Unlike previous sequels in the series, Leaf Green/Fire Red is essentially a remake of the first Pokémon games, Red and Blue. Not because of a sudden dip in standards, but because of a sudden dip in imagination. It is not merely a cleverly marketed product of wily old Nintendo - rather it is a genuinely compelling and well-executed series.ĭespite this, however, you can�t help but feel that the double header that is Pokémon Leaf Green/Fire Red is where the franchise takes a discouraging turn for the worse. The truth, which many people are loath to admit, is that Pokémon is a masterclass in children�s entertainment.
A TV series? A staggering amount of cuddly merchandise? Highly possessive ten-year olds with the trading skills of a stock exchange veteran? It�s incredible really. Yet when Nintendo released Pokémon Red back in 1997, even it couldn�t have guessed what would grow from the deceptively simple premise.