Pokemon Emerald

The Stuff of Legends

Team Magma and Team Aqua once again look to disrupt the civility of peaceful Hoenn. In Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire, the version you played determined which team would appear. It also determined whether you would encounter Groudon or Kyogre.

In Pokémon Emerald, both gangs have set up camp in Hoenn. That means twice the evil, twice the scheming plans, and twice the number of legendary Pokémon up for grabs. Add sightings of the rare Pokémon Rayquaza to the mix, and the plot gets even thicker.

Frontier Fun

The ultimate arena in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire was the Battle Tower, a location only Pokémon League Champions could access. Since then, construction has been fast and furious in the area. The entire island has been turned into Battle Frontier, a hotbed of Pokémon competition.

The highlights of Battle Frontier are the seven battle facilities. Built specifically with its master Trainer in mind, each area provides a unique combat experience. Each facility is headed by a Frontier Brain -- a powerful Trainer who will test every aspect of your combat skills. Your victories are memorialized in the form of Frontier Symbols. However, simply beating a Brain is not enough to earn the award -- usually you must defeat the same Brain multiple times to earn it. Here is a quick look at some of the places you won't want to miss during your stay on the Island.

Battle Dome

In the Battle Dome, not only do you get to use your own Pokémon, but you get to see which Pokémon your opponent will use before you select your team. Better still, a Battle Dome employee graciously provides clues about the toughness of your upcoming foe.

Battle Arena

The rules in the Battle Arena are pretty strict -- you can choose three of your own Pokémon, but you are not allowed to swap them out during battle, nor use Baton Pass, Gust or similar moves. The battles last only three rounds; a judge decides the winner at the end of the contest.

Battle Factory

As in the Battle Dome, a staffer in the Battle Factory will give you hints about the fighting style of your next Trainer. You have to use rental Pokémon in the Battle Factory -- not your custom-tailored superteam -- so make the most of the tips you receive.

Battle Pike

You never know what's behind the next door inside the Battle Pike, making it difficult to set up a strong party. You may find single or double Trainers, wild Pokémon or even Pokémon healers as you progress from room to room.

Battle Pyramid

Spark up that torch and dust off your spelunker's hat -- the Battle Pyramid is a dark and dusty place. At the start of the challenge your field of vision will be restricted to a tight radius, and it will expand following each victory. Collect as many items as you can, because you aren't allowed to bring any items with you into the Battle Pyramid.

Battle Palace

The Battle Palace stands as the most unique venue in the Battle Frontier. Trainers embroiled in Battle Palace events do not call the shots -- your Pokémon will decide how to fight. Before you commit your team to a Battle Palace competition, make sure that each of your Pokémon knows at least one move that matches its nature.

Battle Tower

The Battle Tower is an impressive high-rise structure that boasts intense Pokémon bouts. There are four battle types in the Battle Tower: Single, Double, Multi and Link Multi. Your enemies will get tougher the longer you last, so don't get too cocky if the first few fights are a breeze.

Other Island Attractions

Beyond all of the establishments that one would expect to see in a thriving community, there are several locations of note in Battle Frontier. Speak with the residents on the island -- they're eager to help you. For example, you may come across a young lady who has the ability to look directly into your Pokémon's souls and see exactly what they're thinking.

If you wander off the beaten path, you could find yourself deep within a cave full of Pokémon you aren't able to catch anywhere else. Battle Frontier isn't just about honing your battle skills -- there's no shortage of adventures on the expansive island.

Bottom Line

Pokémon Emerald is an incredibly deep RPG with surprising plot twists and intense Pokémon battles. The addition of Battle Frontier makes Pokémon Emerald a sure-fire hit for any Pokémon fan.