Hailing from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, they’re a husband-and-wife streaming team that’s been going for just over half a year. While they enjoy newer games, like Red Dead Redemption 2, they also favor classic titles from the Mario and Zelda series. So, you can expect a bit of variety from them. Ultimately, whether you’re interested in starting a channel of your own or just watching, Cameron & Nora Gaming has helpful insight.

Cameron and Nora On Video Game Live Streaming

Getting to Know Cameron and Nora

SG: First and foremost, why don’t you tell us a little bit about your channel. When did you first get the idea to start streaming together and how long has your channel been going now?

C&N: We started our Twitch channel in response to one of our favorite YouTube couples playing a game on stream – and they weren’t great at it. Nora thought the game looked fun and wanted to see it played without the person she was watching getting distracted or dying constantly. So, that’s how we did our first play through of the game, Subnautica. It’s also something fun we can do together, and we’ve noticed that there aren’t too many two-person streams out there. So, we thought we could hit a niche market. Though we started in July 2021, we didn’t get super into upgrading it and giving it attention until August. But since then, we have gotten over 200 followers and, on average, 15 subscribers a month. And the channel is still growing.

SG: Obviously, game streaming has become quite popular as a form of entertainment, and there are a lot of people out there doing it. So, what about your channel sets you apart from the rest? Overall, what would you say makes you unique?

C&N: There’s two of us! That’s a huge thing that a lot of other channels don’t have. We play a lot of two-player games. But then, there’s one player games that we trade off playing and will compete with each other on. We think it’s a fun experience that other channels don’t get to offer unless they do a joint stream with others. But we get that on our channel all the time!

We also engage with our viewers and offer them the opportunity to engage back with us. In fact, they can use their channel points, which are free, to activate sound boards and change how our voices sound live.

SG: On a more personal note, when did each of you first start gaming, and if you remember, what were the first titles you played?

C&N: We both started gaming really young – maybe like six or so. Nora started with Tetris, whcih she played with her mom. And Cameron remembers playing the combo Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt on NES with his dad.

SG: Obviously, you already mentioned having the ability to play two-player titles on your channel. What would you say are some of your personal favorites to stream?

C&N: One of both of our favorites, but Nora’s especially, is the Subnautica series. She loves that open-world environmental exploration with the story leading that way. It’s an amazing game if you’ve never played it. Cameron’s favorites are some of the old-school games like Super Mario World, Punch-Out, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Minecraft. So, we have a pretty broad range of games that we play on our channel. And we’re always open to suggestions.

SG: Apart from titles you’ve streamed, what are your individual favorite games of all time?

C&N: Oh, man. That can be a long list for Cameron. Kingdom Hearts, Grand Theft Auto series, anything Legend of Zelda, Skate 3, Skyrim, Fallout series, The Warrios on PS2, so many others. If you wanna hear them all, come over to our stream and I’ll tell you a bunch of games you shuld play.

For Nora, her favorites are Super Mario World, Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Subnautica.

Starting a Video Game Live Streaming Channel

SG: Now that we’ve learned about you both, why don’t you tell us more about your channel. Anyone who’s ever tried starting a channel, blog, business or anything of the sort knows it can be difficult from concept to reality. What does the process of actually getting a video game live streaming channel running look like?

C&N: It definitely has been an ongoing process since we first started the channel. We began with our cellphone on a tiny handheld tripod on our living room table. That had a terrible camera angle, and we only had one gaming headset to pick up both of our audio. Slowly, we’ve invested money into it piece by piece and have gotten it to a pretty decent production value. Of course, we are always upgrading and adding to it to increase the production. Our current goal is for better audio. And that is a whole thing in itself.

We basically have a setup that we build and tear down every time we want to stream. It hangs out in the middle of our living room. We actually built a retractable green screen for a fraction of the cost using green felt and long pieces of wood. It also took some PVC pipe, eye hooks, chain, a healthy amount of hot glue and green paracord. But it works way better than you’d expect. So, you don’t have to have a lot of money to get a great result.

SG: What are some of the particular challenges you ran into when first starting out that you didn’t anticipate?

C&N: Time and dedication. There were a lot of things that popped up when we first started streaming. And it can be really difficult to dedicate time every week when you have normal adult lives. We have had to make it a priority to stream. And sometimes, you aren’t really feeling it going into one. But there’s a point when you’re playing a game or doing an art project on stream and someone is interacting with you a bunch. And it’s actually a really great feeling. It’s like you’ve made a new friend. But also, you know that even if you had a bad day, you get to do something with your partner, and everything’s about to get much better.

SG: Alternatively, what are some of your biggest successes? And moreover, how do you gauge success for yourselves and your channel?

C&N: I don’t know if other channels have this, but we do have goals for ours. They’re usually small, but hey, that makes them so much better when you hit them. Our overall long-term goal is to have an average of 100 viewers on our channel. But we know to get there, we have to hit others along the way.

