I just got Pokemon X, I haven't opened it or played it yet but I'll probably start playing it tonight or tomorrow.

I've played Pokemon Blue, Gold and Diamond. Diamond was the last Pokemon game I played so that leads me to my question.

What have I missed since Pokemon Diamond? What new features have been added to the Pokemon games since?

If some of you could help me get caught up that'd be great

Generation 5 introduced two battle types that use 3 Pokemon at once. One works like a double battle format except with three Pokemon (and special rules for targeting), the other like a tag team. I forgot what their official names are, I think the former is a triple battle, the latter I think is a tag battle, but I don't know for sure.

The triple battle works like you think. All the Pokemon attack in one turn. But unless your attack can hit multiple targets, you can only direct an attack to hit the Pokemon directly across from it or one Pokemon to the side of it. So your leftmost Pokemon can only hit your opponent's leftmost Pokemon or the center Pokemon (from your point of view), while the center Pokemon can attack and be attacked by any Pokemon on the opposing side.

Tag battles work differently. Before you declare your attack, you have the option to tag in one of your Pokemon. This new Pokemon can attack immediately, but I believe tags will happen prior to any attacks going off regardless of speed, so if both you and your opponent tag Pokemon, both sides will tag before anybody attacks.

Aside from that, I don't remember much, aside from the usual new Pokemon were added thing.

sonikku : Are these new battle types used during trainer battles and random battles or are they only used for when you battle a friend?

Thanks for the information, I'm real curious to see the new battle types in action.

I don't know about X and Y, but in Black and White (version 1), there were specific trainer battles that made use of these rules. Black specified in the tag team style, White specified in the triple battle style. You could also fight friends with these rules if you so chose.

Triple battles and rotation battles. Triple battles are obvious. Rotation battles are three Pokémon out at once, but only one can attack or be attacked. They are on a disc which rotates between them.
The Pokémon Global Link is a website expansion to the game which adds a ton of online features. In Black and White it allows you to get DLC such as C Gear skins. I don't know what the X and Y Global Link does yet since it doesn't want to work for me.
In battle, the weather animation is consistent instead of just being between turns.
The obvious change is the addition of the Fairy type. Fairy type loses to Fire, Poison, and Steel and wins against Fighting, Bug, and of course, Dragon.
In X and Y, the player can now move in any direction, and with roller skates, the grid is completely removed.
There is the Player Search System which is basically the new Pal Pad. It's a friends list that is constantly connected to the internet so you know if your friends are actually online when you try to trade or battle with them.
There are O-Powers which, when sent to a friend assist them by giving their Pokémon higher stats, making catch rates higher or making exp gain faster.
On the PSS, there is also a list of everyone who logs in, so you can choose who you can battle at any time.
Pokémon-Amie is basically Pokémon crossed with Nintendogs. You get to play with your Pokémon and feed them. You also get to play three minigames which are simple enough for me to not need to explain them.
In certain places you will find Sky Trainers. These trainers only use, and will only allow flying Pokémon and Pokémon with the levitate ability.
Horde Encounters are wild Pokémon encounters where five Pokémon appear at once. They are usually lower level than the average for that area.
Super Training is the new way to EV train Pokémon. It's more evident here as the Pokémon's EVs are shown in a hexagon shape. A football firing minigame is done to increase EVs. Through which, punchbags which also award EVs can be obtained.
You can now completely customise the appearance of your trainer through clothes shops in the cities of Kalos.
There is now a total of 718 Pokémon.
And finally Mega Evolution is a special kind of battle exclusive transformation which involves certain Pokémon holding a specific stone. (their name is in the stones name, so it's obvious) Mega Evolution powers up the Pokémon by changing it's stats, it's ability or it's type.

Also, could you send me your 3DS friend code in a message please?

I'd also like to add something about Pokemon Amie.


It increases your friendship with the pokemon you're interacting with. I'm not sure if it affects evolution but I'm assuming it does since it affects Return's strength. Also, if your pokemon is friendly enough, your crit chance & evasion chance will increase & your pokemon can actually free itself from paralysis. I don't know if this affects other statuses though.


There are also a few aesthetic changes with some of the new pokemon although only one of those pokemon's stats are affected by its appearance.

I'd also like to say that I have Y in case you needed any version exclusives.


