Pokémon Emerald
Before bird flu has a chance to hit our shores, here come the Pokémon
A little mediation is usually a good thing, be it in a case of sibling rivalry, arguing with your mates about football, or in international political deadlocks.
It also comes in useful in the world of Pokémon. Of course, the latest Pokémon game, Emerald, stays true to the basic principle of capturing, training, evolving and battling Pokémon (for those not in the know, a wide assembly of cute, whacky and deceptively violent characters) against those of competitors. But in addition, Emerald throws in an extensive quest that requires you to maintain the balance between Team Aqua and Team Magma.
To accompany the evolved storyline, set in the fantasy world of Hoenn, you can expect 20 new Pokémon creatures as well as some old favourites. Familiar characters have been reworked and locations from both Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire make a welcome re-appearance, albeit now benefiting from enhanced graphics and improved sound effects.
Also new to the series is a wireless multiplayer capability, team battles, extra modes of play and the Battle Frontier, in which players enter tournaments in one of seven themed areas, to earn battle points which can be used to buy rare and exclusive items.
Even by past Pokémon standards, Emerald promises to be a vast adventure that should keep Pokémon fans glued to their GBA through the New Year.