One of our first goals was to have five people chatting at one time. We would push so hard to engage the audience, sometimes having four peoploe and knowing there was a fifth person there and just needing them to say, “Hi.” Now, we have all sorts of people that come and chat with us. But at the time, it was a great goal to shoot for.

We’ve also had big ones like reaching a hundred followers and getting Twitch affiliate. We absolutely lost it when we reached those goals. In fact, we even did fun things like firework poppers and a giveaway once we hit those landmarks. We both know if we keep pushing, we can make it as far as we want.

SG: Overall, what’s been the most rewarding part of streaming for you both individually and together?

C&N: The most rewarding part is getting to spend this time together and watch something we’re creating grow. Cameron really enjoys building the stream and updating things within it to make it look as professional as possible. And Nora loves learning and getting to experience something that’s always been an interest of Cameron’s. She has also enjoyed getting the connection during COVID while being stuck at home.

Through this entire streaming process, her brother and his wife have been our biggest supporters and it has brought us closer to them and to each other.

SG: Obviously, your channel has seen a bit of success. You’ve met some of your goals, and you’re striving toward others. For anyone looking to get into video game live streaming, what would be your most helpful advice?

C&N: Research. You are going to put a lot of time into this – most likely an equal amount of time off stream as on. Researching will let you know you’ll need to find things like Reddit, Discord, and Twitter, which support small streamers. Watching other streamers and getting a reputation with them will help you not only grow your channel but also theirs.

Only put into the stream what you can afford. Build it slowly – you’re not going to be huge overnight. It takes time, so do what you can to make your stream the best it can be. Watch those crazy videos of how to grow your stream in 2022 or whatever. But know that you may only get one piece of useful knowledge from one video. Then, learn how to find what that info is. Don’t give up and have fun. If you’re not having fun, then who will want to watch that?

The Basis of It all

Ultimately, the last question Cameron and Nora asked is the most important for video game live streaming. “If you’re not having fun, then who will want to watch that?” In fact, at the end of the day, that’s the crux of most things in nerdom. Sure, things can be artistic or weighty, abysmally serious and hard to grapple with. After all, one of our most recent posts centered around dealing with death. But at the same time, entertainment shouldn’t be stressful or unnecessarily antagonistic. It should be a place where people can come gather, have fun and grow together.

But first, let’s talk about why you might want to use digital character sheets in the first place.

Why Use D&D Beyond Character Creation Tools In the First Place?

Really, there’s no limit to the number of reasons we could give here. Over the past year and a half, COVID has been a complicating factor for anyone looking to play tabletop adventures. Particularly if they’re used to playing in person. Throughout the lengthy lockdown period, DMs might have shifted toward a virtual format for their campaigns. And keeping track of character information is easiest when you can access all the sheets for a given adventure online. But even apart from the pandemic, there are great reasons players and DMs alike might prefer D&D Beyond character creation. Not least of which is the ease and automation of managing the sheet.

With the D&D Beyond character creation tool, almost all of the complex calculations are completed for you. So, instead of having to sit down and remember each and every variable, the process is simplified. Whenever you switch armor, weapons or abilities, the corresponding stats automatically recalculate and display in real time. This, of course, means more time to play and less time spent pouring over the math. And while D&D essentially is a math game, it’s easy for the calculation to interrupt valuable narrative.

All this said, there are plenty of reasons why DMs and players might use the D&D Beyond character creation tool. Even for in-person campaigns, it can be a helpful asset. And for virtual adventures, it almost seems to the best option for managing characters. We haven’t even touched on the fact that there’s a mobile app yet, but we’ll discuss that later on. For now, let’s turn our attention to the reason you’re here — how to set it all up.

The Step-by-Step Guide to D&D Beyond Character Creation

1. Register an Account

Whether you’re a DM organizing a campaign or a brand new player, the first step is creating an account. But this might look different depending on your role. For example, if you’re a player joining an existing adventure, your DM can email you a link. This will prompt you to create an account, and will then automatically add your character to the campaign. However, if there is no existing adventure, go ahead and go through the registration process as you normally would.

Once you’ve logged in, you can click on your profile name, then choose the “characters” tab. This will bring you to a page which displays all your created adventurers across different campaigns. Unassigned characters will also show up in this list. Here, you’ll need to choose “Create a Character”.

2. Choose Your Character Creation Method

Here, you’ll have three options:

• Standard
• Quick Build
• Randomize

The standard character creation method is the one which affords the most control, and is what we’ll look at specifically. But if you prefer a more streamlined or random option, know you can choose either of the other two methods. Naturally, the quick build focuses on creating a 1st-level adventurer using recommended options. And this makes the D&D Beyond character creation process a little simpler for beginners. The randomize method is also a fast way to build a character. However, unlike the quick build, it allows you to include Feats and Multiclassing options.

Moving forward with the standard D&D Beyond character creation method, note that you can opt to show hints for beginners.

