The fun of Pokémon is usually roughly summarized into three parts: collecting, trading, and training.
The differences between the Red Green and green versions of Pokémon and the design of the Pokédex are the main sources of fun in collecting them.
The concept of friendship only became more comprehensive in the second generation, after the introduction of the friendship system in Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Limited by the capacity of the storage medium, Lin Lixin simply couldn't produce the more refined versions like gold, silver, or even Emerald from the outset.
Being able to fit a total of 151 Pokémon into such a small space while ensuring the normal operation of other systems is already a result of GAMENOVA's combined efforts.
However, the battles themselves are part of the fun of character development.
To make your Pokémon grow into the strongest one—come on, that's so cool!
Not to mention evolution, a concept that's fashionable enough in any era.
To further enhance the enjoyment of battles, gym challenges were naturally created.
In an open world, keeping players with a clear sense of purpose and preventing them from feeling lost is no easy task.
Unlike Zelda, Pokémon doesn't rely on "emergent design" to drive players to explore endlessly based solely on curiosity.
It needs a clear, linear, phased goal.
Defeating the seemingly invincible Guild Master, as portrayed in the storyline, and collecting badges became the mission.
At the same time, the dojo is also a cleverly disguised "beginner's tutorial".
John and Mike locked their bicycles and saw the spectacular sight before them.
The building is designed to resemble a volcano, and combined with New Mexico's already hot climate, it still evokes a sense of unease even as the year draws to a close.
A sign hangs high above the entrance; besides the GAMENOVA logo and an unfamiliar GameFreak logo, the center prominently displays the following words:
[ Pokémon League - Fire-type Gym]
"My goodness, that's a huge sum..."
The two stared blankly at the scene before them, as if they had truly become Pokémon trainers and personally arrived at the legendary Fire-type Gym.
Before you even get close, you can already see several long queues forming in front of the turnstiles at the entrance.
These are undoubtedly Pokémon players.
Some of them even came from other places specifically for this purpose.
The reason is simple: to challenge the guardian of this place and win the reward!
Are you sure you can beat the gym leader?
John stood on tiptoe, peering into the building.
A bald old man wearing a white lab coat and round-framed black sunglasses seemed to be talking to the person in front of him.
A tie with a flame pattern on its chest is particularly eye-catching.
John squinted, seemingly noticing that the other man's bald head was already covered in beads of sweat.
"Goodness, wearing a long coat in this weather, even if it's just to recreate the character's appearance in the game, is a bit too dedicated."
John turned his gaze away and looked at Mike was still fiddling with his NovaPocket.
This guy is absolutely obsessed; he's never seen Mike so engrossed in a game before.
Although John also liked the game, he still spent most of his free time playing Story of Seasons on his console.
"Hehe, once I get another diamond for Penny, she'll definitely fall in love with me..."
Just thinking about it made John's lips curl into a smile.
Penny is such a good girl.
This is really a great game.
"Just a Fire-type gym? Watch me conquer it with ease."
Mike didn't even look up, mechanically following John into the queue, and casually replied.
He needed to further train the Pokémon he was going to use in this battle before going inside.
We must be fully prepared!
"By the way, why don't you try a match too? I think your Pokémon level should be high enough."
"Me? Well, I'm already here..."
The long queue moved forward only one person at a time, and a long line had already formed behind them without them even noticing.
Fortunately, both of them brought NovaPockets, so the waiting time wasn't too boring.
"Yo! You're here! I'm... cough cough... excuse me, let me have some water first..."
The bald man, whose name tag read "Fire-type Gym Leader - Blaine " was hanging around his neck, spoke in a hoarse voice, clearly exhausted from today's booming business.
"I'm Blaine! I love hot and spicy things! Fire-type Pokémon, scorching hot dogs!... And thrilling battles!"
"Do you want to be burned to ashes? Then bring it on!"
His voice was hearty and straightforward, and his entire persona perfectly embodied the passionate and eccentric scientist traits that the character was supposed to possess.
Especially since he was almost soaked in sweat, his dedication almost brought tears to Mike's eyes.
"I heard she's a promising newcomer GAMENOVA found in Hollywood, she's really good."
"Alright, let's hurry up and start the challenge. Look how hot it is for them."
"How about you go first, John? Let me check if his setup is different from the one in the game."
John nodded, seemingly unconcerned, and pulled out his NovaPocket.
The venue is fully equipped, and both console and handheld versions can be used for smooth gameplay.
Blaine threw his head back and laughed, then pulled out a NovaPocket as well, except his version had a unique flame-patterned paint job, making it exceptionally cool.
"Are you ready? My Pokémon were forged in the heat of a volcano! Let the battle reach its climax!"
Mike stepped closer, intending to watch the game closely.
As soon as I could see what was happening on the screen, everything went black.
"Wow, John, why are you bringing Charizard? And it's all fire-type moves?"
"Huh? Is that not allowed?"
John scratched his head; he'd always used Charizard as his starting hero.
This Pokémon, which has been with him from the very beginning, has never left the team.
Raising it from a tiny Charmander to its current state, it's definitely one of John's most capable assistants.
"Fire-type attacks against fire-type attacks are ineffective; there's damage reduction!"
Mike sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation. It seemed John really didn't understand the game mechanics.
"Wait a minute, let me check your team composition... Good grief, you could at least have brought a Gyarados!"
John, whose moves were a mess and who paid no attention to type advantages, was unsurprisingly defeated and could only kill some time in the gym's gift shop while waiting for Mike.
This gift shop was essentially similar to the Pokémon Center he was familiar with, filled with various Pokémon -themed products.
After thinking it over, John decided to just buy a Charmander plush toy.
When he squeezed through the throng and returned to the main hall, the confrontation between the two seemed to have come to an end.
Mike's strategic team composition defeated the Gym Leader's ace Magmar almost effortlessly.
"Oh my!"
Blaine let out a low growl.
"Too... too powerful! You've completely burned me to ashes! This Volcano Badge is yours!"
After saying that, he took out a flame-shaped badge from his jacket pocket. It was made of metal and was surprisingly heavy.
"Remember to bring your badge to the front desk to collect [ TM38 - Fire Blast ]!"
"Have you heard of the Pokémon League? It's a place only the strongest, those who have collected all eight badges, can challenge. Your path lies there!"