Though I've always thought of XY as the weakest of the mainline base titles, in retrospect there are certain things about it that I like and respect about it. In particular, after SV, I appreciate the generic NPC trainer designs (not just Hex Maniac but her too), the great player trainer fashion, and some of the towns.
On the other hand, the music is a lot of bland and generic orchestrated music, a huge step down from the distinct and memorable midi music of previous titles. Only a few tracks are good and they're often only heard in too short of a time.
That sums up the main story and game as well - there's a hint of something interesting here and there, but overall the game is rationed out in too small portions. It says a lot that the short post-game bonus Emma/Looker scenario would have made for a better main scenario than what was actually the main story. And I said that the generic NPC trainers are good, but many of the actual named trainers kind of fall short of being memorable, including most the gym leaders and elite four.
Mega Evolutions are a vexing addition to the series, kinda cool and giving some Pokemon a second chance but also poorly balanced and it took actual evolutions away from some Pokemon that could have used one. I also think the Mega Evos are why there aren't as many new Pokemon this gen. Also, the in-game difficulty was toned down too much, so it's not really satisfying.
Overall, the sum of the parts combined create a bland experience that I think is still one of the weaker titles. Maybe they'll do better next time during their next go in Kalos.
On the other hand, the music is a lot of bland and generic orchestrated music, a huge step down from the distinct and memorable midi music of previous titles. Only a few tracks are good and they're often only heard in too short of a time.
That sums up the main story and game as well - there's a hint of something interesting here and there, but overall the game is rationed out in too small portions. It says a lot that the short post-game bonus Emma/Looker scenario would have made for a better main scenario than what was actually the main story. And I said that the generic NPC trainers are good, but many of the actual named trainers kind of fall short of being memorable, including most the gym leaders and elite four.
Mega Evolutions are a vexing addition to the series, kinda cool and giving some Pokemon a second chance but also poorly balanced and it took actual evolutions away from some Pokemon that could have used one. I also think the Mega Evos are why there aren't as many new Pokemon this gen. Also, the in-game difficulty was toned down too much, so it's not really satisfying.
Overall, the sum of the parts combined create a bland experience that I think is still one of the weaker titles. Maybe they'll do better next time during their next go in Kalos.