3. Set Your Character Preferences

The first thing you’ll want to do is give your adventurer a name. If you can’t think of a good one or want to generate something random, Codex Domina is fairly helpful. This name generator allows you to choose the race, class and gender of your character. Then the tool will create a list of randomized names to choose from.

Under sources, you have the option to include elements from different content sources. Some of these include Homebrew, Critical Role, and even Rick and Morty. Typically, I choose to allow Homebrew and Critical Role, and sometimes Eberron. However, this is up to the campaign DM to decide based on preference.

You can also choose to allow dice rolling for the character. If so, you will have the option to roll saves, hits, and other abilities on the character sheet digitally. You can do this by clicking on any of the corresponding boxes for those rolls.

Make sure to check with your DM to determine whether they will allow optional features for class and origin. Then, if they decide to allow these elements, toggle them on.

As you’ve probably noticed by now, the majority of the features on this page are decided by the dungeon master. And advancement type is no exception. Milestone advancement means characters level up whenever they’ve accomplished certain tasks or events. XP-based advancement means that adventurers level up whenever they’ve gained enough experience points.

For Hit Point Type, you will need to choose whether your character gains a fixed amount of HP per level. If they won’t, choose “Manual”, and you’ll roll for hit point gains every time you level up. Otherwise, they will automatically inherit the same amount each level.

Breezing through the next few options, you can decide whether to show level-scaled spells, as well as encumbrance type. You can also choose to ignore coin weight, how ability modifiers display, and whether your character is private.

4. Choose Your Race

If you’ve played D&D before, then this section is pretty self-explanatory. This is where you’ll choose your race, which determines some of your abilities and modifiers. If you’ve never played before, this is exactly what it sounds like. There are many options to choose from, including dragonborn, elf, human and dwarf among others. To get an idea of what each race entails, just choose one (and a subrace if applicable) and read up. Once you’ve found one that works best for you, just choose that race and move to the next section.

Here, you’ll find an overview of your racial traits, which differ from one to the next. Sometimes, there will be traits you’ll need to decide between. These will be marked with an exclamation point. You will need to click on the dropdown, and choose the option you want. If you opted to use origin features, this is also where you’ll assess those — under the “Origin Manager” tab.

5. Choose Your Class

Similar to choosing your race, your class will determine a number of things from combat style to proficiencies and abilities. And again, for more information on each one, you can click the specified options to examine them. Here, you will find their Hit Die, primary ability, and saves.

After you choose your class, you’ll be prompted to set your features, including proficiencies. The necessary boxes will be marked with a blue exclamation point.

6. Set Your Ability Scores

When setting your ability scores, you’ll need to choose a generation method. Standard array allows you to assign each stat a specific number from a set of pre-rolled scores. And when you’ve used a number, it disappears from the list. The manual/rolled method allows you to roll your character stats, be they high or low. And the point buy method means you have a number of points to spend on different ability scores. Once your points are out, they’re out. As with a number of other things, this generation method will most likely be up to the DM. Typically, I opt for manual/rolled, and use the following process.

• Roll a d6 four times, write the individual numbers in a column, then drop the lowest number
• Repeat six more times, ending up with seven columns total
• Add the numbers in each column together to get seven different totals
• Drop the lowest total
• Assign the remaining six numbers as ability scores

7. Decide Your Background

Finally, there are options primarily up to the player to determine rather than the dungeon master. Like most other decisions, your background will determine skill proficiencies languages, and abilities. So, pick one that works best for your adventurer. Next, fill in the details of your character’s alignment, faith and lifestyle. Finish this section off with the physical and personal characteristics of your adventurer, along with any necessary notes. While this is advisable, it isn’t overtly necessary for creating your character.

8. Determine Your Starting Equipment

Finally, you get to choose your starting equipment, including weapons, packs and other possessions. To begin, choose whether you want gold or adventuring equipment. If you choose gold, you can roll for your starting amount or randomize it. If you choose equipment, you will have different options to choose from. Simply click the checkboxes next to what you prefer. Click “Add Starting Equipment” once you’re done, and you’ll be set to hit the dungeons!

9. Generate Your Character Sheet

At long last, you have the option to view your character sheet or export it to a PDF. Choosing either option doesn’t negate the other. You can always come back to this point whenever you want. So, if you choose to view your character sheet online, you can always come back to save a local copy later. One of the most helpful aspects of D&D Beyond character creation is that you can print off a PDF version. So, even if you want to use pencil and paper during the campaign, you can still design a character online and use the physical sheet moving forward.

Physical, Mobile or Desktop?

Of course, we already discussed being able to print off a copy of your generated character sheet. But apart from the online, desktop version, you can also download the D&D Beyond app. This is continually being updated with newer content to help it match up to the desktop version. And in some ways, the ease of access is actually already better than the online character sheet.

