How old is too old for Pokemon?
- Thread starter Barf_the_Mog
- Start date
Attack You
Member
EBCubs03 said:
Yep. Pkmn games are the only games I feel absolutely compelled to buy strat. guides for upon purchase. A lot of info you just need to have readily available.
you are 2 old 2 play pokemon, quit playing.Barf_the_Mog said:In your opinion, at what age is it not alright to play Pokemon? I ask this because...
Story:
I myself am almost 20 years old (7 days away, wish me happy birthday) and was at Half-Priced Books over the weekend with my girlfriend. We were just browsing, so I made my way over to the videogame section. I picked up "Pokemon Emerald" since it was only $10 and my SP hasn't been touched in a couple months. When we met back up again, my girlfriend giggled and asked if it was a joke. I thought, "yeah, yeah. I'm 20 and she's just joshing with me cause it was a craze for younger kids." However, the closer we got to the register, the more agitated she became over my purchasing it. Mind you, this is a store where that hires a lot of people our age and people that we know were working over the weekend. Right before I got to the checkout line, she stopped me and told me not to get it. When I refused, she giggled with the clerk and disassociated herself with my purchase - she was totally embarassed by me. I was both furious and embarassed at the same time. I ended up getting the game, but I can't help but feel ashamed whenever I play it.
So...what's up? Am I really that old to play the game? I know it was a fad about a decade ago, but I didn't think there was an age limit to the series. I don't consider myself an extreme fan of the series. This is my first one, and I play it as if I were playing any other game.
Edit: I gather that this topic had been done before and yes I understand that I am posting this in a gaming forum. I certainly wasn't going to post this on myspace or facebook. I just wanted to see how you, my gaming equals, feel on the matter. Thanks
I disagree 100% Moving from turn-based to Action RPG would essentially change what Pokemon is all about. The Pokemon games are like the Dragon Quest games. The original formula worked, and they sell like hotcakes for good reason. Keep the genre-changing to spinoffs I say.cartman414 said:
Pokemon Emerald was 2005s second best-selling game in the United States. Hardly dead.Bit-Bit said:
cartman414
Member
BooJoh said:
For me, the problem with the Pokemon games is that they really lack as solo affairs, and the DQ-style battle system doesn't quite fulfill the potential of what Pokemon battles could be. I don't have an action RPG system in mind, but rather a more action based battle system, a la Tales or Valkyrie Profile.
Though separate sub-series could work.
eudaemonic
Member
How about dead? Is that too old? Seriously, you need a new girlfriend if she's wrapped in in chosing what you should and should not play (I can only see this being a bigger problem later on). I say that as a girl who hates when people try to decide for me which games I should and should not like. I do not ever tell my guy what he should play either. If he is having fun, that's all I care about.
This kind of stuff ruffles my feathers. I'm 27 and people probably think I'm too old for video games in general. **** them. *nodnod*
This kind of stuff ruffles my feathers. I'm 27 and people probably think I'm too old for video games in general. **** them. *nodnod*
keeblerdrow
Member
You are ashamed by your hobby and let people dictate your level of embarrassment to you. This is something you should work on.
cartman414 said:
Not every RPG needs to be an action-based RPG. Your argument is really flawed on its face in that you're presenting turn-based menu-driven traditional RPG mechanics as inherently inferior to those that are either action RPGs or use action-driven or real-time systems. That is, quite simply, incorrect; each are worthy enough subgenres with their own advantages and drawbacks, and you're going to find people whose preferences lean one way or the other. Personally, I prefer traditional-based RPGs over action RPGs.
cartman414 said:
I don't see how either of those suggestions would remotely work within the context of the series this discussion is centered on. Valkyrie Profile? That's a game about timing things properly, and, er, that's not even remotely the objective in Pokemon games.
eudaemonic
Member
Father_Mike said:
:lol :lol :lol
cartman414
Member
ethelred said:
I never said that turn based battle systems were inherently inferior to more action based battle systems.
And regarding timing things, the battles in the Pokemon anime involve that, and make the battles more interesting (insofaras attacks being used to deflect, if not outright counter, other attacks). So I would disagree.
I'm going to be uncool and write a serious reply.
What does age have to do with anything? Really?
The only true question is whether or not you're enjoying yourself; if you want to do something, freaking do it. It can be a very liberating thing to no longer feel shackled by stupid social pressures. Many of us are conditioned to fill a certain role in society. Deviating from this role results in tension as you break from these group roles -- the group fears you as an alien, and you in turn fear alienation. For the most part, these are just remnants of fears that no longer really apply today -- stranded outside the village in the dark.
