Countdown to XY: A Nostalgia Thread

Day 13: How do Colosseum/XD compare to other main-series games?

Loved Colo, never managed to finish XD, but I loved it as far as I got. I loved that Colo was so much "darker" than the main-series games. I love speculating about what happened to all the wild Pokemon in Orre (my theory: they had a RSE-style Pokemon Gone Amok incident, evacuated all the people (and caught Pokemon) they could to shielded underground bunkers and then set off a landlord bomb.

Biggest problem with Colo/XD: it set up Battle Revolution to be a huge disappointment, even though that game was perfectly consistent with the gameplay of the Stadium series.

Day 14: If you were given a pill that erases all memory of Pokémon, would you take it?

Originally I was going to answer yes for the reason you suggested later--so that I could play them again fresh. But truth is, I doubt Modern Me would have the patience to play Red or Blue on an emulator (or an old GBA if I managed to track down a working cartridge*). The games have managed to stay "fresh" with the times, I feel, and especially with the remakes, without the Nostalgia factor there is very little to motivate one to play the original games.

Also, without my memories of Pokemon, I wouldn't have all the log-parsing, stat-analyzing experience I have from my role as Smogon's resident data miner, and it's that experience that landed me my job.

You read right: I brought up competitive Pokemon in a job interview, and it got me hired.

*For the record, I have one (Blue), along with working copies of Gold, Crystal, and every main-series game from Gen III on. I'm currently replaying Emerald on a GBA SP.
 
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Stellar said:
I think today's question is one of the most (if not the most) interesting questions so far!

Day 14: If you were given a pill that erases all memory of Pokémon, would you take it?

There are definitely pros and cons to both options. Think about this one for a bit before posting. :]
Unlike other days, I expect a few arguments to break over this one. You are allowed to respond directly to other posts, but do so kindly.
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Nope. Not a chance. Pokemon has given me some great friends and given me a community where my knowledge is useful and wanted from others. Granted during my early teens my love for it waned (you know for people my sort of age when it became super super uncool to like Pokemon), but it came back full force when I got to late teens when DP came out (And no one really gave a shit about it anymore). Honestly, I don't know what would of filled my head up if it wasn't for Pokemon... Remembering this much about this franchise must take up a fair amount of room right? Pokemon has given me some of my most powerful memories that have stayed with me to this very day. I know *exactly* where in town where I first opened and turned on Pokemon Red... Memories that powerful are incredibly hard to let go of.

Stellar said:
Does anyone think being able to experience Pokémon again for the first time would be worth it? You always have the ability to make more memories!
If you say no, give us some insight as to why the memories are so precious. : )
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I don't think so... If I took your pill and came into it now, I don't think I'd have quite such strong feelings towards the game that I have essentially grown up with. Infact, it would probably fall under my radar all together. Those memories are precious because they are extremely happy times during my last few years of primary school playing with other people on Red and Blue and even getting into extremely low level competitions and the like. For me it was an escape from some of the sadder times in my life, and to a degree most video games are like that for me now.
 
DAY 1: What is your first memory of Pokémon?

I was 6 years old and in the first grade, Mum came home from work one day with a surprise for my brother and I, an old colleague of her worked in Bergsala, the company importing Pokémon, and we were some of the first children in our town to receive the first TCG Booster packs. We got three packs to share, I don't recall which cards we got, but since that day on I've been in love with the franchise!



DAY 2: What was your first experience with a shiny Pokémon?

I imagine that my first experience with a shiny was much like most veteran players, the Red Gyarados in Pokémon Gold. I didn't catch it because back then I only cared for my starter Pokémon and level grinding.



DAY 3: How close have you come to catching them all?

I have completed the national Pokédex in Black 2, I have never had the chance to get events because my country seldom sees them. Thus I miss all event legendaries, except Deoxys.



DAY 4: What was your first level 100 Pokémon?

I had a level 100 Typhlosion in Pokémon Gold, I remember reaching level 100 while training outside Mt. Silver.



DAY 5: What is your favorite Pokémon and why?

This is a really tough one, but I guess it must be Weavile. It was one of the first Pokémon I raised to level 100 after actually EV training it. It was really good in the Battle Frontier in Platinum, it sucked in BW, thus I bred a new one, this time also trying to get the right IV's. Honorable mentions to Toxicroak and Scrafty.



DAY 6: Which Pokémon rumors did you believe when you were younger?