EDIT: Something I forgot to add about Pokemon Amie. You get an exp boost the more the pokemon likes you. It makes training a little easier since they seem to have taken out rustling grass(*sniff* no more grinding with Audino).

You haven't played any games from the third generation? IMO, that was the best one! (and that includes 6th gen)

Tails the Fox : Downloadable content? I had no idea any Pokemon game had that, that opens up a lot of possibilities if they do that with Pokemon X and Y.

I love the idea of being able to play with and feed your Pokemon, that would make you appreciate each individual Pokemon more. One thing I always liked about Monster Rancher was that it focused more on individual monsters rather than getting as many as you can and therefore you felt more connected to each monster. Pokemon has always been about collecting as many as you can which is fun but you don't feel as "bonded" with your Pokemon when you can't really do anything with each Pokemon except for battle and trade. I'm glad that Nintendo has done something to make each Pokemon more precious.

Horde encounters sound pretty neat, can't wait to see that in action.

I've never cared for the way EV training worked in previous Pokemon games so I can't wait to try out the new EV training.

Are the Mega Evolutions permanent or do they only take place during the battle? To be honest, if it's permanent than I don't really like that because I don't like the idea of some of these original Pokemon like Charizard evolving.

As soon as I get my friend code, I'll add it to my profile.

Surgiac : That's good to know that you have Pokemon Y since I have X.

I really do like the idea of forming a friendship with your Pokemon. The updates and changes with Pokemon X and Y is exactly why I wanted to pre-order one of them, I've never pre-ordered a Pokemon game, nor have I played any of them right when they came out but that's because I've never been this excited for a Pokemon release. The changes and updates appear to be the biggest I've ever seen.

Chewedmint : I missed out on the 3rd generation, that was when I got out of Pokemon. By the time Pokemon Diamond came out, I decided to get back into Pokemon and even though I've still been into Pokemon ever since, I just never got interested enough into the the games after it to try and find time to play them.

Davideo7 : You can also make faces at your pokemon when using Pokemon Amie & sometimes they'll try to mimic you. The camera is a little awkward though so it may take a little bit before it recognizes some of the faces.

Mega Evolutions require a special 'ite' item. I'm not sure how to activate them yet since I'm not that far into the story, but they aren't permanent. You can only activate 1 per person, per battle & it ends once the battle is finished. Not sure about switching out though.

Also, don't forget to check the internet mystery gift option before you play. A special Torchic is being given out & it's holding its Mega Evo item. 


I don't know of any downloadable content yet but I know you can download digital copies of the games. I'm not opposed to that but I'd honestly prefer a physical copy of the game so if, for whatever reason, I had to trade it in, I could.

Surgiac : That's good news about the Mega Evolutions.

How do I check the internet mystery gift option?

I agree with David. This 'Amie" thing sounds... AMAZING.  It totally makes me wish I had the money to get a copy of this game. I might actually have set aside some grading to play around with it. XD  Instead, I guess I'm just stuck being jealous of all you lucky folks out there. haha!

Davideo7 : Mystery gift is on the title screen where you would load your save. Also, could you add Pokémon X and Y to the VGR so I can add it to my collection please?

Tails the Fox : It has been added to the VGR. Actually, this has inspired me to add another feature to the collection feature, I'll make a thread about that soon.

Davideo7 : New feature? I must know more! I'm also curious what could have inspired you for it...

Tails the Fox : You'll find out in less than an hour

I just wanna say... I bet he's adding a wish list.


Ooooh, if so, that would be longer than any 'collection' list I've ever made up.  ROFL

Singelli :
Tails the Fox :

You can find the new feature right here:
https://www.vizzed.com/boards/thread.php?id=67121

Davideo7 : The mega evos just last for a single battle and in a battle only one Pokemon can use it at a time.

Also, i have beaten the game and it is a fairly long game.
Pokemon Amie is also a very great feature because when you have at least three Pokemon you can play three different types of mini games with your Pokemon.
There is also a new feature called wonder trade and you can trade any of your pokemon for someones and neither of you know what you are going to get.

Davideo7 : I noticed you had your 3DS friend code listed so I added it to my list.


Mine is also up if anyone needs it.

Surgiac : You should add mine, I'll add yours.
Davideo7 : You should too.