I'm not usually one to complain about Pokemon games in earnest. Honestly, some of my complaints here might be unfair for something that is seemingly intended to be more of a port than a remake.
Difficulty has been an issue for Pokemon games since the release of X and Y, and this game is no exception. Aside from the usual handholding and forgiving AI, it seems that the game doesn't adjust for the introduction of EXP share-- I found myself in battles against underleveled, first-stage Pokemon throughout the entire game. Oftentimes, trainer battles would backpedal into levels 10 or 12 below the last gym leader I fought. It just didn't make sense.
The game includes some of the newer QOL improvements introduced in recent entries, but nonsensically excludes others-- reusable TMs, most noticeably.
It also would have been nice if the game removed some of the obstacles to using certain Pokemon that were locked behind end-game in the original games-- Glaceon, Leafeon, Garchomp, Frosslass, Eelctivire, Magmortar, Gliscor, etc. The Grand Underground makes it possible to raise the first stages of these Pokemon from very early on, but evolving them is still impossible until you have most of the gym badges.
Weirdly, being able to move diagonally was unnecessary and actually made a few areas difficult to navigate with the joystick. Some of the game mechanics that relied on the touchscreen in the original games are objectively worse in BDSP. Namely, poffin making and undergound digging.
The highlight of this game is the Elite 4. Each member of the Elite 4 and the Champion have the same roster of Pokemon as the original game, but now have updated movesets and viable held items that make the battles very challenging. You can't expect to sweep even the lowly Bug master just by bringing a fire or rock type. Bertha can absorb usually devastating water-type moves with her newly improved Quagsire. These are hands down the most fun battles in the game. I just wish I didn't have to wait until the end to enjoy them.
Overall, I had a decent time once I came to terms with the fact that this game was content to stick to the status quo. If you know what you're getting into and want to press A through some mindless Pokemon battles while enjoying a classic OST, its worth a play.
Difficulty has been an issue for Pokemon games since the release of X and Y, and this game is no exception. Aside from the usual handholding and forgiving AI, it seems that the game doesn't adjust for the introduction of EXP share-- I found myself in battles against underleveled, first-stage Pokemon throughout the entire game. Oftentimes, trainer battles would backpedal into levels 10 or 12 below the last gym leader I fought. It just didn't make sense.
The game includes some of the newer QOL improvements introduced in recent entries, but nonsensically excludes others-- reusable TMs, most noticeably.
It also would have been nice if the game removed some of the obstacles to using certain Pokemon that were locked behind end-game in the original games-- Glaceon, Leafeon, Garchomp, Frosslass, Eelctivire, Magmortar, Gliscor, etc. The Grand Underground makes it possible to raise the first stages of these Pokemon from very early on, but evolving them is still impossible until you have most of the gym badges.
Weirdly, being able to move diagonally was unnecessary and actually made a few areas difficult to navigate with the joystick. Some of the game mechanics that relied on the touchscreen in the original games are objectively worse in BDSP. Namely, poffin making and undergound digging.
The highlight of this game is the Elite 4. Each member of the Elite 4 and the Champion have the same roster of Pokemon as the original game, but now have updated movesets and viable held items that make the battles very challenging. You can't expect to sweep even the lowly Bug master just by bringing a fire or rock type. Bertha can absorb usually devastating water-type moves with her newly improved Quagsire. These are hands down the most fun battles in the game. I just wish I didn't have to wait until the end to enjoy them.
Overall, I had a decent time once I came to terms with the fact that this game was content to stick to the status quo. If you know what you're getting into and want to press A through some mindless Pokemon battles while enjoying a classic OST, its worth a play.