Review: Pokemon: Prepare for Trouble

Forum: self hosted using SMF

Pokemon.

This RPG combines storytelling with the battle system that is at the heart of Pokemon, resulting in an RPG that gives players the best of both worlds. Unlike many Pokemon RPGs a stat system is not used.

16 years old and above.

152.

Earliest post date found is May 2011.

No specific roleplay level is mentioned. The RPG does not have a word limit, instead asking members to focus on keeping the plot moving when posting.

It varies a lot due to the RPG having no set word length, although this does not mean that the posts are particularly short. There are plenty of members who post several paragraphs per post.

On average there are new posts every 2 - 5 days.

Original characters.

A neat and easy to browse layout with pleasant colours. The only small complaint is that in some places the text is quite small and being short-sighted I did need to squint at times. The text on the "Group Statistics" is particularly hard to read.

I had no problem browsing the site and finding the information I wanted quickly.

I'll be the first to admit that Pokemon is not a fandom I'm familiar with so I may just be missing something, however, I found it quite hard to gauge an idea of the actual plot of the RPG. The welcome message in the left side menu gives me basic information and then further down the "headlines" provides a bit more detail. There is a handy forum for members plotting and an In Character announcement forum, (which don't get me wrong, these are great) but this doesn't tell me what the plot of the overall game is. It may be that this RPG does not have an overall plot, but as a perspective member I would be looking for some clarification regarding this.

The plot was the only information I couldn't find. Everything else was easy to understand for a Pokemon noob like myself and there was even some extra bits and bobs to boot. It seems like a very well thought out game.

There does not appear to be any method of contacting the staff team. Although there is an FAQ and a chat box,there is only a few vague references to ask a staffer when needed and no specifics about how to contact them. There doesn't appear to be any way to do this without registering an account or using the chat box. The problem with using chat boxes for this is that you cannot always guarantee that a staff member will see your message, which is why I would always suggest having a guest friendly posting area. If you are worried about spam an alternative is to use a contact form, or plug in that automatically sends the form to a staff member.

Unlike most RPGs the application process for this site is quite different. Applicants need to make a subaccount and fill out the profile of that account. There is no template or bio to post, and there does not seem to be a writing example required.

This RPG uses the benefits of being self hosted to it's advantage and has loads of little extras for players which heighten the roleplay experience.