Pokémon’s Hoenn Region: A Display of Balance and Harmony

This is the second of a four-part series analyzing my favourite Pokemon regions - Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova!
Johto analysis: • Pokémon’s Johto Region...
Sinnoh analysis: • The Greatest Triumph o...
Unova analysis: • Pokémon’s Unova Region...
--
Twitter: / aleczandxr
Twitch: / aleczandxr
MyAnimeList: myanimelist.net/profile/Alecza...
Patreon: / aleczandxr
Side channel: / ajgdude
In case you'd like to make a donation into my tip jar: www.paypal.me/aleczandxr
--
Music used:
Song 1 - Dive (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 2 - Museum (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 3 - Introductions (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 4 - Littleroot Town (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 5 - Petalburg City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 6 - Rustboro City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 7 - Dewford Town (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 8 - Slateport City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 9 - Oldale Town (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 10 - Have a Break at the Cafe (Pokemon Sun and Moon)
Song 11 - Verdanturf Town (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 12 - Route 110 (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 13 - Galdin Quay (Final Fantasy XV)
Song 14 - Route 113 (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 15 - Fallarbor Town (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 16 - Stow-On-Side (Pokemon Sword and Shield)
Song 17 - Fortree City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 18 - Dawn (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
Song 19 - Lilycove City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 20 - City on the Mesa (Horizon Zero Dawn)
Song 21 - Sootopolis City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 22 - Southern Island (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 23 - Seafolk Village (Day) (Pokemon Sun and Moon)
Song 24 - Ever Grande City (Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
Song 25 - Galar Legends Theme (Pokemon Sword and Shield)
Song 26 - Once Upon a Time (Pokemon Sword and Shield)
Link to FCPlaythroughs' channel: / @fcplaythroughs
Link to chuggaaconroy’s channel: / chuggaaconroy
Link to Bulbapedia: bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wi...
My Sinnoh video: • The Greatest Triumph o...
While Pokémon is a series that appeals to children, this video specifically is not, and covers the series from a perspective and style that is not “made for kids.” As such, this video is accurately labeled “Not for kids” under the COPPA act.

[@Aleczandxr]

This is the second of a four-part series analyzing my favourite Pokemon regions - Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova! Johto analysis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIXThGlog7eHd5o&ab_channel=Aleczandxr Sinnoh analysis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGTIqJSNabikhtU Unova analysis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH22eX2nf56ljMU

[@Elbanditoart]

Do one about morgz mum

[@calcelmoanayru5870]

Hoenn is the biggest region of those, with the most to talk about and the most towns. I bet the Johto video will be the shortest one.

[@pokemastermlg7435]

do unova sometime later plz

[@Ziggerath]

really surprised you wouldn't include black and white

[@Aleczandxr]

@@pokemastermlg7435 Sorry, but I won't be doing that! As I said in the comment you just replied to, I will only be covering Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh. And regardless, I don't take requests from comments, only Patreon. Apologies again, but I hope you enjoy the two so far!

[@brandonadrien3476]

"While Sinnoh is quiet and poetic, Hoenn is bold." *cues TRUMPETS*

[@knoxgarfallen3355]

I love Hoenn, and its boldness. But personally, i always feel like Sinnoh is far more detailed and meticulous. It feels like a breathing world. But ive also always felt like Hoenn is not alive, but the most adventure-y of all the games, if only by a little compared to sinnoh. Probably due to its speed, and how quickly everything feels, but also due to the change in tropics all the time. Sinnoh does this better realistically, but the fake magic of Hoenn is a close second, i love it.

[@kirin1230]

Ahem, Hoenn isn't just trumpets. Zinnia has violins and Wally has electric guitars in ORAS. Besides that, Hoenn has more trumpets than water. I love it, but it has two many trumpets.

[@ymirishere7108]

Love the profile pic, btw.

[@brendan9734]

DID SOMEBODY SAY TRUMPETS!? 🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺

[@superlombax1561]

@@kirin1230 In ORAS. Yeah, the remake that came out more than 10 years ago. Just saying.

[@spookuslukas]

I think it should be noted that Mt Pyre is built directly into a hill surrounded by a lake, which makes it much more attuned to nature than a constructed tower like other regions have. Makes sense why Pokemon like Vulpix would appear there instead of purely ghost types.

[@mattsen4297]

So do the Vulpix swim there or

[@Bogan360dude]

Ah Hoenn, the most relaxing yet triumphant region of them all. Emerald is my favorite Pokemon game having played it over 7 times to completion. The atmosphere of this game is so warm and cozy, I can't help but feel at home whenever I come back to Emerald. Hoenn has a very vacationy feel to it and it is a game world I would love to live in more than any other.

[@meidanrrustemi8322]

How has one channel managed to encapsulate the childhood of so many young men and women, and present it to us in such a poetic and beautiful way. Your videos never miss, and every topic you do I can relate to, which I can NEVER say with any other channel. Thank you truly for bringing back my sense of adventure, Id had lost it during my journey into adulthood, and I was having trouble seeing a future for myself, I thought I was stuck. By making these videos you’ve shown me there is always another path, and that even if it is filled with pain and sorrow, it is a new adventure, filled with joy and hope, and that alone makes it worth living for.

