Pokémon 5 Reasons Why The Orre Games Are Better & 5 Reasons Why The Main Series Is Still The Best

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Pokémon 5 Reasons Why The Orre Games Are Better & 5 Reasons Why The Main Series Is Still The Best

Set in Orre, Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness offered something different to the main games. But, were they better? Pokémon Colosseum and it's sequel Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness are now over ten years old. These games hold a special place in many gamer's hearts, and the Orre region where they are based is still considered to be a unique take on the series that breaks the standard formula. With so many differences between the main games and the Orre series, there are quite a few gameplay features that the Orre duo have over the main series. Likewise, changing the mainline formula to the Orre formula also left out some fundamental gameplay mechanics that modern-day Pokémon fans love. Today we are taking a look at the strengths and weaknesses of particular Orre games. THEGAMER VIDEO OF THE DAY

Orre Snagging Trainers Pokemon

Pokémon Colosseum introduced the snag machine that allowed you to steal shadow Pokémon from team Cipher. During Cipher battles, you can convert a Pokeball into a snag ball in an attempt to capture the rival trainer's shadow pokemon. Snagging is the only way to collect Pokémon in Orre during the first game, as there are no wild species to find. The rules of snagging are also similar to that of catching Pokémon in the mainline series, your chances to catch will increase the more you weaken a Pokémon or if you inflict status effects like sleep.

Main Series Find Pokemon in the Wild

The mainline series allows you to pick from hundreds of Pokémon that can be caught in various locations around the regions. You don't need to worry about finding a trainer to battle to steal their Pokémon, find a patch of grass, and catch to your heart's content. The mainline series doesn't limit you to a small roster as the Orre games do, and you can catch as many duplicates as your heart desires. If you accidentally defeat them, then you can find another Pokémon instead of having to bide your time to the end of the game for another chance to own them like in Pokémon Colosseum.

Orre Older Protagonists

The Orre games won't start you off on your Pokémon journey; instead, it throws you in with seasoned trainers Wes and Micheal. Wes is noted to be seventeen at the beginning of Pokémon Colosseum, making him the oldest protagonist in the series. Michael already has his first Pokémon and knows how to battle. It's a breath of fresh air to play as seasoned trainers who have a past, especially in the case of Wes, who is a formal criminal. The story elements that surround these protagonists are presented more maturely than you see in the mainline games.

Main Series Customizing Your Character

While you will start at the age of ten in the main series, you have more customization options. In recent games, you can choose your gender and customize your character's appearance. In , you will find fashion boutiques with a host of different clothing options to customize your avatar scattered throughout the game. Everything from your hat down to your travel bag can be swapped out. Hair salons are also available in select towns that allow you to change up your hairstyle, makeup, and eye color for a small in-game fee.

Orre The Power of Shadow Pokemon

Depending on whether you're playing Pokémon Colosseum or XD: Gale of Darkness, shadow Pokémon will get different buffs. Shadow moves don't have a typing causing them to be neutrally effective against non-shadow Pokémon no matter their type. In Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, shadow Pokémon are super effective against non-shadow Pokémon and get a 50% speed bump in battle. Fighting shadow Pokémon in both games presents a unique challenge for veteran players who have become accustomed to the rock-paper-scissors typing formula the games are known for. In addition, purifying shadow Pokémon offers it's own unique challenge for trainers, as they can go into a berserk state while fighting and won't level until they are purified.

Main Series Breeding The Perfect Companions

Instead of having to go through the lengthy purification process or battle with restricted moves, you can breed your perfect team. Breeding is a huge part of the mainline games that helps trainers to create strong move sets and useful natures. In addition, many mainline entries now offer interesting ways to EV train your team. When put into comparison, a well-leveled Pokémon that has been EV trained is more effective in battle than any shadow Pokémon from Orre could ever hope to be. Bred Pokémon also have the ability to choose from a more extensive list of moves than even shadow Pokémon in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

Orre An Intense Focus on Story

In Orre, the main stories revolve around the fight between Wes and Michael against team Cipher. Instead of a focus on filling a Pokédex, the protagonists work to steal back the afflicted shadow Pokémon and take down the criminal organization that is modifying their bodies. Each area was created to push the story forward with only minimal side-quests. In many ways, the Orre games feel like they were written to appeal to an older audience. While Orre isn't as dark as some other JRPGs, the process of making shadow Pokémon and Wes's link to a criminal past make the games more adult-oriented than the mainline series.

Main Series More Areas to Explore

Instead of being just about the story, the mainline games have a healthy balance of exploration, side-quests, and storytelling. In the mainline games, you won't be shuttled from town to town, and instead have the pleasure of exploring routes, finding secrets, and participating in extra activities like in Pokémon Sword & Shield. In Orre, there are no routes, just a fast travel option that shuffles you from town to town within the game. Even the mainline side quests are more plentiful, with a plethora of interesting stories in each game, like the Old Chateau's ghost girl in Pokémon Diamond.

Orre Evolved Starters

In Pokémon Colosseum, Wes begins the game with both Umbreon and Espeon instead of picking from a list of starters. Both Umbreon and Espeon have full move rosters, that can only be slightly modified as you level-up throughout the game. You will also notice that Umbreon and Espeon are at levels 26 and 25 at the start, respectively. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is a bit different, as it gives you a level 10 Eevee at the beginning of the game. Michael's Eevee does still have a full roster of moves, but you do have more control over final move sets and evolution.

Main Series Picking Your Team

Being able to select your first Pokémon is just a nice feature. Different selections also give a lot of replay value to the mainline games. The Mainline series also gives you the ability to customize your move set from the start, as each starter Pokémon only comes with two abilities. While the different give you a lot to work with battle-wise, there is just a special feeling about being able to start an adventure with a brand new partner.