• Image Credit: D&D Beyond
• Image Credit: D&D Beyond

But as with most things in D&D, it comes down to personal preference. So, go with whatever you feel helps you most. And ultimately, do whatever you need to help you enjoy D&D. If that means skipping D&D Beyond altogether, go for it. And if it means relying on it exclusively, more power to you. After all, it’s a tool to use, and whether it helps or not will differ from one person to the next.

Dive Into RPGs with the Best BioWare Games

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Now, this list isn’t published in any particular order, but it only seems fitting that KOTOR take the lead. This famously unparalleled Star Wars story whisks players back thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga. The galaxy is in a state of chaos after the Jedi order fell into civil war. And the Republic is bombarded on all sides by the elusive Sith Lord, Darth Malak. Quite literally waking in the middle of a war, the player takes control of a hand-crafted character, venturing the galaxy. Along the way, they’ll visit iconic planets like Tatooine, Kashyyyk, and Korriban. And they’ll travel alongside a host of new and unforgettable companion characters.

Of course, being a 2003 title, KOTOR isn’t perfect. Especially not when it comes to controls and combat style. Anytime the player enters a fight, the game pauses to allow them the chance to preemptively set several actions. And while this style works well enough for games like Dragon Age, it seems somewhat out of place in the fast-paced Star Wars universe. Especially since the available number of actions to choose aren’t always plentiful. Naturally, the graphics are also somewhat out-of-date at this point. But with a story as intriguing as KOTOR brings to the table, players can easily forgive this aspect.

Overall, KOTOR is one of BioWare’s most appreciated titles. So much so that fans have demanded a modern remake for years. Fortunately, Aspyr studios is in the process of delivering a newer version of this classic RPG. So, Star Wars fans will have the opportunity to embark on this massive adventure in a brand new way.

Mass Effect

BioWare or not, any list of best RPGs would be incomplete without mentioning Mass Effect. This controversial 2007 title throws players into the shoes of Commander Shepard, the first human Spectre of the Citadel Council. The adventure begins in 2183, thirty years after humans first made contact with alien species. And through a series of events, Shepard is thrown into the middle of a grand conspiracy involving another Spectre agent. Amassing a team of talented individuals, the player must travel an expansive galaxy to unravel the mystery.

This third-person shooter has enough lore packed into it to rival some of the most iconic titles. And the large, open-world map allows players to traverse the Milky Way and discover beautiful, diverse settings. However, the game isn’t without it’s pitfalls. Sometimes, the lengthy cut scenes make it seem like the player is watching a movie rather than playing an RPG. And the time between combat or action of any sort can easily elongate when trying to build relationships with NPCs. But the level of player choice in Mass Effect is extraordinary. And events throughout the series are determinable by decisions made early on in the game. So, it’s clear to see why this title lands on the list of best BioWare games. If for no other reason than to experience a massive, story-driven RPG, gamers should check out this title.

Dragon Age: Origins

In a way, Dragon Age: Origins is like someone smashed KOTOR and Mass Effect together to see what would happen. It adopts similar combat elements to the Star Wars title. However, the massive, open-world adventure is also reminiscent of the space-age adventure. Though, it’s quite obviously on the opposite side of the historical spectrum. Dragon Age is a medieval fantasy adventure that seems to come straight from the pages of D&D. Again introducing strong character creation and customization elements, this title casts players as a Grey Warden. These are an order of warriors with mystical abilities pledged to destroy darkspawn. And when a fifth Blight begins, they must travel through Thedas to end the demonic uprising. However, they’ll also find themselves caught in the middle of dastardly political maneuvering as well. So, with danger on every side, every choice matters.

One of the most laudable aspects of this game is that, depending on the player’s race, the origin story and setting change. So, dwarves, humans and elves all carry wildly different narrative backgrounds. However, some detracting features are that in a sense, the game can almost become overwhelming with different options. Players choose which companions to accompany them. They also determine armor and weapons for those NPCs, as well as abilities. And when it comes to combat, it’s to pause and set moves for every party member. Of course, some people love this sort of customizability. However, others find it to be overwhelming, and it could detract from their desire to finish the extensive narrative. This aside, Dragon Age: Origins is arguably one of the best BioWare games to date. And its variance in story means RPG fans can play it again and again without ever having the same experience.

Mass Effect 2

For as revolutionary a title Mass Effect was, the second entry in the series is often considered one of the best BioWare games. As it starts out, players find themselves only a week after the concluding events of the first game. However, the narrative quickly and violently erupts in ways few players will see coming. And alongside a new squad of loyal teammates, Shepard investigates the Collectors, a species controlled by the mechanistic Reapers. Encountering new and original characters, fans will find much to love about the second entry in the series, with another, larger galactic adventure. And for those who played the first, the second game can use the existing save file to create a world based on previous in-game decisions. So, this sense of continuity does well to connect fans moving into a new and exciting part of the story.

