Pokemon Alpha Sapphire

 3DS
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 852 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 631 out of 852
  2. Mixed: 89 out of 852
  3. Negative: 132 out of 852
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  1. Eierpilot07
    Sep 9, 2023
    8
    Game Freak's fantastic remake of the third Pokémon generation brings classic features to life in Hoenn, a stunning and vibrant region. New character models and dynamic battles enhance the experience, though some players might find the low difficulty disappointing. New mega evolutions add variety and strategy, while optional activities like beauty contests and PokémonAmi offer limitedGame Freak's fantastic remake of the third Pokémon generation brings classic features to life in Hoenn, a stunning and vibrant region. New character models and dynamic battles enhance the experience, though some players might find the low difficulty disappointing. New mega evolutions add variety and strategy, while optional activities like beauty contests and PokémonAmi offer limited impact. Customize your hideout with the return of secret bases, and use the handy Pokènavi to track progress and catch 'em all. An intriguing post-game story uncovers secrets about Rayquaza and Deoxys. Pokémon Alpha Sapphire is a must-play for fans.… Expand
  2. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    0
    Trash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  3. Lukart59
    Aug 30, 2023
    10
    This is one of the best Pokémon games I have ever played, and my favourite 3ds Game. I enjoyed every single thing about this game.
  4. SevenRemove
    Jul 17, 2023
    9
    Um excelente remake de uma das melhores gerações da franquia. Pra mim ainda é o mais nostálgico e significativo.
  5. WorldFF
    Jul 12, 2023
    10
    A nostalgia desse jogo pra mim o coloca num lugar especial no meu coração.
  6. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    9
    An incredible remake that further reworks the superb original game. It brings new graphics, new content, and a reworked central story. Its a ton of fun from start to finish with a great balance of pokemon to catch, and a solid amount of postgame content.
  7. miguellopez99
    Jun 1, 2023
    9
    86/100 underrated remake .
  8. LBoomsky
    May 16, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Banger music only beaten by d&p and b&w
    So much fun to hunt down all the legendaries
    The primal reversions are the coolest improvements to add to any remake games main plot,
    and are an epic parallel to the 6th generation's primary feature: mega evolution.
    (not fairy type we don't talk about that)
    It gave me nostalgia for a game I haven't even played...

