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POKEMON ADVANCED BATTLE – A JUDGMENT BRAWL (VOL.8) [ADVANCE REVIEW] |
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Tuesday, 20 February 2007 |
 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | VIZ MEDIA | | | ▪ | ASPECT RATIO: | | 4:3 FULL SCREEN | | | ▪ | AUDIO: | | ENGLISH DD 2.0 | | | ▪ | RUNNING TIME: | | 132 MIN | | | ▪ | RATING: | | A | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 03/06/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 02/21/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | SCOTT CAMPBELL |
The dynamic and much improved product that is Pokemon Advanced Battle continues with this eighth volume in the series. Fans new and old will enjoy all the bright colors and varied Pokemon that this recent installment in the saga has to offer.
The first episode on the disc starts us off with Ash being “on thin ice” so to speak, as he has only three Pokemon to battle Katie’s four. Being out numbered puts him at a disadvantage, but surely Ash’s skills are enough to pull off another victory. After that, long time rival Morrison faces off with Ash in yet another battle of wits and skill. Old friend Tyson and his moody Meowth face off against Pikachu in the battle for the final four – can Ash and his favorite buddy pull through? Soon after the winning team is decided, Ash and the group make their way back to Pallet town for a homecoming reunion. On the way there, Ash challenges a new gym leader in Viridian city. Not knowing her true identity, what surprises will this challenge have in store for the trainers? The final episode on the disc covers a happy reunion in Pallet town with Professor Oak and many of Ash’s past and present friends. But the Pokemon saga isn’t over as Ash leaves again for new Pokemon adventures somewhere over the horizon.
Again, Pokemon Advanced Battle shows the staying power of this series, with a huge host of new Pokemon and varied characters. It still contains a lot of repetition in concept and plot, but the kids will love it for not being too complicated. There’s safety and enjoyment to be found in a formula that doesn’t change too much at a time. All the collecting and the fun of the classic Pokemon adventures are still present; the series in Advanced Battle has had a really well deserved face-lift.
EXTRAS:
Extras include a text preview of Pokemon Advanced Battle adventures to come, as well as the opening and closing theme song sequences.
IN SUMMARY:
If you’ve enjoyed Pokemon before or are looking for something exciting for the kids to enjoy, Pokemon Advanced Battle is a much improved expansion of the series that is sure to please the avid viewer. Old and new friends come together for a Pokemon filled package that keeps the series moving in the right direction. |