[@Aleczandxr]

[@l4l755]

Your comment gave me goosebumps. Hoenn was a way for me to rediscover Pokémon as a young adult. Silver (Johto) was my childhood, and the video discussion of it was a well laid out piece of art, at least to me. ^^

[@rjthepoet500]

“Hoen is, on the surface, hella awesome and unique.” Well said my friend. 🤣

[@Digimonfusion280]

Me: Starts playing my favorite pokemon game just yesterday Aleczandexr: Publish a video about it too Me: Its all coming together.

[@dddmemaybe]

Quantum Mechanics. *taps forehead. I'm one with the Astral Plane, the cosmos. Your future holds a handheld gaming device. kekeke

[@wederhelft1]

an hour long vid on pokemon by Aleczander? guess this whole corona quarantine thing aint that bad

[@DammnDeejay]

😆👍

[@TheCaptainjuicy]

tbh I’m thankful he is using this time to talk about his passions as opposed to just milking corona for views

[@RyanSmith-ic3dc]

HE SAID THE WORD

[@jaydenc367]

Hugo lopez you mean talking about the virus? entertainment youtubers don't really talk about it and youtube seems to be banning the saying of the word

[@QueenCloveroftheice]

I can’t believe it’s been 8 months. Feels like 2 months ago.

[@slaps1455]

Aleczanxr: “Hoenn is arguably the warmest” Alola: “Hold my Beer”

[@Aleczandxr]

That’s why I said “arguably” lol

[@SpiffyBanter]

"I want more water because it will make the water Pokemon more happy and people will have more places to swim." -Team Aqua

[@SpiffyBanter]

@Zedrik Allen Absolutely, I love how they freak out at the end because the LEGENDARY Pokemon don't do what they want, then they immediately blame you for it lol.

[@nomorepartiezz]

Im almost 21 but Pokemon Emerald still remains one of my favorite games of all time and a lot of that comes down to Hoenn. The region is so vast and varied, as a little kid it felt so immersive. The fact that you start off in a little shitty village and then go to a forest, a beach, up a mountain, a volcano, to a desert, a wetlands jungle, to a tropical water route and an underwater volcano city, etc, it made it feel like you were going on an ADVENTURE and it felt like you truly had come so far when you looked back on your progress. The story felt grand and huge, with these two big ass forces of nature clashing and bringing about end times. Also I love all the Pokemon and I think the Hoenn starters are still the best in the entire series

[@robotdickens]

I’ve been disappointed with Pokémon as of late so I’ve really forgotten how much I liked these games. After this I think I might start a new game.

[@bishopofeternity48]

You forgot your true prize for beating the game. A beautiful music piece that shows all the pokemon you've caught as you cycle through various locations. Best ending to any pokemon game ive ever played.

[@Aleczandxr]

Intentionally omitting something isn’t the same thing as forgetting it. I’m aware of it, but it didn’t have anything to do with the points I intended to make in the video.

[@bishopofeternity48]

@@Aleczandxr Fair enough, just felt like mentioning it.

[@scorpiopede]

This was beautiful. Ever since I played Sapphire, Hoenn has remained as my all time favorite pokemon region and, much like how you stated, my appreciation for it only grew with age as I gained a better appreciation for the world building of the region itself and hold it as the gold standard for building an organic, believable setting for trainers to explore and for pokemon to live in. While many other regions in themselves do a great job, such as Sinnoh or even Alola I would argue, Hoenn to this day still did it best. Thank you for exploring this intricate world in a level of detail that even I didn't recognize, this was truly something special to watch.

[@Aleczandxr]

You're so welcome, and thank you for the kind words. Glad the video was so valuable.

[@kokonotsuu7]

I really like ORAS, it is the most immersive pokemon game imo, it doenst have the annoyance of your rivals\friends like alola or kalos, and may/brandom and wally alwas have cute and fun moments with you. And it has most of my favorite gimmicks. You can fly riding your pokemon, you can make secret bases, you can compete in contests with your pokemon, you have a way to search pokemon to complete your dex (and they can have special moves or abilities), you can find secret spots with legendary pokemon. Also, it has the post game story, which i really liked, you have a feeling of danger while going through it, and you end encountering one of the harder legendaries to find in previous games, and Zinia is awesome! The only downside is the lack of battle frontier, which was a really fun part of the originals. All in all, i think ORAS is a great remake, and lived up to the level of the previous, also great, remakes in HGSS and FRLG.

[@kristofgriffin384]

It didn't bother me that much, because I never bothered to beat the Battle Frontier. However, I still think they should have included it.

[@claudiolentini5067]

Wally's Glowup in the final battle in Victory Road in ORAS, while not being as fleshed out as the character arcs of the rivals in Black and White, is imho a great moment, with a fire OST, and i really love the symbolism of his mega Gallade and Gallade as a whole, this tiny, fragile thing (seriously, ralts is one of the most frail pokemons out there) that turns into a powerful, indomitable battler, mirroring the transformation of his trainer. Gardevoir did give a similar vibe in RSE if you knew the Pokemon lore, but my god, does Gallade fit him so much better with his typing and lore. It's almost like they made it for him back in Diamond and Pearl. I also like that it almost seems like the game is wanting you to lose to him.

[@NaturalHypertrophy]

I cannot WAIT for the Johto video, my favorite pokemon Gen of all times!

