Unified Centers and Marts

When the main series of Pokémon games turned over to the fifth generation, a number of new paradigms took effect. One of them was the unification of Pokémon Centers and PokéMarts. What were once two separate establishments in former generations were now united under one roof. Any kind of change, though, has implications for two sides, and these deserve to be explored and thought upon.

On one hand, the Pokémon Center is now truly a "center" with the merging of PokéMarts into it. Trainers can do most of their business in one place, and one that is recognizable, to boot; no more wandering is needed from one place to the other, as it is likely that both places are and were far apart. This change totally makes sense from the convenience aspect in that respect, and I totally welcome this approach. It also simplifies the overworld, as there no longer needs to be a second essential place to be put up. It's a good and positive change to be sure for these considerations.

On the other hand, with the merging of these two places, there is now one place less to get specific advice, in particular on items, which the characters at the PokéMart often give. I enjoy their banter though I don't often need it, yet others may do. This change was also not carried over to the remakes of Ruby and Sapphire, which were created after this change and had many sweeping changes of their own; this one wasn't included despite that some areas were nearly completely changed. And yet the benefits had clearly been seen in three pairs of games before it. The former is a nostalgic thing while the second one is a little puzzling.

Whatever happens, this change is here to stay - Sun and Moon as the first members of the seventh generation games have this implemented, and their Ultra counterparts will almost assuredly have this change. The fact that this change has persisted must mean that it indeed does work even if it sacrifices a few things and is sacrificed in the remakes. Still, no shifts in paradigm are without two sides, and they are useful to consider for the present implementation as well as the future.