Excellent video! I'm so glad I watched all of it. Very relatable. I am 31 and have said several times that Pokémon is THE most definitive franchise of my childhood. And most beloved. What a gift it has been for so many.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@raskulx1664 thanks for taking time to watch the whole vid and drop a comment, really appreciate it! It's nice to know there are so many like-minded people out there, as much as this is a personal POV, I thought it might ve relatable to some people
@Wobuffet3
Ай бұрын
"why did we stop exploring?" because game freak stopped giving us things to explore. every route is a hallway
@ShizuruNakatsu
Ай бұрын
That's actually what I thought the video would be about.
@Pichuscute
Ай бұрын
Very disappointed this isn't what the video is about. You can't explore in these games if the routes are hallways, the trainers heal you, the dungeons have been removed, and the content lasts maybe 15 hours tops (SwSh)....
@5boxes
Ай бұрын
I'm like "wait, people don't explore?" Then I remember the recent games are empty... at most I would be looking for glowing spots in the vast open (and very empty) fields filled with Pokemon cosplaying as intrusive ads. There's no actual exploration. Now when I go over a mysterious obscure cave and expect cool looking shit I only get rewarded by a Nugget. Not even a nice looking scene or an unsettling vibe with mysterious lore. (Sun and Moon still had those nice scenic views but it still had straight forward level designs.) Sometimes it's just a dank cave like any other but now with a glorified switch that does something unknown but also uninteresting (and tedious once you know what it's for). Not even some flavor text that adds lore to each stake and make it interesting. Activating switches in places that are hard to get to (takes a long time mostly) but are very obvious really isn't it. It's like they got a better medium to express themselves (3D) but they reverted to making flat uninspired designs.
@KillerSkullX
Ай бұрын
Recently I only started playing ROMS because Game Freak stopped caring about us. I used to play Pokémon ‘competitively’. I loved the easy and accessible EV training and IV grind in Gen 6, but it really fell off. I’m glad that the switch made some childhood dreams come true by having mainline Pokémon games on the big screen, but beyond that they haven’t done much. I miss the battle frontier and challenges, but I realized I’ll just stop playing the new games and play ROM hacks because of the love and effort they put for the games.
@qwart22
Ай бұрын
@@Pichuscutetbf scarlet and violets dlc is quite big
@epicness877
Ай бұрын
It is pretty insane how a series that started out trying to preserve the raw feeling of bug catching in your neighborhood and getting away from an overindustrialized world is getting obscured in an even more industrialized world
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I hadn't connected those dots directly but you're spot on!
@E4439Qv5
Ай бұрын
...and I long for the vanished gardens of Córdova...
@mightza3781
Ай бұрын
Ironically, only Pokemon Go catches the original spirit of the original games; in fact Pokemon Go is the natural evolution of the concept. All the mainline series games made after Gen 1 were little more than DLC and balance patches that were made so Nintendo/Pokemon Company/Game Freak could continue milking what became the highest grossing media franchise in the world. The way players interact with Pokemon in the mainline games had remained largely unchanged until Legends Arceus.
@niicespiice
28 күн бұрын
@@mightza3781 legends arceus is a spinoff though
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
Legends Arceus is terrible. The graphics suck and the gameplay is bad.
@CaPnBaLlBaG
Ай бұрын
My grandma bought me my first Pokémon game when gen 1 dropped in the US. 1999 I think? I was 7. Just lost her to cancer two months ago and hearing you talk about your grandma brought back a lot of warm memories. Thank you for sharing man, that made my day.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Sorry to hear about your Grandma, thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the video. Really appreciate it
@intergalactic92
Ай бұрын
My first game was given to me by my grandmother as well. For me it was pokemon Gold.
@ProjectionProjects2.7182
Ай бұрын
Sorry for your loss.
@Mr6one8_
19 күн бұрын
Same. My grandma got me blue in October 1998.
@MalorakPKMN
Ай бұрын
I lived in a house with a VERY heavy metal ladder that lead up to an attic which I was allowed to turn into a cozy little room all for my own. I'd hide away there, playing Pokémon Stadium, the Gameboy games and sometimes invite friends over. It was awesome. I wasn't hiding FROM anything mind you, I just enjoyed having my own hideout. (which made me LOVE ruby/sapphires secret base feature lol) That beginning clip reminded me of that little place, thank you. Very cozy nostalgia.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing, attics (or lofts in the UK) should be games rooms for sure 😂😂
@Neogeddon
Ай бұрын
Not just the secret bases, but Hoenn in general felt like a cozy hideaway for me. So many secret spots with few or no NPCs. Part of why I didn't like ORAS that much was that feeling is basically gone (why are there trainers underwater lmao) I also had a similar spot; we had a crawlspace upstairs that connected the two bedrooms and it was just tell enough for me to set up my lil tv and consoles and a beanbag chair : ]
@2mccue4u27
Ай бұрын
"We"? Actually come to think of it you got me thinking...and I blame X & Y. Kalos is beautiful, vast, open...& Yet, almost empty. Tons of places that are off the beaten path but most are just empty, feeling unfinished. ORAS kinda scratched that itch thanks to Soaring but then Sun & Moon's linearity crashed it. & Honestly i have not yet played SWSH or SV. Legends: Arceus gave me that thrill of exploration, but i didn't mind the lack of landmarks because Hisui was *supposed* to feel wild & untamed. I'd love to get immersed in a new game again. Hoping Legends: Z-A does that.
@MalorakPKMN
Ай бұрын
@@2mccue4u27 I just finished a playthrough of X/Y and while I really enjoyed it, good lord is it linear. Going back to the main city a bunch of times is a neat idea in concept but winds up making the game feel a bit same-y and it doesn't help that the game was NOT built for bigger cities like it. Camera sucks and it's way too big, I just get lost lol. Hope Legends Z-A truly does that, I'd love to get that game and a Switch again, I kinda sold mine a while ago x_x
@KillerSkullX
Ай бұрын
@@MalorakPKMNXY is a game I’d never replay but only use the competitive training feature.
@cartoonistanonymous
Ай бұрын
God that Pallet Town theme could be weaponized against me I'd die smiling
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Its quite literally the audible definition of nostalgia or a lot of us😂
@t-greenrock404
Ай бұрын
Personally I like Littleroot’s theme more, but they’re both so calming in their own way.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@t-greenrock404 when I was making the video it was a real toss-up between Pallet Town and Littleroot town! But I went for Pallet town just because it was more nostalgic for more people. But I fully agree with you, I like the Littleroot theme a lot!
@AlexTheChaosFox1996
Ай бұрын
For me, New Bark Town's theme is the epitome of nostalgia.
@theeducatedfool
Ай бұрын
I hope the Pallet Theme is playing in the background when it’s time for me to die. It’d be a very reassuring soundtrack to go out on.
@wesleyflocka
Ай бұрын
I haven’t got teary eyed to any KZitem video in my life, hearing your nan was sick really hit me hard. My grandma was the same way always feeding into me and my cousins joy of Pokémon. Often buying us pokemon cards and watched the show with us. She too, passed away, before I got to graduate high school but still in that in between stage as a teenager/young adult going through those dark times with Pokémon also at my side. People who don’t play pokemon don’t truly understand why most of its OG fans stick around. It’s a comfort thing, a nostalgia thing. I am 25 years old and I can say that I haven’t bought the dlc for s/v but i did enjoy the main game. I’m not as hardcore of a fan as I use to be when it comes to completing the games 100% but I can say I still hold pokemon close to my heart. Thanks for the video and thanks for sharing your story.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment, sorry to hear about your nan too. It's good that your nan had a positive influence on your upbringing and encouraged your love for Pokemon as well
@soupe_yt
Ай бұрын
I've never had a video strike such a chord with me. Totally embarrassed myself by crying on the bus home from work while watching this. But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't one of those watches that will stick with me forever. It's reignited a flame in me that I hadn't realized had long since died out, and I'm ready to look at the world through a relearned viewpoint of wonder and curiosity. I want to explore again. (also yes, you have earned my sub. thank you for making this.)
