Pokemon Sun and Moon is a role-play game (RPG) released globally in November of 2016 and is exclusively available to the Nintendo 3DS. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of the game is E10+ and the game comes in two different titles: Pokemon Sun or Pokemon Moon. Depending on which game you decide to purchase it will slightly alter your in-game experiences.
I played through both Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon. While both games are practically the same, they have little differences that could incentivise the player to favor one over the other. I was able to get my hands on a copy of Pokemon Moon and I had revisited this game during the global pandemic. I was able to complete the entire game within about 20 hours.
The game itself was very successful in its first few months of release. It would sell over 16 million copies and generate positive reviews across the board! With sources like Techradar and IGN reviewing the games with colorful yet honest reviews.
Pokemon Sun and Moon is a refreshing Nintendo 3DS title to say the least. The game takes place on a series of Hawaii-based islands called Alola. The graphics for this new adventure complement it immensely. Though the graphics of the 3DS itself isn’t anything to write home about, the effort that went into making Pokemon Sun and Moon look so good on the 3DS is most definitely worth noting!
The main component of what makes a Pokemon game so memorable is its story. While sparing the spoilers, the Sun and Moon adventure is one of the most memorable ones by far. The story keeps you engaged from the beginning to the end with an unexpected climax in between. The protagonist’s involvement in the story is more critical and prevalent than ever before, creating a binge-worthy and anticipating experience.
“I absolutely love story games, especially RPGs. And Pokemon Sun and Moon absolutely nails an intriguing and exciting story! My favorite part of the game was the crazy climax.” Said Bonneville High School Junior Audrey Chandler.
Another core aspect of the Pokemon franchise is well, the Pokemon! Pokemon Sun and Moon introduces 81 brand new Pokemon while still including the other 721 Pokemon from previous generations. The new people and Pokemon fit the theme of Hawaiian-based culture exceptionally well. Your rival Hau and Professor Kukui are perfect examples of Hawaiian culture. Some Pokemon also depict the culture pretty well too, like Alolan Exeggutor, Oricorio, and Comfey.
The gameplay is overall very enjoyable. Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon take about 20-30 hours to complete, making them one of the longer Pokemon games to finish. Don’t let that stray you from purchasing the game, if you want to fight to become the region champion, you have to put in the work to do it!
“This was the first Pokemon game I’ve ever played and it is by far one of my favorites. Everything about it is just so fun and interesting,” said Pokemon fan and video game enthusiast Piper Goodman.
Overall, Pokemon Sun and Moon is a very enjoyable game. The game could’ve had more of a challenging aspect to it, nonetheless the feeling and presentation of the game was above average. Decent graphics, great game design, and an overall amazing adventure! Down the line, I would most definitely revisit this memorable title.
