Pokémon Sun and Moon 3DS Game Review

Reviewed by Max C. on Dec 01, 2016

Rating:

Pokémon Sun and Moon are finally here! Check out our 3DS review at Kidzworld on the latest and greatest from Nintendo!

By: Max Cannon

It's been a long, long, long time since I've played a core Pokémon game. The better part of my childhood was spent watching Pokémon, playing Pokémon, and breathing Pokémon so I was eager to get back into it. I've played spinoffs, like Pokémon Rumble World or Pokkén Tournament but I've been away from the core games for a long while. Pokémon Moon was deeply satisfying to play as an old school Pokémon fan that was looking for some changes. The game flows well, has an interesting story that doesn't take away from the gameplay, and expertly mixes old and new.

One of the earlier Island Challenges in the game.Courtesy of Nintendo

Welcome to the Alola Region

The tropical setting of Alola stands out as my favorite location of the Pokémon series. As I'd mentioned it had been a long while since I'd picked up a mainline Pokémon game but the first thing that stuck out to me was the opening cutscene. Man, a cutscene in a Pokémon game!? What a time to be alive. The story about the search/protection for a mysterious Pokémon opens up the story but isn't the most interesting part of the world, but the lore of the island is. Learning a bit more about your setting feels fresh rather than obvious as it would in a less inspired game.

Starter Pokémon for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon

What really drew me in was my ability to grow a team of classic first generation Pokémon with an Alolan twist. For example, the original Meowth you may know from the glory days of Pokémon has had a slight evolution to give it that tropical/Alolan appearance. That's not to say I only like the changes to original Pokémon but the new ones that joined my roster as well - I kept my starter Pokémon, Litten, all the way to the very end.

Litten battling an Alolan Raichu exemplifies what makes this game great.Courtesy of Nintendo

What's Old Is New Again

While your classic Pokémon games of yesteryear would have you training Pokémon to compete for gym badges this game's focus is on Island Challenges. These varied and mini game focused challenges will differ depending on which one you're competing in, match games, scavenger hunts etc, but all will culminate in a final battle against a captain. This feels takes the original formula that has been used for decades and injects some much needed life into it while also mirroring the tropical setting of the Alola region.

Healing at a Pokémon Center is still the best way to keep your team rested!Courtesy of Nintendo

I do feel like the game is a little on the easier side. While this has been true of the entire series, as Pokémon is always about the grind and endgame, the battles are easier than ever before. The ability to use a "Z move," which is an ultimate attack that does an obscene amount of damage, simplifies battles. You can fly through battles by using the ultimate attacks and almost always come out on top.

Final Thoughts

Pokémon Sun and Moon feel like comfort food to play. It was relaxing to slip back into the world of Pokémon as I hadn't since I was a 10 years old. It was satisfying to know that the series has grown up but still retained the charming elements of the original. While I felt that it was a little on the easier side, it didn't take away from the great return I had to the world.