Recently, Nintendo celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise by releasing the Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen games for the Nintendo Switch console. Originally launched in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, these games are a remake of the series’ initial 1996 launch titles of Pokémon Red and Green.
Both titles cost $19.99 each and were available for download on the Nintendo eShop on Feb 27, with different localizations purchasable for those preferring a different gameplay language. Two decades ago, these games launched at $29.99, so the current pricing seems to be set relatively fairly. These titles also run on the Nintendo Switch 2 console through its Switch back-compatibility, which offers increased performance for older release titles.
Similar to all the other titles in the series, players of FireRed or LeafGreen start by choosing a starter pokémon of either Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle. I chose Charmander, a fire type pokémon, and was able to obtain its shiny variant as well.
In terms of gameplay, users follow a specific plot line in the Kanto region of the Pokémon universe. Essentially, you just battle your way through various gym leaders while building your team up to become the uncontested champion of the region. This gameplay is essentially the same as the original Pokémon Red title, but additional mechanics tweaks such as the help menu and more evolutions make this an overall better game.
Since I’ve played several different Pokémon titles before, the playthrough didn’t stand out as a new experience for me. However, these older games focus on 2d visuals, which is a stark contrast to modern titles such as Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which was just released last year for the Switch and Switch 2.
I was really captivated by the game’s cheery chiptunes and retro sound effects, many of which are no longer present in modern titles. Each of the different cities around the map features unique music that fits each scene perfectly, capturing the feelings of the player as if you were in the game itself.
Currently, I’m about halfway through my playthrough and am thoroughly enjoying the ability to re-experience the storyline. Contrary to newer Pokémon releases, everything is very linear and the game perfectly guides players through each step of the way. You can’t easily advance too far beyond your own abilities, and helpful hints are sprinkled throughout the actual gameplay.
A major improvement over previous iterations of Pokémon FireRed is the ability to play in a near-perfect fidelity on as large a screen as you please. Since the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles can connect using HDMI, large TVs are able to capture the output and offer an increased viewing experience. Ultimately, this is a perfect rendition of a classic Pokémon title and extends the lifespan of a game for future generations to enjoy.
