Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are the newest versions of one of the most beloved and popular video game franchises of all time. These two games are nearly identical. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are a remake of the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games released 11 years ago on the Game Boy Advance, but die-hard fans will want these new games for the improved graphics, the new flying feature, and the improved DexNav feature that helps you find rare Pokémon.
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Story & Themes
In Alpha Sapphire or Omega Ruby, you begin as a kid just starting out in the Pokémon trainer hierarchy.Then you go on a journey through the Hoenn Region completing various tasks. Within Hoenn’s highways, waterways, and towns, your goals are to find and collect Pokémon creatures, enter your Pokémon into duels with other Pokémon, improve your skills as a trainer, collect various objects to help you evolve your Pokémon, do favors for people, and fight a group of evildoers. All this work is in service to the major goal of the game, which is to defeat other Pokémon trainers and become the best Pokémon trainer in the Hoenn region.
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Team Magma (the villain in Omega Ruby) wants to radically increase landmass, while Team Aqua (the villain in Alpha Sapphire) wants to radically increase the size of the oceans. These agendas are villainous because they violate the basic and overriding principal in this game universe, which is balance in all things.
Save Points
Players can save any time, and it's a good idea to save often.
Difficulty
These games can be difficult, especially for young kids, but playing them can motivate kids to practice reading and research, as well as math and strategy skills.
Heads Up!
Violence When Pokémon duel, the loser doesn't die; it faints, shrinks, and disappears. The attacks are shown with graphics that include flashes of color and sound effects.
Scary Imagery Very young children might be frightened by the visual and sound effects, but there is nothing in the game that is not in the TV shows.
Strong Language There is no swearing. There is a small amount of crude humor (e.g. references to farting, etc.).
Consumerism The Pokémon universe includes a multitude of products, from DVDs to stuffed toys. There is no shortage of buying opportunities for Pokémon fans.
Discrimination The player's avatar (protagonist of the game) can be male or female.
Conversation Starters
Collecting can be fun, but what are some ways collecting can end up being a problem for some people?
How much are we willing or able to spend on Pokémon games and merchandise?
How do you know when you're spending too much time on one activity? How do you create balance in your activities and make sure you're getting enough exercise?
What are some ways people's actions affect animals, both wild animals and pets?
What are some good lessons these games teach about failure, success, and accomplishment?
Do you think playing Pokémon has helped you become a better reader, or have you practiced other skills, like math and strategy? How?