Returning to Classic Pokémon Games is More Difficult Than I Thought

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It’s not hard to criticize the contemporary Pokémon games due to the adjustments they’ve made to cater to newcomers. For instance, experience points are now distributed among your entire team, TMs (Technic Moves) can be used repeatedly, various Pokéball types make capturing these creatures a breeze, and other nuances that dedicated fans often focus on extensively have been changed.

A common response might be to replay earlier installments within this series because they lack some modern quality-of-life enhancements. However, engaging with these classic titles made me appreciate those features more. Some enthusiasts opt for the prolonged and tougher gameplay of the older versions, but it can occasionally slow things down.

Playing through the classic Pokémon games on the Game Boy may feel quite tedious nowadays. Constantly swapping between your Pokémons to ensure they reach the right level can be a laborious task. Back in the ’90s, when there wasn’t much entertainment beyond schoolwork, it was manageable, but as an adult, you might prefer to invest your time more efficiently.

Gold and Silver introduced an EXP bar to indicate how close your allies are to becoming stronger after battles, which helps reduce the monotony of grinding. However, this only provides a small relief as players may still find themselves repeating the same attacks frequently. It’s not fair to lay blame on these games alone, as many other JRPGs employ similar mechanics.

In my opinion, the EXP Share feature in recent Pokémon games like Scarlet and Violet has significantly altered the way I approach playing this series, making evolution of my party more effortless than before. The abundance of battles in these games facilitates swift leveling up for many creatures, which is beneficial not only for general gameplay but also for completing Team Star missions efficiently.

In older games like Game Boy and DS, your team’s experience levels are often increased by walking through grassy areas for extended periods. Players might attempt to replace the lower-level Pokémon they encounter with higher-level ones found in the grass, but it can feel unnatural. It is worth noting that EXP Share is available in these games, though it only aids one additional Pokémon until you switch.

In a well-known strategy, players often place their less powerful creatures initially, then switch to more powerful ones; this way, both gain experience points. This approach, although it can become repetitive, is incredibly effective. I managed to obtain my Pidgeotto in Soul Silver using just such a method.

I don’t often grumble over the graphics of old Pokémon games; instead, I appreciate their 8-bit style and how it has aged quite gracefully. There’s still a captivating allure to those classic sprites of familiar Pokémon like the beloved, chubby Pikachu, which will always hold a special place in my heart.

As much as I grumble about the tedious grinding in these vintage Pokémon games, I just can’t quit ’em. They’ve got a unique charm and visual appeal that newer versions haven’t quite managed to recreate. Sure, it would be swell to play them on the Switch, but I’ve found ways to enjoy these timeless classics regardless.

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2025-04-17 14:42