[@emdasch6065]

Same. I just find Johto so cozy and alluring.

[@FCPlaythroughs]

This video puts why Hoenn works so well into words much better than I ever could, and I'm glad I was able to supply footage. Excellently done man.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks so much, and thank you for your channel! It's an awesome resource and I couldn't have done this without your playthrough!

[@FCPlaythroughs]

@@Aleczandxr Any time! If you need more footage for future videos feel free to use whatever you like :D

[@th6410]

I wish I could go back to the 10yo days to watch my brother play Ruby, help him find where to go next with my sharp intuition and even sometimes sneak in to play myself. We literally screamed in excitement after finding out how to go through broken tiles in Sky Pillar, accidentally finding a Magnetric while struggling to beat 6th gym, or the secret of Regis quest using the Brailles language (we didn’t have internet back then)... We attempted gen 4 just 2 years later, did finish it but never felt the same charm that sucked us in the Hoenn journey.

[@Senayoshy]

Time to replay these games, thank you for the reminder

[@yiangaruga4928]

We should all play the great pokemon games to remind us how awesome pokemon games used to be

[@brendan9734]

Don't forget to bring your trumpet! 🎺

[@NaturalHypertrophy]

YESSSS another Pokemon video! These games were the first that I played seriously with a "balanced" team, it was my first experience actually tryharding a game.

[@2weakkickflip]

Lol same, in Firered/Leafgreen I would just stomp everyone with my overleveled Blastoise and Zapdos. But when I got emerald I was a little older and wanted to play with an evenly leveled, varying type team

[@tiagodarkpeasant]

me too thanks to emerald

[@tiph876]

An hour long video about pokemon? It's making my day! Hoenn is one of my favorite region, it's unique and really is still memorable after all these years.

[@xanthippus9079]

"But there's too much water!"

[@morgandfreeman4488]

'Really makes you feel like a Pokémon trainer' Has something for everyone

[@lecherousfish]

Xanthippus Archie you fool

[@dddmemaybe]

It's not that there's too much water but, rather that all of the water gameplay is in the second half of the game. This means pokemon weak to water type have problematic difficulty getting levels and exp in the second half, at least in general.

[@Relisoc]

dddmemaybe There IS too much water given that water sections half-baked, but the game is still amazing regardless. The reason that’s a meme is because they gave it a 7.8 and literally said ‘too much water’ as the primary reason

[@thefakejoey8549]

@@Relisoc I believe the reviewer also meant that because of all the water sections, there was a disproportionate amount of water-type Pokémon compared to other types. It affected variety. It was a legitimate concern, but I think people just latched onto that one phrase and used it for memes and to bash IGN.

[@SobrietyandSolace]

3rd Gen was the best balance of classic Pokemon and newer more gimmicky features, graphics, story, exploration, puzzle solving, varied climate/geography, really distinctive locations, interactivity and post game content. Ruby is easily my favourite game with HG/SS a close second.

[@myfaceisstuckpleasesendhel1255]

Happy to see a video about my favorite region.

[@keybladesrus]

Excellent video! Hoenn has always been my favorite region, and I think my love for it is why the Hoenn games remain my favorite in the series despite quality of life improvements in other games. In my opinion, no region has topped Hoenn. It's got my favorite routes (especially 119) and the most memorable towns and cities. I feel like modern regions have lost the sense of exploration the series used to have. Rather than exploring the wilderness, they feel more like guided tours. Even Galar with its Wild Area couldn't escape feeling like that for me. Sure, you could walk around freely in the Wild Area, but what was there to find?

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@dcta51]

Sapphire and ruby weren't just good pokemon games they were good jrpg's..cus of Hoenn

[@zanabandgirl]

dude, these vids are so beautiful. my first region was sinnoh, and it took me a decade to play through hoenn lol. it really is such a tropical fantasy, like some endless summer... and OMG johto... i cannot wait for that one. johto has a special place in my heart. you’re doing such a wonderful job on these!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks so much!

[@dcta51]

Super Mario Sunshine, Zelda Wind Waker and Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire.. Nintendo was big on the fantasy tropical summer vibes back then! Wish they would return!

[@thecasualnerd7380]

I'd like to point out something that Aleczandxr doesn't really harp on enough IMO. All of this deep philosophy and stuff baked into the very design of the region at every level... was done for what is fundamentally a children's game. Pokemon's original target audience has aged into adults who are still loyal to the series, but the games have always been targeted at a much younger demographic. And at the time of the original Ruby and Sapphire a large part of their audience still fit that demographic, I know I did. Maybe there were some fans a tad older than me at the time, but certainly not that many adults. And yet all of this subtext and careful thought and world-building, enough to make an hour long video on, was put into these games, into this region. All of this probably flew right over the heads of kids playing the game, but they baked it into the setting anyway, so now that we can look back on these iconic parts of our childhood, we can appreciate these deeper messages and themes. I think that in itself is worthy of significant praise.

[@Aleczandxr]

That’s very well put, and I agree that that’s very impressive, but I felt like I praised the theming, design and cohesion enough, so any additional dickriding for the games would’ve felt over-the-top and fanboyish. I don’t want my analyses to go to far into that territory. I’d rather have commenters, like yourself, point stuff like that out.

