Pokemon has been going strong for over 25 years now and the series has gone through a variety of looks during that time. From simple sprites to increasingly elaborate 3D models, the franchise has drastically overhauled its graphics over the years. According to one group of fans, Pokemon’s best look was achieved during its sixth generation, making Pokemon X and Y–and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire–the best-looking Pokemon games so far.
The Gen 6 Pokemon games came out at a turning point in the Pokemon franchise–after the series had made the leap to 3D but before later titles would add fancier camera angles and additional customization elements. As a result, these four titles very much feel look and like classic Pokemon games, but with a 3D twist.
Reddit user CannibalRed shared images taken from the Gen 6 Pokemon games as evidence that Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire may have the best look of any Pokemon games. The screenshots were taken from several different perspectives and show off how different locations and features were adapted to 3D. These include the view from a Pokemon using Fly, the zoomed-out map when exploring a forested area, the slightly zoomed-in map when exploring a town, the classic battle screen, a cutscene where the player talks to another character, and the player standing next to a member of the Elite Four.
Veteran Pokemon fans may recognize many of these screenshots as direct adaptations from the original sprite games, with the battle screen and map screens being virtually unchanged except for the addition of 3D Pokemon models. However, other features–including the Fly screen and the cutscene of two characters talking–bring a new sense of depth to the games by establishing a background and a foreground. The Fly screenshot makes it clear that the player is soaring above a sprawling landscape, while the camera seems to be slowly turning to the side during the cutscene, making a simple scene of communication more dynamic.
As of writing, it seems that other Pokemon fans have split opinions on which Pokemon games look the best. Several fans discussed aspects of the Gen 6 games they liked or disliked, with several expressing frustration about the story of Pokemon X and Y or observing that the world of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire appeared lacking in original personality. Another group argued that the Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! games had a superior style, while others held up Pokemon Sun and Moon as having the more impressive graphics.
Pokemon X and Y are available now on Nintendo 3DS.
