| Nintendo is pumping it up this week, with big Pokémon news. First, the new Pokémon Advance games will be called Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire. The red and blue precious stones remind us of the original Pokémon games. After hearing this news, the Nintendo Index, put together some mock-up BoxArt, which can be seen below.
Second, the game's release date has been announced. Be prepared for the Pokémon craze to continue on November 21st, 2002. Although Nintendo has released no word on a North American release date, Nintendo's original goal was to have the Pokémon games in both Japan and North American by the end of 2002. This seems rather difficult since it will be release in Japan in November, but it is possible that english translation will begin before the Japanese release.
Third, the new line of advanced Pokémon games will sport an entirely new battle system. You may be able to use up to two Pokémon in a single fight. The six party system still seems to be intact too, you'll notice the screenshot of the traniers just before they enter battle: they have slots for six Pokéballs (view screenshots below). This two-Pokémon system is bound to bring a whole new set of tactics into play when facing your friends. This idea is a welcome change and may be designed to keep the Pokémon fans from getting bored with the same old battle style.
As for the facts, Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire will have the original 151 Pokémon from Red/Blue, plus the 100 Pokémon from Gold/Silver, which will be added onto by the new 100 Ruby/Sapphire Pokémon. That brings the total to 351. The focus of the games seems to lie on the two legendary birds, Latios (blue) and Latias (red). So far 11 new Pokémon of the 100 have been revealed and can be seen below.
To sum up, November 21st, 2002, Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire, 100 new Pokémon, 351 total, new dual battle system. Enough talking, onto the media.
MEDIA DEVELOPMENTS:
(04/10/2002)
Here is the first look at the new generation of Pokémon. Screen shots have been released of the upcoming Pokémon game, tentatively called, Pokémon Advance. While lacking excellant graphics, it seems that nintendo is sticking to it's original formula and keeping the same overhead, tile-based landscape. Some interesting features that can be seen are shadows, reflections, and footprints. The big question now remains as to what the actual battle will look like. Stay tuned, this Media page will be updated as information becomes available.
(04/15/2002)
Some new shots have just been released, and The Nintendo Index has them. Here you can see three in-battle shots of the next gen. pokémon game. While similar in appearance to the original pokémon games, the graphics update is obvious. The pokémon are much more colourful than usual and have their distinct animé feel. Another out-of-battle shot has been included, which features a pokémon centre, a pokémart, and the female character.
(04/19/2002)
Grabbed two more shots of the new adventure. Here they are.
(07/16/2002)
Japanese release date set for November 21st, 2002. The games have been titled: Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire. Also, a bunch of new shots and artwork. Check out Pokémon.com for more details as they develop.
(12/15/2002)
North American release date set for March 17th, 2003. Official Boxart created.
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