Virtual to Reality--Pokemon X and Y and Its Brand New Style

Even though I've already established that I am not a fan of the Pokemon video game series, I have to admit that I've been swept up into the X and Y fever. From the (long overdue) avatar customization options to the addition of Mega Evolutions (Mega Charizard FOR THE WIN), I felt like I was being pulled further and further into the Poke-frenzy with each new announcement.

It was like middle school all over again, only this time, there was no teacher was around to tell me that I couldn't play with my Pokemon cards in school...

I don't have my hands on a copy just yet (X is calling my name), but why not appreciate this generation's fashion sense during the wait? The newest lead "Serena" is the most stylish young trainer hands down and I think this more fashion forward proves that the standard Pokemon formula can evolve to keep up with the times.

Pun completely and totally intended. Sorry. (Not sorry.)

What do you think about Pokemon X and Y? Are you into the hype or do you think that the long-running series is past its prime?

Too Old to Wear -- Too Young to Throw Away

Don't catch 'em all when you only need Charmander. 

There's always that one thing that you don't need but can't possibly get rid of. You know, that thing you keep in the back of the drawer for that rainy day when you just might need it because it holds some sort of sentimental value...

For me, its my old Charmander t-shirt.

Fourth grade: a good year. Pokemon was the thing biggest since...the last big thing...and anyone who was anyone had a piece of the licensed merchandise. You had to have the latest game. You needed to have all the cards, especially if they were gold-plated and came in reflective Pokeballs display cases (Remember those? I have five).


Charmander was always my favorite. He always seemed so cute and cuddly, apart from the flaming tail. When I got this shirt as a surprise gift, I wore it to death and back again.

Now, that time has gone. Pokemon is still going strong (though definitely not as strong); my shirt has seen better days. I still love Charmander, but my once favorite article of clothing makes me look foolish. Like I stole it off a kid who didn't realize there was way more than 151 Pokemon now. I just can't part with it, even though it doesn't fit well enough to help if that rainy day I'm waiting ever decides to come.

This screams "DIY" but I'm not as crafty as I should be. Desperately seeking creative inspiration and ideas.

For someone who doesn't like Pokemon games, I talk about the series a lot...
Three Reasons I Don't Like Pokemon Games (And You Do)

Three Reasons Why I Don't Like Pokemon Games (And You Do)

What if I don't want to be 
"the very best like no one ever was"?

I feel like I'm stepping on a very thin and lonely ledge, but it must be done. I grew up watching the anime, collecting the cards and watching the movies, but I never owned any of the games. It's not like I never had access to them. Many of my friends would let me borrow their copies, but I could never make it to the end of one. I can't say that I especially dislike or hate Pokemon games; they just never really appealed to me. Honestly, I think they're boring. This doesn't apply to all Pokemon titles...Pokemon Snap is a technically a game in the series and I loved that one. But after getting a copy of Pokemon Pearl and playing it for a couple days, I remembered why I never had the desire to buy any of the main Pokemon Games.

Reason #3: I don't want to "Catch 'em All".
I get it. All the different species of Pokemon are cool and exciting. All of the special abilities and the various designs...The idea of discovering and capturing each and every one is enough to fire up the "completionist" in all of us, including myself sometimes. But when it really comes down to it, I just don't care.

I have no interest in finding and collecting all of the Pokemon. Especially since I stopped keeping track of the different species after #151 (or stopped being able to keep track). I don't even want to fill up my six Pokemon roster. After getting three or four, I'm set. Yes, I understand that you don't have to catch all of them, but I don't think "Gotta Catch 'em All" would be the slogan if Nintendo didn't intend for you to at least try.

Reason #2: I don't like the repetitive storyline.
Sometimes I need a deep story to keep me interested in a game. I can enjoy a shallow save-the-princess/kill-the-monsters plot, but twists and character development are what really draw me in. Even though Pokemon titles do include side events that add a bit of variety, the meat of the story remains the same: catch Pokemon, train Pokemon, win with Pokemon, rinse, repeat as desired. It feels like everything is always the same in every game; just different people, in a different place.

Reason #1: I don't like Pokemon battles.
That's it right there. I like the game mechanic that the entire series is structured on. To be honest, I don't really enjoy turn based gameplay to begin with. The only game that included it and held my attention for an entire playthrough would have to be Super Mario RPG. I can get into a game with a turn based system, but the novelty of it usually wears off at a certain point. And with Pokemon, that doesn't take long. It's also hard to believe that wild Pokemon would wait patiently for you to think and take your turn, but that's a separate pet peeve of mine best saved for another time.

And there you have it. These are my opinions and I am open and willing to listen to anyone who happens to disagree (I know there's a lot of people out there that do. I'm friends with many of them). I understand that the Pokemon series is made up of a lot of great games; there's no argument there. They're just not my style, I guess. However, I am still waiting for the next Pokemon Snap game...

....like that will ever happen.