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
My intention wasn't to make anyone cry, although it seems I have done that to so many people, sorry about that😂 I'm glad you enjoyed it though and took the time to let me know that you did too. Thanks for the sub!
@infamoushaseo4320
Ай бұрын
I always feel punished for exploring because I end up way over leveled from random encounters and trainer battles
@Purpose_Porpoise
Ай бұрын
Basically, this. They *NEED* to add a level-upscaling option. We can't explore because when you're overleveled, the whole point of the game, the battles, just devolves into the player mindlessly clicking a. No mental stimulation in that; no fun in that. Give us level-upscaling.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
They might do this one day, we can only hope!
@Zek3nator
Ай бұрын
I think an “expert mode” from Xenoblade Chronicles definitive edition would be better. Give the player an option to level down their team.
@EIbows
Ай бұрын
That's... the reward?
@Neogeddon
Ай бұрын
@@EIbows Agree. If you go out of your way to explore, the RPG implication is you're spending time away training up. Of course you'd return swole as heck and just steamroll. That's the fun!
@novvak168
Ай бұрын
You've done something special. This video resonated with me so strongly. Amazingly, we have a lot of similar experiences, as do many others judging by the comments, I had tears in my eyes at one point. Even if you never become a big KZitem, keep in mind that this video you created caused so many strong feelings in hundreds, maybe thousands of people all over the globe. Very few can say that. You should be proud, very proud Ps. My first game was Emerald, emulated on the PC. All the best from a 26-year-old Pokemon fan from Serbia.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for taking time to comment and leaving such kind words. This was just a passion project I've been working on for about 3months, I'm beyond thrilled that so many people have enjoyed it the way that they have. Crazy to have had someone all the way from Serbia see my video! Thanks again for your comments 💪😁
@Mage-mc7mz
Ай бұрын
That sacred box does not belong in the attic. Blasphemy and Heresy!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Haha I have recently moved house so it's still in the storage phase! 😂😂
@Mage-mc7mz
Ай бұрын
@@rethardotv5874 Not everyone can get one of those machines as they are always sold out.
@2l84me8
Ай бұрын
@@lvl9gligarit’s a great collection!
@Derjeniche1510
Ай бұрын
Man, seeing all those games in their boxes makes me so sad. We never had much money when I was young, so I would always take care of the boxes and put the games back in the box after a play session. And I would just put them proudly on display because I was so happy about the few games that I owned. My Mum threw everything away because she thought it was only the boxes. I am so glad you still got yours.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
That's such a shame to hear, I remember hating it when my parents would clean my room because then I could never find anything. But having had the whole game and boxes thrown away is a different pain 😅
@cs8712
Ай бұрын
thanks, mom...
@Derjeniche1510
Ай бұрын
@@cs8712She is a wonderful person, but that fuck up was major.😅
@houyo
29 күн бұрын
This video made me realize I'm not doing a lot for myself right now and my passion is pretty low. Thanks for that, it helps.
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
How nice.
@lvl9gligar
27 күн бұрын
We all need to take time for ourselves sometimes. Hope you find your passion again
@tibi20024
Ай бұрын
I honestly didn't expect what to think when I clicked on this video but I certainly didn't expect a heartfelt and existential journey on the joy if childhood, the nature of growibg up and rediscovering happiness through nostalgia. While I didn't grow with the Pokemon games, while I was still a kid when Sword and Shield released and while I am not even 20 yet...I can say that I really empathized with this video especially with me turning 20 soon and adult life may seem scary even if I already know what I want to do with my life and the bit with the nostalgia and the part where your talked about the loss of your grandma...I really felt them on a personal level, as I myself lost my grandma(albeit when I was still a kid) and also rediscovered the childhood joy of nostalgia after feeling out of the loop after finishing high school. Even though I only played the first 5 generations of Pokemon games for the first time back during the pandemic and I got that feel of childhood joy of exploring a game through the likes of Genshin Impact or Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated...this video still deeply resonated with me even though you and me had vastly different lives and childhoods. So...what I want to say is. Thank you for making this wonderful video and for making adulthood feel less of a scary thought. Because as long as I keep in touch with the kid in me and I don't lose my way...I know everything will be alright. And I got all that from what I initially thought of as a silly video on Pokemon and its exploration, good job with that and you got my applauses and deep thanks for creating a deeply inspiring video.🎉👏 I apologize if this came off as a long-winded way of telling you that I deeply resonated with your video.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to write such a lengthy, detailed reply. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I love reading comments like this. It really shows you watched the whole thing and took it in on a personal level, which is really nice to hear. I've been making this for around 3 months, so I'm glad the end product has had such a positive reception from so many people. But having a complete stranger write something so kind in such depth is one of the best parts of the video now. Thanks, man
@rohankhatri3226
Ай бұрын
A video that is so close to my heart. Thank you for making this. Pokémon has helped me get through a lot. I started my journey from Vaniville Town and that theme makes me cry even today. I loved every bit of Pokémon X. I lost my mum in 2019, and there was Pokémon Sword to help me through...just by diverting my mind away from the fact that I became motherless. No matter what or how the games were, it helped me through. Again in 2022, I lost my aunt, whom I was the closest to, I could share everything with...and a month later, PLA comes out. What a journey that was in Hisui...I genuinely feel, these Pokémon games have shaped me as a person and have helped me to remain sane inspite of constant family losses. Thank you for this video! ♥️✨️
@cosmicsvids
Ай бұрын
Sorry but pokemon emerald just shits on modern pokemon that game actually has stuff for you to do with your pokemon once you beat the game aside from playing with real life strangers with them. And there are actually tough challenges to complete.
@rohankhatri3226
Ай бұрын
@cosmicsvids and i don't disagree. But ofc I'll have a soft spot for Kalos, as it was my first so...
@lucky-lu6tc
28 күн бұрын
thank you for sharing your story :) i hope you are doing better nowadays
@lvl9gligar
8 күн бұрын
It's really crazy how pixels on a screen or the music from these games set your mind off in such ways. It's comforting to see someone who has had this franchise help them through tough times too, I hope you're doing better every day🫶🫶 all the best to you and yours
@itsyagirlchelsc
Ай бұрын
This video is so beautiful. The past several days I've immersed myself into reliving my love of Pokemon, and I've had a bunch of these thoughts in passing. This video has really encapsulated that. Thank you for this.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I'm glad you liked the video! I just really think this franchise is something special, and has always been a huge part of my life. It's nice that this passion project has had such a positive reception from so many of you😁😁
@CoffeeArtThings
Ай бұрын
I wasn't expecting to cry during this video but the moment the Eterna Forest theme started playing I choked up, PLA gets a lot of hate but I loved every second of it, I grew up on Gen 4 and it felt like a love letter to my childhood. Easily one of my favorite Pokémon games despite its flaws. Edit: SO happy to hear it's in your top 3, so many people disagree 😭
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for the comment, I'm glad the video has resonated with so many different people in so many different ways! PLA is a gem om it's own pedestal for me!
@mylesedgington4229
Ай бұрын
I didn’t know Legends Arceus was disliked. Playing that game reignited that joy I felt when a Pokemon game made me feel like I was on a journey. Legends Arceus was what I think Pokemon needed after a lot of the lackluster Pokemon games on the switch
@sqwark4523
Ай бұрын
this just came on my recommendations. even though life can get in the way, i’ve always played pokemon in some form of fashion. great video mate
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed!
@toxicllama2766
15 күн бұрын
As a kid anything to do with Pokémon was strictly prohibited, hearing about you’re experience brings me so much happiness. I’m just now catching up on all things Pokémon at the age of 19 . I remember when I was 9 on the playground and some nice kid gave me his cubchu card as a sympathy card knowing I didn’t have any while everyone else did some other kids also gave me they’re low stat cards and soon I had a ragtag deck of Pokémon I carried with me everywhere I treasured them all so much going through my deck and admiring the art work on them everyday until my parents found out and threw them all away grounding me for a week for even bringing them in the house. I am now an avid Pokémon player and card collector, with many Pokémon plushies. I am slowly healing that inner child that saw those X & Y ad’s and dreamed of having my own copy of the game someday
@maheshwaranpillai
28 күн бұрын
One of the most profound video essays I have listened to in a while. Excellent work!
