Common Sense Media Review
By Christy Matte , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gameplay and characters kids love with some new twists.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Pokémon X/Pokémon Y
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
What's It About?
Your character (boy or girl) has just moved to a new town when the mysterious Professor Sycamore invites you to seek out Pokemon and collect as much information as possible in a Pokedex. Along with four other kids, you set out to explore the region of Kalos, battling other trainers, gathering information, and learning everything you can about the world.
The gameplay is pretty straightforward, but there's a lot to do. You'll visit training gyms and battle your way to the top to earn badges. You'll grow your own berries, make PR videos, collect fossils, take pictures, seek out treasure, go fishing, explore caves, ride roller skates and a bike, and establish yourself as a member of the training elite. Plus, there's free exploration and customization (you can change your hair and clothes, for example). For long-time Pokemon fans, there are plenty of new features. For example, Super Train your Pokemon in a special training arena rather than relying solely on battles. There are new Fairy-types and \"horde\" encounters wherein you must pit your single Pokemon against a group of other wild Pokemon. Mega-Evolution, one of the mysteries in the story line, allows Pokemon to experience an ultimate evolution. You can even interact directly with your Pokemon via Pokemon-Amie mini-games.
Is It Any Good?
POKEMON X/POKEMON Y isn't groundbreaking for the series, but it continues the fun that's made the series so popular. The game offers a lot of areas to explore and a lot of activities. Those who love previous installments will no doubt enjoy this one, and it could certainly win over the next generation of Pokemon fans.
There are some new features that will appeal to different types of fans. Those who enjoy battling will be intrigued by the Mega-Evolution mystery and may appreciate the chance to super-train their Pokemon and battle hordes in the wild. Those who are more interested in the characters can spend their time (and money) customizing their avatar's clothing, hair, and accessories. They also can nurture their Pokemon by playing with them, feeding them, and showing them lots of love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
What do you enjoy most about Pokemon games? Why?
If you could design your own Pokemon, what would it look like? What abilities would it have?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Subjects: Language & Reading : following directions, reading comprehension, Arts : photography, Math : statistics
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence, hypothesis-testing, strategy, Self-Direction : achieving goals, Creativity : combining knowledge, Collaboration : meeting challenges together, teamwork
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: October 12, 2013
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Bugs , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- ESRB rating: E for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
- Last updated: December 1, 2016
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