Pokémon Red & Blue not only were the spark that ignited the flame that is the Pokémon legacy; they were the trendsetters for all the games to come after them. Though they did have some flaws, they were heartwarming, challenging, and most of all engaging, earning their well-deserved spot in the gaming hall of fame.
For some reason, some of the bigger flaws present in Red & Blue were not weeded out in sequels when they easily could have been. Not only that, but some of the Pokémon games we've seen since have felt somewhat run-of-the-mill - not being different enough to really stand out in the series.
Pokémon Sun & Moon fortunately do not suffer from these ailments. Major flaws such as forcing your Pokémon to use one of their precious 4 move-slots for battle-useless HM's was a recurring nightmare game after game, but not this time. Nintendo deals with this ancient problem in a fun and boisterous way - by allowing you to summon a "ride" Pokémon to deal with issues such as crossing the sea, smashing boulders, or traversing rough terrain. The introduction of ride Pokémon turns what was a serious pebble in your shoe to one of the best parts of the game, as most of the time you take command of this ride Pokémon and deal with those pesky boulders etc. yourself.
Battling wild Pokémon is still too time-consuming. If, when encountering wild Pokémon, the battle started quicker and the moves were initiated faster, these countless battles would become a lot less cumbersome and feel like less of a chore.
Sun and Moon employ a more realistic set of graphics than the most recent additions to the franchise, with characters that are actually proportional, and lush, detailed graphics that are a lot less pixelated and mundane, as well as a very formidable soundtrack. This game really pulls you in and keeps you very much on the edge of your seat throughout your entire adventure.
There's also the addition of "Alolan" variations of some of our favorite Pokémon. However, like mega evolutions, these Alolan versions are very hit or miss. Some of them are absolutely fantastic while others are downright pitiful.
Another shining factor about Sun & Moon is how much the formula has been altered without deviating from what make Pokémon games so great. While not absolutely revolutionary, the changes are noteworthy and a breath of fresh air after years of mostly the same. On the Alolan islands, you take on the island trials. This involves completing unique tasks in addition to battling Pokémon. You also face a more powerful Pokémon at the end to complete these challenges. In addition, you face off against each island's "Kahuna" (a powerful trainer).
Like all Pokémon games, there are Legendary Pokémon present, but this time around instead of including them out of obligation, they do feel like they are truly relevant to the story, unlike some installments in the series. For the first time in quite a while, catching some of these legendary Pokémon is actually something you really get excited about, particularly the Pokémon on the cover of the games, which you will most likely add to your party after catching rather than sending straight to the PC.
Pokémon Sun and Moon have more than enough to be excited about, and for those who have yet to begin their journey to become a Pokémon master, never has there been a better time to join the rest of us. Sun and Moon take themselves seriously and it shows. Although there are still some lingering, age-old flaws, major ones have been dealt with, and because of that there is hope that future games will continue the trend.