@lvl9gligar
27 күн бұрын
Wow, thank you! That's high praise!
@mrgtmodernretrogamingtech6891
Ай бұрын
Boomer Alert : Exploration died when the series jump in 3D, SUN and MOON onwards... I don't know why, but the limitation of 2D really makes you imagine and feel the world of Pokemon more real...
@joeyrutherford6316
Ай бұрын
Wow. I came across your video randomly and thought it was going to be an examination of Pokémon game design. I never expected such a raw and heartfelt examination of your own relationship to the franchise. I ended up sitting on my couch just speechless for a few minutes. Thank you for this video. I hope it felt as cathartic to make as it was for me to watch. Subscribed.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment, I'm happy that so many people seem to have enjoyed the video so much. It's crazy. Appreciate the sub too!
@TrillForTheWorld
Ай бұрын
This is such a gem man, it resonated so hard as a Pokemon fan and just as a kid who wanted to be like ash for so long, thank you
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I think we all wanted to be Ash in some capacity when we were younger. Thanks for commenting, glad you enjoyed it. I've been making it for about 3months
@TrillForTheWorld
Ай бұрын
@@lvl9gligar Glad you finally put your thought to action! can't wait to see what else you come up with :)
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@ToonTrill thanks man, the support has been so unreal. Next video will be a while away but I've got some ideas circulating already!
@charlywthedarkness
27 күн бұрын
Thanks for the Video, im having a hard time with life recently, everything feels cold and gray, breakup, loss, lost my job and being diagnosed with emotional hypersensibility, your Video helped , let's keep strong together and catch them all
@lvl9gligar
27 күн бұрын
You're doing a great job bro, keep it pushing 💪🫡
@alexmoorhead2665
Ай бұрын
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a KZitem video before. From a random guy in the Midwest US, thank you for uploading this. From the sound of things, I’m probably just a couple years older than you. You’ve nailed what I’ve been trying to process, with many things also changing at once in my own life. Loss, obligations, cynicism, exhaustion, wounds both physical and otherwise, failure, work, they all have a way of wearing us down over time, even in short enough timespans as our own lives thus far. It unfortunately makes sense why the “grouchy old man” trope exists. Thank you for reminding me that exploration can exist in infinitely many ways. Personal exploration. Finding some new shop around the corner from where you live. Taking a walk around that small park you’ve never been to. Going to a meeting or get together with complete strangers, just to see what happens. “Just to see what happens”. I like that. Best to you and yours. And may your own journey be filled with exploration, adventure, and experiences that you too can say “I’m glad I did that”. Cheers
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Hey man, thanks for commenting. I'm happy my video helped you feel this way, I think sometimes we don't realise how things get on top of us and warp our perspectives. Really love how well articulated your comment is too. This whole comment section is a reminder that the Internet can be a good place sometimes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts man, good luck with whatever the future holds for you too🫡💪
@areaxisthegurkha
Ай бұрын
From the modern games, i find Pokemon Legends the best game to explore. Being able to enter areas you werent supposed to that early in the game is possible sometimes if put enough time (and a bit of deer jumping) and you get to see all these mysterious areas that you may unlock in the future (similar to Mewtwo Cave or the 3 spirit caves from DP/P). Although it will never triumph my curiosity as a kid when I played Emerald, diving in every deep water, digging every secret base possible, trying to figure out the Regi puzzles (looked up Braille language but still couldn't understand lol). Not to mention, so many rumours about the game were being made in that era, like how you can go to Kanto if you get all the gold medals in Frontier or how you can get Celebi by following a pattern of dumb movements (which many of us fell for, an example being the Mew Truck video). Still, i have hope for Legends Z-A. Seeing X&Y in a new light could grow my curiousity again.
@shytendeakatamanoir9740
Ай бұрын
I truly lovee exploration in Legends Arceus, and it's actually why I resent the Noble Pokemon fights so much. Because they stop me from exploring for a while. The first time I really felt that sense of exploration was in Crystal. I was surfing on route 34 and found the secret beach. I didn't care about the reward that much, but being rewarded for going out of your way was so great.
@areaxisthegurkha
Ай бұрын
@@shytendeakatamanoir9740 yeah I'll be honest, I also felt kinda cringe that Pokemon tried to make a Dark Souls type boss fight instead of focusing on Pokemon Battles.
@uncbun
Ай бұрын
This is such an amazing poetic video. We've had a lot of similar experiences, and I can totally relate to this. I didn't expect to cry today but here we are. I'll forever remember this and the feelings I felt. Fantastic work!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks man, glad you liked it. I'm also glad you understood it too!
@MLPGamer44
Ай бұрын
I think seeing my nieces and nephews playing newer Pokémon games without my influence or involvement really made me realize, no matter my own experience, the younger kids still love it. They don’t know the down sides or the dramas, they just want to play a game with collection goals. I’m hoping to sit down and play with nieces, because while we’re 20 years apart, they still have that explorer spirit that I can help guide them in, somthing i didn’t have with my parents. They were too old, but I can can be there for the next generation with the same interests and mindsets.
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
Same. But legends arceus is still bad.
@MLPGamer44
27 күн бұрын
@@Chris_Thorndyke I spent my time in gen 8, grinding in the wilds until level 40, never advancing, just battling, eventually just rushing through the story. I did the same thing for Arceus. I completed the Pokédex in Arceus before finishing the game and when I did finish Arceus, I basically just stopped playing it. There wasn’t much outside of the legendary pokemon quests. Which I did, but again I just dropped it afterwards. It didn’t have longevity. But I think kids enjoy the open world like we did as kids with Zelda or other games
@forgototherpassword
Ай бұрын
I feel like, to an extent, recent pokemon games wants people to explore, but then also heavily disincentivises doing so mechanically. To explain: The game that had the greatest potential for exploration is Scarlet and Violet, but the game does things to make exploration negatively impact your journey: The always-on experience share means if you want to use a specific team, you'll always be overleveled. Yeah you can use more pokemon than just a single team of six, but I like having a single team that isn't switched out, and I know other people do the same. Despite the game wanting you to explore, you have a very tight budget for exp because of the gyms having set levels and an intended order. Sure, you could just overlevel for gyms and team star and the titans, but that removes any challenge from the game. They allow you to fast-travel from anywhere to any pokemon center in the game, and even some other spots too. Yeah I know fly has always worked like that, but Sword/Shield made it something you can do from the start of the game with the flying taxi system, and it frames travel and exploration as wastes of time. Why walk all the way from Levincia to Cascarrafa for the intended gym order, being forced to take a new path to get there across the top of the map, when you can just warp back to Cortondo and walk from there? The actual important events are marked on your map before you even leave for the first gym. All 18 events. There's no mystery of where the Titans, or Team Star could be. There's no question of "Oh I wonder if the next town has a gym" because it's a waypoint on your map. Now, this isn't to say that everything about exploring in S/V is bad. The game's take on the TM system encourages using the autobattle feature to collect materials, and the various items, some quite useful or valuable, encourage searching every nook and cranny of an area. On top of that there are the Treasures of Ruin, definitely one of the best sets of secondary-legendary pokemon as far as method to obtain goes, and it can be genuinely fun to find all the stakes hidden around the map to free them so you can catch them. I think there are some fantastic incentives to explore, but the game's structure mostly encourages not exploring until the postgame due to the fact that all the badge events are meant to be at specific levels, and if you just go from event to event, badge to badge, you'll get almost all the experience you need without exploring. I say all this as someone who has played through Scarlet twice, and I've even made a full living dex in the game. The exploration and the incentives for it are there, but I found myself constantly putting it off so that my team wasn't overleveled to the point that there's no challenge left. I couldn't excuse actually exploring until I was already in the postgame. In past pokemon games, especially gens 1-4, the game encouraged