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[Pureauthor]

So, while most of my gaming brethren have moved on to the newer and shinier Pokemon D/P, I recently walked into a store and purchased a 'Player's Choice' Pokemon FireRed. Why did I get this game instead of the newer iterations?

a) I'm cheap. Pokemon FireRed is cheap.

b) When I finally do get around to playing D/P, there's is no way I'm not bringing a Charizard along with me.

Got it yesterday and after approx. 9 hours of gaming I'm in Vermillion city, ready to board the S.S. Anne. Or at least I'll be ready once I backtrack a bit and clear out a few trainers...

The game's core mechanics are addictive as ever, and the little thrill that goes through me whenver the Pokeball makes a click and confirms I've captured a new beastie to add to my collection hasn't faded.

One thing I've noticed is that FireRed seems a lot tougher than I remember the original being. Maybe I grinded too much in the original or whatever, but most of the 'serious' fights end up with most of my team unconscious and a couple of survivors in the yellow or red. I don't really mind, though, the thrill of having tough fights to deal with just adds to the fun. When I staggered out of Mt. Moon, most of my team was conscious, but all of them were in the yellow - except for my Magikarp, who of course didn't participate in battles and merely soaked up exp. Useless git.

So, having fun so far.

 

[HomShaBom]

I have Leaf Green. At the E4, but can't bring myself to train for it.

Barely play DP anymore. Got like 7 badges.

 

[TheGreatDave]

I can't play the GBA games after playing D/P. People say they're faster but they seem really slow to me. And the areas look pretty bland.

 

[Brandon F]

This is the ONLY Pokemon game I have ever finished(or at least beaten the elite 4). I own Diamond and Emerald(as well as OG Blue), but they all somehow failed to engage me.

I dunno what it was about the FireRed remake, but I was ready to hang up my tallit and declare Pokemontology my new religion while playing. I must have spent 8 hours of gameplay alone in that god forsaken Hunters area filling out the rare pokemon in my pokedex.

It all came crashing down when I realized it was impossible to actually max out the pokedex in a solo game. Multiple replays, fukkin GC connectivity, trading...I would take no part in any of this. It's a franchise built for obsessive completists, but the final furlong is a solo gamer's nightmare.

Given how lazy the challenge level was through most of the game, it was a pretty awesome surprise to have genuinely brutal endgame boss fights.

 

[EphemeralDream]

I played LeafGreen for a bit last year up to about where you were. Perhaps it was because I had played through it twice years ago, but I couldn't get myself to continue. I'm playing Pearl now and it feels so much more engaging. I think the people who say these games have not evolved are blind as the dungeon design, towns, etc. have gotten way better. There's really a ton of things you can do at any time and it's far from the linear game it was years ago.

BTW you won't be able to import that Charizard till the end of D/P (unless there's some way to exploit the import system via trading with a friend).

 

[Kawaii]

I have Leaf Green. At the E4, but can't bring myself to train for it.

.

 

[Pureauthor]

You know, I can't help but pine for a Golden Sun/Silver Moon remake for the DS as I play this.

(Also, my LTTP threads never seem to get off the ground for whatever reason.)

 

[Jiggy]

One thing I've noticed is that FireRed seems a lot tougher than I remember the original being. Maybe I grinded too much in the original or whatever, but most of the 'serious' fights end up with most of my team unconscious and a couple of survivors in the yellow or red. I don't really mind, though, the thrill of having tough fights to deal with just adds to the fun.

I experienced that too when I first played it. Probably didn't help that I used repels through the entire game because I figured the trainers would be enough, but still, by the Elite 4 I was something like 11 levels under the first of them and getting slaughtered all the way through. >_>
But hey, at least there's the VS Seeker to help out.

I can't play the GBA games after playing D/P. People say they're faster but they seem really slow to me. And the areas look pretty bland.

The battles are faster (walking seems about even to me, but the battles are really noticeable if you compare them side by side), but I do agree with you otherwise. It's impossible for me to go back, which sucks in a way since I really enjoyed FR/LG.

You know, I can't help but pine for a Golden Sun/Silver Moon remake for the DS as I play this.

Well, there are enough hints in FR/LG and D/P for the remake to be possible. I don't think you're at the point where you would have seen any of them yet, though, but just saying.

 

[Firestorm]

I got it for Christmas and it's my only Advance Pokemon game. I didn't beat the Elite Four for the second time as they were way above my level (they change once you do the new post-game stuff) and Pokemon Pearl came out. The game was nostalgic so that was nice =) I spent about 2 hours in the Viridian Forest looking for Pikachu :lol

Anyway, I bred about 100 Charmanders so tell me if you need one in DP! You can't transfer Pokemon until after you beat the main game.