Oct 4, 2013
Pokemon: The Origin is a four-episode OVA series split between three different studios that is an anime interpretation of the reboot for the first-generation of Pokemon games (FireRed and LeafGreen). With the release of Pokemon X and Y for 3DS hitting the international market, Origin was more of an accessory item, but people were still excited. Does Origin live up to the hype? Let's take a look.
Story:
The story follows the story of Pokemon Trainer Red on his journey to complete the Pokedex and become the Pokemon League Champion: the same plot of the games themselves. He competes with his rival Green on his quest to
...
be the ultimate Pokemon trainer. For veterans of the Pokemon series, there isn't very much new to discover here.
For a four-part OVA series between multiple studios, sure, things have to be condensed - but as a result, the story felt painfully rushed. Character development felt forced, and with the large amount of montages to supplement development, it feels like watching a late-series Rocky movie. Understandably, the story isn't exactly new. The series itself was designed as an accessory to the hype leading up to the release of Pokemon X and Y and as a nod to longtime fans of the series. However, it would have progressed much more fluidly if it had been a longer series, even to the tune of 12 to 15 episodes.
Art:
While the art isn't exactly impressive, it's certainly not awful. The choice of coloring is pleasant, yet plain. The style itself is similar to the style taken for FireRed and LeafGreen themselves (specifically box art and character design). There were some particularly impressive moments, especially in episode four with coloring and effects, but nothing terribly innovative. In summary: not terrible, but not particularly good either.
Sound:
Everything from the voice acting to the music score was on-point. The voice actors themselves fit their own characters and did well with their delivery. The sound effects for the Pokemon attacks were appropriate and the cries of each Pokemon were sensible and realistic. In addition, the music score was quite well-written and felt like something a person would go to a concert hall to listen to. This was probably the strongest point of the series.
Character:
Character development seemed more forced than anything else. While characters like Red and Green initially seem very static, their development does indeed occur, albeit with a certain force that doesn't feel natural to even the newest of anime fans. While development for characters like Giovanni is well-written and drawn out to a reasonable degree, there isn't much to see in terms of good character-writing.
Enjoyment:
While there isn't much new to see here, Pokemon: The Origin isn't unenjoyable. However, it is definitely geared towards a highly particular audience, that audience being the group of gamers who remember playing the Pokemon games back on the original Game Boy or the reboot games on Game Boy Advance. The ending credit sequence even had a border designed to look exactly like a Game Boy screen, and the end of each episode features Red saving his own game, exactly like the original Pokemon games. However, while the series is an interesting nod to the specific audience mentioned, it feels like nothing more than a cheap thrill. It had its moments within its montages that brought excitement and energy, in addition to emotion during its more tender moments, but it isn't exactly a stellar and shining example of an OVA series.
Overall:
Pokemon: The Origin is an interesting tribute to old fans of the series as the 3DS games Pokemon X and Y hit the shelves internationally. Unfortunately, it is plagued by a forcefully-quick story and a case of montage-mania like a Rocky film. In addition, characters are seemingly forced to evolve and develop. However, the sound effects, voice acting, and music score were all well-done, and while the art wasn't exactly innovative, it met par for the course. Unless you're a die-hard Pokemon fan or a person trying to get some more hype in their system for X and Y, it isn't likely you'll enjoy it too much. However, it's not disagreeable. It may not leave your palate satisfied, but at least you'll be asking for more - and hopefully you'll find that sweet satisfaction once a copy of X or Y gets in your hands.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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