I started HeartGold as a linked Nuzlocke last January. I thought it would be fun to go back to the game and complete it as a single-player experience to end the year.
Boy, was I wrong.
The issue was that I was approaching this game as a modern title. I had just completed Pokemon Black last week, and while I was a bit underleveled at the end of the story, it was still a doable (and fun) challenge. I used a full team of 6 Pokemon, and would swap around the Exp. Share to keep everyone at the same level the best I could.
I attempted to do the same here, but it quickly became clear the game is not designed for a full team of 6 Pokemon. As of writing this review, I am in Claire's gym (the final one). All of my Pokemon are Level 31. Her ace is 41. The gym trainers are around 35.
The level curve has always been an issue, but the more Pokemon you try to balance the worse it gets. This sucks, because I wanted to finish this game again, but I just don't have the time or patience anymore to grind.
The easiest solution would just be to balance a team around four Pokemon and 2 HM users. I'm pretty sure that's what the developers intended for the player to use as well. Constantly running to the Pokemon Center to swap teams if you don't have an HM user is just frustrating.
Otherwise, the game has aged perfectly. It still looks and sounds fantastic. I want to emphasize how good of a region Johto is, as well. Pokemon was Nintendo's original open-world game; I beat Pryce before going to Cianwood for the first time, just because I could! I love the laid-back nature to Johto. This combined with the walking Pokemon feature really makes you feel like you're a part of the world. It's a down-to-earth journey through familiar territory. I just wish it was fun to play with a full team.
Boy, was I wrong.
The issue was that I was approaching this game as a modern title. I had just completed Pokemon Black last week, and while I was a bit underleveled at the end of the story, it was still a doable (and fun) challenge. I used a full team of 6 Pokemon, and would swap around the Exp. Share to keep everyone at the same level the best I could.
I attempted to do the same here, but it quickly became clear the game is not designed for a full team of 6 Pokemon. As of writing this review, I am in Claire's gym (the final one). All of my Pokemon are Level 31. Her ace is 41. The gym trainers are around 35.
The level curve has always been an issue, but the more Pokemon you try to balance the worse it gets. This sucks, because I wanted to finish this game again, but I just don't have the time or patience anymore to grind.
The easiest solution would just be to balance a team around four Pokemon and 2 HM users. I'm pretty sure that's what the developers intended for the player to use as well. Constantly running to the Pokemon Center to swap teams if you don't have an HM user is just frustrating.
Otherwise, the game has aged perfectly. It still looks and sounds fantastic. I want to emphasize how good of a region Johto is, as well. Pokemon was Nintendo's original open-world game; I beat Pryce before going to Cianwood for the first time, just because I could! I love the laid-back nature to Johto. This combined with the walking Pokemon feature really makes you feel like you're a part of the world. It's a down-to-earth journey through familiar territory. I just wish it was fun to play with a full team.