When you think back on different Pokémon games that has become classics, what are ones that generally come to mind? Any of the game boy ones do come to mind, as well as a few Nintendo versions, but every time I think of a good Pokémon game, I have to think about one in particular. Sadly, its also the only that I was able to play before the Nintendo 3DS hit the market. (And before anyone says it yes I was late for black and white.) Now what version am I talking about? Why Pokémon Emerald, which I can fairly say helped jumped started the true possibilities of what a Pokémon game can look and feel like.

With that being said, Hello brothers and sisters in gaming and welcome to Serpentine reviews, to which I am reviewing a game that I have thoroughly enjoyed sense I first bought it back in my teen years, and that game is indeed Pokémon Emerald. But before I do, some rules. I will be reviewing this game under the Vizzed reviewing criteria. This means Graphics, Sound, Addictiveness, Story, Depth, and Difficulty. With that being said, lets get started!

Graphics: For the limitations of the GBA, the graphics for Emerald is very impressive. Of course if you played Ruby and Sapphire, then you'll know what to expect. Now Emerald, however, takes it a step further by adding impressive dynamic cut scenes, moving character sprites as well as Pokémon sprites, and overall the look of it is just amazing. I do believe there is some things that could be worked on, like how a lot of the character sprites are a bit...deformed if I may say, but otherwise, good for them. I say an nine out of ten for graphics.

Sound: The soundtrack and sounds are the same as the ones found on Ruby and Sapphire, but they sound a bit clearer, more defined. Of course that could just be me, but even if its the same as Ruby and Sapphire, the sounds remind you were you are and what kind of Pokémon/trainer battle your walking into. Its very nice to hear how well it transitions to, without making it sound forced. I say another nine out of ten is in order.

Addictiveness: This ones going to be a bit hard for me to rate. For the reason that if you played Ruby or Sapphire or both, don't expect alot of major change from it. Aside from being able to catch both Groundon and Kyogre, its still the same game. Of course, the game does have a high replay factor, and has a few new and improved aspects to it, but not enough that will make it more playable then the previous. I will say though, the real addicting part isn't the whole, finding different Pokémon and catching them, but locating the secret and legendary Pokémon. So it breaks about even with me, but the score I give this is a seven out of ten. Again if you played Ruby or Sapphire before, then you'll probably play this one to, or not.

Story: Again, the story closely resembles Ruby and Sapphires, only this time you get to fight both the teams in the game, rather then side with one to defeat the other, and you can also see a new pov of the story, of how its Rayquaza who is the savior of the world because of how he quells the confrontation of Kyogre and Groundon. Of course until you get to these points, the games story will be identical to the original format of Ruby and Sapphire. But I'll still give it a good rating of a eight out of ten.

Depth: This one is going to be a bit of a disappointment. I don't know if its the same for other people, but when I first held this game, I wanted to backward compatible trade with Pokémon from the previous games I owned. Sadly, you can't do this in Emerald, for you can only trade with the Pokémon you have caught in that region. Again, don't quote me, but that's how it felt to me when I played this game. But other then that, the game has alot to offer you. From the gym battles, to catching Pokémon, to contests, to the Battle Frontier, the game will keep you busy and make sure you don't run out of things to do. After all, the whole premise of the game is to catch them all right? Well, this will be a hard drive for it. I give this a nine out of ten.

Difficulty: Honestly, its hard for me to rate this one. There are alot of new mechanics introduced to the threw gems of this game (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald), but its not entirely hard to understand or even learn. Granted alot of new players may get lost and beaten a few times, but it won't be because of how bad they are doing, but how the challenge with change periodically. Its a nice balance to where it wont be to hard for beginners but hard enough to help them learn new tactics for Pokémon that they have caught as well as how to train them and in what aspect shall they train them in. I say this one deserves a six out of ten.

Well then guys, after calculating the value of Graphics, Sound, Addictive game play, Story, Depth, and difficulty, I believe this game earns a solid eight out of ten. For this rating,  I would recommend to own the game. Its not high enough for me to give it my Serpentine Seal of Approval, but high enough that I believe anyone should play it and enjoy the game for what it is. As a matter of fact I think the game is still one of my personal favorite.

With that everyone thank you for reading and if you have other criticism or compliments to the game then let it be known. If you want me to review another game then please leave suggestions. Until then, keep your swords sharp, for the revolution is coming. Later!

Damn, I NEED to try Pokémon; the game seems to be so popular!

Anyway your review was excellent, with good structure and (most importantly) ample comparisons with previous version of the game. Suggestion: there is no "Vizzed reviewing criteria." True, most reviewers use the structure you used. However you are free to develop you own style and make it original.