[@thecasualnerd7380]

@@Aleczandxr fair enough

[@brotheraavex9180]

Dude wtf just when I started playing my omega ruby again I start getting these videos

[@morgandfreeman4488]

Your name makes this comment awesome

[@oskarbrenner13]

I saw you yesterday in a café close to city Z, so I stalked your when passing by. Why don't you evolve your mudkip? Does it gain any special powers when it is on its first evolution? The rest of your team seemed quite strong.

[@foxpopulii380]

The algorithm knows...

[@leakypeach6250]

I love this video! I was planning on writing a fanfic based on Wally before the events of the story and, while researching this region further, I found a quote that the director (whose name escapes me) said that he wanted to use this region to focus on the bond between people and pokemon. When I saw this, I assumed that he simply meant "between trainers and their pokemon" not "between people and nature". You've now given me huge insight into the mindset of the creative minds who worked on this game. I can't wait to apply this to my story.

[@VAB419]

Leaky Peach That’s so neat! I’m a fan of fanfic and rarely read Pokemon fic despite loving the series for years. I’d be interested in reading about Wally. Let me know if/when you post that?

[@leakypeach6250]

@@VAB419 Will do, friend :^)

[@zigludosama]

Man i keep coming back to these videos, and I absolutely cannot wait for the Johto one. While B2W2 are my favorite games, and arguably the most well made ones alongside Platinum, Johto has always been my favorite region. Doesn't help either that HGSS were my first games. As great as Unova is, the way the region was designed felt very artificial, especially in BW. Looking forward to the next one!

[@bobbyzamora6389]

Lavaridge so comfy

[@brendan9734]

And they have cookies!

[@FantonHike]

Eagerly awaiting the Johto video!! SoulSilver was the first true RPG I ever played. Also, new mic? Audio was very clear anyway.

[@Aleczandxr]

Not a new mic, no.

[@FantonHike]

Aleczandxr It’s just your presentation is getting clearer then. The quality of your videos has always been stunning but after watching this one I further appreciate the effort and thought that goes into them. Thank you greatly

[@alec2412]

Been waiting for this ever since the Sinnoh video, excellent work as always! Thanks for giving my favorite region/games some credit.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you, and you're very welcome!

[@HerculePyro]

Now I want to see you discuss the Pokémon special/adventures manga. I personally love the ruby and sapphire arc of that.

[@Aleczandxr]

Unfortunately I won’t be doing that. Very sorry!

[@VAB419]

I will forever appreciate the intense work put into why these Pokemon regions’ vibes and qualities really stand out. Can’t get this anywhere else. Looking forward to the Johto entry too. Thank you so much.

[@Aleczandxr]

You’re super welcome!

[@bakes1324]

One of the coolest aesthetic additions in the remakes was the pond from the games into being visible while looking up at the mountain where you first battle may.

[@therealseanw.stewart2071]

One of my favorite games of all time, I love Omega Ruby so much - favorite game on my 3DS by far. I also grew up with Emerald back in the day, which is also incredibly nostalgic. Hoenn is truly beautiful, and like Sinnoh, provides a deep and well-realized environment, history and theming, still some of the best design in the series, geography and Pokemon species designs.

[@kidkamu]

I really like your perspective on a lot of parts of Hoenn. I never thought about Route 110 in that way but it's actually an incredible route when you bring up the two NPC dialogues and tie it back with Rusturf Tunnel. I feel like every route and city in Hoenn is incredibly well placed and seemingly flawless in how they transition from one to the other. The case you bring up for Route 111's introduction with the rougher paths and being encased by rocky terrain on your way there is a great example. Personally, the trek starting from surfing from Route 118 to Route 119 and then the trek from there to Fortree and then from there through all the routes until Lilycove have some of the most well executed route transitions in Pokémon or games in general especially when Fortree and Lilycove have such juxtaposed architecture. It's not quite a Slateport or a Mauville but it takes the player back to a recognizable city backdrop with steel, bricks, etc. and it isn't jarring at all even though the last place you visited was a child's dream of a treefort kingdom. One nice thought about Sootopolis is that in the original R/S/E its birth is akin to Groudon and Kyogre coming together to create a Pokémon Pangea. A volcano erupted and created the land mass, which Groudon is known to be able to do and then was filled with rainwater and Kyogre can bring rain to raise the sea. Sootopolis is the culmination of what both Archie and Maxie want to use Groudon and Kyogre for, tying in with Hoenn's theme of living in harmony and there being a balance to life as a direct juxtaposition to the actions of both teams. It is also the site where, in Emerald, the two fight and then are calmed by Rayquaza once more. I find it to be an amazing choice to have them fight in this exact location--a location that merges both ideals of Aqua and Magma as well as the capabilities of both Legendary Pokémon. Hoenn is by far my favourite region and I feel like many of the nuances and intricacies behind the landscape and the story of it plays a large part in it. You explained everything so well and I really enjoyed the video. This is definitely one of, if not the, best videos on the region on KZbin. Thanks for making it. I'll be sure to check out the others of this series as well.

[@Aleczandxr]

Late reply but you’re very welcome, I hope you enjoyed the other videos as well!

[@MelloMatthew]

Great video! The quality of these are amazing. Looking forward to unova, especially when you mentioned shoal cave, as there's a multitude of weather/nature changes in unova.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks! However, I’m not making one on Unova. Sorry! You can refer to the pinned comment for my plans on Pokemon videos.