However, the second title suffers similar cons as does the first. Often, it can seem as if the actual game experience takes a backseat to the narrative. And players will find themselves sitting and listening to dialogue more often than not. However, Mass Effect 2 is well worth playing for fans who enjoyed the first title as well as newcomers.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Unfortunately, BioWare did not take part in developing Knights of the Old Republic 2. However, the MMORPG, The Old Republic, more than makes up for this fact. Released in 2011, this free-to-play option offers players hundreds of hours of unique, rich content. In the timeline, it takes place around 300 years after the events of KOTOR. And similarly, finds the galaxy in a state of cold war between the Sith Empire and Galactic Republic. However, unlike its predecessor, SWTOR allows players the option of choosing which side to fight for. So, they can decimate the galaxy as an Imperial or save it as a Republic hero.

While many features of the game are worth noting, one of the most important is its replay value. In all, there are eight different classes to choose from when designing a character — four light, four dark. And each one of these tells a different story. Furthermore, each class has two subclasses, and there are currently twelve race options. So, designing a character and backstory has rarely been more fun or fulfilling. As an MMO, players are able to go through the adventure in groups of four, or they can choose to play alone. So, no matter whether they have friends to play with, they can experience all the game has to offer. SWTOR is easily one of BioWare’s best games and one of the only Star Wars legends storylines currently running.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Finally, to end the list, there is the most recent addition to the Dragon Age series. This RPG is quite a far cry from the original entry, adopting more real-time combat mechanics and open-world elements. So, players who are fans of more action-oriented RPGs will find much to appreciate here. Far from the story of the Blight introduced in Origins, this title tells the story of the Inquisitor. After a massive explosion tears a breach between the physical world and the Fade, the central character must act to close the rift. And as with all other Dragon Age titles, they are joined by an iconic cast of characters, some new others familiar. And without detailing important narrative points, this game does well to tie together all three titles in the series, setting the stage for the future.

Though not without its flaws, Inquisition is a worthwhile RPG for anyone looking for a save-the-world adventure. And it’s action-oriented elements do well to distinguish it from its predecessors in a way that doesn’t feel like a massive shift from the series core.

Check Out the Best BioWare Games

Obviously, we can’t tell you where you should start. These games are all RPGs, but they have wildly different settings and play styles. And while we definitely recommend playing all of them, it comes down to personal preference. So, check out some other reviews or gameplay walkthroughs to determine which series you should invest in, then get to playing.

Over the past two decades, many trainers have tried to rank each generation against the others, to determine the best Pokémon games. And often, they’ve based their assessments on completely different factors. Some focus on the starter Pokémon and others the stories the games tell. Some even base their favorites on the regions they get to explore. But at the end of the day, very few of these rankings actually agree with each other.

In essence, this all points to one fact — very few people are ever going to see eye-to-eye on the best Pokémon games. But that doesn’t mean it’s a topic unworthy of discussion. It’s just one that has to be taken with a grain of salt. Because for the most part, the reasons people like particular generations are entirely subjective. So, with that caveat in mind, let’s discuss the best Pokémon games.

Trying to Stay Objective About the Best Pokémon Games

But first, let’s get one thing out of the way — this list is not simply a personal opinion. In fact, if it were, some of the games would rank far higher and others lower. However, I didn’t want to simply throw out another purely opinion-based ranking system for the Pokémon generations. I wanted to take a look at different factors of each game to try and provide a more objective ranking system. And in doing so, I had to grapple with the fact that my personal favorites didn’t necessarily make it to the top spots. But that’s all right, because none of the games on this list are bad. Quite the opposite, actually. Every one of these is worth playing multiple times. But some might be more worth a replay than others. Here’s how we went about deciding the scores.

1. Starter Pokémon

Obviously, one of the factors fans get most excited for whenever a new generation is announced is the lineup of starter Pokémon. After all, these are the core partners that stay with you throughout your journey. And while design and personal favorites played a small role in the way we ranked this aspect, we also included power stats and type advantages/disadvantages.

2. Primary Legendary Duos

Right after starter lineups, one of the main things fan want to know more about are the representative legendary Pokémon for the new generations. Ever since Gold and Silver, each generation has included at least two game versions, represented by a different legendary Pokémon. And just as with starters, we ranked this factor by overall design, stats and type.

3. Region

Each generation of games introduces a new region to explore, but not all are created equal. Showing a bit of personal bias, Kanto probably isn’t as fun to explore as Galar. But that isn’t the only way to rank a region. We’ve also taken into account the new Pokémon introduced for each realm, including regional variants of existing favorites. Another aspect we’ve looked at is the number and quality of the towns, cities and landmarks in each game.

4. Storyline and Content

The first few Pokémon games started out relatively lax on an in-depth storyline. The primary basis was setting out on an adventure, catching Pokémon, and becoming the best trainer in the region. However, as the games progressed, they began to introduce more narrative aspects, which have been taken into account for our rankings. Both plot and available content have been accounted for here.

5. Critical Reception

Finally, we’ve also taken into account what others have said about each generation of Pokémon games. This includes the aggregate scores for each game from critical outlets and players alike. Because there is often discrepancy between what critics and general players think about a title, we’ve scored these separately.

