Much as it might be tempting to simply declare newer Pokémon games as “worse” and be done with it, a deeper comparison reveals a more nuanced picture. This analysis, much like the initial sentiment, stems from an appreciation for aesthetics. The charm of 2D sprites holds a certain appeal that, for some, surpasses the polygonal models that have become standard since Generation IV. This shift in visual style marks a turning point where, arguably, the designs of Pokémon themselves started to lose some of their initial appeal.
However, the discussion of comparing Pokémon games extends far beyond mere visual preferences. A critical point of contention lies in the gameplay. Unlike many long-running franchises that undergo significant evolution, the core gameplay loop of Pokémon has remained remarkably static, particularly since Generation IV. The introduction of the physical/special split in battles was a genuinely impactful change. Since then, subsequent additions like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Dynamax, while visually impressive, feel more like underutilized gimmicks rather than fundamental enhancements to the gameplay. Unless you are deeply invested in the competitive battling scene, these features often fail to significantly alter the core player experience.
Alt text: Comparison of Pokemon sprites from older games and 3D models from newer Pokemon games, highlighting the visual evolution.
Even the narrative structure across Pokémon generations reveals a striking similarity. The overarching storyline has shown minimal deviation since Generation III. Each game tends to follow a predictable pattern: an antagonistic team or individual emerges with plans to exploit a Legendary Pokémon, often featured on the game’s cover, for world domination. The player must thwart these plans while simultaneously aiming to become the League Champion. While the order of events might be shuffled occasionally, as seen in Black and White, or the narrative padded out extensively as in Sun and Moon, or even streamlined as in Sword and Shield, the fundamental story beats remain consistently the same. Once you’ve experienced one Pokémon game’s narrative, you’ve essentially experienced them all. This repetition isn’t necessarily a unique failing of the Pokémon franchise; in fact, one could argue that this consistent formula is a key element of its enduring success – the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind. Nevertheless, the narrative stagnation is undeniably present.
Alt text: A visual comparison of Team Rocket from classic Pokemon games and Team Skull from more recent titles, illustrating the recurring theme of villainous teams.
Therefore, when comparing Pokémon games across different generations, the primary distinctions, aside from graphical updates, often boil down to the platform they are played on. When faced with the choice between playing an older generation game and a newer iteration that incorporates a few quality-of-life improvements that have become series staples, the latter often emerges as the more appealing option. In most scenarios, choosing to play FireRed and LeafGreen over Red and Blue, or HeartGold and SoulSilver instead of Gold and Silver, presents no significant drawbacks, unless a player harbors a strong preference for the older visual style. Why opt for Ruby or Sapphire when Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, their remakes, offer an enhanced experience? Admittedly, Emerald holds a unique position as the definitive version of Generation III, integrating both villainous teams into the main plot and offering a more complete post-game experience. However, in a direct, like-for-like comparison, the updated versions generally provide a superior gameplay experience.
Alt text: Side-by-side comparison of Pokemon Ruby and its remake, Omega Ruby, highlighting graphical enhancements and visual differences between original and updated versions.
Ultimately, the comparison between “new versus old” Pokémon games often feels more accurately described as a comparison of “updated versus old.” This is because, arguably, truly new Pokémon games, in the sense of introducing groundbreaking innovations, have been less frequent since Generation IV. While Pokémon Legends: Arceus hinted at a potential shift in this pattern, for the most part, the series has focused on refining and updating elements introduced in the initial four generations, rather than consistently bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the forefront. Viewed from this perspective, directly comparing “new” and “old” games might not be entirely fair, as updated versions are inherently expected to be better by virtue of being updated.