    7.8/10 - too much water!    … Expand
  9. AlexMakesToast
    Dec 16, 2022
    5
    Alpha Sapphire = 5/10
    .....................................................
  10. ND-Bringer
    Nov 30, 2022
    6
    Like Pokemon X and Y, it's pathetically easy to complete. It has a lot of great side content for customization and exploration. On top of that, their's a lot rare Pokemon to collect in the post game. It's just a pretty bland adventure. Its hard to appreciate the lore they added into this remake when every trainer crumbles like a stone hit by a thousand waves. Not a terrible remake, but aLike Pokemon X and Y, it's pathetically easy to complete. It has a lot of great side content for customization and exploration. On top of that, their's a lot rare Pokemon to collect in the post game. It's just a pretty bland adventure. Its hard to appreciate the lore they added into this remake when every trainer crumbles like a stone hit by a thousand waves. Not a terrible remake, but a disappointing one. Raise your hand if you're tired of fighting Swimmer Trainers.… Expand
  11. kristinaformer
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    I cried at the opening it was that beautiful everything about this game was top tier perfection to me.
  12. ZangBang
    Oct 30, 2022
    5
    50/100
    Pokémon Alpha Sapphire makes the bold choice of retelling and reinterpreting the story, characters and lore of the Hoenn games with new lenses, drawing from the ideas and concepts that X and Y introduced. This undoubtably makes them lesser products as mere remakes, but the changes made ultimately make these a much more varied and deep experience than the originals'. The changes    50/100
    Pokémon Alpha Sapphire makes the bold choice of retelling and reinterpreting the story, characters and lore of the Hoenn games with new lenses, drawing from the ideas and concepts that X and Y introduced. This undoubtably makes them lesser products as mere remakes, but the changes made ultimately make these a much more varied and deep experience than the originals'. The changes made to some characters' motivations make them less childish in concept, and a new original story after the main campaign gives certain characters a more compelling conclusion to their arcs while diving deeper into the lore of the original games. Additions made by XY like the Petting of Pokémon, the Super Training and the Megaevolutions make a return, the latter even being integrated in the narrative in ways that expand on original concepts. Pokémon Contests and Secret Bases are visually revamped with a lot of new content to make them even richer side-activities, but also new features that allow players to hunt Pokémon with more precision or soar the skies of the region while uncovering new secrets in the clouds, which is visually breathtaking and an amazingly immersive concept. Even with the usually repetitive core gameplay, ORAS had the potential to become the best main games in the franchise but are held back by underwhelming care put in the battle aspect of the game, being excessively easy with the Battle Frontier being replaced by an inferior facility with less content.    … Expand
  13. Hochbichler
    Sep 5, 2022
    8
    Pokemon Alpha Sapphire was release in 2014 as Gen VI remake of the classic 2003 Gen III Pokemon Sapphire game. Released together with Pokemon Omega Ruby in a classic Pokemon fashion. There are some changes in both story and gameplay, mostly expansive on the original game. I must say, I really like the Hoenn region and its map quite a lot. It is really big and quite complex. The storyPokemon Alpha Sapphire was release in 2014 as Gen VI remake of the classic 2003 Gen III Pokemon Sapphire game. Released together with Pokemon Omega Ruby in a classic Pokemon fashion. There are some changes in both story and gameplay, mostly expansive on the original game. I must say, I really like the Hoenn region and its map quite a lot. It is really big and quite complex. The story before the Pokemon League is really long and it is a nice change. After the Poke League, you get the Delta Episode, which is almost standalone DLC like story regarding mega evolution, which was obviously not there at all in the original game. The graphics of the Gen VI is very nice, the music is classic Pokemon. One downside I see is the completely changed mechanics of the Exp. Share feature. It is no longer a held item, but rather a key item, which you can turn on and off as you like. The big change though, is that now all Pokemon in your party get 50 % of the Exp the active pokemon gets. Furthermore, all Pokemon that take part in the battle, get 100 % Exp, regardless of whether Exp. Share is turned on or off. That is a huge, enormous change. So in total your party gets 350 % to 600 % of the exp in every battle. The wild/enemy pokemon levels do not reflect this at all, so even if you do a speed run, you will overlevel everyone very quickly. That is ridiculous. Of course you can turn the Exp. Share off and I suggest you do, but then you do not have any Exp. Share, which was always one of the key features in Pokemon games. This is a big oversight and complicate things very much.

