere. It will of course be impossible to "catch" them or more simply to steal them. They will all be well secured so that they cannot be picked up by malicious people.

This 4,500 m2 park opened two days ago and offers magnificent walks in a dream setting. All without going into extravagance or technology. A natural park with lots of little companions to find. A moment that everyone will be able to appreciate because nothing necessarily recalls the Pokémon universe as we can know it. There are no attractions or staff that will disturb you.

It really is a walking park with the fun side of being able to find little monsters all over the place. A family moment to be able to share and even "play" Pokémon Go without augmented reality because you will simply be in reality.

Obviously, these are not articulated robots that move to make them more alive, because it is above all about enjoying the calm of nature and looking for Pokémon that will be hidden in the flora and fauna.

There is only one concern in all of this. The park is (probably) short-lived, as it will close in April 2022. This doesn't necessarily leave Pokémon lovers outside of Japan much time to enjoy this place. However, there is hope as it has not been communicated that this is a final shutdown.

Hopefully we'll have a reopening with a few more Pokémon and franchise nods while remaining respectful of the place and nature.

In the meantime, long live the games and long live Pokémon!

We are going to talk about a phenomenon that I have read that I find interesting. I've always felt a bit guilty for not always finishing the games I buy or for playing them too little and taking forever to finish them! So while point two remains fairly true, the first point is common. In fact it is very common. In fact it is incredibly common!

Indeed, studies show that almost 9 out of 10 people surveyed do not finish the games they buy. It's huge ! Afterwards, the statistics change according to the type of players and, over time (thanks to the Achievements and Trophies) this percentage goes down.

However, the studies remain quite formal, most of the games are not finished by the players. That's crazy, so it got me thinking to do a change. It's been a while since I decided to finish a game before buying a new one. There are only a few exceptions, but they do exist.

Already I'm throwing myself flowers. This decision was the right one. I spend less for no reason and buy games that I actually enjoy afterwards. It also opened my eyes to the colossal number of games that I enjoy! It's not possible the games I want to get my hands on.

So my criteria are more or less simple. From the same franchise I only buy one game if the previous game is finished. For example, I finished Pokémon Shield before buying Pokémon Legends Arceus which I finished before buying Pokémon Brilliant Diamond. Logical and efficient.

There is, however, a small exception to this rule. Final Fantasy games. Yes, it could come out 3 in a row, I buy them! This is how. Pokémon could, should also be an exception. It may be in the future but I must say that the timing was almost perfect for the above listed games. But Final Fantasy, regardless of the timing, it will be bought, period!

So with this way of proceeding it encourages me and makes me want to play as much as I can. So I'm sweating like crazy! And Yes because I haven't finished Xenoblade Chronicles (on Switch) so I have to wait before I can begin to sweat with the two, while the three comes out in summer this year! It's awful.

Especially since that's not all. In my list there is also Horizon Zero Dawn, which I got for free and which I regret not having played before. So I also want the sequel to this one because after having tasted the first opus I must say that I am impatient to see the sequel. I still have to finish the first one first!

Then there are other games that I had accumulated before adopting this logic, like The Witcher 3. I let myself be tempted by Tales of Arise, which I am bleeding for the moment, and Stranger of Paradise, a Final Fantasy Story…

As you can see, I find myself with a rather long list of games to finish before thinking about buying other games!

So my to do list for now is:

Tales of Arise

Xenoblade Chronicles 1+2

The Witcher 3

Stranger of Paradise

Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West

It's already not bad I think and I really need to put the turbo. As a devoted father, loving husband and gaga dog master, I don't always have time to play. We do our best and we respect as much as possible the logic of finishing one or more games before buying the next one. Especially in the case of the same franchise!

And you? Do you have a To do list? Tell us in the comments! Here and on Facebook!

In the meantime, good game to all!