Pokemon X/Y were the first games in the franchise to be released on the Nintendo 3DS. As the next generation of Pokemon games on a new console, fans were excited for what awaited them. Unfortunately, X/Y did not live up to the hype and provided players with one of the worst experiences in the series.
Today, we will explain five reasons to avoid playing Pokemon X/Y at all costs. With many other titles to choose from, X/Y ranks towards the bottom of the list regarding mainline Pokemon games. But we won’t leave you hanging and will suggest which games you should play next.
The Games Are Too Easy
Compared to other RPGs, Pokemon has always been simplistic and “easy.” There aren’t many curve balls or truly difficult challenges to overcome. However, when compared, it’s easy to see which ones are easy and which are difficult.
Since its release, X/Y has garnered criticism for how easy the games are due to the many new systems and mechanical changes. The most notable change is Exp. Share, which has become a staple in modern Pokemon titles. This controversial feature appeared in previous games but as an item. Only one Pokemon holding the item could gain its benefits, while the system now gives it to every Pokemon on your team.
But unlike games today, this feature could be toggled off to give a classic playthrough. What couldn’t be turned off were Pokemon given to the player and Mega Evolutions. Players will be rewarded throughout the story with certain Pokemon for completing tasks or plotlines. These Pokemon, like Lucario, are very powerful and can carry your team to victory.
The games also introduce the gimmick mechanic of Mega Evolutions that boost specific Pokemon stats. While they can be fun, they are powerful and can easily win a battle in a couple of hits. The game also has weak NPCs that don’t have good AI.
Many mechanics and features are optional, and players can make the game more difficult for themselves, but it ruins that experience. When the game taunts the player with easy ways of beating the game, most people will opt for it.
Lack of Content
As with most Pokemon Generations, there’s usually a release of two titles and then a third version sometime later. The third version fixes many issues players had with the original titles and are seen as some of the best games in the franchise. Games like Platinum, Crystal, and Emerald are all third versions that enhance the gameplay of the previous games.
Unfortunately, X/Y never got a third version of the game. Players are stuck with the base titles without adding more content to Kalos. This issue becomes more apparent in the post-game, where there isn’t much to do. The endgame should be the start of your adventure, so to speak, but is non-existent in X/Y.
Fans were especially disappointed as its predecessor, Black 2/White 2, had an extensive endgame and fixed many problems people had with Black/White. While Gen V was hated at release, players grew to love the games with time.
This isn’t the case with Gen VI, as they are just average, if not below average, titles in the series. With the games released on the 3DS, players thought the games would be bigger than ever, but that didn’t turn out to be true.
Failure to Meet Expectations
Based on the last point, fans had high expectations for X/Y, and it’s hardly their fault. The 3DS was marketed as the next generation of gaming, with improved graphics and a better system. Many franchises jumped on this console and pushed the limits of what their games could do.
Couple this with the marketing for X/Y, mentioning its 3D graphics, battle animations, new region, and Mega Evolutions. However, upon release, fans saw that each claim was questionable and didn’t live up to the hype. The games did have 3D graphics and animations but were heavily pixelated to run them properly. Also, the animations were limited, with only a few animations per Pokemon.
Kalos was discovered to be one of the smallest regions in the franchise, with a lack of content. As mentioned before, the Gyms and ease of the game were laughable. While it’s easy to say that people shouldn’t get their hopes up for a game, everything marketed for the console and games led them to believe these changes were significant.
Following Generation V
Generation V received heavy criticism and scrutiny at release because of its ambition. The Unova region was far from any other to distance itself from them. Plus, they added an entirely new roster to the Pokedex that didn’t include any Pokemon from previous Generations. Everything about Black/White was meant to be different and change the Pokemon formula.
By the time the sequel for Black/White was released, and certainly by the time X/Y released, fans loved the titles. Not only did Black 2/White 2 fix the problems of their predecessors, but they were a properly numbered sequel. They told a new story that built upon the foundation set by Black/White.
X/Y didn’t seem to learn their lesson about what fans enjoyed about Generation V. And the mechanics like Mega Evolutions were skimped on. Players can get only a handful of Pokemon with Mega Evolutions during the story. The ones that are obtainable are not from Gen V or VI, which is baffling considering Gen VI created the mechanic.
Pacing and Story
The poor pacing and story is the last reason to avoid X/Y. The beginning of the game is paced quite well but quickly disappears after the second Gym. From the first to the second Gym, there are many routes, NPCs, and sidequests to complete. But after the second Gym, everything begins ramping up fast and is thrown at the player.
This could be a nice mechanic of things quickly unfolding if it fits the story and overall game, but it doesn’t. The story is a standard saving the world quest that players have seen before in previous titles.
The games tried to be the next Generation of Pokemon that was bigger and better than those that came before. And to be fair, they should have been. But their decisions and basic plot made it feel like any other Pokemon game, with the only difference being it was on 3DS.
Conclusion
If you want a fun Pokemon experience on the 3DS, playing Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon is the best option. It expands on gameplay and has some of the most unique features in the series. However, playing games like Platinum, HeartGold/SoulSilver, or Emerald are much better options if you can. They are seen as some of the best games, not just in Pokemon, but of all time.
But if you decide to purchase as 3DS with the intent of playing X/Y, consider other options first. A 3DS and new game can get pricey fast, and you’ll be about halfway to a Nintendo Switch. With the future of Pokemon on the Switch, it’s the best option for fans who want the new and improved games. Not only that, but you’ll have access to some of the best titles in modern gaming, along with a large catalog of indie games from the Nintendo Store.