    Pokemon Alpha Sapphire is a decent remake with nice story additions, but one stupid mechanics decision brings the whole game down a notch. Final Verdict: 76%    … Expand
  14. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    3
    This game is painfully boring. There are a few redeeming features, such as, the ability to ride Latios/Latias. The new mega's are mostly nice. The game just feels slow, bland, and repetitive. It's a waste of time and my least favorite entry in the series.
  15. BalamP
    Jul 14, 2022
    7
    Mantiene muy bien la esencia de el juego original, y sinceramente me encanta la inclusión de las "mega-evoluciones", pero al mimo tiempo parte de ahí mi problema con el juego, ya que el desbalance de la dificultad es absurdo, de por si sin "mega-evoluciones" el juego es muy fácil con ellas es un juego regalado, aunque entiendo que esté problema viene desde toda la saga. Aún con estéMantiene muy bien la esencia de el juego original, y sinceramente me encanta la inclusión de las "mega-evoluciones", pero al mimo tiempo parte de ahí mi problema con el juego, ya que el desbalance de la dificultad es absurdo, de por si sin "mega-evoluciones" el juego es muy fácil con ellas es un juego regalado, aunque entiendo que esté problema viene desde toda la saga. Aún con esté problema es un gran juego y muy recomendado para alguien que ansía un remake de un gran juego como lo es Ruby.… Expand
  16. MATOUTOU
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    9.2 Loved this game as a kid. Sunk over 300 hours in it which was a lot for me. Unlike most losers i have a life and a job and a wife and several children who need taking care of just as much or even more then these pokemon. Whoever if i could trade my second youngest son ryan for a rayquaza or even a lotad I most definitely would. Hes even more useless then an HMslave after gen 7
  17. yangfanhong
    Apr 17, 2022
    8
    It is wonderful to play the game which gives me great memories when I was a child, and all in a full remake version.
  18. fanmadeendings
    Apr 11, 2022
    8
    An interesting take on the idea of a remake: Instead of remaking the definitive Emerald version, it added fitting content to the base games. Definitely good games, but the loss of the battle frontier stings a little.
  19. Shunior
    Apr 4, 2022
    10
    La mejor experiencia en Pokémon para la 3DS! Las megaevoluciones estan mejores trabajadas, la mecanica cayó como un guante en Hoenm.
  20. Toasttt
    Mar 26, 2022
    6
    meh .
  21. Cinept
    Mar 7, 2022
    5
    5/10. One of my favourite mainline Pokemon games. Entertained me as a child, but doesn't hold up too great today.
  22. CaptainCharisma
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    I havent been able to enjoy a Pokemon game for 10 years until this came out. Gen 3 was the last good Pokemon generation for me and this adequately filled my nostalgic needs.
  23. Federx
    Jan 30, 2022
    10
    what can i say? it's hoenn. they took a great game and made it even better. with the frontier it would have been THE perfect game
  24. GenkiYokota
    Jan 27, 2022
    10
    Overriding over everything that got X and Y right
    This remake knows how to revive the glory of the third generation and take it to its greatest possible exponent.
  25. tukumalu
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Amazing remake! Features that have to be mentioned is new mega evolutions; new, second type of Pokemon hunting with Dex nav and most fun is flying on Latios or Latias ( depends of game version you choose ). Great ending with rival battle. Game looks very good and soundtrack is superior. The battle frontier was replaced by the battle resort - the much smaller version of his predecessor,Amazing remake! Features that have to be mentioned is new mega evolutions; new, second type of Pokemon hunting with Dex nav and most fun is flying on Latios or Latias ( depends of game version you choose ). Great ending with rival battle. Game looks very good and soundtrack is superior. The battle frontier was replaced by the battle resort - the much smaller version of his predecessor, botched this one.… Expand
  26. Gaz
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    Remakes of previous Pokemon generations are nothing new, and thankfully, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (commonly referred to as ORAS on the internet) are another pair of older Pokemon games brought into the modern era with plenty of polish and care. The upgrade given to Ruby and Sapphire puts them on par with the 6th Generation of games, Pokemon X and Y, in the graphics and animationRemakes of previous Pokemon generations are nothing new, and thankfully, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (commonly referred to as ORAS on the internet) are another pair of older Pokemon games brought into the modern era with plenty of polish and care. The upgrade given to Ruby and Sapphire puts them on par with the 6th Generation of games, Pokemon X and Y, in the graphics and animation department. It also adds in most the quality-of-life improvements the series has undergone over the past several iterations.

    The story is a similar (but not exactly the same) journey through the Hoenn region with new life breathed into each location, some of which have undergone radical transformations. In fact, some locations are entirely new. The same goes for the characters you'll meet along the way. Relationships are deeper and more fleshed out with the main cast this time around. Some faces make their debut appearance while you'll recognize one or two from previous games. This all contributes toward ORAS feeling like its own fresh experience despite being remakes of GBA games.

    Another aspect that's gotten a facelift is the postgame. Completing the game starts the all-new Delta Episode, which sees you attempting to stop a meteor from crashing into the Hoenn region. There's also an all-new Battle Resort which takes the place of the Battle Frontier. Finally, it should be noted that ORAS features a stunning number of legendary Pokemon to find, some of which are version-specific. Essentially every legendary that isn't an event-exclusive Pokemon or a legendary Pokemon that appeared in X/Y is available to catch in this game, which is fantastic.

    Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are fantastic remakes that succeed in delivering the best of the original games while innovating in thoughtful and meaningful ways. As good as Pokemon X and Y were, I actually prefer ORAS when it comes to Generation 6. I recommend ORAS wholeheartedly to any fan of the Pokemon series, be you someone who loved the originals or if you want to experience the magic of the third generation for the first time.    … Expand
  27. guiletheguiles
    Jun 17, 2021
    8
    It's been a while since I played a Pokemon game until the end. Lord knows I've been postponing my trip through Hoenn for a long time. Well, I decided to take this trip and I'm really glad I did.

