×
all 117 comments
sorted by:
best
topnewcontroversialoldq&a

[–]AutoModerator[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

r/pokemon Is looking for new moderators!

See this post for details and how to apply. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[–]draugyr 418 points419 points  (7 children)

This is one thing I miss about sprite games, the different sprites between versions

[–][deleted] 102 points103 points  (0 children)

The character the colors. It was so cool to see your favorite mon in a different sprite

[–]DivineCapybara 16 points17 points  (0 children)

and in emerald they move

[–]TheTiniestPeach 72 points73 points  (1 child)

I miss old sprites in general. They had edge to them and felt more alive than current animations somehow.

[–]EnderTheTrender 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Because the new sprites have no edges probably, they’re all smooth like someone forgot to shade them.

[–]InferSaime 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When I was a kid playing platinum (second game after diamond) I remember finding it super cool that Machop had a new sprite.

[–]metalflygon08What's Up Doc? 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Loved in GSC where most Pokemon were different between both games.

[–]ItsTimeToExplain 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This. The OG change. The difference between versions really kicked off in the GSC era.

[–]Topteirtrash 123 points124 points  (8 children)

I always thought it was weird that teddiursa was the only non gen 1 mon to get a sprite update in FRLG.

[–]Sassy-irish-lassy 54 points55 points  (5 children)

I thought it was weird that they bothered giving new sprites to pokemon that you could never see in ruby and sapphire

[–]ChickenNoodleSeb 23 points24 points  (4 children)

I don't think it's that weird, honestly. They couldn't exactly just directly port over the Gen II sprites, and with the GameCube games and eventual release of FRLG you can obtain almost all Kanto and Johto Pokémon in RSE.

[–]Sassy-irish-lassy 3 points4 points  (3 children)

The gen 1 and 2 pokemon had entirely new sprites in ruby and sapphire, even though you'd almost never be able to see them when they first came out. What I mean is that they gave the gen 1 pokemon new sprites in FRLG even though nobody saw the ones from RS. And teddiursa for some reason.

[–]ChickenNoodleSeb 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Ahh, okay, that makes more sense than what I was thinking you meant. That's definitely weirder, but I can maybe see why they did it. A lot of the Kanto sprites specifically feel like they were rushed into RSE, almost as if they needed to include them but wanted to focus on the new Hoenn sprites (which imo are considerably better quality than many of the Kanto ones), so maybe they decided to redo them for FRLG just to give them a more polished feel in a game where you'd be seeing more of them.

EDIT: Why they didn't then include these redone sprites in Emerald is beyond me, except possibly just to avoid the extra work when the existing sprites already in RS's code were serviceable.

[–]Dolthra 2 points3 points  (1 child)

A lot of the Kanto sprites specifically feel like they were rushed into RSE,

That's because they were. IIRC Sapphire and Ruby were originally supposed to be like Gen 5, where it's not possible (at least before the elite four, in that generation) to get earlier gen Pokemon, then it was supposed to be a sort of dexit generation (only the pokemon obtainable in RSE would be included) and very last minute that was expanded to all 300 Pokemon being in RSE- which is why some of the gen 1/2 sprites from those games look really bad.

[–]thesign2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this is a 2 year old comment but development data shows this isn't true and that they were planned from the beginning.

[–]protruding_skull[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I know it's so weird

[–]PKMNTrainerMark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was it? Weird, I kinda figured they all got new sprites.

[–]waluigigoeswah420 208 points209 points  (0 children)

<image>

"Hey Look at this cool fucker"

[–]SquirtleBob164 80 points81 points  (4 children)

Rhydon's FRLG sprite looks so badass.

RS sprites do show more personality but I've always preferred the FRLG due to how smooth they look, with the color and proportions on point.

[–]shawnaeatscats 5 points6 points  (3 children)

They def solidified their design choices in FRLG.
The doduo line goes from hooked beak to straight beak, and poliwhirl goes from gloves to mittens! Arbok is a big one too, I think people used to think the pattern was different in different regions, but I'm pretty sure it's been the same for several years now.