exploring by having enough experience between all the things you can do between gyms that you'll be just the right level by the next one. If you had a good route through the game, you'd be able to both have you exploration, and also your team should still be around the level of the next gym when you're done. As a little side note to end this section on: I honestly think the mechanic that disencourages exploration the most isn't the EXP-share, but the fact that you gain experience from catching pokemon. Yeah it makes sense that you'd get some experience from it, but it makes catching pokemon for the dex something you might choose not to do because of levels you'd gain. Like many other issues, the game becomes too easy if you let it. Looking back though, older pokemon games just had more to explore in the first place. I'm not referring to the main story, but optional content that you had to go out of your way to do. Kanto routes 13-15 are a redundant set of routes that you never have to visit in any version of the region. It also consistently has the highest density of rewards and trainers to battle in the game. You can choose to use 13-15 as your way to reach Fuschia City, but most people use Cycling Road, also known as routes 16-18. Many players never even touch 13-15. There's also optional dungeons you never have to touch in the Powerplant and the Seafoam Islands. In Johto, there's the whole "you can fight three of the gyms in any order" thing. Granted it's not the best executed, but it's exploration that encourages creativity. In that section of the game there are also multiple (mandatory) dungeons relating to the Team Rocket part of the plot. Then there's the fact that Johto's postgame is getting to explore Kanto again but with new developments and changes to the region. In Hoenn there's multiple sets of routes you never have to go to, the desert, and multiple optional dungeons again in New Mauville, the Abandoned Ship, and the back half of Meteor Falls. There's also the three Regis and having to learn to read braille in real life to know what the carvings are saying without just looking it up. Practically half of Sinnoh's map is hidden optional areas to explore, even if you don't count the postgame areas that exist only for that. For a short list there's the Fuego Ironworks, Iron Island, the Old Chateau, Snowpoint Temple, and Fullmoon and Newmoon Islands. There are other areas as well, but my point is that there is so much optional content that's out of the way in Sinnoh it's kind of insane. I kind of can't speak for Gen V much, as I haven't played a ton of it, but I do know that other than one use of cut all the HMs are used only to reach optional content. I don't know what it is because I don't want to spoil my own exploration, but I do know that much. Oh and the map changes each season, with how some areas are navigated changing in drastic ways, and there's the hidden grotto mechanic in B2/W2, which has you paying closer attention to the environment. From what I've heard, those mechanics make the Unova region have a surprising depth of exploration, despite the region being a circle. Kalos was the first place where I felt the exploration starting to slip. There weren't really any optional dungeons. Even the postgame where you work with Looker was kind of on rails the whole time. Kalso is a circle, but without the mechanics that gave exploration depth in Unova. Sword and Shield... Was mostly a series of Hallways leading from one stadium to another. Other than the wild area stuff, you were on rails the whole way through.... And the wild area was just for catching pokemon and grinding watts. Pokemon had great exploration back in the day, but in recent years what you CAN explore has dropped off significantly. Scarlet and Violet are a good step back in the direction of better exploration, but the game's design habits make exploration come at the cost of game balance.
@Yous0147
Ай бұрын
Exploration is about mystery and getting to know the unkown, some of it pleasent other difficult, but all of teaching you something new. You ask questions like, which cool and interesting Pokemon exist and where do I find them? And these questions have root in even deeper questions like, what are the nature of Pokemon? Why do they exist, where do they come from? The games should give you small pieces that hints at what their true nature is without showing you overtly. And then, in one generation of games, you find out that literally every Pokemon and the world was created by this God Pokemon named Arceus that looks like a mechanical horse and itself came from an egg, and its accompanied by Pokemon that are the manifestation of time, space and antimatter. Oh, and you can catch these primordial forces of nature too. And then it's no wonder the whole intrigue, mystery and need for exploration in the world of Pokemon deflates like a soggy soufflè. 4th gen still had great games, but that mindset was the beginning of what would define the newer games. It's why Zekrom and Reshiram began being "beings of ideals and truth" rather than natural guardians, like Lugia was the guardian of the sea. I feel 3rd gens Kyogre, Groudon and Rayquasa (along with Mewtwo and Deoxys) were the edge of which Pokemon should be in terms of influence and power in the world, without it becoming downright absurd to such a degree that it ruins the verisimilitude.
@KuraiShine4
Ай бұрын
The solution is much simplier.. just implement difficulty options and scaling options like most RPG has. Skyrim stock lvl openworld with scaling lvl dungeon and insides was amazing. You felt the growing power of being able to fight stronger and stronger ennemies in the outside and getting access to new areas while being still challenged in instanced area to a challenge consistantly no matter how much u farmed.
@Shin_Mothra
Ай бұрын
@@Yous0147They should go the Digimon route and have no single, consistent canon.
@forgototherpassword
22 күн бұрын
@@Yous0147 An interesting perspective. I'd not considered the nature of Pokemon themselves to be part of the exploration, but given that in gen 1 it's kinda implied that Pokemon just kinda appeared one day, it makes sense as an angle for exploration. I'd argue that you can still have exploration without this element, as my own complaints are about the regions not being realized in such a way as to make exploration feel good. However, I absolutely agree that the mystery of Pokemon themselves was a major factor in the exploration of gens 1-4.
@forgototherpassword
22 күн бұрын
@@Shin_Mothra I mildly disagree, not with having multiple different canons that are not 1 to 1 with each other, but with Digimon as the example, as I don't think that goes far enough. Digimon are always Digimon, no matter what canon of the franchise you look at. Instead, I'd go with the Final Fantasy approach. You cast the same spells, but how they're learned/used, as well as their place in the world is different with every mainline entry, since they all take place in worlds that are different right down to how magic works. Sure, in world A, Pokemon are just wildlife, but in world B they can be a man-made "has science gone too far?" type thing, while in world C they're the result of Arceus reaching down and making them personally. The closest I can think of for Digimon to this style of approach is Digimon Survive, but even in that game, what Digimon are hasn't changed, only the context and the assumptions of the characters.
@NumaDestroy
Ай бұрын
This really hit home... Pokémon is also one of my most beloved franchises, thanks to it I met friends who after 25 years are still there even though we can only meet twice per year. I have so many memories, the usual rumors in school about Mew in the truck or a secret 252 pokémon if you beat the entire game under 1 hour with a Rattata, reading the magazine for Oak's answers, go into a shop to buy a VHS that told me how to reach Mewtwo in Pokémon Yellow, my first shiny or roaming legendary, sleeping to the music while on a car ride... It's way too much. Gotta say although I kinda feel the same way some people in the comments are expressing about the hallways, redirections and empty places as of late (the thing I hate the most are definitely houses I cannot enter), I really REALLY enjoyed Scarlet/Violet to the point it's my 2nd favorite game and it's because of exploration alone; being able to look down a cliff and see a Pokémon Center along the shores and finding a cave that got to it, seeing an island far into the sea and check what's in it with my heart racing getting ready for a legendary or just verticality overall, not to mention the split story giving variety on playthroughs, the way you had to actually do stuff in order to uncover a legendary kinda like the regis back then, the Area Zero which felt so intriguing and mysterious whenever you got close before the end of the story and the music would just mute keeping your interest...and that's not to mention the way the rivals were written converging in going together to Area Zero or the difficulty in the DLCs with trainers using literal PVP items and moves... I get that there were bugs and the framerate was sometimes unbearable but I don't think that justifies saying the entire game is a bad or meh experience because of that, we forget we grew up with pixels and back then nobody was angry when we discovered the Abandoned Ship in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald was hella tiny and once inside it was HUGE. I think SC/VI got underrated way too fast and 2-3 generations later they will get praised.
