Having beaten four Pokémon games, two of them primarily using fire, Arrowhead senior Sam Hanson considers himself to be an expert on the game.

“I got my first Pokémon game when I was in fifth grade. I thought it was intense,” said Hanson.

Many new DS’s have come out since Hanson started playing.

Hanson said, “I have the new red 3D DS. Personally, it has made the game a lot better; however, the 3D on it really isn’t that great.”

“Honestly, fire is my favorite ability for my Pokémon. I tend to take them to the Day Care Center and have them level up there. Sometimes I forget about them, good thing they’re not real,” said Hanson

The Day Care Center is where the trainer can take their Pokémon and have them level up there while doing no work himself or herself.

Pokémon is a strategic game, according to Hanson.

Hanson said, “For anyone that wants a game that is challenging and very strategic, but also intriguing, I suggest Pokémon.”

“I’ve had the new Pokémon game since it came out and I’d say it’s the best one yet. I also play it when at school and sometimes at home and haven’t gotten sick of it yet. I think it’ll be a game like Skyrim where I’m just going to be addicted to it,” said Hanson.

“One challenge that I’ve been facing in the game is fighting in gyms. Some of them are really difficult and I’ve had to put down my game because of my frustration. But I like it challenging because a really easy game, simply isn’t rewarding,” said Hanson.

Hanson suggests new players to use fire and earth Pokémon first, instead of starting out with the water Pokémon.

“I made the mistake of first using a water Pokémon and I basically restarted because of it being so weak,” said Hanson.

For those that want a strategic game and one where you’re able to see your creature evolve Hanson would highly suggest Pokémon is for you.