‘Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby’ Demo Thoughts

The long-awaited “Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby” demo is now available on the 3DS and while they don’t offer much in terms of non-linear gameplay, what is there is enough to get you excited for the real adventure next month.

In the first mission on the demo, you'll battle the likes of Team Magma and Aqua as your character, Orlando, will fight off a few grunts alongside your companion, Steven (who has a gnarly Mega Metagross that he alludes to you owning eventually), before engaging in a few bigger battles, by yourself and with another friend. Other missions have you battling against random trainers and finding lost Pokemon, testing out some of the new mega evolutions along the way. Again, while it’s terribly linear, seeing some of the new mega evolutions, Glalie (which has him resembling “Animal” from Jim Henson’s “Muppets”), for example, is worth the time alone.

Originally given a choice between Combusken, Marshtomp and Grovyle, (you’re later given access to all three) you’re instantly thrust in the middle of a “situation” and it’s apparent right from the beginning that Mega Evolutions will play a huge role- there’s even mention of the game’s new “primal” evolutions. While the visuals are essentially that of “Pokemon X and Y,” the cutscenes that begin and end the demo are something we haven’t seen much of in “X and Y.” Beautifully colored, it’s a step above many of the visual elements in the last game.