@slushbucket707
Ай бұрын
I wanted to have a fresh feeling of exploration when S/V came out so i decided to never look anything up. I still only have one treasure of ruin
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@slushbucket707 this is refreshing to hear, I remember before the Internet I would play games as I kid and get stuck for weeks trying to figure out what to do because I couldn't just Google the answers. In a way, I kinda miss those times 😂
@jacobstewart9139
Ай бұрын
Absolutely, bro! I remember playing gsc for my first game and getting stuck so many times
@kipyt3501
Ай бұрын
@@jacobstewart9139 Fr bro ive been playing all the old games for the first time I started in Lets go but I've been playing through all the old games building bonds with new pokemon and getting stuck and having to explore everwhere. I got stuck for like 3 hours trying to unlock slowpoke well lol
@Acacius1992
Ай бұрын
I hate nothing more then being stuck so i absoltuly not miss those times
@BorisTheGoose92
Ай бұрын
I've chosen to be blind with Pokemon since X&Y and I wholly believe my non existent awareness of what was coming made me love the game series again.
@ArtyCollectz
Ай бұрын
Pokémon will forever be a rock and safe haven for so many of us.
@DaNooch669
Ай бұрын
Excellent video my guy. I resonate with what you said about your personal life and journey so much
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I appreciate that, thanks for watching!
@vegamineral207
Ай бұрын
I never forgot the point of Pokémon, the point was to catch 'em all
@maliksmith9003
Ай бұрын
Haven't seen the video yet, but my two cents: the old 2D games still had HMs that allowed routes to have side paths that you could return to and give you little rewards for taking the time to comb through the map. The interconnected room-style map design allowed for designers to take liberties in- Oh Dear God. That's the plot of Up? 😢
@JoeFallucco
Ай бұрын
Imagine you kept everything from your childhood. What a crazy life you would have
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I think a lot of us would be rich too😂😂
@SotraEngine4
Ай бұрын
I think one aspect is the lack of the grass mechanic in newer pokemon games. Now you can much more choose if you want to encounter pokemon and which pokemon to encounter That said I felt I went exploring in pokemon Violet
@cinderefell1399
Ай бұрын
Nah, I never stopped exploring. The games just felt emptier than the last title. Break a rock and it's one single path to a dead end for a berry. The berry is not the problem here, it's the single path that doesn't branch out to anything.
@slipsquid3797
Ай бұрын
It's like that in older games too. If you're gonna call something out hold that same standard to everything else
@M4x_P0w3r
Ай бұрын
@@slipsquid3797 Not really. Sometimes you had full on routes that you didn't need to visit for story purposes, filled with many rewards.
@ItsNep
Ай бұрын
@@slipsquid3797 definitely not true. as the other guy pointed out there are plenty of side routes and optional locations/events in other titles. think about the abandoned ship in rse, the regi puzzle, ruins of alph, etc. i love gen 5 but that's when it started to get much more linear and yet there is still so much to be found going back to areas with access to new HMs, checking them out during different seasons for new encounters and items.. all stuff you had to go out of your way to find.
@slipsquid3797
Ай бұрын
@@ItsNep for every ruin of Alph there was a tree that only lead to apricorns I remember seeing those alot. Gen 5 had hidden grottos different routes for getting through places. I'd say they did it the best. Just one reason why gen 5 is the best gen but that's a different discussion.
@pierreauburtin2218
Ай бұрын
@@slipsquid3797 lol no
@cwinchcarwash2629
18 күн бұрын
The part about your nan is beautiful. Its my favourite part of the video ❤️ I'm very glad you got to know what sounds like such a great person and had them in your life, and that you have those memories 🙏 This turned out to be one of my fav KZitem vids iv seen, thank you
@lvl9gligar
18 күн бұрын
Thanks man, that's crazy high praise. Seriously. I'm taken aback everyday from all the insanely nice comments people have left. The idea of being one of someone's favourite youtube videos is really great to hear. Thanks for taking the time to let me know man, all the best to you and yours 💪🫶
@CoralReaper707
Ай бұрын
I've grown to hate the forced exp share and the pc being accessible at all times. It takes away any challenge or sense of danger the game had. I LOVE exploring in video games because I am endlessly curious.
@wailmerwithinternetaccess7934
Ай бұрын
Sadly, some ROM hacks did this kind of stuff, claiming to focus on battle aspect.
@CoralReaper707
Ай бұрын
@@wailmerwithinternetaccess7934 (cough cough) Radical Red
@wailmerwithinternetaccess7934
Ай бұрын
@@CoralReaper707 Wailmer used Dive!
@user-lp5vo6qb2i
Ай бұрын
as someone who hates to grind, i dont mind the EXP share, i actually really like it. But i hate it when exploring makes me overleveled. I think this would just be fixed by adding a Level cap...simple as that, or Level Scaling. Both are super easy to add to
@zandosdwarf-king
Ай бұрын
@@user-lp5vo6qb2i swap your team more frequenly. Removing leveling (aka level scaling) makes RPGs worse
@somegamer4071
Ай бұрын
This was a great video, I'm a pokemon fan since gen 1, that intro of going to the attic hit me so hard. Gotta remember to explore :D
@gnomefuel
Ай бұрын
get a few quarters, go find a capsule toy machine, collect some “pokeballs” and go catch some bugs
@Inneys
21 күн бұрын
Damn, this actually just made me rethink a large portion of my current life status. Thank you so much for this!
@lvl9gligar
21 күн бұрын
That's all good man, you're welcome I suppose🫡 enjoy what the future holds for you
@coltonxq2723
Күн бұрын
Clicked for Pokémon, stayed for the nostalgia, emotions, and philosophy. Well done
@Grvmdxl
Ай бұрын
I stopped playing Pokemon since Diamond/Pearl era, I returned to the saga with Sword/Shield. It felt empty, soulless. I looked over the internet, no extra puzzles, no exploring, no cryptic stuff I remembered loving on pokemon. That was a sad day for me.
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
At least Sword and Shield was balanced for the most part.
@GalekC
Ай бұрын
that's like the second time in a week someone randomly in a youtube video i see references that scene in ratatouille
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
It's definitely a cultural reference from our generation 😂
@Nako3
15 күн бұрын
It makes me sad that there is nothing to explore anymore. I hope they bring it back.
@Pierceson-up8fs
Ай бұрын
I feel like we need to have a conversation about “quality of life” changes and how people use this statement too much to deflect criticism. I think these type of changes are the primary problem for why exploration no longer feels rewarding. The forced exp share, gift items, and constant access to the box remove any sense of threat in the world, which removes any need to explore. Exploring ends up hurting one’s enjoyment now, because it only serves to make the actual battles even more mindless. You’re too overleveled before you even start exploring, you have too many items that getting more from exploring isn’t an incentive, and you don’t even need the items because you have access to your PC and healthy Pokémon at any time. Pokémon used to be a game of resource management, but the “quality of life” “improvements” have rendered that side of the gameplay obsolete. It’s an annoying chore to even try to get the games to be the same level of difficulty they used to be, and I feel like it would be incredibly easy to fix this issue for fans that want a harder game without removing the option for an easier game for less experienced players
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I think it'll be difficult for the Pokemon Company to appease everyone, especially as they view their franchise as being for kids. I would love to see difficulty settings or something similar for the people who want that though. I think that's why I loved Legends Arceus so much because you weren't over levelled too much and the alpha Pokemon were threatening throughout the game. Hopefully they build on this in Legends Z-A
@Pierceson-up8fs
Ай бұрын
@@lvl9gligar I get why they’re afraid of it. Pokémon’s not just for kids, but it is also for casual’s too. I know people that love everything about the franchise except for the battles. They want to cater to people that want to engage with the battle system as little as possible, and that’s fine. I just really think they can do both, and it’s not just for adult fans. Kids vary greatly in skill level too; they’re often better than adults and is why games like Fortnite can be so popular with them in spite of it being difficult to win. I really think they can do both by just giving us options, very simple options at that
@EWOODJ
Ай бұрын
That’s what happens when people don’t agree with the criticisms.
