Pokemon Ruby Version (Game Boy Advance, 2003)

I, by no means whatsoever, like Pokemon.
I do however, LOVE this game. It was a gift for my 4 year old daughter, and like most of her games, I played it myself.

This is the only Pokemon game I have played, so I cannot compare it to others. (I know I'll be getting the others as well).
I have read about (Pokemon) different games, however, and can say that this one has had a facelift from the others. It has updated graphics and weather effects, better sound, and 200 different Pokemon with 100 new species.
Like the others, you can choose to be a boy or girl and choose your name. It has an internal clock, so it records your playtime, and you have a Pokedex to keep track of your stats.
You main goal is to beat all the Gym Trainers and become a Pokemon Master. What my child and I find appealing about this game, is that there are three seperate "starter" Pokemon to choose from. You can complete the game in it's entirity (which has taken me 25 hours of seperate playtime as according to the internal clock per character...but, I "play around" and often rematch characters and play in the arcade there, and etc.), and then you can start again with a different Pokemon with completely different fighting tactics and abilities.

My favorite thing about this game? Press "save" at any time; there are no passwords to remember, and you can shut it off, and return later to where you left off.

In this one, you can now have 2 pokemon fighting on your side at the same time; you can tag team them against an enemy. Also in this one (which I read is different from others), is that the berries you collect, you can go and blend them together in a Berry Blender and make a "super smoothie" to feed your Pokemon. It will keep them amped, and also enhance their best advantages if you choose to "show" them in the regional contests (can get ribbons for "Best of Show" which will unlock additional contests.)

And lastly, it is a multiplayer game, if you want it to be. (Meaning, it is also single player..but, ) You can trade Pokemon with another player (with a link cable, of course), and can even have battles with up to 4 different friends (with link cables.)

I still cannot find the Pokemon cartoons or collector items appealing, but, my child and I do enjoy the games. Young gamers can enjoy it (it is esy enough for them to get the hang of), but, I'm sure even adults would have fun with this game. Pokemon fan or not.