Counting Down the Best Pokémon Games

8. Pokémon X and Y (Gen 6)

Pokémon X and Y were the first titles released on the Nintendo 3DS system, bringing a breath of fresh air to the franchise. They introduced players to the Kalos region, which is modeled on the cities and countryside of France. Some of the most notable aspects of these games are the 3D graphics and the improved movement system, which allowed players to freely explore the world. Every preceding title operated on the up-down, left-right grid. So, the enhanced traveling aspect greatly differentiated this title from its predecessors.

However, what it boasted in control innovations were tempered by a lackluster story and mid-tier starter Pokémon. And even though the reception for the game was fairly good, the underwhelming region left more to be expected. As such, this generation stands last in our ranking of best Pokémon games.

7. Pokémon Sword and Shield (Gen 8)

The newest generation introduced in the Pokémon Franchise, Sword and Shield represent a major shift from the other titles in several notable ways. The Galar region is arguably the most praiseworthy aspect of these games. And in terms of exploration, these titles blow all others out of the water. The introduction of the Wild Area, which is a free-roam range, allowed players the first glimpse into what an open-world Pokémon game might look like. And rather than running blindly into battles with wild Pokémon, players could see the creatures roaming around in their natural environments.

However, the anthropomorphic starter Pokémon left many fans wanting, and in some ways, the main story simply felt too short. This might have been heightened by the fact that players no longer needed to grind to level up Pokémon, thanks to an improved Exp. Share. But for long-time fans of the series, this represented a backward step. However, all of this pales in comparison to the fact that these were the first titles to exclude the National Pokédex. So, while trainers could catch every existing Pokémon in previous titles, they could not in Sword and Shield. And for the first generation released on the Nintendo Switch, this was an immense letdown.

6. Pokémon Black and White (Gen 5)

In some ways, Pokémon Black and White seem to be the forgotten generation. As the second titles on the Nintendo DS, they did little to improve on the mechanics introduced in Diamond and Pearl. Even though there were new battle styles, like rotation and triple matches. However, these games arguably present the best overall narrative in the entire franchise. In fact, they finally asked the question players (should have) wondered since the beginning. “Is it ethical to make Pokémon fight each other?” This mature theme is woven throughout the story, as players encounter the cult-like Seven Sages of Team Plasma.

Furthermore, Black and White introduced two of the coolest legendary Pokémon, Reshiram and Zekrom. And because this generation is the only one to receive direct sequel titles in Black and White 2, these legendary dragons had more time in the spotlight. As for exploration and notable landmarks, these titles were relatively mediocre. However, one praiseworthy aspect is the introduction of a full roster of new Pokémon. In fact, players only encounter new creatures until the National Dex is obtained in the post-game. While Black and White might not sit high in the ranking for best Pokémon games, they’re decent titles that are worth playing again.

5. Pokémon Sun and Moon (Gen 7)

Each Pokémon generation includes something to make it stand out from all others. And for Sun and Moon, one of the most apparent ways of doing this was by eliminating gym challenges. In all other Pokémon titles, trainers battle eight gyms to collect badges and challenge the Pokémon League. Not so with these games. Instead, players embark on a journey through Alola, a system of islands modeled on Hawaii. Here, they take the Island Challenge, which includes overcoming trials, challenging totem Pokémon and defeating island Kahunas.

Like Black and White, these games feature a more comprehensive story throughout. And despite having relatively uninspiring legendary Pokémon, they do feature several starters who fans have grown to appreciate. As with Galar, the Alola region is fairly open to exploration. Particularly in the Ultimate versions of the games, which made several updates and changes to the base versions. While this generation might not inspire the most loyalty, it undoubtedly deserves a play for its unique story and setting.

4. Pokémon Red and Blue (Gen 1)

Pokémon Red and Blue set the tone for everything Pokémon has become today. And when looking at the best games in the franchise, that can’t be overstated. Even though Gold and Silver took the formula from these games and improved drastically upon them in many ways, there’s just something about the original setting that keeps drawing people in. The starters for this generation are absolutely iconic, making multiple appearances in other generations as well. And the legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo and Mew, are powerhouses in comparison to those of other games.

Still, Red and Blue were extremely light in terms of actual story content. With the premise of becoming a Pokémon master, the player sets out to defeat different gyms. And even with the inclusion of Team Rocket and a main rival, these games are easily surpassed in narrative by other titles. As a fan favorite, the first generation has been remade multiple times for different systems. Fire Red and Leaf Green saw it updated for Game Boy Advance. And Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee brought a new take for the Nintendo Switch. However, the original Game Boy Color versions will always hold a special place in the hearts of Pokémon trainers everywhere.