@gmerc1333
Ай бұрын
you should make a video about this
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@gmerc1333 thanks for the idea man, I'll have a think about it
@zjmullan
Ай бұрын
nice cinematic attic
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@zjmullan thanks bro, me and my bro used to play Lego up there when we were kids so my dad made it aesthetically pleasing I guess 😂😂
@rainpooper7088
Ай бұрын
At the risk of sounding like a genwunners, I think Kanto of all places did a pretty good job on the exploration side of things with what it had that no other region really replicated. I was playing Leaf Green for the first time a while back (only played Gen 1 on VC) and legitimately found myself looking at the map like "Ok, there's a Snorlax here and here and no entering Saffron until I get a drink at Celadon. Pokéflute is at Lavender, let's see where I'll get first." Even if you already know Kanto, there's still a bit of a problem solving component to it. None of the other Pokémon games do this. They're either very linear (more or less justifiably so) or if they aren't, it's just a random jumble of stuff that is nowhere near as interconnected as Kanto was. Yeah, you can beat Pryce before Jasmin and the other guy in Gen 2, but there's nothing to entering his city, if you went there ahead of time you likely just stumbled into it on accident and don't feel any sense of reward for making it this far. Same with just about everything in SV. Open worlds and "go wherever you want" are nice and all, but I'd rather see another game have a go at that puzzle component Gen 1 had.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
This is actually a very good take, I supposebwe don't think about these things anymore because gen 1 is so old and we know so much about it, and it's been remade a few times too
@eljuarez29
Ай бұрын
This is the most relatable story of your experience with Pokémon I as well started with yellow with my bro on a green game boy color then moved to game boy sp with a copy of a silver and ruby and red mystery dungeon that I got at a swap meet and yeah as u get into high school you tend to grow up and out grow Pokemon my bro did as well and I got back into it by a friend at work stated that he love Pokémon and I was genuinely shocked that people still like Pokémon so I decided to look for my red game boy sp and I was able to find and restore it so I decide to get a 3ds with Pokémon omega ruby and it got me back into Pokémon again I’ve been playing Pokémon since and yeah the newer game kinda suck but I was finally able to play Pokémon heartgold which has a special place in my heart your video was so relatable that it made me appreciate your life experience and how Pokémon changed our life I want to thank you for sharing your story it made me love Pokémon even more
@ProfessorRex
Ай бұрын
I really miss that first couple months of Pokémon Go - it was a grand time for adventure. I really liked this video though. It’s making me think a lot about my ability to turn Pokémon into a Journey
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Me too man, everyone was playing it. It was such a good time to be a Pokemon fan
@gaius5901
Ай бұрын
I know people always complain about Unova and it being a literal "circle" and very linear, but at least 95% of all their routes had off the path areas you can freely explore and aren't just hallways
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I also think a lot of the Unova routes are aesthetically very pleasing too, and I like how different seasons affect how you can access parts of the routes too
@anonanonymous9670
Ай бұрын
"I know people always complain about Unova" Literally where?? I've only seen people praise Unova 24/7
@Dinnos100
Ай бұрын
@@anonanonymous9670 People used to hate Unova. You traveling in a straight line through the region was one of the complaints. One and a half decades later, the games are now beloved. Time strongly affects the perception of games.
@anonanonymous9670
Ай бұрын
@@Dinnos100 "Time strongly affects the perception of games." Yeah, it's the Pokemon cycle Eventually people who played the games will grow up and they'll be nostalgic for them Happened with Gen 3, happened with Gen 4 and happened with Gen 5 Will happen with other Gens too
@mikerolfe1842
Ай бұрын
When it came out it was heavily criticised. Looking back, 5th gen is amazing
@Gold_Er
Ай бұрын
I nearly actually cried from remembering some nostalgic things as a kid. Very well made video❤
@lvl9gligar
25 күн бұрын
Apologies for the tears, but I'm glad it made you think. That was what I wanted to achieve from this, thanks for your comment too
@joanneclg
Ай бұрын
Made a channel just to comment - this video was a pile of chopped onions for me too! You captured my sentimentality towards Pokemon perfectly! I also remember the period right before Generation 4 when I took to ROM hacking the GBA games because I was so impatient and wanted to create more characters/stories in the Pokemon universe. It's unsurprising and also heartwarming to see such online communities still flourishing - seems like many people retained the nostalgia. Amazing touch with the text box at the end, and taking a second to let that Mystery Dungeon dialogue roll. Cheers YT algorithm for suggesting this video😁 Edit: my first game was also Gen 3 Kanto, except it was Fire Red. Memories!!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for your little story, it was a great read! I really tried to use/think of all the things that I think of when I think 'nostalgia'. It's a shame that more people haven't play the PMD series of games because then they'd enjoy it even more I think! Gen 3 Kanto defo holds a special place in my heart for sure!
@celinepope
27 күн бұрын
Leaf Green was my first OWN Pokemon game too. Oh man. My hideaway was under my stairs. As a child with severe anxiety, that cubby under the basement stairs was my sanctuary. I explored the Sevii Islands to no end in there. One day, my game was suddenly missing. How I longed for that feeling. I don't know if I got Emerald before or after Leaf Green was lost..
@lvl9gligar
25 күн бұрын
Yo man, I used to love exploring the Sevi islands too when I was younger. I remember the first time I saw a Heracross in the Patern Bush. Man I love that bug
@jithinkumar7985
Ай бұрын
People who don’t have this innate connection to Pokémon can’t really understand how much it has taught me and how much of who I am now stems from what I learnt from playing these games. Why blaziken is my favourite Pokémon stems back to my first ever elite4 in Pokémon ruby where I managed to win the league only because of sky uppercut and blazekick after using a random elixir and leppa berry I had left. I learned that I could find a win even in the worst of situations as long as I stay calm and assess the situation. I can’t explain this to people who have never played the games. I can’t explain how this was a lesson I could have only learned from Pokémon at that age. But I’m glad I clicked on this video. It makes me happy to see others talk about Pokémon the same way I do.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Some people get it, some people don't. Glad you're in the same boat as me! Blaziken is a very cool starter Pokemon. The Hoenn starters are the only 3 I find it hard to pick a favourite from, personally. They're all really cool
@lucky-lu6tc
28 күн бұрын
@@lvl9gligar yea, they are the best trio imo every other trio has a clearly worst starter
@s.k.6100
Ай бұрын
Pokemon Red is one of the only few good memories I have of my dad. He bought me Pokemon Red and a Gameboy Pocket. I remember I couldn't figure out how to leave your house and he figured it out in 5 minutes or so. After that, he gave it back to me and told me to have fun. My love for Pokemon really is something tied to him on that one Christmas and it's a memory I never take for granted. I've had a very estranged relationship to him and to this day I haven't talked to him in 15+ years. But this really captured how it felt to be that kid who had the game then and was just so eager to go out and explore. Pretty sure I still have my Pokemon Red game, but the battery inside died less than a year after I got it. Unfortunately, the save game is no longer around.
@stijnderksen1837
Ай бұрын
What a great video. I was hooked to it the entire time. Thanks for making it.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching it, it's been something I've wanted to make for a long time. Glad it's had a positive reception!
@CarlJoshuaPornelos
Ай бұрын
Pokemon truely is a game we will continue to criticize yet we will still play and enjoy
@cosmicsvids
Ай бұрын
Problem with pokemon is you can only do the same thing so many times until it gets boring the only thing they have changed is open world and they haven't really done a good job of it because with out level scaling theres really only two gyms to choose from at one time.
@sylvyboi
27 күн бұрын
I still play and enjoy older games. Stopped buying the newer ones ages ago
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
@@cosmicsvidsThis is very true. Game Freak needs to let another game company make their games because GF is losing their touch.
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
@@sylvyboiWhat’s your favorite Pokemon game?
@sylvyboi
27 күн бұрын
@@Chris_Thorndyke If I had to pick one then I think BW2. But to me it's really hard to choose just one because a lot of Pokemon games up to the 3DS are amazing
@bunny_wilder
Ай бұрын
4 weeks vacation per year? I've had 14 days in the last 3 years, people in Europe have it so good 😭
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I assume you're American? If so, sorry for flexing with the 4weeks holiday😂 hope you get more holiday somehow soon bro. I'd say move to the UK but it's not great here 😂
@doomsdayrabbit4398
Ай бұрын
@@lvl9gligarWe have to fix the representation issue we have that we fought you guys about first. Literally if you guys had the same number of people per seat in Parliament as we have in Congress, you'd have less than 90 MPs in Commons.