I didn't actually believe most rumors, because when I was a kid in my small home town I was one of few kids who actually cared for Pokémon. I was also very "knowledgeable" compared to my peers, even though I was quite stupid and ignorant.



DAY 7: Which aspect of XY are you looking forward to the most?

I don't know why, but I have never been this excited for a new Pokémon game, and one of the things I am looking forward to the most are the new moves. I am hoping for a lot of brilliant moves that might become staple and hopefully a handful of niche moves.



DAY 8: What are your Pokémon quirks?

I can't stop mashing the A-button! My boyfriend hates it! I am not allowed to play after bedtime, because the sound drives him insane!



DAY 9: What is your favorite region and why?

Hoenn! Hands down. It just had so much going for it! With volcanoes, jungles, Pacifidlog, Fortree, the route with ashes, the dessert, the Regi puzzle. To me its design is unmatched! I also thoroughly enjoyed the sea routes.



DAY 10: If you could change one thing about the Pokémon games, what would it be?

I'd want more post-game areas and facilities. Sevii-islands were the best with the area, and Emerald was the best facility wise, but I love the PWT, Black Tower, and Subway, so not saying that BW2 was bad, just not as good as Emerald.



DAY 11: What is your favorite mini-game?

RS contests! I loved that I could go on a contest journey simultaneously with my hunt for badges! I loved using berries to help my Pokemon shine, and the battle stage was really fun! It saddens me that the best mini-game was the first to be introduced, and that everything from there on has been lackluster.



DAY 12: Which song/theme is the most nostalgic?

The Pokémon theme song! Without doubt!



DAY 13: How do Colosseum/XD compare to other main-series games?

I never played XD and I didn't finish Colosseum. I got really bored with it. Not my cup of tea at all!



DAY 14: If you were given a pill that erases all memory of Pokémon, would you take it?

On one hand I would love to! Because then I could explore the entire world of Pokémon from scratch! But on the other hand I've learned so much in 15 years of playing, that it would be a shame to loose it all. I would therefore not take such a pill.
 
Day 14: Well, it would mean I would lose all my memories of Pokemon, including all my pokemon in my Black file, including a Sceptile from Hoenn, many Legendairies, and pokemon that I have very fond memories of.

However, if I took the fill, I would play all my DS games, causing me ultimately to be a late genner, and my opinion on games would be "Ergh Gameboy games suxs and new games are kewl". I would be a dick, putting it bluntly
 
Day 14

Since all of my friends play pokemon I probably enjoy play from 0 again... sounds insteresting... in paper, but ultimatelly I don't want to forget those experiences...
 
Stellar said:
Day 13: How do Colosseum/XD compare to other main-series games?

A few guiding questions:
Which aspects did you enjoy and why?
Which aspects did you dislike and why?
How would you improve upon these games if they followed a similar formula in the future?

You can focus on these or story/capture method/whatever you want.

I really loved yesterday's posts, even if they made my computer lag a bit. :]
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colosseum/XD were good games, but gameplay wise they so short. also the replayability waas lacking.
 
Day 14

I wouldn't forget everything about pokemon, for sure. Knowing what "special defense" means, what types are good versus what types, etc. is too vital to gameplay to forget it all. I'd probably scoff at the simple plot at this age, as well.

If I were given the option to remember the mechanics and old pokemon games and just discover Hoenn, Sinnoh, or Unova again: absolutely. Discovering new pokemon and finding out what the evil team's plan is would be really cool.
 
DAY 13: I absolutely loved pokemon Colosseum but I really didn't like pokemon XD. Colosseum as many mentioned had a main character with a back story, and a dark one at that. Pokemon XD took that back story away. I love the themes. I didn't feel like I was playing a pokemon game, it felt like I was playing a james bond game to some degree. It was definitely not lighthearted as pokemon games usually go, and that's probably why I like it so much. Some people complain about the limited pokemon, but I feel limited pokemon allows there to be more strategy. Also colosseum forced double battles. I personally would have never realized how fun/strategic double battles could be before colosseum as RSE/FRLG double battles were rare and too easy. What I disliked in colosseum was the lack of an open world, the bike is cool but I wished that traveling between towns was more of a journey than a 10 second cutscene. I also wished the battles were more dynamic...kinda like pokemon battle revolution. Pokemon never made contact with each other, there all stood in their place and tackled the air and not the other pokemon. To make the game better, I would add an explorable open world between towns and more realistic battles. I really don't like the fact that many people acknowledge X and Y as the very first 3D pokemon RPG, when that was actually Colosseum. X and Y are the first 3D open world pokemon RPG.
 
