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Be me. Playing “Pokémon Red” in 1998 the year of the game’s release. At friend’s house, grinding to level my Charmeleon on my blue Game Boy Pocket. Friend’s family’s two Basset Hounds slobbering all over me and everything else in the place–smells horrible. Enjoying the the thrill of filling my seemingly endless Pokédex. Jamming to the unforgettable soundtrack while battling your average Weeble. Hounds continue to droop and slather in my proximity. Learning the intricacies of the game’s type and combat system. Menacing gym leaders are no match for my untouchable Pokésquad. Unable to realize at the time this memory will stick with me for about twenty years.
“Pokémon” has made a lasting impression on me. Playing the old and modern games now creates a sense of nostalgia that I can’t shake! The Pokémon are still so charming. Gameplay continues to evolve–heck, I think the later titles would be too hard for me to pick up as a nine your old. It’s like the franchise is geared for older players who might have an unshakeable memory from their past involving two Basset Hounds and “Pokémon Red.” So, I’ll be over here drinking G Fuel and playing “Pokémon Moon.”