Since the release of its first edition to the franchise in February 1996, Pokémon has become a cultural icon in the gaming community. From a television show running seventeen years to multiple spin-off games, the franchise has no sign of slowing down. This year the release of “Pokémon X” and “Y” has once again raised the bar for the series.

While the base mechanics of the game stay the same with catching, training and battling Pokémon, the addition of several new mini games and ways to interact with your Pokémon add extra depth to the game. These include super training, several soccer-based time trials designed to help raise the base stats of your team, and Pokémon-Amie, where you can increase your team’s affection for the player, giving them extra advantage during battles.

Competition has always been a key component in the Pokémon series, and now it is easier than ever to have battles with other players over the wifi network. Instead of having to go to special areas in game to trade with or battle other players, you can do it right from your home screen anywhere in game while connected to wifi. The edition of this social network in game makes the game feel more open to the community and competition than ever before.

“Pokémon X” and “Y” have recreated the Pokémon world with the fans in mind. Generating a new fan base and creating a nostalgic feel for veteran players, this edition to the series will become a benchmark in handheld gaming.

lkenney@mavs.coloradomesa.edu