@Dinnos100
Ай бұрын
14 days in 3 years is absolutely criminal!
@Canarye
Ай бұрын
this intro was so good, it really matched the theme
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks, I had the idea for a while too. Glad you liked it
@nazimelon6653
29 күн бұрын
Because there's nothing to find anymore. In the earlier gens, every time I went off the beaten path, I found something new. A regi-cave, giratinas hideout, a missing plasma-leader, articuno. Any mythical pokemon, small side quests or even just lore. The disappointment started around gen 6, as most negatives about pokemon did. In gen 7, you got some of that back but then it's like 3 steps off the beaten path. And the few times it was more... You found the flyinium z with no story behind it. Later you found out that there was a story and that got canceled. In sword and shield, you found new dens and watt-traders at most. And in SV... nothing. I tried, really tried. Just walked and rode across paldea... but nothing. Area zero was inaccessible until the post-game and once I got there, holy fuck was it an experience... but going there again didn't do anything. No hidden pokemon, areas, items or more lore... just some roaming pokemon and cool areas. Which, while fun and all, doesn't really feel rewarding.
@nintendonerdjoseph
Ай бұрын
We "stopped exploring" because Gamefreak removed the emphasis of exploration from their game design.
@steviecollins8425
Ай бұрын
Beautiful editing and script writing! Apart from the mic quality im blown away that youre new. Keep it up man! Great stuff
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks man, appreciate it😊
@LemonCait
19 күн бұрын
This is an amazingly written and wonderful video. Exploration really should be encouraged in so many different ways and hopefully ZA will embrace that as much or more.
@lvl9gligar
18 күн бұрын
Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it and agree with my stance on exploring. Let's keep it going 🫡💪
@eriseasyeats5473
18 күн бұрын
Your Nan sounds like a total diamond. 💚 I’m so sorry she, you, and your family had to say goodbye in such awful circumstances. This video is brilliant and perfectly encapsulates how so many of us feel about this franchise. I’ve been incredibly forgiving of glitchy graphics in the later games, but that might be due to my tendency to suffer motion sickness if graphics are too good and because I’m just enjoying the gameplay so much. Thanks for making this trip down memory lane. 💚
@lvl9gligar
8 күн бұрын
She sure was, I kinda wish she was still here so I could explain to her about what KZitem is and stuff, if that makes sense? But yeah I'm really glad you enjoyed it, especially as it's mostly personal and anecdotal. If been really nice to see so many people resinate with this video and this franchise 🫶
@emmett4733
Ай бұрын
My elementary/middle school friends and I would show off our card collections to each other, discuss hidden secrets rumored to be in the games, and act out pokemon battles on the playground. I drew pokemon and made OCs and crappy little comics and stories starting at like age 11, all the way to now at age 30, and made several friends over the years on Tumblr and DeviantArt from posting my stuff and interacting with other pokemon related content. I met my fiancee in early 2014 directly because of the friend safari feature in pokemon xy. (I was looking for hidden ability eevee and her safari had them, and we exchanged friend codes, which led to us talking to each other on tumblr!) And almost all of the money I’ve earned now doing art is from pokemon related commissions and pokefusion design sales. Pokemon has been such a huge part of my life; I genuinely can’t imagine how different of a person I would be right now if the pokemon franchise had never existed (or if I’d not been allowed to watch the anime, collect the cards, or play the games).
@alecrutz6979
Ай бұрын
I'm glad you found your fiancee through pokemon and all but something about that happening through the friend safari so that you could get eevee is hilarious to me
@emmett4733
Ай бұрын
@@alecrutz6979 oh yeah for sure, it’s a weird way to have met anybody but especially someone you also end up falling in love with and getting married to 😂
@CaptainFalcoyd
Ай бұрын
Terrifying sinking feeling when the video of a guy going up to the attic to dig out his ancient childhood Pokémon games reveals a gameboy advance and the third generation games rather than Red and Blue. Even the old fogeys looking to relive their nostalgia and share it in videos like this are now youngsters who didn't actually experience the origins of what they're talking about.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I played Red, Blue and Yellow, I just played FRLG more so have more nostalgia for it personally
@notachargeshot6325
Ай бұрын
I was ruminating on similar ideas when I was playing Pokemon Black, the first Pokemon game that I had played extensively. I think it is a good thing to look back to those times and develop a new understanding of what you felt and are feeling now. I am happy to have listened to this video as I had hoped people were thinking and feeling similar things to me. Here is to the future.
@sleeps_alm08
Ай бұрын
I benefited from exploration by growing up with Pokemon and Zelda at the same time. Different premise but still lots of exploration and novelty.
@sondrenorheim8316
Ай бұрын
Great video! Have a feeling this will go viral
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
@sondrenorheim8316 thanks man, glad you enjoyed it! Potentially, I'm just happy it's gotten over 1k views already, in my head I was hoping for at least 100😃
@JtothePrez
Ай бұрын
Good video, mate! I still remember where and when I was during my first encounter with Lugia in Gold. Spent hours crawling through the Whirl Islands and the shock when I saw that sprite in the water after all that effort. I still look at all the Pokemon I've transferred to Ultra Sun from the previous games like my dream world Arceus, and shiny Palkia, Dialga and Giratina I got from GAME when they were giving them out for a while. Me and my friends would have imaginary Pokemon teams that we would battle with on the playground at school and always be drawing up our own Pokemon in class. I don't think there's been anything that has impacted me that much since.
@RDPSteel
19 күн бұрын
Those mystery dungeon quotes hit every. single. time! This was a great video man!!
@lvl9gligar
18 күн бұрын
Thank you, I love those games so much ans I feel like they really encapsulated a lot of the themes and feelings I was trying to explain throughout
@retroredix
Ай бұрын
Great video! i really enjoyed how your nan fostered your love of pokemon
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thank you!
@JohnDoe-wt2zz
Ай бұрын
That regigigas quest line in gen 3 emerald was peak pokemon exploration/questline
@ScionStorm1
Ай бұрын
Regigigas was not introduced until Gen 4...
@JohnDoe-wt2zz
Ай бұрын
@@ScionStorm1 yes, its my bad for wording it this way. I meant the braille enigmas for regice and the other regis that were indeed in gen 3.
@statlergrey2260
Ай бұрын
That was a really nice video, dude. Thank you for making it, and publishing it for all of us to see. Take care of yourself, and keep following your dreams!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks, I will sure try. All the best to you too🫡😁
@dannyjarratt5414
Ай бұрын
This was a beautifully written video essay. It feels a tad self-centric, a personal experience argued that it is a universal experience. Regardless, you're young, and you're clearly passionate, so you made a lovely video. Thank you.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment, this was just a passion project I had been wanting to make for a while, and was meant to be more for myself. I suppose that's why it feel very self-centric. That being said, judging by the comments, a lot of people actually feel very similar to me, or at least found one part they resonated with, which is kinda crazy. Glad you enjoyed it 😊🫡
@Solaxer
Ай бұрын
Gamefreak will likely never release a good Pokémon game again, and that used to make me really sad. But after discovering romhacks, I couldn’t care less about what GameFreak does.
@highsol222
Ай бұрын
Oh it was so easy back then! Hiding behind the video game and exploring vicariously without the boulders of adulthood crushing my spirits everyday. The story of how I got into pokemon is weird, but it's basically everything real life is not. I'm randomly just given the pokemon game and things seem are amazing even as I was deep in poverty. My second game was leaf green. Took some convincing, but mum got it for me as a Christmas present, again with us being in deep poverty. The excitement in my heart was otherworldly in those years of my life. The crappy part is I'm not very good at keeping relics. Forget the save files! I don't even have a clue what happened to the games. Got a little jealous seeing your copy with the box and everything lmao.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Sorry to hear about your upbringing, it sounded tough. I'm glad Pokemon gave you some respite during those times too. I've never gotten rid of any of my games, eventually they become retro and everyone wants to play them again, that's the circle of gaming it seems 😂
@highsol222
Ай бұрын
@@lvl9gligaryeah it was freaking rough indeed, but pokemon did help to brighten my days. It's so nice that you kept everything though. Wish I knew to do that when I was younger.
