Pokémon: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Developer	Game Freak
Publisher	Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
System	Nintendo 3DS
Release Date	November 21, 2014
Rating	ESRB: E

Pokémon: Omega Ruby and Pokémon: Alpha Sapphire are a pair of roleplaying games that were released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2014. They are remakes of the original Ruby and Sapphire Versions that have been enhanced with features including some from Pokémon X and Y.

Information

These games feature updated graphics and gameplay, as well as some changes to the storyline and characters. This includes references to other generations, especially to Kalos. These remakes also incorporate elements from the sixth generation games, including Mega Evolution, Pokémon-Amie, Super Training and horde encounters. They also reflect type changes over the years, including the presence of the Fairy-type. After completing the main game, there is now a new post-game scenario known as the Delta Episode. An area called the Battle Resort also becomes available after the Delta Episode, based on the original Battle Maison from X and Y.

Another new feature is the ability to soar through the sky. This is unlocked by getting Latios or Latias (depending on the version) and using the Eon Flute. With the Eon Flute item, the player can soar over Hoenn on the Legendary Pokémon's back at any time, even if that Pokémon is not in the player's party at the time. It not only acts as a substitute for using the move Fly to travel. It is also possible to have wild Pokémon encounters in the sky and to access different Mirage Spots from the sky, which can have special Pokémon and items. It is also possible for areas known as Mirage Spots to appear containing Legendary Pokémon from other generations, if certain conditions are met. Beyond that, these game also generally have more opportunities included to find Pokémon from other generations.

As with most Pokémon games, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire each have Pokémon that are exclusive to each one. This includes each game's featured Legendary Pokémon (Groudon for Omega Ruby and Kyogre for Alpha Sapphire) and also applies to the special Legendary Pokémon from past generations that can be obtained. As with the original Ruby and Sapphire, the other primary difference between the two games is the antagonist of the storyline: Team Magma in Omega Ruby or Team Aqua in Alpha Sapphire.

Connectivity

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire can connect with each other or with X and Y, either through a local connection or an online connection, for trading and Pokémon battles. However, there are some restrictions when it comes to interactions with X/Y: any Pokémon with items (such as Mega Stones) or moves that were introduced in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire cannot be used to battle or trade with X/Y. This also includes the special Cosplay Pikachu that can be obtained in the game.

These games are also compatible with the Pokémon Bank, although Cosplay Pikachu is restricted from being stored there as well.

Legacy

These remakes are notable as being the only other main games released for the sixth generation along with X and Y, replacing any potential third version.

The next mainsteam Pokémon games to be released would be Pokémon Sun and Moon, which brought the series to its seventh generation. The next remake games would be the Let's Go! games, which remade the first generation games in a different simplified style.