The girlfriend sounds like she has some self-confidence issues, which aren't good and won't just be limited to some random Pokemon game. She might constantly be evaluating how she thinks she's expected to act, and making many decisions on that alone. Moreover, she might be pushing those issues on you, which results in you feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. People that are lacking in self-confidence are generally abnormally concerned with how other people view them, because they desire validation. While it's not always the case, the rallying cries for "mature" games and derision of "kiddie" games come often from young kids. Etc...
I swear to Sega Genesis, when I'm 50 and I suddenly decide I want to play with My Little Ponies in the middle of a crowded park I'm going to do it.
What does age have to do with anything? Really?
The only true question is whether or not you're enjoying yourself; if you want to do something, freaking do it. It can be a very liberating thing to no longer feel shackled by stupid social pressures. Many of us are conditioned to fill a certain role in society. Deviating from this role results in tension as you break from these group roles -- the group fears you as an alien, and you in turn fear alienation. For the most part, these are just remnants of fears that no longer really apply today -- stranded outside the village in the dark.
The girlfriend sounds like she has some self-confidence issues, which aren't good and won't just be limited to some random Pokemon game. She might constantly be evaluating how she thinks she's expected to act, and making many decisions on that alone. Moreover, she might be pushing those issues on you, which results in you feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. People that are lacking in self-confidence are generally abnormally concerned with how other people view them, because they desire validation. While it's not always the case, the rallying cries for "mature" games and derision of "kiddie" games come often from young kids. Etc...
I swear to Sega Genesis, when I'm 50 and I suddenly decide I want to play with My Little Ponies in the middle of a crowded park I'm going to do it.
cartman414 said:
A television show is not a video game. They should not be directly compared, just as movies should not be directly compared to books.
And what you're saying may use different words, but the meaning is quite clear -- that you're arguing that action battle systems are inherently superior.
cartman414
Member
ethelred said:
No, you're completely missing my two points. First, I never said that turn based systems are inferior. I only said that an action oriented battle system could improve the Pokemon formula. Anti-reading comprehension ftl.
Second, going back up to your tv show != video game point, that's true but beside the point. Just because the idea of action packed Pokemon battles come from the TV show doesn't mean they can't exist in the videogames. That's utterly false logic.
Shouta
Member
Pokemon can still retain a turn-based nature but be more active in its approach ethel. For example, rather than actually controlling your pokemon in battle, you can shout commands to it to dodge something at a crucial moment to avoid or produce better results. Perhaps telling it out to attack or how to move (which could be quite possible with the DS) by drawing a line of attack or movement could be added. It's not an actual action system but it's not necessarily a totally turn-based one.
Of course the problem with doing that is that it would be incredibly difficult to program something that would be comparable to anything you'd see in the Television show without it being totally action based heh.
I've actually been wanting more out of Pokemon beyond the battle system they've used since the original since it's so incredibly basic and it boils down to luck and if you can pick the correct type of pokemon for the situation.
As for the topic, you're never too old for Pokemon or even kids stuff (and I'm not talking about toddlers). If you can't enjoy it because it's too "kiddy" then there's certainly something wrong with you IMO.
Of course the problem with doing that is that it would be incredibly difficult to program something that would be comparable to anything you'd see in the Television show without it being totally action based heh.
I've actually been wanting more out of Pokemon beyond the battle system they've used since the original since it's so incredibly basic and it boils down to luck and if you can pick the correct type of pokemon for the situation.
As for the topic, you're never too old for Pokemon or even kids stuff (and I'm not talking about toddlers). If you can't enjoy it because it's too "kiddy" then there's certainly something wrong with you IMO.
cartman414 said:
Well, you've said that the turn-based system is "more static," that it doesn't fulfill potential as well, that it isn't as interesting... I mean, I'm struggling to come up with a scenario here in which "inferior" isn't an applicable synonym to the terms you're tossing around.
cartman414 said:
It's equally false logic to argue that just because there's a television show, the same conventions as are necessary in an animated form of purely visual entertainment should carry over to a video game... or that it would automatically (inherently?) lead to an improvement. The idea of a television show where two enemies stand around and slowly take turns whacking at each other is ludicrous and would violate every rule of successful direction within that medium of entertainment. That's not the case with games, though, where there are different objectives, where the entertainment is coming from totally different things (in this game's case, from the grinding, the strategy involved in picking the right moves to exploit weaknesses, etc.).
