WebVideo Surprisingly Addicting
Twitch Plays Pokémon is, at first glance, something utterly nonsensical and pointless. Then you take a closer look. And you see what people have done. It has gone far beyond its original purpose, becoming something scrutinized by scientists, philosophers, and the mass media. It has developed a mythos, and a compelling storyline out of what should have been garbage.
I'll admit, I happened upon it just as they were challenging the Cinnabar Gym. Naturally, as a dedicated troper, I took a look here, even before I looked at TPP proper. And at first, nothing made sense. I guess that's what happens when you come in near the end. Then, I took a look at the fanart links. First one, in the hopes that something would make sense. Then another, until I found myself utterly embroiled in the storyline, curious to see where they're going next.
The community and the mythos is what draws you in. It just takes a little hook, and you want to see it through to the end.
This is a chaotic, unorganized, and rambling mess. What it's become is one of the most compelling works of fiction of the decade. I'd definitely recommend checking it out.
Just be sure not to watch it for too long at a time. The anarchy is contagious.
WebVideo An Experience Unlike Any Other
I came into TPP a little late, after seeing all the crazy fan stuff that had spread across the internet. I was skeptical; I honestly didn't know what to expect from such a weird social experiment. Needless to say, the drama of the game and the fandom's creative storyline drew me in.
There's not much point in reviewing this normally, as TPP is unlike most anything else. TPP is something that needs to be experienced firsthand. I was there for Sabrina's defeat, the acquisition of the key in Cinnabar Mansion, the level grinding before victory road... I witnessed the aftermath of the attacks by the twisted jerkass Destiny, the sorrow during Bloody Sunday, and the resurrection/evolution of Lord Helix.
The thing is, everything aside, this is just a Pokemon Red where the main character spazzes out because 50,000 people are inputting random commands. If it weren't for all the rich fanon, which has created heroes, villains, and basically an entire lore for TPP's universe, this would be one of the most frustrating Let's Plays ever made.
As it stands, however, TPP is something that must be seen to be believed. If you're reading this after it has ended, you won't really understand all the hype for this. This is quite simply something you had to be there for.
WebVideo Helixology.
Note: This is a review of the story, not the game.
So far, I'm only piecing together the Red Arc, and I'm not at any other arc yet.
Regardless, this is a tale of two gods, Helix and Dome, and the result of the wars waged between the two. The devine Helix has bestowed upon the world Knowledge, Life, Joy, and most importantly, Freedom. The usurper god Dome had tainted the world with Order, Islands Covered In Dumb Trainers, and most importantly, Deception. Akin to the Persona games, the two made a deal: they would allow the voices of the neather realm to guide our protagonist, Red, to become the very best, like no one ever was. If the voices succeded in Anarchy, Helix would reign supreme. If the hero were to be tainted by the clutches of Democracy instead, then Dome would be the new tyrant of the skies. Along the way, our hero Red will encounter various interesting characters such as Blue, Giovanni, Bird Christ of Anarchy, Flareon The False Prophet, and even Helix Himself, though initially at a dormant stage (the Helix Fossil). Will our hero Red become the very best and have his god reascend to the mortal realm again, or will Dome destroy all that is good in life? Find out on Twitch Plays Pokemon!
Seriously, check out all of the fanarts and fan fics of this amazing tale, because it's much better than the Pokemon Mythos already set up, (barring Pokemon Black/White) and you won't get bored at all.
Rating: 5/5