With the release of a new set of games, Pokémon revives a generation of players and fans. Soon to follow with a new era of anime, cards, and accessories, what was old becomes new again. For something to remain popular for 15 years and counting, it’s important that the Pokémon series carries many of the traditions that have made it great, while adding new features to keep it fresh. Pokémon X and Y brings in many new features and customizations that mark some of the biggest changes the series has encountered, but remains the formulaic game that many played as a kid.

Being the first Pokémon to hit the Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon X and Y are the first games in the main series to be in full 3D.  The main player has full 360 degree movement when traveling through the nation. The game is fully customizable and every player can deck themselves out in new apparel and designs to their preference. While the narrative remains the same, with a girl or boy traveling around the nation trying to fill their Pokedex and become the Pokémon champion, the story in the series has never been its strongpoint. What remains attractive is the amount of available Pokémon and the strategy required to make a great team. Now in full 3D, the Pokémon have never looked better.

Taking place in the land of Kalos, it carries many influences of French Culture. Such as Lumoise City, the biggest city in the game looks exactly like Paris with an Eiffel Tower; with citizens wearing berets, and scattered coffee shops around the city. Rollerblades are given to the player early on in the game, giving the players some much needed swiftness for traveling the land.

This generation also sees the introduction of a new type of Pokémon. Totaling up to 19 different types now, the new fairy type is effective against  dragon and dark Pokémon. Early in the game, the player receives the item, “Exp Share,” which mainstreams the leveling of Pokémon. Experience is also given to every Pokémon in the player’s team, even if they were not used in the battle. Experience is also now given for catching Pokémon. This allows players to level up much faster than before. For hardcore players, this feature can be turned off, but this feature is great for anyone who is new to the series.

The 3DS’s bottom screen provides a new interface for players. You can now be notified if they are nearby other players, so they can quickly enter the process of trading or battling. “Wonder Trade” is a new mechanic that allows a player to submit a Pokémon online to automatically receive another one. What each player receives is completely based on chance, ranging from a legendary Pokémon to a level one Pokémon.

The player is also given the Pokémon-Amie feature.  Similar to Nintendogs, the player now has the opportunity to pet, feed, and play with their Pokémon. While the feature isn’t necessary to play through the game, players can create stronger bonds with their Pokémon, and the feature is suited for new, young audiences.

Of the new Pokémon introduced in this generation, many of them are keepers. With 69 new Pokémon, there are no doubts as to available opportunities in the land of Kalos. Calling back to many previous generations, the land itself carries the most Pokémon ever in one game. Featuring 454 Pokémon of the 718 total, there are a lot of combinations one can place in their team.

Fans of the original games will be happy to experience the nostalgia revived in this generation. Shortly after a few hours, the player will be given the opportunity to obtain one of the three original Kanto starters to go along with their Kalos starter. One of the biggest additions to this generation is the Mega-Evolution. With the right Pokémon and item, several Pokémon can now evolve to a new stage. Changing their appearance and raising many of its stats, the few Pokémon that can do Mega-Evolutions are visually stunning. As of now, the Mega-Evolutions are only applicable to a select few from the past five generations of Pokémon leaving out all of the new Pokémon.

For those who have played every generation of Pokémon as a kid, or if players are completely new to the series, Pokémon X and Y is suitable for everyone. While the series will probably never change its formula, it’s one that still stands today.? Instead, the expansion has played for its followers of Pokémon X and Y is a testament of just how well-crafted it is for a roleplaying game. Pikachu and all of his friends are here to stay.