I would not, definetely. If i was given a scenario to go back in time to learn about pokemon and stay at it when i was 7 years old, i would of course. But pokemon is my main hobby and i wouldnt like to start over without all my memories, given im 16 and i wouldnt be able to give it as much time as i have through the past 3 years.

Im getting damn emotional with this thread :[
 
Day 12: Which song/theme is the most nostalgic?For me it's Hoenn music in general, specifically the champion's music.

Day 13: How do Colosseum/XD compare to other main-series games?Well I only played Stadium on an emulator and recently, I didn't really like it much. Maybe I should have tried XD instead, anyway I didn't play them (aside from Stadium a bit) so I can't really compare.

Day 14: If you were given a pill that erases all memory of Pokémon, would you take it?I wouldn't. Sure it might be fun re-living the Pokemon experience from scratch, but erasing Pokemon memories is erasing a large portion of my personality. It's like you're asking me if I'll have voluntary permanent amnesia regarding certain aspects of my life. So, I won't.
 
Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?
(Explain why.)

We are halfway there folks!
 
I really liked HeartGold and SoulSilver's feature of having your lead Pokemon follow behind you. It also would not be complete unless it had the feature to talk to them and see their reaction based on the area/friendship or whatever affected it.

I'd also really like secret bases or the underground back. Customizing your own little house was pretty fun. Aside from that, I'd also like contests back.

That is all.
 
Day 15: If I had to pick one, then it would be open world exploration through Dive, as it was in RSE and not BW/BW2. Currently pokemon exploration is just limited to what we see in maps and caves. Dive adds a layer of exploration that could be even more vast than on land. It also is a portal that can connect the history of the region to the present, if ancient artifacts or pokemon could be found. I know that people dislike surfing because of it's monotony, and dive would be a perfect refresher for that.
 
I'm with Hulavuta on this one! Having my Ampharos turn around and interact with me was probably one of the most endearing parts of the game. Being able to do this with my Pokemon really made me feel a sort of connection with them. I remember Pearl fondly because it was how I bonded with my cousin - screwing around in the underground and placing traps everywhere.
 
Like Hulavuta said, I'd definitely want my Pokémon to follow me like they did in HGSS (although it was Yellow that started it). It was one of the main things that made HGSS such a great game. I was highly disappointed when Gen 5 removed this feature. Although I doubt XY will have this feature return, I can always hope that it'll make a return in Pokémon Z or X2Y2 or W knowing Troll Freak, but I digress.

Secret Bases and Contests (both Gen 3 style), better implementation of Dive, Cycling Road, and a Safari Zone are other features I'd like to see return.
 
Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?

I would choose re-usable TMs, because TM moves are supposed to be "free" moves that you can teach to your pokemon whenever. Prior to Gen V, though, you can't re-use TMs.
 
Assuming that this question leaves out obvious things we expect to come back, I believe that a Pokemon Snap mini-game would be an excellent use of the camera function in XY, and a great way to call attention to the added effort they've put in making the environment more variable and less static in the shift from randomly occurring invisible monster attacks. It would be a perfect "secondary goal" diversion that, like Pokethlon, doesn't actually require you to hinder your active team in any way (which has always been my main problem with Contests) while also not being dead-drop boring (my main problem with musicals.) I, too, miss your Pokemon following you - but it was a minor feature for me.
 
Just found this now, so doing all 15.

Day 1: What is your first memory of Pokémon?

Age 8- Friend playing HeartGold and stuck on whitney. I try, having no idea what i'm doing, and get 3 crits in a row, killing the miltank and winning the battle.

Day 2: What was your first experience with a shiny Pokémon?

Red Gyarados... i am so unlucky

Day 3: How close have you come to "catching 'em all"?

Very, Very far. My best pokedex accomplishment was seeing all unova pokemon in Black 1

Day 4: What was your first level 100 Pokémon?

My amazing RestTalk/Flamethrower/Ice Beam Mewtwo from age 10. yeah, i sucked back then.

Day 5: What is your favorite Pokémon and why?

Chandelure. I've always had a thing for fire types, and chandelure's design is so much better than the other take animal, put fire on animal designs.

