Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

Afterwords – Pokémon X & Y

The latest installment in the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon X & Y, marks a significant leap forward for the series. With its immersive 3D world, 3D Pokémon, and a captivating storyline, the game offers a fresh and exciting experience for players. We had the opportunity to speak with Junichi Masuda, the series producer, about the challenges of taking Pokémon in a new direction, the game’s plot, the lore of the Pokémon world, and the intriguing characters, Klefki and Espurr.

Romance and Friendship in Pokémon X & Y

One of the interesting aspects of the game is the hints of romance between the player character and Shauna, particularly evident in the fireworks scene. When asked about this, Masuda explained that the romance angle was inspired by the fact that the game’s region, Kalos, is based on France, known as the city of love. The intention was to portray elements of romance with Shauna when playing as a boy and a deep friendship when playing as a girl. Masuda also acknowledged the possibility of adding more romantic elements in future Pokémon games, but emphasized the importance of not overshadowing the core focus of the series – catching Pokémon.

The Inspiration Behind Team Flare and Lysandre

Team Flare, the game’s antagonist organization, and the character of Lysandre were born out of a desire to explore obsession and the terrifying consequences it can have. Masuda explained that Lysandre’s obsession with AZ’s ultimate weapon showcases the dangerous nature of being consumed by one’s desires. Unlike the more serious tone of Team Plasma in previous games, Masuda aimed for Team Flare to be slightly more lighthearted and comical, setting them apart from a particular philosophy.

Exploring the Legacy of War

The story of Pokémon X & Y touches on the impact of a war that took place 3,000 years ago. When asked about the inspiration behind this storyline, Masuda revealed that it stemmed from his own desire for war and terrorism to vanish from the world. By depicting the war of the past, the game prompts players to reflect on the consequences of war and the responsibility individuals have to bring about change.

The Enigmatic Character AZ

AZ, the giant man in the game, intrigued players with his mysterious backstory. Masuda explained that AZ used a machine to bring his Pokémon back to life, inadvertently granting them eternal life and affecting himself in the process. The character symbolizes the bonds between people and Pokémon, as well as the contrasting experiences of encounters and losses between humans and a being that has lived for 3,000 years.

Pokémon Lore and the Relationship with Humans

The dialogue in Pokémon X & Y includes references to a past era where it was believed that humans and Pokémon were the same. When asked about the apparent contradiction to previous statements from the creative team, Masuda clarified that the different way of thinking in ancient times was intentionally included to add complexity to the lore. He emphasized that Pokémon are meant to be mysterious creatures, closer to humans than typical pets like dogs or cats.

Gameplay Design Choices

The game’s camera perspective and the inclusion of circular patches of grass or land beneath Pokémon were also discussed. Masuda revealed that the overhead camera view was implemented to enhance gameplay by providing a better understanding of the player’s position in the world. The circular patches under Pokémon serve as visual cues to indicate the space in which the creatures exist. These design choices were made to improve the overall experience rather than for technical reasons.

Challenges in Transitioning to 3D Models

Bringing 2D Pokémon sprites to life as 3D models posed certain difficulties for the development team. While no Pokémon were excluded from the game due to these challenges, some Pokémon with unique abilities, such as Mega Evolved Gengar, required significant effort in both modeling and programming to ensure they functioned properly in battles.

The Purpose of Exp. Share and the Balance of the Game

The decision to change how the Exp. Share item worked was driven by a desire to encourage players to raise multiple Pokémon. According to Masuda, the vast number of Pokémon in the Kalos region provides ample opportunities for players to encounter different species. Although the Exp. Share has been criticized for making the game too easy, Masuda assured that players have the option to turn it off if they prefer a greater challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will there be paid DLC for Pokémon X & Y?
A: While Pokémon will not be sold as DLC, the Pokémon Bank, a downloadable 3DS application, will be released. It will allow players to transfer Pokémon from previous games and store up to 3,000 Pokémon.

Q: Who came up with the idea for Klefki?
A: Klefki’s concept was developed by Ms. Ibe, one of the graphic designers. The design was inspired by old mansions and secret keys found in the game’s Kalos region.

Q: What is the story behind Espurr’s vacant expression?
A: The reason behind Espurr’s vacant expression is open to interpretation. Masuda encouraged players to contemplate the character’s backstory, stating that even if they asked Espurr directly, it might not be willing to disclose the information.

Conclusion

Pokémon X & Y represents a significant milestone in the Pokémon franchise, introducing a 3D world, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking storylines. Masuda and his team have successfully expanded upon the Pokémon lore, while making the game accessible to both newcomers and longtime fans. With its immersive gameplay and captivating narrative, Pokémon X & Y is a must-play for any Pokémon enthusiast.

For more information about Pokémon X & Y, visit Wqaindia.