With last weeks release of Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, I didn’t expect much when I started using the online trading options. After all, there have only been a few days since the game hit store shelves. I’d been lucky with Pokémon Y and especially had a lot of fun with Wondertrade. It really made me realize that as great as the games are, it’s the community that truly makes these titles awesome.
Wondertrade, for those of you who don’t know, is an option that lets you send a Pokémon out into the internet and get one back in a random trade. This could be something as bland as an starting area Pokémon or an absolute treat. I always do my best to try to give out something fun, and usually I get some pretty fun goodies in return. It’s exciting! Like using one of those toy machines at a store and seeing what you get.
Combining that with the Global Trade Station, you really come across some great people. When you get a level 1 Pokémon, you know that odds are it’s from a breeder. It’s touching in a way to know someone took the time to go through the process to make that happy little Pokémon you received. Maybe it’s your favorite and you’re just desperately eager to get one after seeing it in battle (which is a requirement for requesting Pokémon on the GTS).
Sure, it sounds silly, but it’s a positive feeling! Even if you get a starter area Pokémon in a Wondertrade, you may have just given a stranger who is just starting out something cool to begin the game with. Through community, you’re increasing your Pokédex and potentially bringing a smile to other gamers as well. How cool is that?
So be sure to utilize the online options in the games. They’re really fun and when you do get a new Pokémon, it’s an awesome feeling. It really makes you think later in the game about how much joy you could give as well. When you’ve knocked a really neat Pokémon down to capture range health, it really makes you think twice and consider catching duplicates just to share with the world.
Keep being good to each other Pokémon community! Those breeding Pokémon, others sharing duplicates along the way, and traders checking the GTS for offers they can fulfill. All of you are awesome! The game is great fun battling either Team Aqua or Team Magma, but it’s even better knowing you have such great company along the way.