[@gabrielfranca2366]

When I searched "Hoenn" into the search bar, I did not imagine how perfect a video I would find... All of this, exactly, has been dominating my mind for the past 6 months, and I'm so glad someone was able to put it in a video and tie it all so beautifully together. You just got yourself another subscriber! This idea of balance and harmony between nature and culture, humans and pokemon and the way it is portrayed through almost every aspect of the game is incredible! I wish this balance would be understood and appreciated by more people in real life too... Maybe I'll just have to become an ecologist and spread the word >:)

[@thefirefridge5187]

I love your pokemon region videos! I've been a fan of pokemon for many years, but I never took the time to think in depth about the regions. These videos kinda make me wanna look at the games I love even deeper. Hope to see more content like this in the future. Keep up the good work!

[@Aleczandxr]

Glad you love them! Thanks. As I mentioned in the pinned comment, I have plans for one more video on the series.

[@benjackson2070]

Was rewatching the sinnoh one a few days wondering if third ever come. This is gonna be a good hour.

[@zaarongaming8174]

Didn't think I could get any more out of this game after watching "An exhaustive look at Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire", but this was really good.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@WhoIsCalli]

Nice vid. Ruby was the first Pokemon I played and this just brought everything back to life ( with new levels to it). Loved it. Thanks

[@ScarletRemii]

I have a new found appreciation for this game after watching this. Many thanks

[@Aleczandxr]

You're welcome!

[@novacanenovacane7032]

Omg Littleroot is so nostalgic 😤

[@Sandwichking1]

Amazing work again Aleczandxr, your essays are marvels to those who are writing their own stories.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@SoapManpv]

Excellent video, you brought about a whole new appreciation in me for my favorite region.

[@Aleczandxr]

Glad to hear that!

[@debooak1195]

Wow... I'm speechless... what a way to relive one of my favorite childhood games but with a more mature and grown perspective. Thanks for the awesome video and experience!!!

[@Aleczandxr]

Glad you enjoyed it! You're very welcome.

[@YourBoyNobody530]

So the awesome thing about the region is that it is not just half land half water but is the literal divide between land and see as to the north west you have other regions while to the south east you have a bunch of ocean which makes this a truly fitting resting place for the box art legendaries

[@StaggerjAGGER]

I always look forward to your videos man. I know KZbin doesn't reward you guys monetarily like it should but you always provide top quality content. I subbed a long time ago because of it.

[@Aleczandxr]

Glad you enjoy them! Hopefully I continue to gain support so I can keep making videos.

[@ChasehaWing]

Pokemon Sapphire was my first pokemon game. I always thought it was really fun and despite Sapphire Alpha being easier, there are a lot of things I adore about the region that they changed. Such as being able to fly through the area and the addition of hunting pokemon on remote islands which one could never go on before. It is the only pokemon game that shows you going through all of nature (earth, water, sky and space) while still being environmentally friendly.

[@phantomix5693]

Hoenn had some pretty cool pokemon designs. It was the first time I struggled to choose a starter.

[@josephjames9090]

I love this video, def gonna check out your older videos, i love gen 3 and the remakes but this is giving me a whole new perspective on them. I still play the gba, ds, and 3ds games consistently and i love learning and thinking about them critically, they are infinitely replayable and so special to me. Im glad they are to you too.

[@Aleczandxr]

Cheers, glad to hear it! In particular, I'd recommend checking out my analysis on Sinnoh, since you enjoyed this one so much.

[@josephjames9090]

@@Aleczandxr great job on both videos, i appreciate you taking the time to make them. Im eager to see your take on johto! Oddball recommendation: the region from the xd gale of darkness and colosseum games. I have the least experience with them but they have interesting cities and id love to see someone talk about them.

[@Aleczandxr]

Unfortunately I don’t take requests from comments, sorry about that. But I’m glad you enjoyed these ones and are looking forward to when I release Johto later in the year!

[@olefredrikskjegstad5972]

Hoenn is where my experience with Pokémon began, in nearly every way. I first got into the anime during its Hoenn Saga, my first attempts at playing the actual main series games were a few stints of Emerald on a PC Emulator, and my first actual title that I bought and played myself was Omega Ruby. Hoenn is loaded with a lot of memories for me, and to this day it reflects what I love the most about Pokémon, its utopianism, exotic nature, and the friendly and calm atmosphere. I greatly enjoyed this video.

[@FrffyVsBoredom]

Awesome Pokémon vid! Excited for more!

[@somasora7]

An hour long analysis of best region? I am so here for this. Edit: Another ORAS fan. We're really out here

[@calcelmoanayru5870]

Another here!

[@absolutezerokyukyokami2288]

I prefer the old gen 3 games but oras was pretty dope

[@giraffedragon6110]

Hoenn has always felt like home to me. I grew up all my life in Alabama and many things just felt similar.

