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Twitch slays Pokemon after two weeks of non-stop action [Update: New game on Sunday]
The livestreamed crowd-play event Twitch Plays Pokemon has ended, as thousands of players pooled their efforts to defeat the Elite Four in Pokemon Red. The game was completed after 16 days of consecutive play and saw over 35 million viewers during that time. Twitch Plays Pokemon is a Pokemon Red mod that allowed Twitch viewers to control the game's main character Red by entering commands in the streaming platform's chat window. The event began on February 12 and reached 75,000 concurrent viewers after five days of play. There were plenty of doubts that players would even be able to cross the Safari Zone in the game, let alone view its ending credits, though the game's creator told Joystiq that "even when played very poorly it is difficult to not make some progress in Pokemon." The community that gathered around Twitch Plays Pokemon upheld a narrative that extended beyond Pokemon Red's initial scope and included the Twitter-trending Bird Jesus (Pidgeot) and the spiritual consultant and deity Lord Helix (Omanyte). Joystiq also talked with MIT associate professor T.L. Taylor about the event's place in network and game culture, who said it tapped into "something I think is very compelling. So I don't think we're going to see [crowd-play] go away as a genre." Considering how entertaining this has been, we certainly hope not. Update: As it turns out, the Twitch Plays Pokemon stream now features a countdown timer ticking away roughly 26 hours and 25 minutes as of this writing that notes, "A new adventure will begin." That pegs the start of what seems to be the next version of Twitch Plays Pokemon at 7:00 a.m. EST Sunday morning. [Image: The Pokemon Company]
Pokemon X/Y's newest Pokedex entry detailed
Who's that Pokemon? It's Pokemon X/Y's latest and rarest pocket monster, and if you want to dodge details until the very moment it's available for capture, this graf is your last chance to do so! Pressing on? Alright - the above sillhouette belongs to Diancie, a rock/fairy type crowned with pink jewels. The Pokemon site explains that Diancie can "create diamonds out of thin air by compressing the carbon in the atmosphere with its hands. It uses these jewels in battle to attack enemies and protect itself." The Pokemon site also notes that we'll have to "stay tuned" for information on when and how we'll be able to properly capture Diancie, so we'll just have to let it enjoy its final moments of freedom. For now. You can check out Diancie's first turns in battle in the trailer after the break!
Pokemon HeartGold, SoulSilver soundtracks now on iTunes
Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver, the 2010 DS remakes of the Game Boy games that added the train-as-you-move Pokewalker device, can now be relived sonically. The 270-song Pokemon HeartGold & Pokemon SoulSilver: Super Music Collection soundtrack is available for $9.99 on iTunes. Good thing you don't have to capture those tracks individually! The new release follows the availability of soundtracks for Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen and Pokemon X/Y earlier this year. If you're still holding out for jams from other Pokeregions, remember that we can expect to see soundtracks for the following duos in 2014: Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl, Pokemon Black/White and Pokemon Black 2/White 2. If you don't already own HeartGold/SoulSilver but still want to kick up those childhood memories, this is a decent alternative from paying the steadily-increasing entry price for new copies of either game.
Plot your favorite species' demise with this Pokemon Bank trailer
Look, we know Eevee is cute, but there's only so much storage space in Cassius' PC. If you're unwilling to halt your plans of capturing the entire species, a trailer for the upcoming Pokemon Bank recaps how the service, complete with its annual $4.99 charge, will aide your plans to catch 'em all.
Pokemon X/Y patch fixes exploits, uses flying type on bugs
A wild patch appeared in the eShop region for Pokemon X/Y! It seems pretty willing to add itself to your collection though, so approach it expecting a Magikarp-tier fight. Patch 1.2's details note a fix to a problem involving the Wonder Trade feature - Pokemon that evolve due to being traded through Wonder Trade will now be capable of learning new moves. An issue where "certain captions" for Trainer PR videos weren't properly unlocking in Lumiose City has been addressed as well. The notes also list an update to an "internet communication issue," which Destructoid reports is related to curbing the use of unofficial tools called Battle Analyzer and Instacheck. Pokemon Champions will need to download this update before they can return to proving their abilities against opponents in online battles. If you've neglected your collection of new friends since October, Patch 1.2 also includes a previous patch addressing a saving glitch in Lumiose City.
