The L and R Buttons: My Thoughts

[Dynamo]

So I was playing Pokemon Ruby the other day.

And all of a sudden, I realized that the L and R shoulder buttons weren't being used at all.

So I started to think up a bunch of over world gameplay mechanics L and R could be used for...other than switching Boxes while using the PC (and that weird L=A mechanic that I imagine no one uses).
Doesn't it seem like IF there were more things to be done with the L and R buttons, there could be so much more [little things, not gigantic battle mechanics] to add to the game?

For example, assigning more key items, doing more tricks on the Bike, and maybe more interactions with the environment. Just imagine a Gym Puzzle that involves actually picking up an object with the L button to move to another place. Sounds much more exciting and different than oddly shoving yourself against a boulder using Strength, right? Of course, some heavier objects would have to be moved with Strength.

Maybe a new jumping mechanic to add to the game, to reach certain heights? Or even use items outside of battle, to rid more obstacles? The HMs would still be there, untouched, of course, in my ideas.

Of course, I understand that it could be argueable that Pokemon is more concerned around Battles and Contests that don't require trekking through dungeons to get to certain areas, or solving puzzles to rid an obstacle.
Yeah, yeah, I can already see people telling me that putting such things into the L and R buttons would make it too Zelda-esque.

But I, for one, believe that as more games come out, more mechanics should be put into the actual adventure, as you trek through regions and areas, with new things like actually jumping or real-world items, with the L and R buttons, of course. It would add more variety to the games' adventures and storylines and less monotony.

But these are just my thoughts on how much the L and R buttons could provide. What does everyone else think?

[NoJ]

Well isn't the point of pokemon for the pokemon to intereact in the game? I mean, those gym puzzles, that would be great to have us use the R and L buttons. Reminds me of the ones like the flying badge in Ruby, man that was fun.

Oh, and Dynamo. hey

[Dynamo]

Originally Posted by NoJ Well isn't the point of pokemon for the pokemon to intereact in the game? I mean, those gym puzzles, that would be great to have us use the R and L buttons. Reminds me of the ones like the flying badge in Ruby, man that was fun. Oh, and Dynamo. hey

Lmao, Hi. xD.

Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying.

The closest I've ever seen to my ideas is in Platinum, with Fantina's Gym, where you had to use that flashlight.

And yeah, I remember the flying badge from R/S/E. That was a pretty epic puzzle. But imagine if you had to use the R button to jump over fences or avoid gusts of wind (seeing how it's a Flying type gym, lol), and use the L button to throw a rope to safely descend from a high place?

[NoJ]

Originally Posted by Dynamo Lmao, Hi. xD. Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying. The closest I've ever seen to my ideas is in Platinum, with Fantina's Gym, where you had to use that flashlight. And yeah, I remember the flying badge from R/S/E. That was a pretty epic puzzle. But imagine if you had to use the R button to jump over fences or avoid gusts of wind (seeing how it's a Flying type gym, lol), and use the L button to throw a rope to safely descend from a high place?

Well, do you think that little kids, which nintendo tries to aim for, will understand these concepts?

[Juggernaut]

I'm sure the age group they aim for will get the concepts enough.
Maybe even make difficulty levels?
Idk that might be too far.

[jimmycrackcorn]

i think they dont do it now cause the L and R button break easy
my r button doesnt werk at all unless u jerk it in the right direction ( if u take that rong u seriusly have problems)
and my l button is fadeing on me 2 so idk but that is an awesome idea

[Rayquaza911]

I say the less buttons, the better. I loved the GBC games with only 4 buttons and a D-pad, simple and fun. I do not like to complicate my life, and they gave the most useless L/R command for FireRed/LeafGreen... a help guide... who uses that? Only for the sake of reading. Surely you would know how to play a remake of an older game.


PS: I'm Blue.

[Splodey]

I don't really see how an extra button or two would add to the gameplay. The DS brought us two new buttons, and they just made X & Y the Start and Select buttons on Pearl/Diamond/Platinum which didn't really make a big difference besides making it more convenient. Pokemon is a simple RPG, and it should stay that way. Unless mapping a control to a new button will make the game easier/simpler, I feel like it would be pointless.

[Folm]

I actually do use L=A so I can play the game with just one hand like if im lying down on my right side or something.

[Kayla.Corpse]

never really thought of that, those are good ideas

[sdf12q]

I guess the game could have more L and R button features but atm my L and R buttons don't always work for my DS.

[Hyesz]

I wish Nintendo would listen to ideas like this.

I'd love to register my Bike, Pokerader and Rod all at once.