"**Pokémon Alpha Sapphire**" is a role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. It is a remake of the 2002 Game Boy Advance game "Pokémon Sapphire" and is part of the sixth generation of the Pokémon series.
### Overview:
- **Genre**: Role-playing game
- **Developer**: Game Freak
- **Publisher**: The Pokémon Company, Nintendo
- **Platform**: Nintendo 3DS
- **Release Date**: November 21, 2014 (North America, Japan), November 28, 2014 (Europe)
### Storyline:
The game is set in the Hoenn region, a lush area with diverse environments ranging from forests to oceans. Players assume the role of a young Pokémon Trainer on a journey to become the Pokémon Champion. The storyline involves stopping the villainous Team Aqua, who aim to expand the world's oceans. The legendary Pokémon Kyogre plays a central role in their plans. Along the way, players also uncover the secrets of Mega Evolution and encounter other legendary Pokémon.
### Gameplay:
- **Core Mechanics**: The game retains the core mechanics of the original "Pokémon Sapphire," with turn-based battles, Pokémon capturing, and training. However, it includes numerous enhancements and features from later generations.
- **Mega Evolution**: A significant feature introduced in "Pokémon X and Y," allowing certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve into a more powerful form during battle. New Mega Evolutions are available in "Alpha Sapphire."
- **Primal Reversion**: A unique transformation for Kyogre, allowing it to revert to its ancient, more powerful form.
- **Updated Graphics**: The game features fully 3D graphics, with enhanced environments, character models, and battle animations.
- **DexNav**: An upgraded Pokédex feature that helps players find and capture specific Pokémon, track hidden abilities, and discover rare species.
- **Soaring**: Using the Eon Flute, players can ride on the back of Latios or Latias to explore the skies of Hoenn and discover Mirage Spots, where rare Pokémon can be found.
- **Secret Bases**: Players can create customizable Secret Bases, which can be shared with others via StreetPass and QR codes. Secret Bases serve as personalized hideouts with various features and decorations.
- **Contests**: Pokémon Contests return, allowing players to compete in different categories such as Coolness and Beauty. New moves and mechanics enhance this feature.
### Visuals and Audio:
- **Graphics**: The game boasts a significant visual upgrade from the original "Pokémon Sapphire," with detailed 3D environments, dynamic battle scenes, and expressive character models.
- **Soundtrack**: The music, composed by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, and others, includes remastered tracks from the original game as well as new compositions, capturing the spirit of the Hoenn region.
### Reception:
"Pokémon Alpha Sapphire" received positive reviews for its faithful recreation of the original game with modern enhancements, engaging gameplay, and nostalgic value. Critics praised the updated graphics, new features like Mega Evolution and Soaring, and the overall improvements to the Hoenn experience.
### Additional Features:
- **PokéNav Plus**: An upgraded version of the PokéNav that includes multiple apps, such as the DexNav, AreaNav, BuzzNav, and PlayNav, each providing different utilities and information.
- **Battle Resort**: A post-game area where players can battle tough trainers, participate in the Battle Maison, and access various facilities for training and breeding Pokémon.
- **Amie and Super Training**: Features introduced in "Pokémon X and Y" that allow players to bond with their Pokémon and train their stats through mini-games.
### Special Editions:
- **Dual Pack**: A special dual pack containing both "Pokémon Omega Ruby" and "Pokémon Alpha Sapphire" was released, often including additional in-game bonuses like extra potions or other items.
"Pokémon Alpha Sapphire" is celebrated for its blend of nostalgic elements from the original "Pokémon Sapphire" and modern gameplay enhancements, making it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.