[–]NinjaK2k17 2 points3 points  (0 children)

i'm pretty sure the pokedex even mentions their designs being different by region, but they all look the same to me

[–]Dolthra 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I think people used to think the pattern was different in different regions

I mean, it's not that they thought it did, it has three distinctly different eyes in Gen 1/2/3, and FRLG deliberately go back to the Gen 1 eye design. Gen 4 then repeats the Gen 1 eye design, and it's stayed the same ever since.

But they definitely did previously change by generation.

[–]shawnaeatscats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh I wasn't sure about FRLG and RGB being the same or not! Very interesting.

[–]burstingmangoes 53 points54 points  (3 children)

FR/LG looks better but I like how more dynamic the poses were in RS

[–]ranibow____sprimkle 8 points9 points  (0 children)

exactly! the newer ones are objectively better in terms of of pixel art quality and accuracy to the true design of the pokémon, but the older ones were just so much FUN

[–]spekkio8370 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It feels like they knew they were gonna animate them in the future in Emerald.

[–]juanconj_Harem Salamander 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I always hated how they hit Sandshrew and Sandslash with that downgrade lol, love the R/S sprites.

[–]Swazzoo 75 points76 points  (1 child)

FRLG sprites always felt so good, and seeing them side by side they're much more iconic imo

[–]rosality 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Probably because you saw them more. Most of Gen 1 Pokemon aren't available in R/S.

[–]BtownBlues 24 points25 points  (2 children)

Why is Wartortles colour so inconsistent

[–]metalflygon08What's Up Doc? 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Ask Gligar.

[–]TheWartortleWarrior 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Went on vacation to Greece

[–]Lone-Frequency 28 points29 points  (2 children)

I distinctly remember RSE having some really weird looking Kanto/Johto sprites, like almost a sorta "uncanny" look to them, like they were just slightly off model enough or with a poorly done pose to look a bit strange.

Almost like they were fanmade sprites. A lot of them look almost amateurish.

[–]protruding_skull[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

they were probably going off of the models from Crystal which still used those old proportions before being redesigned for the generation III official art, a lot of gen II pokemon look identical to their sprites from crystal

[–]Bobsplosion 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Probably because they had to resprite every Pokémon, but put the most effort in the Pokémon you would actually see in RS since you wouldn’t encounter most of them.

[–]FrahmBomb12 17 points18 points  (0 children)

<image>

At least he tried

[–][deleted]  (2 children)

[deleted]

    [–]protruding_skull[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

    i think it's interesting how different Tauros is

    [–]metalflygon08What's Up Doc? 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Its so chonky with how the hind leg is done in the RSE sprite..

    [–]cybshark99 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    I prefer the LFRG versions, but I RS Eevee looks better

    [–]DrNuggetYT 10 points11 points  (1 child)

    <image>

    Kingler’s RS sprite looks pretty cool, but once it’s in battle it looks like it’s holding itself up by its claw.

    [–]BlueEmeraldX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I had that same impression of RS Bulbasaur's one-handed push-up (though I prefer Bulba's RS face). =P

    [–]forbiddenlightbulb 10 points11 points  (2 children)

    So what's the deal with Zapdos' wings? It has two pairs, one yellow and one black? Or the wings are... layered, and the top layer is smaller, maybe?

    [–]protruding_skull[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    zapdos has always been like that, it's a little weird

    [–]NinjaK2k17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    something like that. even looking at its modern animations it has that sort of look to it.

    [–]MunkeyFish 19 points20 points  (1 child)

    Pokemon works so much better with sprite art.

    3D elements are great and some things work really well but it just doesn't capture the charm of the old sprites.

    [–]ranibow____sprimkle 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    i WANT to feel the same way, but there are so many 3D games that get it right!

    look at BD/SP or S/V and compare it to something like the link’s awakening remake, or animal crossing new horizons — it’s obvious that 3D graphics are NOT what’s stopping gamefreak from bringing that charm to modern pokémon games.

    we deserve games with vision behind the art direction, not rapid-fire undercooked titles whose only goal is to be passable enough to sell.

    [–]Austin_McKillaGen 3 stan 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    The Nidoran female in R/S looks so cute, I'm sad I didn't get to see a lot of the gen 1 sprites in that game.