2: Typhlosion
3: Ho-Oh
4: Scizor
5: Surskit (Dat typing)

Day 6: Which Pokémon rumors did you believe when you were younger?

Mostly button combos for shinies and auto-catches

Day 7: Which aspect of XY are you looking forward to the most?

The Honedge line. Thats it.

Day 8: What are your Pokémon "quirks"?

Uh... probably my extreme hatred of Charizard. Even non-genwunners like it, but i think the design is lazy and i hate how overrated it is

Day 9: What is your favorite region and why?

Johto. My first game, and the only game where i really had the "Pokemon wonder", where every single thing you did was so cool

Day 10: If you could change one thing about the Pokémon games, what would it be?

say goodbye to crits

Day 11: What is your favorite mini-game?

If you mean side game, mystery dungeons are the only ones i like. If you mean minigame, the Pokewalker better count.

Day 12: Which song/theme is the most nostalgic?

My favorite song is B/W plasma grunt, but ii'm not really a nostalgia person

Day 13: How do Colosseum/XD compare to other main-series games?

I do not like the side games except mystery dungeon. They just don't really fit what i think of as "pokemon"

Day 14: If you were given a pill that erases all memory of Pokémon, would you take it?

Aw hellllll no!

Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?

WALKING POKEMON
WALKING POKEMON
WALKING POKEMON

nothing beats the feeling of having a badass legendary walking through a town with you. Or bringing a voltorb in a pokemon center and pretending to be a terrorist.
 
Stellar said:
Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?
(Explain why.)

We are halfway there folks!
Click to expand...
I agree with Hulavata's post that lead Pokémon following you, underground, and secret bases should return. In addition, I would also like to see contests reappear; if not in X and Y, then maybe sometime in the future!
 
Stellar said:
Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?
(Explain why.)

We are halfway there folks!
Click to expand...
I actually really liked the Pokewalker thingy and I wish that gen 6 had something similar where you could catch DW pokemon in that, instead of having to go on the internet. It would be really neat for people like me who have terrible internet connections and for people who can't access a 3DS compatible internet connection.
 
Stellar said:
Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?
(Explain why.)
We are halfway there folks!
Click to expand...
in addition to the things hulavuta has noted, i think it would be nice if you could save directly before choosing your starter because in BW and DP it was an absolute pain having to battle the annoying trainers/ going through rowan moaning about sinnoh. i remember gen 3, that was nice, getting a good starter was more efficient. dunno if this is a feature though
 
Day 15:
I have a few
- RBY: An intertwined map. Not really a feature I know but I loved the fact you could legit walk from Celadon to Lavender town
- GSC: Day night cycles. I know they've used this from gen 4 onwards but I love it, makes the games feel real
- RSE: The original contests. They were fun in their simplicity. In the basic ranks you didn't need to do too much to win but if you want to get Master Ribbons damn you work hard for them
- FRLG: A post mission like the Sevi Islands. I found them to be just as enjoyable as the main quest.
- DPP: Again, not a feature but Mythology. I loved how rich Sinnoh was with it's myths and legends. Oh and the Underground. Digging for fossils was fun as.
- HGSS: Give me a Pokemon to follow you. That was so awesome. It was good in the sense of that's what I'd do with a Pokemon.
 
Day 15: Which past feature (either from main-series games or side games) do you want to return in XY?
Walking Pokemon is the popular choice, and it's a good one; it's one of those purely cosmetic things that adds so much by doing so little. I know we're getting riding 'mons, which is cool and all, but for all the ones I can't play piggyback with I sure wish we could at least get them to follow us around all groupie-like. An "on the shoulder" option for the smaller ones would be great too while you're at it, GameFreak.

I'm also a fan of Dream World and wouldn't mind seeing that make a comeback, or at least something close to it. The idea of being able to do stuff with your main 'mons outside of the game was neat, and I really liked the idea of a browser-based side game, even if you could only do so much with it per day (which made some of the unlockable areas a royal pain to get). It's also a great tool for promotions and DLC, especially since it's all free.

And even though the GTS will most definitely rear it's head at some point, I really wish they'd iron out the kinks this time. Like, stream-press that stuff. Getting just a little tired of seeing people asking for level 9 and below Reshirams for every other thing I search for. Really though, all the checks we gotta go through to make sure the stuff we post is legit makes the security line at LaGuardia look like a Walmart greeter, but there's nothing stopping someone from asking for something that's clearly impossible? I'm calling shenanigans, good sirs.
 
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