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Average User Rating: |
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Developer:
Game Freaks
Publisher:
Nintendo
Genre:
Role-Playing
Release Date:
April 30, 2005
Players:
5
Multiplayer:
Yes |
ESRB:
N/A |
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Media
» Screenshot Gallery (37 Images)
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The Story Continues ...
Pokémon Emerald is storming onto Game Boy Advance with a vengeance. The
third adventure to take place in the Hoenn region, Pokémon Emerald
features all-new areas and exciting new plot twists.
The story begins when your character, a young aspiring Pokémon Trainer,
moves to Littleroot Town. Crammed amid a truckload of boxes, our hero
enters the foreign neighborhood eager to explore. Shortly into your
journey a challenge arises and you must choose from three Pokémon --
Torchic, Mudkip or Treecko -- and begin a quest to become the world's
best Pokémon Trainer.
Veterans of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire will recognize a lot of the
locations in Pokémon Emerald, but many elements within the game have
changed, the most exciting of which is the addition of the Battle
Frontier. The locations and frequency of Pokémon are different, and you
may even encounter a new Gym Leader in your journeys.
The Stuff of Legends
Team Magma and Team Aqua once again look to disrupt the civility of
peaceful Hoenn. In Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire, the version you played
determined which team would appear. It also determined whether you would
encounter Groudon or Kyogre.
In Pokémon Emerald, both gangs have set up camp in Hoenn. That means
twice the evil, twice the scheming plans, and twice the number of
legendary Pokémon up for grabs. Add sightings of the rare Pokémon
Rayquaza to the mix, and the plot gets even thicker.
Frontier Fun
The ultimate arena in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire was the Battle Tower, a
location only Pokémon League Champions could access. Since then,
construction has been fast and furious in the area. The entire island
has been turned into Battle Frontier, a hotbed of Pokémon competition.
The highlights of Battle Frontier are the seven battle facilities. Built
specifically with its master Trainer in mind, each area provides a
unique combat experience. Each facility is headed by a Frontier Brain --
a powerful Trainer who will test every aspect of your combat skills.
Your victories are memorialized in the form of Frontier Symbols.
However, simply beating a Brain is not enough to earn the award --
usually you must defeat the same Brain multiple times to earn it. Here
is a quick look at some of the places you won't want to miss during your
stay on the Island.
Battle Dome
In the Battle Dome, not only do you get to use your own Pokémon, but you
get to see which Pokémon your opponent will use before you select your
team. Better still, a Battle Dome employee graciously provides clues
about the toughness of your upcoming foe.
Battle Arena
The rules in the Battle Arena are pretty strict -- you can choose three
of your own Pokémon, but you are not allowed to swap them out during
battle, nor use Baton Pass, Gust or similar moves. The battles last only
three rounds; a judge decides the winner at the end of the contest.
Battle Factory
As in the Battle Dome, a staffer in the Battle Factory will give you
hints about the fighting style of your next Trainer. You have to use
rental Pokémon in the Battle Factory -- not your custom-tailored
superteam -- so make the most of the tips you receive.
Battle Pike
You never know what's behind the next door inside the Battle Pike,
making it difficult to set up a strong party. You may find single or
double Trainers, wild Pokémon or even Pokémon healers as you progress
from room to room.
Battle Pyramid
Spark up that torch and dust off your spelunker's hat -- the Battle
Pyramid is a dark and dusty place. At the start of the challenge your
field of vision will be restricted to a tight radius, and it will expand
following each victory. Collect as many items as you can, because you
aren't allowed to bring any items with you into the Battle Pyramid.
Battle Palace
The Battle Palace stands as the most unique venue in the Battle
Frontier. Trainers embroiled in Battle Palace events do not call the
shots -- your Pokémon will decide how to fight. Before you commit your
team to a Battle Palace competition, make sure that each of your Pokémon
knows at least one move that matches its nature.
Battle Tower
The Battle Tower is an impressive high-rise structure that boasts
intense Pokémon bouts. There are four battle types in the Battle Tower:
Single, Double, Multi and Link Multi. Your enemies will get tougher the
longer you last, so don't get too cocky if the first few fights are a
breeze.
Other Island Attractions
Beyond all of the establishments that one would expect to see in a
thriving community, there are several locations of note in Battle
Frontier. Speak with the residents on the island -- they're eager to
help you. For example, you may come across a young lady who has the
ability to look directly into your Pokémon's souls and see exactly what
they're thinking.
If you wander off the beaten path, you could find yourself deep within a
cave full of Pokémon you aren't able to catch anywhere else. Battle
Frontier isn't just about honing your battle skills -- there's no
shortage of adventures on the expansive island.
Bottom Line
Pokémon Emerald is an incredibly deep RPG with surprising plot twists
and intense Pokémon battles. The addition of Battle Frontier makes
Pokémon Emerald a sure-fire hit for any Pokémon fan.
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