Pokemon and Age

[Juxapose]

Yes, ANOTHER Pokemon topic. I know what you all are thinking: "If you hate Pokemon so much, why talk about it over and over?" That's because I never hated Pokemon, I just don't like what it has become. But that's not what this topic is about.

Because of the Hype of Pokemon X and Y version, I keep hearing about adults being ashamed of liking Pokemon. Often, people ask what age should they stop liking Pokemon. This odd topic doesn't really register too well in my head, simply because the topic is pretty dumb. In the "mature" or "refined" world, video games and cartoons in general was always classed as a childish activity. Now we have Gamers and Anime Fans bashing each other about Pokemon? What's the deal?

Me on the other hand never cared about what people think. I still carry my DS to work, and play games without any fear of ridicule. Other than the fact that harassment at work is not tolerated, I don't really care about other's opinions to begin with. Sure, I do get the typical comment about my gaming habit, but at least I am happy and having fun!

I have several co-workers who are Pokemon Fans, and they pretty much play it on the low. The opinions of their fellow coworkers do bother them. Luckily outside of work we can all hang out and talk about games all we want. They all know that I am what we call a "Reformed" Pokemon fan. I am no longer a fan of Pokemon, but still hold a place in my heart for the old Pokemon games Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow, Gold/Silver. I don't bash my comrades for their love for a game series I no longer play, but they know why I don't like the newer versions and we respect one another.

Now for the point. My love and disinterest in the series has nothing to do with age. And to be honest, I don't feel that many people do too. I feel that many people lost interest in Pokemon quite similar to why I do. Because of Ruby/Sapphire, and how it regressed from a growing story back to it's bare bones. Taking a break between gen 3 and 4, older Pokemon fans feel the nostalgia for the series, and is coming back to relive their childhood. Generation 5 marks a second coming of Pokemon fans. I did too in a way. I will never like Pokemon past gen 2, but I introduced my nieces and nephews to Gen 5. Now that Gen 6 is on their way, we will see how Pokemon will go.

My nieces and nephews liked Pokemon gen 5, but they don't love it. They are just kids who don't get why Pokemon is a great hit simply because they were not around when Pokemon was something special in the old days. 700+ Pokemon is way too much to sift through, and you cannot form a connection from when the Pokemon Family was much smaller.

They played the games, but now they are shelved collecting dust after maybe a month. Remember, these are four kids who lost interest in Pokemon after a month age range 7-13. This is proof that modern Pokemon games cannot compete the purity and enjoyment as their Retro parent titles. I still would be a devout Pokemon fan if the game would grow with it's audience instead of catering to a bunch of kids. Pokemon would be more accepted by the older gamers if the series would cater to them, just like Nintendo grew to cater to everyone not just one group of people.


*Note* Everything I just typed up does not apply to everybody. These statements are based on my knowledge of the series, comments made by other previous Pokemon Fans, comments made by current Pokemon players, and the many videos posted by youtubers.

[Mage the Observer]

I was in my mid-teens when I started playing, and have felt no shame in being a fan. I've grown out of the series, but no one should feel compelled to like or dislike something, especially on the basis of a demographic. Attitudes like that just seem a little immature, don't they?

[Butterscotch]

I'm not exactly ashamed of playing Pokemon, but I'm a little embarrassed about it. I mean, I'll play Pokemon in the break room at work and if someone asked me what I was playing, I'd answer honestly, but the answer might be something like "Pokemon. I know it's a game for little kids, but I really like it =D". A little defensive.