3. Pokémon Gold and Silver (Gen 2)

The first generation of Pokémon games was an undeniable success. But Pokémon Gold and Silver are where things really took off. First releasing on the Game Boy Color in 1999, they introduced the model for the franchise that almost every other generation would follow. In particular, the inclusion of two legendary Pokémon, specific to the different versions. The starter Pokémon, Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile, are some of the most beloved in the franchise. Even though their stats are relatively low due to type disadvantages.

One of the biggest improvements on the first games, which hasn’t been modeled in other generations, is the expansion of connection regions. Kanto and Johto are part of the same continent, and in the second generation, both are accessible. This means players have the option to collect an additional eight badges, for a total sixteen gym challenges. This is unrivaled by any other generation, and makes for one of the longest post-games in the series.

However, because these games released over twenty years ago, they easily feel a bit clunky and outdated today. At least in terms of movement and mechanics. Overall, the play style is the same as every other Pokémon game, which serves as a good connection throughout the franchise. Today, many fans herald Gold and Silver as the pinnacle of best Pokémon games. However, there are two others that make the top for this list.

2. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (Gen 4)

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were the first games in the series released for the Nintendo DS back in 2006. The improved graphics and touch-screen elements became staple aspects of the next three generations. However, that’s not what made them memorable as top-tier Pokémon games. The Sinnoh starters were some of the most visually interesting, even beating out those from Gold and Silver. And the legendary Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia, are still compelling fifteen years and four generations later. The Sinnoh region itself is quite different, bisected by Mount Coronet in the center. However, it boasts many geographically diverse areas, like it’s predecessor, Hoenn. And one of the unique developments of this generation was the Underground, where players could dig for treasure and find ancient Pokémon fossils.

Ultimately, the narrative elements focus on time and space, represented by the two legendary Pokémon. And throughout the adventure, players must contend with the villainous Team Galactic, which seeks to manipulate the very fabric of the universe. Though this generation of Pokémon is contested by fans, it can’t be denied as a pillar in the series.

1. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Gen 3)

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were the first games to take players to a region not connected to the others in the series. That was made clear from the very start, where trainers find themselves in the back of a moving van, taking them to the Hoenn region. And in a sense, this set the tone for an exotic adventure unlike anything Pokémon fans had seen so far. The first in the series released on the Game Boy Advance, this generation brought to life the world of Pokémon in a vibrant, colorful way unparalleled by the first two generations. The region seemed alive with potential, from the depths of the sea to the top of volcanic Mt. Chimney.

The starter Pokémon for this generation were likewise new and captivating. And in the remakes, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, they were given Mega Evolutionary forms that made them all the more powerful.

Though the overall play style is similar to its predecessors, the third generation was also the first to introduce intrinsic narrative elements linked to the legendary Pokémon. Rival gangs, Team Aqua and Team Magma, fight the player at every step while trying to awaken the slumbering Pokémon, Kyogre and Groudon. Though somewhat unrealistic in motive, each faction hopes to reshape the world using the power of the legendary creatures. And it’s up to each trainer to stop them.

Overall, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire represent the best Pokémon games, because quite simply, they were fantastic. These titles took a successful model and made it even better, offering players dozens of hours of new and refreshing content without excluding the things that make the series great. And if there are any Pokémon games to play over and over again, these are the ones.

So, You Disagree On the Best Pokémon Games

I know what you’re probably thinking — this list is all wrong. But that’s all right. We don’t have to have the same opinions on which Pokémon games are the best. And in fact, there are some on this list I would personally place higher than they landed. I’ve said elsewhere that the best Pokémon generation to start with is Gold and Silver. Or rather, more specifically, the counterpart version, Pokémon Crystal. But in trying to be objective, it simply didn’t make it to where I wanted to place it. At the end of the day, we all have our favorite Pokémon games, and for different reasons. But that’s something that makes this community great. We can all find something to love that keeps us coming back time and time again. So, whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or a brand new player, get to training.

Do Video Games Stunt Ethical Maturity?

Admittedly, as described by a Harvard Medical School article, experts are divided on the issue, with some saying video games can impact individuals’ moral development. On the other hand, a Bournemouth University study proposes that while video games can impact a youth’s ethical development, they have little to no effect after the age of 18. Yet, for the most part, those who see no inherent moral harm within video games remain on the defensive, only going so far as to say they don’t negatively impact players. Contrary to the concerns of many individuals, there is an argument to be made that video games can be used in a way that helps players develop a more robust sense of morality. At least, in a philosophical sense, video games can be viewed more as a potential aid to moral development than a hinderance.

As a disclaimer, this is not to suggest that young children should be allowed to play any video game they please without fear of impact on their moral development. Rating systems like the ESRB exist for a reason. And it seems obvious that some games contain content which younger audiences don’t need to be exposed to.

What Hath Aristotle to do with Video Games?

