Pokemon Gyms

[dragonfly_dust]

I don't mind either setup as long as I'm prepared to face that gym leader...

[Wind Heart]

I like both old style and new style of Gym layout, although I'll vote for new style because the puzzle there are so appealing (like Burgh's B2W2 puzzle for example).

[Sweets Witch]

Newer style, definitely. Gym leaders have started getting the respect they deserve with nice, lavish gyms and well-thought-out puzzles that scale in difficulty to match the actual gym leaders. The final gym in B/W was great because it was big, flashy, and required some thought. It made the gym experience feel so much more incredible.

The Elite Four visual upgrades are the same. Platinum changed the atmosphere of an Elite Four member's room and that simple visual upgrade really boosted the intensity of the moment.

[waveguidebuizel]

Like most people here, I like the newer gyms, as they tend to require more thought. Though I think the formula's been pretty consistent throughout the generations (where the first two or so gyms have no puzzle, and every gym after those [with some exceptions] do have a "puzzle"). It's just that the puzzles have evolved over time (trash search-->electric doors-->spinning gears, etc.) that makes it seem different, in my opinion. Though despite that, like I mentioned, we still have those gyms where you can just fight/skip some trainers and face the leader. (Hmm, we've yet to have a rock gym puzzle...)

[synerjee]

DEFINITELY the newer gym styles! I loved the puzzles in the gyms. They gave an oomph to the gameplay and made them challenging and exciting, as well as also making use of the awesome graphics and the amazing 3D effects. Fighting all the trainers in the gym along with the puzzles also makes reaching the gym leader all the more rewarding, giving your Pokemon that extra training they need. Just imagine: walking across a flat, plain floor with perhaps walls here and there for decoration, the pathway to the gym leader clearly visible with the trainers not even meeting your line of sight. Where's the fun in that, may I ask? Where's the challenge?!

[XtinaIsMeLuvinWWE]

Definitely puzzles for me, it doesn't have to be overly complicated, even just the rides in Bugsy's Gym or the opening of light little by little in Brawly's can be fun

I think the one I struggled most with was Candice's, just cause one of the snowballs confused me but I got it eventually lol

[Ultimate PKMN Trainer Red]

As much as I love the old gens, the newer are better because of the puzzles...:/

[KriegStein]

Hmm. I admit I like how the new gyms look and the puzzle aspect is also ok. But I dont like it if they force you to battle everyone. Its not like you came to the gym to challenge the leaders inadept students. NO! You came in to take the leaders head. (figuratively speaking) I dont mind couple of fights and stuff but when it would go to the point that you are fighting and endurance match against the whole gym it kinda loses its point. (atleast to me) Although skipping everyone else in the gym might also be a bad thing. I dont now. I personally would like the gym leaders to be more challenging. (I dont mean charmander vs brock style) I mean they should be the 8 strongest trainers (in official duty atleast) outside Elite Four. So I think Ill say that the older ones... But yeah...thats what I think.

[Dullstar]

To be honest, as long as they're well-designed, I don't particularly care.

Puzzles are fine, as long as they're not poorly done. Puzzles like Clay's in B2/W2, though. That was terrible. It was mostly just, run around until you find the platform that connects to he one you want, which could be anywhere.

[SoraTheTruth]

Originally Posted by Dullstar

To be honest, as long as they're well-designed, I don't particularly care.

Puzzles are fine, as long as they're not poorly done. Puzzles like Clay's in B2/W2, though. That was terrible. It was mostly just, run around until you find the platform that connects to he one you want, which could be anywhere.

it wasn't that bad XD, but yeah i wouldnt want to see that again.

[JohnnyJ773]

I like the newer gyms cuz of the puzzles and and you have to fight your way through trainers to get to the leaders. It brings out the characteristics of each gym

[PersianTrainer]

I love the challenge and the complexity of the newer style of gyms, and getting lost too. Happened a few times in Black 2. I also enjoy challenging every trainer in the gym before the gym leader, taking advantange and enjoying the game as much as possible + making my own team stronger all the time.

[Caelus]

I end up battling every trainer I meet in a gym anyway. I'm pretty OCD when it comes to that, so the new gyms having more trainers isn't a problem at all. From what I've seen the newer games have better, more creative gym layouts, so combined with more trainers (and therefore more experience) I prefer the newer gyms over the older ones.

[RPX]

Definitely the newer ones. It makes the game more fun and challenging, instead of just breezing through the gym with walk through walls. Some puzzles are actually really challenging, but fun! I enjoyed walking through Tate and Liza's arrow tiles in Ruby, even after defeating them. Some puzzles can be really boring though, like Wattson's. The gym could have been bigger, then I would've enjoyed it. Winona's puzzle is repetitive, and it's just boring. But overall the newer style is better, for me anyway! C:

[Toshiro.]

Newer style Gyms are so much better. More fun! It would be so dull without any obstacles.

[LHT]

I like the new style with the obstacles, it's more innovative.

[JNathan]

I like newer styles. Puzzles are more innovative and funnier IMO.

[toasterr]

I'm torn - a gym with just a leader is boring, but some puzzles (Sabrina's teleport puzzle, Surge's trashcan thing, every ice puzzle ever) are either based on luck (read: loading states) or just obnoxious. Some gyms, like Drayden's in BW2, were rather well done, though, so I'd say those types above all. Just keep me away from ice puzzles.

[Trainer Timothy]

I prefer the new gymnasium designs as they are interesting, creative and often times, puzzling. The fact that I have to face every Gym Trainer is a bonus. More fights; more EXP. And you can also prep for what the Gym Leader may have in his arsenal.

It's a win-win situation in both design and contents for the new Gyms. I love 'em.

[JoeSchneider]

Newer, because I really dont try to avoid gym trainers, so i can level up my pokemon

[Vegetunks937]

I prefer the new style. It's like a puzzle before the fight. I like fighting in the new style gyms.

[Mr Cat Dog]

To be honest, I really couldn't care less about the new-style gyms with their desire to keep challenging you before you get to the actual Gym Leader. My favourite Gym of all time is Blue in GSC because it's so simple and has no tricks involved. The Leader him/herself is already quite tough, so why torture the gamers with even more challenges?

But, after reading this thread, it appears my view is definitely in the minority. Oh well. :D