Sαpphire
Johto Champion
I'm surprised by the overall positivity in the poll results!
I actually rank it as my favorite, overtaking HG/SS because of the far superior graphics and the attention to the post-game and the story in general. Sapphire was one of my first games and one on which I've probably spent some of the most time, so re-living that experience really hit hard with the nostalgia factor. The enhancements to the game were much appreciated, but the little notes of Gen 3 - like the GBA graphics in some elements, the opening cut scene, and the Hoenn music - were brilliant elements that really drew me in. I realized that these were my favorite games when I reached the bridge on Route 120 on my second night with the game; it was around midnight so the reflection of the sky was clearly visible, and it just clicked.
I don't mind the lack of customization, because that's a newer feature that isn't necessary to my enjoyment of the games when I grew up with uncustomized trainers. I was disappointed by the lack of the Battle Frontier because that was one of my favorite elements of the third generation, but given the massive improvements to the story via the Delta Episode, I feel that such disappointment was offset appropriately. I also actually wish there was more water, so would feel a little more like the original Hoenn experience!
There's a lot of Gen 5 love in here I see, but I have to be honest - I hated B/W and only recently came to truly appreciate B2/W2. The story wasn't quite as in-depth as that generation, but it was still above average for the series and there was so much more.
I actually rank it as my favorite, overtaking HG/SS because of the far superior graphics and the attention to the post-game and the story in general. Sapphire was one of my first games and one on which I've probably spent some of the most time, so re-living that experience really hit hard with the nostalgia factor. The enhancements to the game were much appreciated, but the little notes of Gen 3 - like the GBA graphics in some elements, the opening cut scene, and the Hoenn music - were brilliant elements that really drew me in. I realized that these were my favorite games when I reached the bridge on Route 120 on my second night with the game; it was around midnight so the reflection of the sky was clearly visible, and it just clicked.
I don't mind the lack of customization, because that's a newer feature that isn't necessary to my enjoyment of the games when I grew up with uncustomized trainers. I was disappointed by the lack of the Battle Frontier because that was one of my favorite elements of the third generation, but given the massive improvements to the story via the Delta Episode, I feel that such disappointment was offset appropriately. I also actually wish there was more water, so would feel a little more like the original Hoenn experience!
There's a lot of Gen 5 love in here I see, but I have to be honest - I hated B/W and only recently came to truly appreciate B2/W2. The story wasn't quite as in-depth as that generation, but it was still above average for the series and there was so much more.
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