Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are 2014 remakes of the 2002 Game Boy Advance role-playing video games Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, also incorporating features from Pokémon Emerald. They are part of the sixth generation of the Pokémon video game series, developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Ninten do for the Nintendo 3DS.
Release Information
The games were announced in May 2014 and released in Japan, North America, and Australia on November 21, 2014, exactly twelve years after the original release date of Ruby and Sapphire, with the European release following a week later.
Gameplay Features
Retained Mechanics: Though they are remakes of third-generation games, they retain changes made in later generations, such as the type split from the fourth generation and unlimited TM usage and triple battles from the fifth generation.
New Mechanics: They introduced new features including primal reversion for Groudon and Kyogre, along with new mega evolutions for past Pokémon like Latios in Omega Ruby and Latias in Alpha Sapphire.
Flying with Legendary Pokémon: When flying around on Latios or Latias, players may encounter “mirage spots” which feature Pokémon not otherwise available in the Hoenn region, as well as numerous legendary Pokémon from previous generations.
Pokémon-Amie: The Pokémon-Amie feature, which debuted in Pokémon X and Y, is also present. It enables players to become closer with their Pokémon by petting them, playing games with them, and feeding them.
Secret Bases: Players can look around the Hoenn region to find the perfect spot to create their own secret base. They can work on making a personalized space and connect with other players worldwide to share their secret bases, battle, or play capture-the-flag activities.
Contest Spectaculars: In addition to battles, players can participate in Pokémon contest spectaculars, where their Pokémon compete based on appeal. Feeding Pokémon Pokéblocks made from berries can enhance their performance in contests.
Pokénav Plus: The Pokénav Plus is a handy tool that helps players navigate their adventure. It has four main functions and is always displayed on the lower screen of the Nintendo 3DS system outside of battles and special events.
Setting and Story
Beginning of the Adventure: The games begin with the player riding in the back of a moving truck, moving to the Hoenn region from the Johto region with their mother, as their father Norman has been hired as the leader of the Petalburg City Gym.
Starter Pokémon: The player character starts their Pokémon trainer journey by saving Professor Birch from a wild Pokémon and choosing either Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip as their starter.
Antagonist Groups: Along the way, the player encounters the antagonist group Team Magma in Omega Ruby or Team Aqua in Alpha Sapphire. Team Magma wants to use Groudon to dry up the oceans and expand the landmass, while Team Aqua wishes to summon Kyogre to flood the lands.
Primal Reversion: In these remakes, Archie and Maxie will actually use the correct orb, leading to the primal reversion of Groudon and Kyogre respectively.
Delta Episode: A new side quest, the “Delta Episode,” is featured. The player must work with new character Zinnia, as well as Steven Stone and Professor Cozmo, to find a way to stop a meteor from crashing into the planet, which also requires capturing Rayquaza to stop the meteor that holds Deoxys.
Becoming the Champion: The player defeats their respective team, then either captures or defeats the legendary Pokémon to prevent global disaster and ensure the teams’ reformation. They can then advance to the Pokémon League, challenging the Elite Four and then the champion, Steven, to become the new Hoenn Pokémon League champion.
Visual and Audio Upgrades
The games feature a merging of the Pokémon X & Y 3D graphics and the vibrant colors of Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, with small touches bringing it close to the original, such as text boxes. The audio has also been updated to provide a more immersive experience, with new sound effects and music that enhance the atmosphere of the Hoenn region.
Reception and Sales
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire received generally positive reviews from critics. As of March 31, 2023, a combined total of 14.57 million copies have been sold worldwide, ranking them as the fourth-best-selling Nintendo 3DS titles of all time.
Significance in the Pokémon Series
These remakes not only brought back the beloved Hoenn region and its Pokémon for a new generation of fans but also added new content and features that expanded the lore and gameplay of the series. They allowed players to experience the story in a fresh way with updated graphics and mechanics, while still maintaining the charm and nostalgia of the original games.
In conclusion, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are important entries in the Pokémon video game series that offer a rich and engaging experience for fans old and new. With their combination of classic elements and new additions, they continue to contribute to the enduring popularity of the franchise.
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