The Shift: Pokémon

So there’s this trend that I’m noticing, and it’s not a trend that I like.

My favorite franchise, as you well know, is Pokémon. I’ve been a fan ever since I was just a little tyke. And I’ve been around from Red & Blue. Pretty safe to say I know a good Pokémon game when I see one. And to be honest, I haven’t seen one in a while.

Before you go all bonkers on me, let me explain. Of course, the main series entries are going to be awesome without compare. But growing up, there were always awesome Pokémon spin-off games. It didn’t matter whether it was Pokémon Pinball or Pokémon Snap, the games were great. I could enjoy the wonderful world of Pokémon without having to collect the eight badges. I didn’t have to buckle in for an RPG adventure to hang out with my favorite creatures.

Those games were fun. Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Trozei, all of those older spin-off games were great. I didn’t have to catch ‘em all to be a Pokémon fan – I could easily indulge in my puzzle game addiction… I could take pictures of Pokémon for crying out loud.

But the spin-off games of late have me scratching my head. (‘Scratch’ is a Pokémon attack. Try to keep up with my jokes). I don’t understand the recent Pokémon installments. Sure, Pokémon X & Y were fantastic. And Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire were even better. But every once in a while, we got a real dud like Pokémon Rumble Blast.

And then this whole microtransaction crap. I don’t know what’s going on over there in Pokémon land, But whatever it is, I don’t like it. I want to have more games like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Stadium. These games gave us a nice break from the usual Pokémon formula while still delivering an enjoyable experience.

Pokémon Shuffle is not an enjoyable experience. And now that this new “Free to Play” game, Pokémon Rumble World or whatever, is on the horizon, I’m just getting sick. I’ve already stockpiled, and I may spit up soon. Another joke.

Moving on. As a long-time fan of Pokémon, I’d like to see a shift. I want to go back to the days where the spin-off Pokémon games were creatively fun. I don’t like seeing the Pokémon franchise transform (Ditto) into this money sponge. I want another spin-off masterpiece.

I know that’s probably not going to happen, but a guy can wish. And then, I’ll restore some health.