Pokemon X/Y 2DS $150 bundles announced, available later this week
Nintendo is kicking up its drive behind the 2DS with two Pokemon X/Y bundles priced at $150, coming to Target and Toys R Us on Friday, December 6. Target will offer a red 2DS system with Pokemon X pre-installed, while the Toys R Us bundle features a blue system with Pokemon Y pre-loaded on a SD card. Nintendo released the 2DS as an alternative to the 3DS earlier this year, with a standalone price set at $130. The hinge-less hardware's lower price comes at the expense of 3D tech, and with backwards compatibility for 2000+ DS games. With 4 million copies of Pokemon X/Y flying off shelves within 48 hours of release, and 2 million sold in North America to date, Nintendo seems to be hoping the game's prolific performance will boost that of the 2DS' across the holiday season.
Apple tosses iTunes ball, captures Pokémon X/Y soundtrack
For the first time in series' history, Nintendo is celebrating its most recent Pokémon games by issuing a gigantic soundtrack collection. As noted in our review of the games, Pokémon X and Y feature a massive overhaul in the game's audio. Older entries in the franchise are almost obsolete when compared to the new arrangements and technologies used in X and Y, and the more modern soundtrack lends much to the game's atmosphere. Thanks to Nintendo and the iTunes Store, you can now purchase all 200-plus songs on the Pokémon X/Y soundtrack for $9.99. As a bonus, the "super soundtrack collection" also includes "a battle game music track" from the upcoming Pokémon Origins animated miniseries, as well as five songs from Pokémon Red and Blue created by original composer Shota Kageyama. Alongside this announcement, Nintendo has also revealed plans to release future Pokémon soundtrack collections. Throughout 2014, the company will issue music collections for every game in the series, dating back to Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green. It's currently unknown when these soundtracks will appear, or what price point they might feature.
This is the PokeRap with all 718 PokeThings
It was exhausting just watching this, so Golduck knows what it was like to put together this updated PokeRap video with all 718 Pokemon, including the new ones from 3DS entries X and Y. We doff our Poke-caps in your direction, College Humor. That said, you can't beat the original PokeRap. Despite the many years since, we've not heard anyone make a list of fictional creatures sound anywhere near as exciting. "Slooooooowbroooooooooo..."
Report: Hacker leaks three new Pokemon, two new Mega Evolutions
A wild hacker appears! It uses Modify Code! It's super effective! Kotaku reports a hacker has discovered three normally unobtainable Pokemon hidden away in the game's code. The new Pokemon are Volcanion, Diancie and Hoopa, which are pictured above, in that order. While not officially confirmed by Nintendo, Game Freak or The Pokemon Company, these Pokemon are thought to be "event Pokemon," which means players who don't hack the game can only catch them at official Pokemon events. Smealum, the same hacker who created the homebrew Portal game for DS, claimed responsibility for the hack, and also revealed Mega Evolutions for Latios and Latias. While the two Dragon-type Pokemon were previously differentiated by Latios being blue and Latias being red, it seems that they are more or less indistinguishable from each other when they Mega Evolve. The Mega Evolution for Latias is pictured above. Don't rush off to trade your Pokemon just yet, though. Smealum wrote on Twitter he does not plan to release the hack or any of the newly-discovered Pokemon into the wild. Smealum wrote that while it would be fun "in theory," he didn't want to "ruin" the online Pokemon X / Y experience.
How to avoid Pokemon X / Y's save glitch in Lumiose City
Nintendo has detailed the save glitch responsible for making Pokemon X / Y's controls unresponsive and has provided this handy chart as a short-term solution to the problem. Thankfully, unlike Pokemon, they can say more than their own name, so you won't be stuck deciphering a fix out of "Nintendo, Nintendo!" If you wish to ever control your Pokemon again, avoid saving and ending your game anywhere within the pictured outer blue ring in Lumiose City. For those of you unfortunate enough to have found out about this firsthand, the page describes a planned "application to recover saved game data" that will be made available on the eShop "as soon as possible."