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who lived in the mid-fourth century B.C. He was the tutor of Alexander the Great. But he’s most famous for establishing the Aristotelian tradition that’s still studied widely today as the framework for centuries of western thought. In other words, his ideas were essential for the development of western culture and society. A man of many ideas, Aristotle held to the notion that the primary role of art was cathartic. Now, when most people hear the word, “catharsis”, they probably think of it in terms of emotional cleansing. Something along the lines of how crying at a movie can feel good. But in Aristotelian terms, catharsis refers to feeling the correct emotions at the right time and in the right circumstances. And the way art can help with this is quite interesting.

If part of ethical development is learning to experience emotion correctly, it seems people would have to place themselves in various situations just to understand how they should feel about the things going on. Stated differently, emotional intelligence is rooted in experience. So, if a person wanted to know how they should feel when a loved-one dies, they would need to experience the death of someone close. The problem with this view is that it’s essentially wrong to be put into some situations. For example, it would never be right to participate in murder just to know you should feel disgusted by wrongful death. It would be wrong to set my neighbors house on fire to understand arson is wrong. And that’s where art comes in.

In Aristotle’s world, one of the primary art forms was enacted drama — plays. And in those plays, audiences could witness certain events carried out in a fictional environment which never would have been ethical to experience first-hand. The hallmark of a rational person, in this sense, was the ability to express emotion toward events correctly. So, the person who felt sadness at the death of a heroic character could be considered more rational than the person who felt apathetic. And in that was, they were seen as more ethically mature.

But taking this idea further, it would seem participative art would have even more of an ability to help people develop into ethically mature individuals. That is, forms of art which allow the person to make decisions that impact the art itself in some way, rather than simply observing. After all, having first-hand experience of decisions and their consequences is often a better learning experience than watching someone else do so. And jumping forward thousands of years from Aristotle, that’s exactly where video games come into the mix. Because, as many of us are well aware, games have become increasingly focused on decisions and outcomes.

Moral Decisions in Gaming

Moral alignment systems have been a part of gaming since at least the early 2000s, perhaps best seen with titles such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. In this classic RPG, true to Star Wars lore, it’s possible to make different in-game decisions that affect your light or dark side alignment. However, while the implementation of this alignment system hearkened toward a future where decisions could drastically alter the outcome of the narrative, essentially all paths led to the same place. More or less, in KOTOR, player decisions impacted the ability to use certain powers, since each force ability had an alignment toward the light or dark side. For example, a character attuned to the light side of the force would have an easier time curing wounds. However, one who had embraced the dark side would find force lightning to be a useful tool in their arsenal. So, while KOTOR implemented a very visible morality system in its player choices, those decisions failed to heavily impact the narrative elements of the game itself.

In some sense, the visibility of the morality system in KOTOR (a literal meter that showed how far the character leaned toward one side or the other) could be responsible for the lack of real feeling in the game’s alignment system. Players can experience the real weight of their in-game decisions best when the outcomes of those decisions aren’t marked as either a light or dark path. Such is the case with the Mass Effect trilogy, where choices can impact the course of the narrative immensely.

SPOILER ALERT: Perhaps the most striking instance is when Shepherd must determine whether to side with the Geth or Quarians in Mass Effect 3. If the Geth are chosen, the entire Quarian fleet is destroyed, and a companion that’s been with the player with three games kills herself. But if the player chooses to side with the Quarian fleet, another companion dies. Either way, the decision is extremely difficult, especially since the outcome can’t be discerned beforehand. Still, it can easily be inferred that whichever side is chosen will lead to a negative consequence for the other. So, this type of moral quandary presents a prime opportunity for reflection and assessment. The ability to feel through this scenario is reminiscent of the Aristotelian notion of catharsis.

Even so, with the Mass Effect decision described above, the results are almost instantaneous and allow the player to simply restart their latest save if they don’t like the outcome. More recent games have done away with this type of immediate gratification, not always letting the player know what the outcome of decisions will be. Instead, they reveal that information only when it’s too late to simply go back to the latest save point and try again. A good example is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, one of the most recent releases in the Assassin’s Creed series. For all its flaws, it has an immersive decision scheme throughout that can lead to wildly different endings.

SPOILERS AHEAD: There are at least six decisions that must be made throughout the narrative in a specific manner to see the best ending. In one scenario, the wayward sibling is persuaded to return to the family, and in the other, the player character kills the sibling. And it is this type of morality system that seems most rewarding when it comes to ethical development.

Video games that can present decisions as lifelike as possible have the best chance of leaving a lasting moral impression on those who play them. Particularly where choices can be made freely and when consequences aren’t always obvious. And in an Aristotelian framework, these have the best chance of aiding moral development.

Some Final Thoughts

Just like the real world, the ethical situations within games are not always appropriate for kids or young teenagers. So, it’s ultimately up to guardian figures to determine what their children should and should not be exposed to. As with anything, video games can have a positive or negative impact. And while they can help in moral development, they should never be viewed as the sole means by which anyone should come into their ethical framework. At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to help youth understand the implications of their decisions. Perhaps the best path forward is one of open discussion, whether the situations revolve around those found in video games or real life.