>>56232355By the end of the story, my team was Serperior, Darmanitan, Sigilyph, Zoroark, Emolga, and Carracosta. I did modify my save file to pick up the zorua in Castelia City on arrival. Darmanitan I picked up being the only available fire type. Adding belly drum, thrash, and hammer arm made him a favorite of mine.
I liked Bianca, I thought she was well characterized. Every time she showed up, all I could think was "how did this retard get here". Her animation of struggling with her pokeball lives in my head rent free. I did not find Cheren as interesting or memorable. His "why do I want to be stronger?" story kinda loses its meaning while we are rushing to be the champion before N. Neither was really a challenge, or as interesting as N.
I did enjoy team plasma interrupting the league. It is unexpected, adds a sense of urgency, and makes the final battles with N and Ghetsis more intense. Since the ferris wheel, the game is about being the champion before N, so it is fitting that you deal with N directly after the elite 4. I am still in the post-game so I can't comment on the fight with Adler yet.
Favorite moment is dragonspiral tower. It is fun climbing up the tower, fighting your way through team plasma as some of your allies help. Then you reach the top and see N has achieved his goal and fly off in a dragon. I do find it funny how there is the cutscene of zekrom in full 3D, but N flying off is just the world sprite translating across the screen in a straight line.
Favorite town is Driftveil City. There is enough NPC variety, story elements, and a good gym. Favorite place is pinwheel forest. The first time you go through it on a chase is fun. You back track here a few times too. It does feel like a forest. I am still in the post-game, so I may find more enjoyable locations yet.
I like Castelia City. It is a little overwhelming at first, but you get a feel and realize it is not that big. I liked exploring and battling without wild pokemon. Back track sucks.