[@MediumDSpeaks]

"Ever since I first played Ruby as a 9 year old kid" Oh snap we're the same age

[@dddmemaybe]

He played Ruby when the game was 4 years old already ;). Now where's your affirmative maffs? XD hahaha lolo

[@MediumDSpeaks]

@@dddmemaybe damn guess I'm 5 years older than him but we'll still probably die around the same time

[@Dreq458]

@@dddmemaybe that makes him..... 2 years younger than me

[@SobrietyandSolace]

I feel old. I first played Red when I was 7

[@MediumDSpeaks]

@@SobrietyandSolace I first played Red when it came out and I was 4, but Ruby came out around my 9th birthday

[@geese3000]

Im really liking the series so far!

[@seraph4208]

Emerald is my favorite pokemon game and my most played as well. Love this video!

[@nicoloanoushe9277]

I liked how there was so much water in Hoenn, for me at least it felt like there is so much more probably, it made me excited of what kind of hidden islands would be hidden, or curiouse what is beyond the borders of the game, even if i would never find out while playing the game of what is beyond, I still enjoyed thinking of those htings a lot. Sorry if my english is shit, am self thought in this weird language

[@rebelblade7159]

Nice video. It made me see Hoenn in a totally new way after so many years. Also it made me realize some stuff. Firstly its quite fitting that the badge awarded by Norman, the father of the player character is fittingly called Balance Badge. We as the player in the end are given the task to make sure the balance in Hoenn is not disrupted. Also it made me realize just how the Pokemon Special manga manages to fit the themes of Hoenn even further with its main characters. Sapphire, the Daughter of Professor Birch represents the coexistence with nature quite well and it is reflected in her wild nature and disliking doing things that ruin the natural image of Pokémon. Ruby is the opposite due to being someone who focuses on trying to make pokemon look good externally (and hence loves contests) and dislikes pokemon battles due to considering them savage. The two of them are good foils for one another and as expected, they don't get along so well at the start. But later on as the story progresses, the two of them fall in love, which can symbolize the balance and coexistence between humans and nature. Also I like how Ruby initially did not consider Feebas beautiful due to his own standards but later acknowledges its natural beauty, causing it to evolve into Milotic.

[@Phanton404]

As someone that stopped after playing and completing OmegaRuby, with my reasoning being the dumbed down gameplay aspects, plus the megas further destroying the competitive scene (which was my main motive to keep playing the games past BW) I can't help but reflect after watching your video on how harsh I may have been with ORAS for those reasons instead on focusing on what now I believe the devs focused on bringing up about Hoenn which is of course it's incredible atmosphere and environments. Many thanks for uploading!

[@Aleczandxr]

No problem! Glad I could offer some alternate appreciation.

[@matthewwilliams8267]

Most people (mainly adults that have played a previous game) expects that same feel. If your journey started in kanto, then you will unconsciously compare every new game with Kanto. Then those fans complain, or stop playing in general. Mostly with the reason being "it's not like Kanto/Johto etc." Or that "it's too easy" or for competitive reasons. Pokemon was never about being the same. It was never supposed to be hard, or made for competitive reasons. It was always about the story, stumbling into the plot, and exploring, building bonds with your team. Every generation has a larger theme, a bigger story, a True Reason for existing. Kanto- Misguided attempts in creating an all powerful being, with a mafia slowly trying to seize control. Johto- 3 years later, in a region that holds it's past in it's very fiber, the mafia tries to reform, while stories of ancient legends and myth are whispered about. Hoenn- (this video, but) The importance of not only balance and cohesion, but of equal and opposite forces. The ground is home to lots of life, many that has not been found. The ocean is the cradle of life, and very unpredictable in it's very being. The Air is the gateway to space, to our future, and of untold and unexplored planets. Each keeps in each other in balance, and don't let on have too much power. Sinnoh- (you know what that is) Unova- everyone knows about the Original Dragon theory. But don't forget what the story is truly about: What is Truth without Ideas? What is Ideas without Truth? Nothing, just a cold emptiness inside. No Truth to burn through lies, no Ideas to electrify the creative mind. Just an empty shell hoping to one day have truth to warm it, or ideas to shock it. Kalos- Life and Death. An endless Life is just as horrible as a painful Death. Order is to be kept, but not overpower it. Alola- The tropical feel, the pure relax feeling it has, is different depending upon what game you have. The Sun/Ultra Sun games have a higher energy, and much brighter in general, while Moon/Ultra Moon has a more subdued atmosphere. And then the separate kinds gives you pretty much four games. In S/M, it was about tampering with natural forces, while USUM was about repercussions of nearly destroying a power beyond your control. (I'm not doing Galar) TL;DR- Play for the Story, stay for the extras, not the other way around. Or you would be understandably be confused and unfulfilled. It's like eating a pie before dinner. (Pie= extras, Dinner= story)

[@CaptainMarvel4Ever]

That's the entire purpose of the Pokemon games ever since their inception. The fan version of Dragon Quest and SMT where you enjoy the ride and the atmosphere through the lens of an RPG. @@matthewwilliams8267 I'd say Galar's atmosphere revolves around competition, from the biggest cities to the smaller locals, to the Wild Area, it all comes back to that big moment when you're on the pitch in front of the crowd. What it means to have a dream, to try, to succeed, to fail, to find new paths, and what it means to have that weight of being someone that means someone to a lot of people. All of which can be felt in one big moment, one climax where it all can come together for a split second, only to be felt for a lifetime.

