3rd Gen Television

[Tetra]

Credit to Kyain for the images​

In Gen I and II, TVs were merely used for decoration and them sorts, with them having no real use. However in Gen III, specifically R/S; a change occurred. TVs suddenly became much more useful, doing things such as informing the player if there was an ongoing swarm, or if the player had changed a name of their Pokémon via the Name Rater. There was also a pair of interviewers around Hoenn called known as Gabby and Ty. They would engage the player in a Double Battle, then afterwards asking you to summarize the battle. This then in any TV around Hoenn would make it flash repeatedly; unless talked to, which will again repeat what you had summarized the battle as. If the screen is blank, it will state "Mom/Dad might like this program... better get going!".

Record mixing can also be involved with the TV. If you mix records with a certain game, there's a possibility a swarm of a rare Pokémon will appear somewhere in Hoenn. To know where it is occurring and what species it holds, you talk to the flashing TV, and it will let you know. A pretty nifty mechanic, I think. Definitely useful.

So what are your thoughts on this? Did you enjoy that they added several new features to the TV in Hoenn? Or do did you dislike it? What did you think they could of have added, if they should have? Do you think it was better then Gen II's radio broadcasts? Write your opinion below!

 

[Hiatus]

I actually do like what they had done with it; instead of having it lay in houses simply due to decorative purposes, TV gives you access to certain information. Some might be important to you, and others might not. For me, what I liked most is how they'd incorporated advertisements into it. If you're lucky and stumble onto something, such as that commercial about Lilycove Department Store's clear-out sales, you'd be inclined to visit the place. Once you do and visit top floor, you'd be able to get your hands on items that you never could before. Unfortunately, there aren't more things like this, but would be great if there were.

 

[Pendraflare]

This was something funny that would come up. If you'd battle Gabby and Ty and give the something to say for their interview, they'd then comment on your battle with them, which would often be one-sided for you I'm sure. x) But they also discuss contests, and swarms, nicknames, this was indeed a little feature that could be perky but still enjoyable.

 

[Altairis]

I found myself actually checking the TV in RSE, because the programs would actually be somewhat relevant to what was going on instead of random programs that didn't really involve me.

They did a good job with the TV, and I really hope it comes back in future games. The Gabby & Ty battles, I think, were my favorite. Especially because you had to go looking for them!

 

[Yato]

I like that they added special features to the TVs; as people stated, it made them actually worth going to and checking. Especially loved how there were ones for the sale in Lilycove's Department Store and reduced prices at the Game Corner. Also liked the Gabby & Ty battles; it was always fun responding to questions using negative-sounding answers and having them still be all excited over it XD

What I didn't like was that they were random and seldom played or required mixing records in order to be more common. I especially didn't like how that was the case for the Department Store, as I really wanted to get some of the items for Secret Bases (particularly the boards since you couldn't even access certain parts of some bases).

Anyway, I hope they make a return in ORAS, and it'd be nice to see them or similar features return in future games as well :3b

 

[Laylaw]

I loved answering the interviewers and other people with answers that made no sense all together or just sounded plain weird or disturbing, so I could laugh about it in the Tv afterwards.

 

[heroes-and-conspiracies]

Hahahaha, wow I never noticed this to be honest

 

[Sirfetch’d]

I used the TV feature and did the interviews a few times. I never really cared too much for it though as I was usually too lazy to answer the questions and then go and check the TV itself haha. It was pretty cool overall though!

 

[Flygonite]

My Interview answer was always Abra because that was the first one showing.

I did think it was a really interesting concept, and mid-game Gabby and Ty gave decent XP with Loudred and Magneton.

Also, the swarm updates and stuff were how I caught my first Skitty.

Anywho, it definitely was a great feature and with all the updates to ORAS it'd be interesting to see just how awesome the t.v. looks now.

inb4 flat screen tvs

I'm gonna be really disappointed if ORAS doesn't nostalgia this game up.

 

[Sylphiel]

I remember the battles somewhat, although I don't recall doing much with the TV itself. Just seemed like a waste of my time really. Unless I just didn't realize its potential since I was used to the TV from the previous gens ("just look at the tv, read the blurb from it, never read it again because it's most likely not changed at all").

I wasn't even that fond of giving an answer after those battles. Though I feel like that was more due to me not liking the input system there much. Seemed too limiting. Or something like that.

 

[Hikamaru]

I remember the many times I watched the TV and how your interviews are recorded on it, which was a nice feature. The different stuff that gets mentioned showed the TVs now served an actual purpose in the games, which was a huge improvement over the previous generations.

 

[Gandhi Savage]

Honestly, I loved it! I found it so cool and while it was a slight feature, it made me feel like a truly world renowned Pokémon Trainer! I used to Fly around the region following Gabby and Ty and beat them down just to offer an awful interview! Something similar would be very well received by me if it was brought back in future games! I also enjoyed the other features it offered like the Department Store sales and when there were swarms of Pokémon!

I always found it a shame that there weren't more features offered though. I'd have loved, for example, if when you became Champion there'd be a feature on it or something! I know that the whole Latios/Latias were basically announced or whatever but it's not the same! Also I was convinced by my friend that if you click on the tv in front of the guy who refuses to let you stand in front of him in Lilycove that you could go to Kanto. I SPENT WAY LONGER THAN I AM PROUD OF TRYING TO GET TO KANTO MAN!!​

 

[Sun]

Actually, I love the television in RSE. I gathered a lot of different informatioms from it! For instance, the Berry Master making his appearance in the Lilycove Contest Hall, swarm, sale at the Department Store, etc.

 

[GengyGengar]

I definitely enjoyed the concept of the television, as it gave some information from time to time and was just a fun little thing xD