    [–]pxa538 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    Why is Sandshrew’s RS sprite the cutest thing ever

    [–]Lysand 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    I remember being so excited to send pokemon from firered to sapphire that aren’t in hoenn just to see what they looked like

    [–]AIMWSTRN 24 points25 points  (1 child)

    For the most part I like the RS sprites more. They seem to have more personality, like they are more alive. The FRLG sprites look like really nice drawings. I do like a few FRLG sprites better though. But I think I would choose the RS if I had to choose between them.

    [–]D-Beyond 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    RS nidoran male looks so much cooler; I prefer the longer, slimmer nidoran

    [–]Src-Freak 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    They did Gyarados dirty in R/S.

    [–]EmperinoPenguino 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    3D models killed dynamic posing & (ironically) forces lifeless T-posing

    Look at those Scyther, Pidgeot, Marowak, Seel, & Haunter sprites.

    You can feel their energy through the still image

    [–]DannyTheOctoling 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Man, Wartortle has so much going on in the RS sprites

    [–]rocketsnail1000 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    Additionally Wartortle, Mr. Mime, and Snorlax have different sprites in Emerald

    [–]protruding_skull[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    yeah I saw their sprites I just wanted to compare to RS is all

    [–]Fragrant-Medium-5912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Yea snorlax emerald sprite is slightly different from his RS sprite

    [–]Burnhill_10 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    I still love Grimler and Muk for looking like cool DJs. I have played with muk in my team way back In the day on red and fire red. In the last few games Alolan Muk was on undoubtedly on my team as well, maybe not always on the main team but took great care of him.

    [–]MonkeyDVic 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    That Golbat from FRLG looks awful.

    Also, that Geodude sprite from RSE was weird but I kind of liked it.

    [–]BlueEmeraldX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    RS Geodude reminds me of its 1997 concept art, which I've always preferred.

    [–]KingBones909 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Muk be like "Up high, now down low"

    [–]JJSponge120 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    <image>

    I just noticed that Magikarp’s FRLG sprite is wrong. Here’s what it actually looks like.

    [–]Kooky-Drawing-7173 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    I always preferred the R/S/E sprites over FR/LG. I guess I like the “less perfect” art style.

    [–]reebnepo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Graveler’s FRLG sprite has never looked quite right to me.

    [–]Paxton-176 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Some of these people would have never seen unless they traded and were stuck with only version.

    [–]hgbi8h 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    The nidoking horn placement looks more natural in ruby and sapphire

    [–]ukie7 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    RS Charizard sprite is cursed

    [–]metalflygon08What's Up Doc? 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    It has that dorpy mouth that Red/Green Charmeleon had in its back sprite.

    [–]SynysterDawn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    R/S Cloyster has seen some shit.

    [–]Ok_Rule5163 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Snorlax just gave up lol

    [–]GreekralphianMAGIC BOUNCE 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I love the RS sprite from Seadra. It always stuck out to me since is one of the few instances where Seadra isn't mad af

    [–]GL0riouz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Is it weird that i think RS nidoran female looks better than the FRLG version?

    [–]Panhead09 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Woulda been cool if Pokemon had retained their original sprites even when traded onto a version with different ones. Imagine a double battle against two of the same Mon but they have different sprites.

    [–]metalflygon08What's Up Doc? 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    SHould also show off the improved back sprites for the ones who got them.

    Scyther, Pidgeot, Alakazam, Ninetales, and Gyarados IIRC all got new back sprites in FRLG.

    IMO, FRLG Gyarados' back sprite is the best one its ever had.

    [–]Wir3d_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    FR/LG Sprites are way better in my opinion. Maybe because that was my first game

    [–]and-the-earth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    This is just me, but FRLG sprites look weird to me, even as a kid

    Some of them are "roar and stare upwards", including Venusaur, Kangaskhan and Scyther. Like, especially the eyes, they just feel... a bit off? I don't know, it doesn't feel like the opposing Pokemon is directly looking at yours

    [–]whoobiee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Ivysaur’s sprite in R/S is so cute. Im making that my discord pfp lol

    [–]tb_lazyawarehuman 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Fearow turned to what he was looking at LOL

    [–]ThePearWithoutaCare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    RS sprites are so much worse. They should’ve updated Emerald sprites to FRLG.

    [–]Willacc295 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    <image>

    "Think I'll get up rn, I need to exercise."

    "Nvm."