One could just as easily argue that because there's so much over-the-top action in Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Quest should ditch its turn-based formula. Or hey, Fire Emblem had an anime, and they didn't slowly eke their way across grids to act one at a time, so I guess maybe they should turn that into an action RPG, too. I'm not even going to bring up Final Fantasy because it seems the creative forces behind that series actually have determined that Advent Children is the way to go in the video games, too, much to the detriment of all.
Capsule Gang
Member
uh yeah....
No offense, but your girlfriend is a real bitch. At this point in my life I would breakup with someone who pulled that kind of shit. What the hell does she care if you want to spend $10 on a game whether it's "teh kiddie" or not? She should be happy that you don't take yourself all ****ing serious, writing angsty self-absorbed pretentious poetry. Take my advice and find a nice girl who won't force you to go do "grown up" things all the time just to be "cool". Everyone with a soul needs to be able to enjoy a little fun and silliness from time to time.
I'm 26, by the way, and I freaking love Pokemon. Even if I don't watch it regularly, I still dvr the series in case I get the hankering for something retardedly cute.
No offense, but your girlfriend is a real bitch. At this point in my life I would breakup with someone who pulled that kind of shit. What the hell does she care if you want to spend $10 on a game whether it's "teh kiddie" or not? She should be happy that you don't take yourself all ****ing serious, writing angsty self-absorbed pretentious poetry. Take my advice and find a nice girl who won't force you to go do "grown up" things all the time just to be "cool". Everyone with a soul needs to be able to enjoy a little fun and silliness from time to time.
I'm 26, by the way, and I freaking love Pokemon. Even if I don't watch it regularly, I still dvr the series in case I get the hankering for something retardedly cute.
Click on the names of any fully-evolved Pokemon in the first link. The second link was for general team strategy; the first link is for strategies for any individual member.neptunes said:
Eh, I figured IGN was pretty credible. (I think that was where the news first broke?) Now that you mention it, though, I don't see anything on Nintendo's own site about this...VicAlpha said:
cartman414
Member
ethelred said:
I think you're missing the overall point. Especially using DBZ vs. DQ and Fire Emblem as examples. The difference with Fire Emblem and DQ, like many other turn based RPGs and SRPGs, was that you have plenty of options regarding possible moves at any given time, whereas with Pokemon, you're only limited to 4 per Pokemon. (Speaking of Fire Emblem, a Pokemon SRPG would be promising.) And there's plenty of strategy involved in the Pokemon series, if not more at times, with trainers making clever moves regarding deflecting attacks with other attacks and taking advantage of terrain. And the grinding is one of the worst things about the Pokemon games, and any other RPG that involves tons of it as a necessity for progress.
@ cartman414:
I'm starting to understand your point, but I think you're taking it to the extreme. To me, Star Ocean/Tales battles usually boil down to button mashing.
I think what would be a better solution for Pokemon than all-out action would be an ATB system combined with the trigger events standard in Mario RPGs.
With this system, essentially, you would enter battle, and both Pokemon's ATB guage would begin to fill based on their speed stat. When their guage is full you can choose an attack to use with them, making extremely fast pokemon able to survive longer if they don't have much defense, since they would get more turns over the course of a battle.
In addition, adding a system to call out to your Pokemon somehow and tell it to dodge or defend, etc at a critical moment, ala Mario RPG, would grant you a chance to lessen your damage taken or even dodge, likely based on your friendship with that Pokemon.
Using those two systems would set up the battles to be fast paced, more strategic, and even more entertaining to watch. Granted, it would change the entire metagame once more, but I would fully support something like this. And heck, it could even be optional.
I'm starting to understand your point, but I think you're taking it to the extreme. To me, Star Ocean/Tales battles usually boil down to button mashing.
I think what would be a better solution for Pokemon than all-out action would be an ATB system combined with the trigger events standard in Mario RPGs.
With this system, essentially, you would enter battle, and both Pokemon's ATB guage would begin to fill based on their speed stat. When their guage is full you can choose an attack to use with them, making extremely fast pokemon able to survive longer if they don't have much defense, since they would get more turns over the course of a battle.
In addition, adding a system to call out to your Pokemon somehow and tell it to dodge or defend, etc at a critical moment, ala Mario RPG, would grant you a chance to lessen your damage taken or even dodge, likely based on your friendship with that Pokemon.
Using those two systems would set up the battles to be fast paced, more strategic, and even more entertaining to watch. Granted, it would change the entire metagame once more, but I would fully support something like this. And heck, it could even be optional.
cartman414
Member
BooJoh said:
Good call. We're on the exact same page here.