Pokemon X, Y shifts over 4 million in two days
Nintendo announced it's sold more than four million units of Pokemon X and Y worldwide across the game's first two days at retail. The series' first 3DS games are the fastest-selling of all on the console (if their sales are combined), and Nintendo says they are currently "tracking ahead" of Pokemon White 2 and Black 2 by more than 70 percent. "The early response to Pokémon X and Pokémon Y not only reaffirms the ongoing passion of Pokémon fans," said (a beaming) Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, "But also indicates that an entirely new generation of gamers is eager to experience the franchise for itself." Nintendo's figures may represent shipments rather than direct sales, but either way four million-plus in just two days is very impressive. [Update: Nintendo has confirmed this is four million copies sold to consumers.] As are the games themselves, having earned four and a half stars in our review. The series transition to 3DS was a mega-evolution according to Earnest, who said X and Y are "hands-down the best in the series."
GTA 5 reclaims rule in UK charts, wild Pokemon X, Y appear in top 4
The battle between Grand Theft Auto 5 and FIFA 14 rages on, with Rockstar reclaiming the UK No. 1 after EA Sports held it for two weeks. It's maybe a bit surprising to see Pokemon X and Y not on top, the duo instead placing in third and fourth in the all-formats chart. If the two Poke-versions were combined they'd almost certainly be Numero Uno, however, since X and Y are first and second in the individual formats chart. Maybe the biggest stat for Nintendo is that the 3DS games' first week sales are around double of Pokemon Black 2 and White 2's debut showing - I'm sure we'll be hearing about very big numbers soon. The other new release in the top ten is Beyond: Two Souls, Quantic Dream's PS3 game charting fifth. As for Dragon's Crown debuting all the way down in 19th, I have to wonder if the game's late European arrival and Sony's region-free policy played their part...
Nintendo UK offer: Buy Pokemon 3DS XL, Get X or Y for £20
Here's a nifty offer to tempt UK folk picking up Pokemon X and Y this weekend, particularly if they've been hankering for the themed 3DS XLs. If you buy either the red or the blue Pokemon handheld from Nintendo's new UK web store, you can pick up one of X or Y for just £20. The total bundle comes to £200, and that's with free next-day delivery. Given that the game's going for £30-40 at various UK stores, how I've still got a regular sized 3DS, and how purty those limited edition XLs are ... yep, I kinda want it. Dammit.
New Pokemon game in production, says Japanese broadcaster [Update]
Japanese broadcaster NHK may be about to shine light on a new Pokemon game, at least according to a listing for one of its upcoming shows. As Gematsu and Kotaku reports, NHK has an upcoming show profiling The Pokemon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara. but it's the broadcaster's description that catches the eye. The listing notes a "never before seen" game that's been in development since the summer, apparently featuring lovable fluffball Pikachu in a "bold way." We've reached out to The Pokemon Company for comment. At its own Japanese expo in August, the Pokemon Company put together a retrospective video that very much seemed to tease a Wii U fighting game. In an interview with Nintendo Life last month, Pokemon X and Y Director Junichi Masuda said the video was "showing the history of Pokemon games as well as the future. It was kind of a concept about what the future of Pokemon may look like." As for NHK's show, that's set to air in a few weeks time on October 28. Meanwhile, 3DS entries X and Y arrive worldwide on Saturday, October 12. Update: The Pokemon Company says there is "no news to report at this time."
