Not too long ago, Pokémon Sapphire was remade for the Nintendo 3DS as Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. A lot has and hasn’t changed in the eleven years since Pokémon Sapphire came out on the Game Boy Advance in 2003. Alpha Sapphire is still a Pokémon game so it sticks to the same core ideas of the series; you go on a journey while collecting and battling Pokémon in order to be the very best, like no one ever was. Just like the original game, Alpha Sapphire takes place in the Hoenn region, a tropical island surrounded by vast oceans. Players of the original will definitely recognize the story of Alpha Sapphire, where you set out to on a journey become the Champion by defeating many powerful trainers, but along your journey the mysterious organization known as Team Aqua seeks to awaken an ancient Pokémon Kyorge and use its powers to destroy the world.

Alpha Sapphire is not exactly the same as Sapphire because there are many improvements over the original. First off is the graphics, which have been updated from Game Boy Advance’s old 2D-grapics into the modern age of 3D-graphics. Another improvement is the PokéNav which takes up the touch screen of the 3DS and serves many useful functions, such as maps of trainers you can rebattle. One of my favorite functions of the PokéNav is DexNav, which acts as a radar that can be used to find rare and strong Pokémon. Another returning feature is Secret Bases, which are hideouts you can customize with decorations. Alpha Sapphire keeps things surprising with a brand new feature called Soaring, which allows players to take to the skies and catch many strong legendary Pokémon. Alpha Sapphire also adds on to the story of Sapphire with the Delta Episode, which allows players to get Deoxys, a Pokémon that used to only be obtained by going to official giveaways. Alpha Sapphire also adds more Mega Evolutions, which are stronger forms of Pokémon.

Pokémon Alpha Sapphire is a really amazing game and possibly the best Pokémon game in years. Everything about this game is awesome. Not only is it an improvement on the original game, but has enough to stand out as separate game. New features and great improvements will make sure new players and returning fans alike will definitely enjoy Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.