[@CabbageYippee]

Matthew Williams Galar is about reaching greatness, working as hard as you can to move up the ranks, it’s about passing the torch, simply its the basic idea of being the very best like no one ever was standing up to any challenge you will face no matter how large the challenge is ahead

[@TheBigBruvv]

Awesome in depth video on my fave Reigion in pokemon Ruby was my first ever pokemon game love Hoenn so much

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@sombraelerizo]

Sapphire was my first Pokémon game when i was a kid, and i already was a Pokémon fan beforehand. Pearl was my second one, and i enjoyed it immensely. To this day Hoenn and Sinnoh are my favorite regions, and i know they complement each other well. I can almost shed tears for your two videos on Hoenn and Sinnoh, the two fictional worlds that game my child self so much joy.

[@MadComicMan122]

i love this series of your so much. i would also love to hear your take on the kalos region... as empty as it felt i thought they took a lot of effort in making it really beautiful, which goes along with the themes of the evil team and its real life inspiration of france

[@Sunny-qs2ru]

How do you keep dropping such AMAZING videos Alec? Phenomenal job once again

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@HebrewsElevenTwentyFive]

This was brilliant. I absolutely love the pokemon series 🤙🏾

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@lonewolface286]

I loved both the original and the remakes, with Ruby being my first pokemon game,so thank you so much for this amazing video ❤1 My favourite OST is the night version of Latios/Latias flight, i always have an hard time to not become emotional while listening it !

[@MDrams22]

Brilliant would be an understatement! Perfect time to continue my Emerald playthrough

[@mannyblight6140]

Hoenn isn’t my first gen but it’s the most nostalgic as I loved replaying it so much as a kid and teen though for some reason ruby is my favorite of the hoenn games but fire red is my favorite all time game but hoenn just feels like home

[@priapus_]

Excellent. Please keep up the superb work.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks, I'll do my best!

[@justicemorgan7707]

Hoenn is definitely one of my favorite regions.

[@brendan9734]

🎺

[@TimAquila]

I've never fully experienced Hoenn, because I only own a Ruby edition which can't save (bought it on a flea market) and Alpha Sapphire, which I only played without much focus. However, based on the map and goals of Team Aqua/Magma, I noticed the theme of balance between two seemingly separate things. I'm quite impressed, how much more depth this theme actually had!

[@rewrose2838]

Pokémon Emerald (and ORAS as a remake) is my top 3 games ever just for the ridiculous replay value (Although I do miss the Gen5-7 competitive scene)

[@jordanbean5507]

Great analysis and celebration of a setting that inspired my imagination from the first time I started my copy of Sapphire.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@firewolfx5456]

The Hoenn region of Pokémon is by far the best in my opinion due to multiple factors. I love the climate of the game (meaning more than just the weather of the region such as gameplay and other things). Pokémon Sapphire was the first pokemon game I've ever played. I remember playing it thought out my early childhood. I can tell you my first starter, its moves, level and the rest of my team. I love the different designs of each Pokémon from Zigzagoon to Groundon. I love the story of magma vs aqua, me vs wally and may. Granted it the only Pokémon game I've never completed the Pokémon for due to multiple reasons. All in all Sapphire, Ruby and even emerald were to me the peak of Pokémon up until Black and white 2 came out. So to whoever reads this in the future and has never played Pokémon or want their kids or nephew or nieces to enjoy the series I highly recommend the Hoenn region :)

[@dontaejones7419]

Ruby was my introduction to the Pokemon franchise and Hoenn has been MY region since then. I love it and cried actual tears when I played Alpha Sapphire for the first time (on Christmas day whilst my parents looked at me like I was a freak). Thanks for this video, it's nice seeing what I love about the region put into words. And all the ideas you've presented that I never considered about it's place in the narrative.

[@Aleczandxr]

You're very welcome, I'm glad that the video was enjoyable and useful!

[@Mazzy774i]

Man I love these videos

[@fire.smok3]

For some reason I never got that much into hoenn, but this vid made me appreciate it more, kind of want to replay alpha sapphire now

[@elialeze00_]

wow. growing up with hoenn as my first region, i never cared much for the setting. i was focused on the typical battles and capturing the mons and secret bases. you definitely opened my eyes for the deep thought ingrained in this game and made me see it in a whole new pov, being that it was based on a Japanese place and its theme of connection sprinkled all throughout. i think I've unlocked a part of the japanese mindset breathed into this and that is important for me!! i learned what to consider in world building for a custom region of mine as an aspirant of pkm hacking lol

[@absolutezerokyukyokami2288]

Pokemon emerald was my first game. So the gen 3 4 5 games and anime is my favorite

[@zilldraws]

Same

[@numberhunter62]

I question your opinion of the gen 5 anime being your favourite, but the others I definitely respect.

[@absolutezerokyukyokami2288]

@@numberhunter62 dude to me the art the character design is beautiful. The only thing I hate is Iris her character is so frustratingly annoying. I'm like the people who hated Max from gen 3.

[@exequielbreton4393]

@@absolutezerokyukyokami2288 Max...... that know it all annoying little shit. He talked shit to Ash for losing, when he never trained a pokemon before. And always bothered Brock

[@absolutezerokyukyokami2288]

@@exequielbreton4393 I know 4 months ago I rewatch the gen 3 anime as a adult. and man max was so annoying I wish he was like Bonnie from Gen 6. other then that if I was playing pokemon emerald while watching the show. then that would have been 100% my childhood.

