This is one of my lowest rated arcs of adventures but don't let that fool you, this was a fun ride. Definetly in the mid tier in terms of remake arcs but there was alot to like about this arc especially as it went on. A starting reason this arc was able to work is because the delta episode in game isn't that interactive. People mostly see it as cool new lore but not exactly an enjoyable post-game to play at least until the end. This is why it works alot better as a narrative. It has been awhile since I last played ORAS but from what I remember this arc is quite faithful. This usually isn't how I want them to got about adapting pokemon considering the best arcs are usually the most original but for this it works. They had just enough to make it feel more intense. Just like XY the returning characters didn't feel forced. Reb and Green (F) didn't do too much but at the end of the day it wasn't their story. While I still don't love Emerald he was much better balanced in this arc which is appreciated. Ruby and Sapphire are as good of a dynamic as ever no issues there. Continuing with characters the villains also suprised me with this arc. The new team magma and aqua admins or whatever they are called were complete waste characters. The only reason they are here is so the designs can be showcased. Terrible inclusion. But on the other hand their leaders Maxie and Archie completely suprised me. I haven't read the DP or BW saga's but seeing the explanation of their return from the distortion world was oddly satisfying. With returns like this they usually feel forced but by the end this duo earned my heart. Zinnia and her clan were good as expected. Zinnia is just how you would expect her and her arc is good. But back on the topic of villains it was cool that there weren't really villains during this arc. That theme was kind of similar to HGSS but probably even better here. It was nice just dealing with a threat everyone could get behind destroying and it served as a great showcase of Hoenn. Alot of my annoyance with this arc comes from the left over pieces from before. I can't in good faith count them as negatives but as petty as it may be I still get a little annoyed seeing Norman and Wallace still alive as well as the continuing few appearances of Wally. Overall though I really enjoyed my time with this arc, some of the incorparation of elements from the remakes felt a little forced but overall it was a fun ride that satisfied me for a sweet return to Hoenn! On a side note however... This may not be the biggest problem for alot of people but the use of legendary and mythical pokemon in this manga is starting to annoy me. It hasn't bothered me to a great degree yet but at this point their inclusion can feel as blatant as the pokemon anime movie showcases. At least make them feel more natural...
7.5 out of 8 users liked this review