I would like to add the speed factor to various moves, where Solar Beam and Hyper Beam for instance tend to take longer than other moves. And battlefield terrain should also be taken into consideration.
And of course, timing considerations with regard to enemy guarding, a la Valkyrie Profile. For instance, multiple quick hits to break past guarding, or attacking right after dodging an enemy's attacks, taking advantage of the enemy's off guard moment.
Glad someone sees where I'm going with all this.
And to appease the fans, it could be an alternate Pokemon series, the way traditional Mario games already coexisting with the Mario RPGs, and even getting a mashup in the form of Super Paper Mario. It would have the added benefit for better or worse of giving the Pokemon Company more games to put out there.
cartman414
Member
ethelred said:
Okay. But actually I was accounting for the others who like the games the way they are.
I first got into Pokemon on a holiday to Florida when I was 18. That's when Red and Blue had just been released and they were running the original cartoons on TV. I overheard my friend watching one in the living room and I thought "what's that TV show that sounds like an RPG... fire attacks, evolving and shit". Went out to buy Pokemon Blue the next day and spent most of the time in the condo playing it.
Back in the UK, about the age of 20/21, Pokemon was big for a while and my workmates started coming round to my flat for a lift into work everyday. While waiting for me to get ready, they'd watch Pokemon on the TV and they got pretty crazy about that. We all bought the sticker album and collected the stickers too. Yeah it was a joke because not many people over the age of 11 collect stickers in the UK. After I visited Japan for a couple of weeks, I showed them Pokemon Silver which I had bought here, and they were into the new Pokemon and even borrowed the cart to play (and wiped my save!)
A couple of years on from that, I was living in Japan, then GBA and Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire fever hit and I bought that. Ruby was the first Pokemon game I ever beat. Age 26. I got Fire Red when that came out and that rekindled memories of my stay in Florida, and I beat that also. In fact I actually went a bit further with that and tried to collect more Pokemon after beating the game. It slowed down when other games came out though. My wife's cousin has a couple of kids that are also crazy about Pokemon so we played together when visiting over the New Year.
Now (31) I am positively stoked for this game. The worldwide Wi-Fi stuff particularly has my interest as I'll finally get chance to play online with cvxfreak and co. I don't watch the cartoons any more though, and I rarely pay more than passing attention to non-game Pokemon stuff. This will probably change when my son is old enough to enjoy it though. I can only imagine I'll be encouraging him and pissing my wife off something chronic.
Back in the UK, about the age of 20/21, Pokemon was big for a while and my workmates started coming round to my flat for a lift into work everyday. While waiting for me to get ready, they'd watch Pokemon on the TV and they got pretty crazy about that. We all bought the sticker album and collected the stickers too. Yeah it was a joke because not many people over the age of 11 collect stickers in the UK. After I visited Japan for a couple of weeks, I showed them Pokemon Silver which I had bought here, and they were into the new Pokemon and even borrowed the cart to play (and wiped my save!)
A couple of years on from that, I was living in Japan, then GBA and Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire fever hit and I bought that. Ruby was the first Pokemon game I ever beat. Age 26. I got Fire Red when that came out and that rekindled memories of my stay in Florida, and I beat that also. In fact I actually went a bit further with that and tried to collect more Pokemon after beating the game. It slowed down when other games came out though. My wife's cousin has a couple of kids that are also crazy about Pokemon so we played together when visiting over the New Year.
Now (31) I am positively stoked for this game. The worldwide Wi-Fi stuff particularly has my interest as I'll finally get chance to play online with cvxfreak and co. I don't watch the cartoons any more though, and I rarely pay more than passing attention to non-game Pokemon stuff. This will probably change when my son is old enough to enjoy it though. I can only imagine I'll be encouraging him and pissing my wife off something chronic.
sasimirobot
Junior Member
Jonnyram said:
I look forward to gaming together with my son also. Im 33 and find nothing wrong with liking video games (Biohazard 4 is just as kiddie as Pokemon, both are video toys).
I cant believe the original poster didnt tell his girlfriend off right there on the spot. I would have given her something to be embarassed about proper.
(edited because it came off alot stronger/rude than I would have liked) I dont hate American women. . .
That used to be my favorite series of gaming. In my middle classes my friends and I would be linking up and battling in the classic red and blue, however, I eventually lost my intrest in the games, because the games are all pretty much the same, but none the less I wouldn't mind picking up my classic red and playing for a bit. BTW, I'll be 19 in two days. You are never to old for games.