Metareview: Pokemon X / Y
Pokemon is back with a new coat of fur, scales and whatever MewTwo has for skin. Our review of Pokémon X/Y called it "hands-down the best in the series." Let's see what the other Poke trainers thought: IGN (90/100): "Building on five generations of games, a digital menagerie of captivating creatures, and a wide range of diverse regions to explore, Pokemon X and Y proves this formulaic portable role-playing series can still deliver an innovative experience." Eurogamer (90/100): "For the young, the game is a soothing promise that, if you work hard, concentrate and look after others, victory and success will be yours. For the young at heart it's a warm reminder of the childlike thrills of discovery, compilation and care." Game Informer (88/100): "[Pokémon X & Y] goes down the checklist of important Pokémon features, neatly ticking them off one by one. It still feels like a Pokémon game, but the ease of player control, the updated art direction, 3D graphics, and the scaling of the world make everything more inviting, attractive, and fun." Edge (80/100): "While the structure of X/Y may be identical to previous Pokémon games, everything moves a little quicker: those roller skates make backtracking less of a chore, while Experience Share items distribute XP points across your whole party, all but eradicating the need to grind. You can strengthen your bond with Pokémon through a Tamagotchi-esque minigame or by participating in short, skill-based activities to earn a virtual punch bag that can increase their base statistics."
Pokemon X/Y review: I want to be the very best
Here's hoping your karma's in the black, because we've apparently reached the end of days. Law & Order has ended its run, cats and dogs are sleeping together and, most apocalyptic of all, Nintendo has created a fully three-dimensional entry in its beloved Pokémon franchise. Such seismic design shifts usually create growing pains, often leaving players with a sequel that's trumped by its predecessors despite a new aesthetic. Pokémon X and Y, however, aren't just the best-looking Pokémon games to date, they may be the best Pokémon games period. Shortly after starting the game, players receive a Pokédex to help them catalog the Pokémon they encounter. Unlike past games however, this Pokédex offers a host of new options. These include mini-games you can play with your 'mon to boost various attributes, a Player Search System that makes finding new battles and trading partners a quick, simple affair, and an app that lets players pet and feed their critters in an adorable first-person view. These are relatively small additions, but they go a long way toward making the Pokémon of Pokémon X/Y the most relatable, interactive creatures Nintendo has ever designed.
Pokemon Direct coming tomorrow, gotta watch it all for new details
If you wanna be the very best like no-one ever was, your real test is to watch tomorrow's special Pokemon-themed Nintendo Direct that promises new details on Pokemon X and Y. You don't have to travel across the land searching far and wide for it, silly bunny. Just click this link and tune in tomorrow, September 4 at 7AM ET (4AM PT, 12PM UK time). [Image Source: Pokemon Facebook page]
Pokemon Rumble U figures available in UK at GAME
UK trainers can capture (with money) Pokemon Rumble U NFC figures at GAME, which has exclusive rights to them in the UK, much like GameStop does in the US. Players can scan the figures using the Wii U to put Pokemon into the game, a la Skylanders. It was initially unclear if the figures would make it in time for the game's UK launch today, but GAME has them on sale at £4 a pop. The retailer also offers a £20 Rumble U special edition, bundling together an eShop code for the game, a double-sided poster, and two figures: one black or white Kyurem and a "mystery" figure. The standalone game is priced £13.49 at both GAME and on the eShop; as a friendly reminder, the figures aren't needed to play the game (but who are we kidding, if you want the game, you want the figures). As for North America, Pokemon Rumble U heads there in two weeks' time on August 29, with the game priced at $18 and the figures $4 each.
100K Pokemon X/Y 3DS bundles sell out in hours on Amazon Japan
Within hours of making Pokémon X and Pokémon Y bundles available for pre-order, Amazon Japan saw its entire allocation of units snatched up by eager pocket-monster wranglers over the weekend. Two bundles are coming to Japan: a special golden console bundle, which sold out within one hour of being made available for order, and a blue console, which sold out nine hours later. According to Amazon Japan's Twitter account (via DualShockers), all 100,000 units of the limited console bundle have been claimed. The online retailer continues to sell the game separately.
Pokemon X, Y mega evolutions trailer unveils three more mega monsters
Pokemon's theory of mega evolution exhibits three new subjects to analyze: Mega Ampharos, Mega Absol, and Mega Mawlie. Further study is scheduled for October 12, when X and Y are set to go under the 3DSoscope worldwide.