    AlphaSapphire managed to rekindle my love for Pokemon. Starting by the presentation, I know that Pokemon games are very simple and hardly ever bring anything cutting edge to the table, but    It's been a while since I played a Pokemon game until the end. Lord knows I've been postponing my trip through Hoenn for a long time. Well, I decided to take this trip and I'm really glad I did.

    AlphaSapphire managed to rekindle my love for Pokemon.
    Starting by the presentation, I know that Pokemon games are very simple and hardly ever bring anything cutting edge to the table, but where it lacks in novelty, it compensates in winsomeness.
    From the cities, to the map, gyms, monster design, environments and even those repetitive dungeons and fights - This game is adorable and it throws the cutesy factor in your face. And it works!
    It blends well with the classic turn-based battle system and fits like a glove with its monster design. Gen 3 Pokemon are amazing and it made want to catch, hunt and seek almost every Pokemon on this Pokedex.

    A few quality of life improvements helped the game to become more agile. AlphaSapphire makes some old Pokemon games seem like a chore. It's a bit fast, slicker, and even more accessible than before. Its new gameplay quirks made the loop even more addictive. For example EXP Share, which is a godsend mechanic.
    All in all, AlphaSapphire was one of the chillest Pokemon games I've played. And that casual design philosophy didn't bother me at all. I loved battling gym leaders, elite four, the aqua team and hunting legendary creatures. I took my time with it and I was rewarded for it.

    But not everything is flowers in Hoenn. AlphaSapphire may have improved on the classic formula, but forgot to fix a few flaws. They masked them well, but they're there.
    This game is still a grind fest, especially if you want to rematch Elite 4, catch legendary Pokemon or even battle online. The story sucks, as usual, and although the amount of content make up for it, even Delta Episode felt a bit dull. HMs are still a thing here and there are LOTS of them. And the soundtrack... My god, it's BAD!
    Also, why the Mirage Spots mechanic? Were they really necessary? I get that it's a way to cram many legendary monsters into this game, but it ended up being a confusing, complex and uninviting hot mess!
    A few other things slowed down my experience. Useless systems like 'super training', 'fashion show', 'planting berries'. Those were some of the things that were so unnecessary that I forgot them halfway through the game. I mean, was the 'secret base' system THAT fun and useful? I didn't think so...

    AlphaSapphire brought my heart back to Pokemon. It's not only a great game in the series, but a good JRPG, in general.
    Old flaws and conservative design mechanics do weigh down and the grind makes the experience repetitive, but nothing broke it for me.
    My trip to Hoenn was worth it and I'll won't forget it so soon.    … Expand
  28. manuel812
    May 29, 2021
    3
    como a la gente le gusta esto el primer error del juego es que no se basa en esmeralda que es claramente el mejor juego de la 3ra generación sino que se basa en pokemon zafiro un juego bastante inferior a esmeralda solo para poder sacar 2 juegos y ganar dinero segundo error la dificultad es FACILISIMO no presenta ningún reto y el 3er error es el desperdicio no solo no mejora NADA de elcomo a la gente le gusta esto el primer error del juego es que no se basa en esmeralda que es claramente el mejor juego de la 3ra generación sino que se basa en pokemon zafiro un juego bastante inferior a esmeralda solo para poder sacar 2 juegos y ganar dinero segundo error la dificultad es FACILISIMO no presenta ningún reto y el 3er error es el desperdicio no solo no mejora NADA de el juego original y el episodio delta es demasiado simple y corto creo que lo unico bueno del juego es el ultravuelo o el megavuelo como se llame que es una muy buena idea… Expand
  29. Reed_Reviews
    Apr 7, 2021
    8
    Disclaimer: Pokémon Emerald is my most treasured game, so I write this review with the humble acknowledgement that nostalgia may bias my impression of Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

    Pokémon Alpha Sapphire (and Pokémon Omega Rub for that matter) are amazing games, yet surface-level remakes. They faithfully recreate the Hoen region in 3D, offering an enjoyable trip down memory lane. However,    Disclaimer: Pokémon Emerald is my most treasured game, so I write this review with the humble acknowledgement that nostalgia may bias my impression of Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

    Pokémon Alpha Sapphire (and Pokémon Omega Rub for that matter) are amazing games, yet surface-level remakes. They faithfully recreate the Hoen region in 3D, offering an enjoyable trip down memory lane. However, Game Freak did very little in terms of expansion beyond that fresh coat of paint.

