The Ouya Console has been a big buzz for quite some time and is expected to continue generating some interest. One of the reasons that the Ouya was created, was simply because people were sick and tired of the Console Gaming companies trying to stretch out the "life" of a console. Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony, have all been buying their time and putting off the launch of the next console in their line up for almost 8 years now. If you want to be exact, the Playstation 3 was released in 2006. Count up the dates, it's easy math.
Another reason that the Ouya Console was developed, was for people to have more freedom in their choices of games. The operating system for the Ouya, was actually developed on an Android based OS. Meaning, that the Ouya has it's own App Store.
Reason #1 - The Game Store.
The Ouya Game Store already has 200 games in it and it's only been released not to long ago. Ouya is giving people the freedom to develop their own games in the Game Store that Ouya has. This means that anyone can develop a game for the Ouya Console and sell it on the market. Thus opening up a whole new wave of gaming options.
Reason #2 - Games Are Free To Try.
That's right, Games in the Game Store will be free to try. All of them. That is the Terms and Conditions that Developers must agree to in order to host their Game on the Ouya Console. This means that you will be able to try a game before you buy it, stating the obvious here. This will give you the player a lot of freedom to choose which games you want to own. It also means that the weaker links will eventually be weeded out or at least that's what I'm hoping for.
Reason #3 - A Great Selection To Boot.
Ouya has went all out to make this a one of a kind console. The fact that it's compact and you can shove it in your bag when going to a friends house or just stick it on the back seat, makes no difference. There are also a lot of genres already to choose from, ranging from RPGs, to Shooters, to Puzzle Games. There will also be some Apps that will allow you to take advantage of your TVs 1080p resolution. These Apps will include the likes of: TwitchTV, Crunchyroll, iheartradio, TuneIn, XBMC, Plex, and Flixster. Not to mention that the list is growing.
Now the Ouya hardware is really not much to brag about, I'll be honest about that. There are smartphones with more processing power and storage. However, with an NVIDIA Tegra 3 Processor, 1GB of Ram, and 8GB of internal storage, it's a no brainer. Especially considering the $99.99 price tag. With money to spare, you may want to get an extra Wireless controller for $49.99.
Pokemon X and Y is coming in October of 2013. October 12th, 2013 to be exact. So be sure to mark your calendars. This is one date you won't want to miss. So, what's in store for us? Continue reading to find out more.
Registering Friends
You will be able to register friends in your game. Imagine walking around town and playing Pokemon, when your game detects another player near by. You will be able to connect with that player and then be able to have a battle with them.
Anyone that you've connected with and Battled with at least twice, automatically gets added to your friends list. You can have up to 100 friends on your friends list. Not to mention, you'll be able to battle people world wide in online mode.
Did we mention that the game will be released at the same time world wide? That's right, with the bonus of having a friends list, you'll also be able to play in seven different languages from one cartridge. So go ahead, play with your friends.
New Pokemon Type
It is officially confirmed, there is a new Pokemon Type. It's about time right? Fairy Types were created to offset the Balance and Power of Dragon Types. Seems that people love Dragon Types and they have earned their right at the top as a power house. However, you're now going to have to have a new strategy.
3D Animations
3D animations are a plus when it comes to any game. The fact that Pokemon is moving to the 3DS, is a grand thing. If you've played Pokemon Stadium on the N64, you've experienced Pokemon in 3D. This added feature for the Hand Held system, will definitely be a hot seller. If you're not already an Amazon Affiliate, I suggest you become one.
Pokemon Amie
Pokemon Amie is going to be an interesting new way to bond with your Pokemon. This will add an addictive flavor to the game that will allow you to increase your bond with Pokemon, thus giving them added bonuses.
Bonuses from these bonds will vary. Some of the confirmed bonuses so far are increased dodge, more critical hits, etc. If you want these special bonuses, you're going to have to bond with your Pokemon. I can certainly see this as a Buy Me Now factor, that is if the game was released today.
Horde Encounters
Horde Encounters will add an interesting twist to the game. What do I mean by Horde Encounters? Imagine encountering Pokemon in the Wild and there is more than one of them. That's right. More than one, which means that you can have anywhere from two, to three, to four, or even five Pokemon in one battle.
Rest assured, that these battles will be worth your while and give you bonus experience. The game developers want you to enjoy the Horde Encounters, because in reality, often times you'll encounter multiple groups of Pokemon in the world of Pokemon.
Keep in mind though, that these Hordes, may not always be the same Type. There may be multiple types of Pokemon roaming around together. After all, we've seen this in Pokemon Episodes, why not have it in the game?
Sky Battles
Sky Battles will pit your Pokemon against another Pokemon in the air. That's right, if you have Flying Type Pokemon, you can choose to accept a Sky Battle Challenges.
Have no fear, Sky Battle Challenges will be optional, not manditory. You'll be able to accept or decline these Battles, which is a plus for those who don't have any Flying Type Pokemon yet or simply don't have them in their party at the moment.
Rideable Pokemon
Rideable Pokemon is a feature that's been long awaited. You can't tell me that you haven't been dreaming of the day that they added this feature? Imaging being able to ride a Flying Type Pokemon in the air and circumvent the globe in real time? Wouldn't that be nice?
It is confirmed so far, that there are at least two Pokemon that will be Rideable. So far, Gogoat, one of the new Pokemon, will be Rideable. It is also worthy of note, that Rhydon will be Rideable as well.
What are the benefits of having a Rideable Pokemon? They will be able to move through certain terrain types faster than other Pokemon will, depending on their type of course. Strong Pokemon such as Rhydon, will also be able to break rocks for you, etc.
Start developing your strategies. More and more will be released in due time I'm sure.
New Pokemon
Of course we can't forget the new Pokemon that are going to be released with this game series. The starter Pokemon are as follows:
Chespin - Grass Type
Fennekin - Fire Type
Froakie - Water Type
Each of these Pokemon will of course have their own strengths and weaknesses. I've always been a fan of Fire Types myself. Which will you choose?
Other Pokemon that have been confirmed are as follows:
Xerneas - Legendary Pokemon from Pokemon X
Yveltel - Legendary Pokemon from Pokemon Y
Awakened Mewtwo - A new form of Pokemon
Skrelp - Poison/Water Type
Clauncher - Water Type
Noivern - Flying/Dragon Type
Vivillon - Bug/Flying Type
Scatterbug - Bug Type
Spewpa - Bug Type
Helioptile - Electric/Normal Type
Gogoat - Grass Type - Rideable
Litleo - Fire/Normal Type
Flabebe - Fairy Type
Talonflame - Fire/Flying Type
Fletchling - Normal/Flying Type
Pancham - Fighting Type
Sylveon - Fairy Type - Eevee Evolution
So far, this is the current list of known Pokemon in Pokemon X and Y. Personally, I'm excited for the new Eevee evolution, as well as the Noivern, and Yveltel. If I had to pick six for my team right now from this list, it would be the following:
I'd say that's a pretty good start up, what would you pick?
More Rivals
In Pokemon Black and White, you had various Rivals for every person in the group. Ash, Iris, and Cilan all had their own Rivals. It was mentioned in the Game Development Q&A, that you will have multiple Rivals. No details has been released yet about the Team Rival, such as Team Rocket, Team Plasma, etc.
It is clear that this will definitely be one Pokemon Game series that I will be getting. It'll be one you won't want to miss. So, if you don't have a Nintendo 3DS, there is still plenty of time to get yours today. You also have plenty of time to start planning and saving for it. If that doesn't peak your interest, a New Zelda, Link To The Past part II is coming out as well. So, get your game on.