[@sock312]

Hey man thanks for making a video about Hoenn! One of my favorite video game worlds (I know regions are just parts of a bigger world but yknow)

[@Aleczandxr]

You're very welcome!

[@sock312]

Aleczandxr I just read that you’re doing johto as well. Thanks man these are my 3 favorite regions and I already love your shit :D

[@tonyholzwarth1447]

An hour long video on my favorite Pokémon region? Yes please

[@Grundleburger]

"Hoenn is half land and half water because of Kyogre and Groudon" BRO

[@nachardi1837]

I love your videos so much

[@Rodiacreed]

Didn't have a gameboy as a kid but I saw a lot of people in extracurricular play Hoenn it looked pretty fun. I actually only got to play pokemon when I was 21 on an emulator on my phone. I palyed FireRed and Emerald and I really liked them both. Emerald in particular was very immersive and the world seemed so tranquil and peaceful. I recall while palying it believing that theree is no way such a moral society could exist where kindness and goodwill is the norm, but that was the charm in it.

[@micycles1200]

I've never understood why people complained about Hoenn. Personally, it's my favorite story of any of the games. Yeah, some people might find Unova's story to be better, but I've always thought that Hoenn had a very smart, very unique way of telling the story. I was introduced to Pokemon while watching Chuggaaconroy's lp of Emerald when I was 12. Up until that point, I had resisted it and thought that it was too childish and too off the wall. But, since he had no other letsplays coming out at the time, I decided to watch it. Pretty quickly I fell in love with Emerald, mostly for the story. I liked the idea that they were both trying to do good. It was the first time I was really introduced to the notion that people can do bad things but really believe that they are trying to help people. Then, when ORAS came out, I thought it was awesome that they took both of Maxie and Archie's philosophies and put them to the extreme. It was a fantastic way to do a remake. I'm still upset that they never made a Delta Emerald because with just having Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire, you'll never get to experience the full story unless you have both games. It's not something like X and Y where it's just some items and Pokemon that are different. No, you need to play both to get the complete game. All of that aside, though, Hoenn is such a diverse region. It really feels like you're traveling through a gigantic world and really going on a grand adventure. Definitely moreso than some other games. To me, it seems like every new game is trying to replicate Hoenn. When people say that Pokemon is just becoming variations on a theme. I completely understand that because Hoenn did everything. It was amazing.

[@mcfuckinanotheraccount808]

I liked that you could catch Absol in road 120 (if not mistaken). Gave the route a mysterious vibe

[@GravyRave]

Hoenn is my absolute favorite region, with Sinnoh and Unova not too far behind. Emerald was my first Pokémon game, and ever since, I've fallen in love with the environments, characters, and pokémon (seriously, a lot of my favorite pokémon are from Hoenn).

[@kazzfuchsia1073]

Hoenn always feels like some epic adventure. I love the bol, wild feeling of the region. Which contrast with Johto's cozy and homely feeling.

[@jceptable2818]

Hoenn makes for an amazing contrast after exploring the Sinnoh region (and vice versa) if you have an DS Lite with the backward compatibility with GBA games. Great analysis (as usual) of this unique region and I look forward to you exploring the fascinating culture and geography of Johto in the future!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks! You can refer to my pinned comment for how I'll be approaching Pokemon videos on the channel.

[@SanaxUltd]

This video is a gift to every fan! 💯

[@Gagafreak92]

Thank you for this video, I totally agree with you. Hoenn has something special and it's still my favorite Pokémon-region. I wanna go on a vacation in Kyushu someday to explore the nature of Kyushu. From pictures I've seen so far, GameFreak implemented not only the geography, but the nature and atmosphere of Kyushu very well. Same with Sinnoh, but I prefer tropical areas over snowy ones. Also, I'm very interested in natural desasters, like earthquakes, tsunamis and especially volcanic eruptions. Unfortunately, I've never been near a volcano, the ocean or where tectonic plates collide, since I've never left Germany in my life. However, the "golden era" of the Pokémon mainline series are Gen3 to Gen5, in my opinion, especially the soundtracks and nature of Hoenn, Sevii Islands, Sinnoh and Unova. What I miss these days in newer Regions are hidden locations, just like Sealed Chamber in Hoenn, the secret entrance of Wayward Cave in Sinnoh or the Underground Ruins in Unova.

[@Aleczandxr]

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed.

[@Terrarix]

Really appreciating the Galdin Quay music added in the middle of the video

[@murphythestoryteller6378]

I will never not replant berries after collecting them from the world. Feels like I'd get a talking to from every trainer and old lady from Hoenn

[@davematiazdetera]

Hoenn! My favorite region ❤

[@markrobs2954]

Dude I loved your Sinnoh video. And now we get one on Hoenn. 😊😊

[@Aleczandxr]

And Johto, eventually!

[@Jeremy73950]

@@Aleczandxr Can't wait for the johto one, its definitely one of the most nostalgic games i've ever played

[@mcfuckinanotheraccount808]

Yeeeees, my first ever Pokemon game was Emerald and my first Pokémon and still to this day favourite starter was Treecko (Sceptile being my fav pokemon). I have like 800 hours played in total of Pokemon Emerald and sometimes i still go back to it. Hoenn is my favourite region