First Pokémon X and Y reviews published.
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Jose Otero, writing for IGN gave the games 9/10 and noted that "Game Freak has really outdone itself this time", praising the enhanced visuals, new battle modes and improved accessibility, particularly at the beginning of the game. The AI, however, was noted as sometimes being unintelligent.
Hollander Cooper of Gamesradar praised the added immersion of the games, mentioning in particular Pokémon-Amie. However, lack of innovation was noted as being a major problems, condluding that "X and Y eventually land in the comfort zone fans have found themselves in for six generations" and giving the games a four star rating.
Patricia Hernandez of Kotaku didn't give a score, but summarised Pokémon X and Y simply as "Pokémon X And Y Is Everything You Wanted Pokémon To Be As A Kid", using the examples of Mega evolutions, Pokémon-Amie and customisable appearance as things that would appeal to a long time Pokémon fan reliving their childhood experience of the series.
Nintendo World Report awarded an 8/10 score, summarising Pokémon's latest installment as "A weaker Pokémon game [that] is still better than most other games out there." Reviewer Alex Culafi generally praised X and Y's presentation, but noted in particular a disappointing post-game and a heavy reliance on content from previous generations.
Earnest Cavalli of Joystiq was more positive, giving the games four and a half stars and concluding that "Pokémon X and Y aren't just the best-looking Pokémon games to date, they may be the best Pokémon games period", praising in particular the revamped graphic and sound design, non-battle diversions such as Pokémon-Amie and online functionality.
Katy Ellis of Nintendo Life positively noted the smaller focus on gym battles in the main story and the many non-Gym cities that the player will visit. She also praised Game Freak's decision of a worldwide release, stating that "more players than ever before will be able to experience first-hand that indescribable sensation of unearthing brand new Pokémon that have nimbly avoided the dreaded internet leaks." She gave the games 9/10, with her main disappointment being the lack of stereoscopic 3D outside of battles and other select moments.
Computer And Video Games gave the games a 9/10, stating that X and Y's new features "resulted in more innovation than the last three games combined." Reviewer Ben Griffin praised additions such as Super Training, Horde Battles and Pokémon Amie, but was disappointed with a lack of difficulty and occasionally awkward controls.
Many reviews praised the improved online service, which streamlines the experience of battling and trading with the PSS (Player Search System), Wonder Trade and improved Global Trade Station instead of Black and White's reliance on Friend Codes.
The reviews also revealed some previously unknown information about X and Y. Firstly, it was revealed that all Pokémon who participate in battle, no matter how short the duration, receive the full amount of experience points rather than a share. It was also confirmed that Pokémon-Amie provides in-battle bonuses, for example to critical hit ratio and evasion. It was also noted that players are able to give friends and strangers O-Powers, which are temporary stat boosts, through X and Y's online service. Two new towns were also mentioned; the seaside city of Shalour and Snowbelle City in the East. It has also been revealed encounters in cave routes are now confined to avoidable dark areas instead of throughout the entire area, in a similar way to tall grass on a regular route. It has also been confirmed that certain moves will have two types. Patricia Hernandez of Kotaku also hinted at the existence of a Ground/Fairy type Pokémon.