    The Good

    The geography: The Hoen region is perhaps Pokémon's greatest region of all. It features a variety of areas, including an active volcano with a nearby soot-covered walkway, a bright dark cave with an ethereally lunar atmosphere, a cozy treehouse town living codependently with Pokémon, etc. These settings are believable given their internal logic. For example, an NPC comments how the area around the volcano is cool due to the ash above blocking sunlight. The player cannot travel into the desert until he/she gets protective eyewear to block the sandstorm. Rustboro, the town built upon mining rocks within the nearby Rusturf Tunnel, features stone-based architecture, the Rock-type gym, and the fossil decorations within the Devon corporation. These examples illustrate how each area strives for believable realism.

    Mega evolution: Expanding upon the mega evolution mechanic that Pokémon X and Y introduced was a smart move. It further expanded competitive play, made more Hoen Pokémon viable team members, and added well appreciated variety and difficulty to the Elite Four battles.

    Theming: Pokémon Alpha Sapphire has a simple, yet consistently delivered theme of people, Pokémon, and nature symbiotically coexisting. It connects this theme to geography, like with Pacifilog Town being built on the sea upon colonies of Corsola. Additionally, half of the game's routes are land-based, and half are sea-based to embody the rightful balance between land and see. The game's plot also emphasizes this theming, with Team Aqua attempting to disbalance the relationship between people, Pokémon, and nature by flooding the world to reset nature to its beginnings. And with no large-scale transportation system (like the subway system in the Urban setting of Pokémon Black and White), people often travel over nature with the help of Pokémon, like Mr. Briney sailing the sea with his Peeko or the player flying on Latias. The consistency of this theming creates adds believability and depth to the Hoen world.

    The Bad

    Lack of content: Unfortunately, Game Freak did not include the Battle Frontier in this remake. This omission is the game's greatest sin, as the Battle Frontier may be the single best addition to a Pokémon game. While Pokemon Alpha Sapphire features a copy-pasted version of the Battle Chateau from Pokémon X and Y, it left me wanting a real Battle Frontier with seven unique facilities to overcome, each with unique gameplay mechanics.

    Bad new content: After defeating the Pokémon League, the player gains access to additional story content: The Delta Episode. This Delta Episode is nothing more than a mindless and lazily designed fetch quest built upon a contrived and illogical story while being delivered by an annoying character (Zinnia). It tasks the player with scouring the Hoen region for various plot McGuffins with no inherent value. It, at one point, "educates" the player how destroying one's own world is better than the small chance of potentially destroying another world. And it offers no continued interaction or deep character development of its main new character, Zinnia. Ultimately, the Delta Episode is a desperate attempt to pad gameplay time through added content before addressing if said content is inherently meaningful or fun.

    The Consensus

    While not a strong remake, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire is still a remarkable game given its amazing foundation. It did my heart well to revisit my favorite region with my favorite Pokémon. While it is lacking in meaningful new content, the game nonetheless delivers a strong entry in the Pokémon franchise.    … Expand
  30. JohannLink
    Dec 20, 2020
    9
    This game shows exactly the way remakes should be made. Better visuals, same gameplay with added pokémon, its almost the perfect pokémon experience.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best 3DS Game of 2014
5
#5 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2014
11
#11 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. Atomix
    Jan 28, 2015
    85
    A much better experience than what was expected. The change in the rhythm and the emphasis in the story elements manage to captivate the player in a way that the Game Boy Advance versions couldn’t.
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  2. DarkStation
    Jan 19, 2015
    80
    If you have any interest at all in Pokémon this game will surpass your expectations.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer Poland
    Jan 14, 2015
    70
    Another good game with pocket monsters, providing hours of fun for fans. But it does not offer the same breath of fresh air as last year's X and Y.
    Read full review
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