    [–]InsideInspection7210 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    tauros and magneton look pretty bad in pokemon fire red/leaf green

    [–]kevingh92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Ruby/Sapphire Muk looks like it’s about to drop the best rap album ever recorded.

    [–]DustAccurate9869 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Muk looks like he's about to drop the sickest bars ever in RS

    [–]Autistic-Loonatic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    RSE easily. the sprites are more unique

    [–]hdgx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    RS poses are so iconic

    [–]vismayz -1 points0 points  (0 children)

    RS smoked FRLG, ain't even close

    [–]HenryLikesToDance -1 points0 points  (0 children)

    i mean, the FR/LG ones are cleaner for sure, but the RS sandshrew portrait is what made sandshrew my favorite pokemon to this day. Hes just a little guy saying HI

    [–]PlatinunY 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    3D really did good for my boy Sandslash.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Where registeel

    [–]OhDearGodItBurnsThis isn't even my final form!! 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Some of the R/S sprites look really similar to their Gen II sprites in terms of posing

    [–]MrAxelotl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I love how clean the FRLG sprites are. On the old post, some people were saying that the RS sprites seem "lower quality" for a lot of mons that didn't appear in the game because they didn't expect anyone to see them, but I don't think that's true. The big one for me is Gyarados. There's nothing inherently wrong with the RS sprite, but damn do I love thw FRLG one. It's so threatening, menacing, powerful. Blows the RS one out of the water for me. There are other ones like that too: Golduck, Tentacruel, Pinsir and Magneton all look a lot better in the FRLG style to me. My favorite though is Tauros, I've always loved the small head, chubby legs and that insanely poofy mane.

    [–]Delicious_Fee421 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Nidoking looked so badass when there were only sprites, no 3D modeling

    [–]didijxk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Snorlax finished its exercises RS and decided to lie down in FRLG.

    [–]Nucleoticticboom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Grimer and Muk look like they’re dropping bars

    [–]DCL-XVI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    weezing's heads switched sides apparently

    [–]Roskal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    The RS ones look more like they are just hanging out then in fr LG its their turn so they take a battle pose.

    [–]BattousaiRound2SN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Good, first photo already focuos in the one I care most. Both pretty good.

    In general, when not only Nidoking, Fire Red seems better.

    [–]fagcocksucker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    So what I get is FRLG is better proportion wise but RS has more dynamic poses

    [–]GlootyIsHere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    These sprites make porygon look kinda adorable

    [–]AlertWar2945 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Poliwag do be sitting

    [–]SIaaP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    R/S Sandshrew is elite

    [–]Significant-Iron-475 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Is it just me or do a lot of these sprites look like the crystal/gold/silver ones?

    [–]Fyrus93 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Who put lipstick on Eevee

    [–]metalflygon08What's Up Doc? 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    People planning on using the Water Stone.

    [–]Fyrus93 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    D:

    [–]Canehdian-Behcon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Sandshrew's RS sprite has got to be top 10 cutest across all games. I just want to wave back at the little guy 🥹

    [–]Dreamdude778 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Magikarp had a different sprite in FRLG

    [–]Mary-Sylviacustomise me! 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I miss gen 1's goofy look, Dragonite and Slowbro looks so happy to be here

    [–]notmalcal_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Looks like in RS, they made the sprites look more at your Pokémon. FRLG seems to have made the sprites in more general poses. Both look good, and the movement in emerald really helped with RS sprites’ style

    [–]OkOutlandishness8403 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Snorlax is requesting uppies that he will be hard pressed to get.

    [–]CopperForrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    The first time I traded a paras from FireRed to Sapphire I thought it turned shiny! It was because of the colour difference between versions.

    [–]stav705 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    The formating is so much better. Nice job op!

    [–]SomethingsQueerHere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Slowpoke has a skinnier tail now, must be a result of Team Rocket chopping off and selling all the plumpest Slowpoke tails.

    Eventually they will lose their tails completely, annihilating the Slowbro population, but causing a boom in the Slowking and Cloyster populations as fewer Shelder find themselves bonded to another pokemon. Kanto's ecology is changing due to human intervention.

    [–]MeanSawMcGraw 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Sometimes as a kid I’d hit up the battle frontier in emerald just to see the sprites and how they differed from Leafgreen and firered