@brofessorbon
7 күн бұрын
Fantastic video my friend this really hit home and hard right in the feels. I may have gotten extremely emotional towards the end relating to your struggles. Thank you for making this and putting your heart into it. May the 900+ subs soon become 9M because you deserve to be noticed.
@jeffsavilleproductions
3 күн бұрын
“We didn’t know we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” - Winnie The Pooh
@KamiLeVrai
Ай бұрын
Why did i stop exploring ? Because everytime i wanted to take an alternative path there is someone blocking me from going in that area, i can only follow the main direction. Was thinking Scarlet and Violet would be more funny but you have a map that show you every point where you have to go so you just do straight lines because the areas are empty... Its just a to do list : complete X objective that is pinpoint on the map to progress.. You dont get to discover things if you look at content on the internet because every content creator already completed the game Day 1 and post "The best Guide to progress in" "All the secrets in" before you even complete half of the main quest Then you have to rush to the endgame if you want to keep up with conversation topic online... No endgame content beside shiny hunting and competitive battle. I miss the battlefrontier, kanto exploration after johto ,side quests
@ScionStorm1
Ай бұрын
That just sounds like a personal choice problem for you with Scarlet and Violet. As soon as I got released to explore I went off the road at every opportunity. Wandered the canyons on the way to one town, and the hills in the other direction. Followed the water up stream. Scaled the southwest mountains even though there's no town or event on the map listed there just for the view. I tried to scale the backside of the mountain in attempt to reach Alfornada without using the cave path. I found a small cave that I could only get to by falling off a cliff in just the right angle cause I hadn't unlocked flying yet. I barely ever had to buy items in the early game because kept finding what I needed just by exploring wherever I was.
@Chris_Thorndyke
27 күн бұрын
Scarlet and Violet’s lack of post game content is scary
@NeoVenomStrike
Ай бұрын
Fantastic video and definitely earned my sub
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for subscribing!
@SenatorZigs
Ай бұрын
Beautiful video, surprised me how similar my experience was to yours, it actually made me cry, keep it up
@solearz
Ай бұрын
Masterpiece brother. Thank you for this beautiful creation. I’m sorry for your losses as well. Godspeed.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I appreciate that, thanks for watching bro. Glad you liked the vid!
@carlocacho5733
Ай бұрын
this video resonates so much with me, well done mate
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Glad it's relatable, thanks for letting me know 😊
@MasonRodriguez-l5n
Ай бұрын
This video is really good I hope your channel grows in subs you deserve it keep up the good work man
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks so much man. Really appreciate the feedback. I'm looking to continue making these longer form, video essay type videos
@the518seminole
Ай бұрын
Man that intro hit like a nostalgia truck Also, got to the point in the vid talking about your limited time with your beloved Nan. First, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m currently spending as much time as possible with my gram, as she’s widowed with my pop passing from Covid. Your story and all your nostalgic sentiments hit real close to home for me. Thanks a ton for this video brother
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Hey man, firstly really glad you enjoyed the video and found it relatable. Secondly, sorry about your Pop, grandparents are really special to a lot of us. Thanks for your comment too, really appreciate it bro. Enjoy life and keep moving 🫡😊💪
@LetsPlayJ7
Ай бұрын
Dude, this was so emotional. im glad you shared this to us. im touched right at the bottom of my heart. and thanks!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I've just been wanting to make it for a while, I'm glad it's turned out as good as it has. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it, really appreciate it
@pokegamerindia8831
Ай бұрын
Wow such a beautiful and detailed video. Couldn't have said it any better. I never played Pokemon games in my childhood cuz they weren't available but when I discovered them I developed an uniquely liking to old retro games and decided to complete them. Also you should check out new GBA rom hacks which are being made recently. They're really great and you'd love them. I'm also thinking to buy a physical handheld like Anbernic or something and once again great video!!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm looking at trying to play some rom hacks in the future, I hear many good things about them. For a retro console that can play rom hacks, I'd recommend the 'Powkiddy x55' I've used one of these people and they're a really good bit of kit
@williamgilbert4099
Ай бұрын
Awesome video! Really enjoyed!
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
Thanks for commenting, glad you enjoyed it! 😁
@wannabewyvern
Ай бұрын
The first section of the video made me cry so goddamn hard. drawing, exploring outside, going to the park, still things i regularly do, even though i am due to turn 18 in little over a month. I hope these things never lose their wonder for me.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
I think its important to make a subconscious effort to not allow yourself to lose the wonder of some of the things you loved as a child. If you do that then you'll likely be happier than 90% of other adults I'd imagine 💪
@mylesedgington4229
Ай бұрын
Don’t worry. I’m in the same situation, heading off to college soon. I’ve felt like growing up has helped me to enjoy things I loved as a kid. You can gain a whole new perspective on these things if you just keep letting yourself enjoy life. Hopefully we both can hold on to those feelings
@bakabinch
Ай бұрын
absolute genius, the closeness to heart of this video/concept strikes me so deeply. Thank you so much for sharing!! KZitem is better for it
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
"KZitem is better for it" is a crazy statement. Thanks so much. It really means a lot 😊
@spyfire242
Ай бұрын
Pokemon S/V for all its faults has breathed new life into my love for Pokemon. Just having the open world and half decent writing for once has given me that sense of wonder and hope for the future of the series again. I hope they actually take their time with gen 10 because there is so much potential and I'd hate for it to be once again riddled with bugs and performance issues.
@pikshromisbad
Ай бұрын
If u want better writing try black and white and their sequels especially with a memory link if there are any emulators for that
@UltraBall23
Ай бұрын
Gen 10 is going to be out no later than 2026.
@PyroGothNerd
Ай бұрын
I feel the same. Sure, it had glitches, but there was so much to explore.
@책쪼아먹는학헌
Ай бұрын
Gen 10 for 30th anniversary isn't that bad Do your thing GameFreak pls…
@bchavez149
Ай бұрын
I got my start in Gen 2, Gold version was my favorite game for so long. Had so many memories playing Pokemon, I even had a copy of Fire Red that has almost every box, filled with Paras from different trainers from trading with classmates. I wasn't a huge fan of the newer games, gen 7 and 8, but I picked up Violet and figured I'd give it a try. I literally started crying with a wave of pure nostalgia washing over me when I heard the sample from New Bark town in the song for the first area in the game where you start in your house, it hit me like a ton of bricks, I wasn't ready. It's been so many years since I first heard it, more than 3/4th of my life, but as soon as I heard it... I was a kid again. Although the game was rushed and flawed, so was Gold version and many of the games in between, so I played it with just as much love as I had for Gold version on my GBC so many years ago.
@lvl9gligar
Ай бұрын
It's crazy how the music of these games can make you feel isn't it?
@bchavez149
Ай бұрын
Yeah, it's little things like these that let me know I'll never truly outgrow these games, I'll be a pokemon fan when I'm old and gray.
@FynnjeminFranklin
Ай бұрын
Bro just casually got a box worth a few ks in his attic
@JacobBurchell
7 күн бұрын
What a fantastic video, you should be proud of yourself! I have much of the same feelings towards Pokemon as you do, especially the core memories with your Nan. It was my nan who first bought me my first Pokemon game, Red version, which ignited my love for Pokemon, and i will always cherish those early memoires I have of playing it endlessly at her house. Those were the days for sure.
@lehearse662
Ай бұрын
The point of Pokémon is to sell you the game twice.
@L1nkk9E
Ай бұрын
Just play with a friend?
@valentds
Ай бұрын
@@L1nkk9E who has friends now? especially who play the same game
@Pickers1997
Ай бұрын
We stopped exploring because there’s nothing to explore
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