So I'm 29 years old and I play video games. In some social circles, that information is a hard pill to swallow. If you're reading this on VOG, chances are that playing video games at my age is totally acceptable to you. That's cool. I appreciate your acceptance. But how would you feel if I told you that I'm not talking about games like Call of Duty or Assassin's Creed or Mass Effect (please note that I *do* play Mass Effect and I think it's the best series of all time, but I'm still gonna use it as an example, thanks!). I'm talking about a game/series that has the stigma of being just for kids. Because of this stigma, I feel I have to announce my penchant for the series like I was participating at an AA meeting.

My name is Shane, I'm 29 years old, and I hardcore play Pokémon.

The Story Isn't Just Fluff

At first glance, it's easy to just write off the Pokémon as a silly child's game where you run around and collect animals. Doing that would be foolish. Sure, the first games focused solely on training your team to be the best while adding a hint of story involving a criminal organization that were trying to use Pokémon for their own personal gain. However, we've moved beyond such basic storytelling in the series. The latest games, Black and White, still have you go around and build up your prowess as a trainer, but there's heavy emphasis on the villainous group called Team Plasma and their desires to "liberate" Pokémon from their trainers. Heck, early on, you're even treated to a scene where a member of Team Plasma physically beats a Pokémon just to try to get it to do something the Team Plasma member wants it to do. I'm sorry, but having a character physically beating on what are basically animals in a "kids'" game? That's pretty ballsy to do. In a game for *maybe* kids to adults? Acceptable.

There's Real Strategy Behind Battles

Fights aren't just simple "X beats Y" battles like many perceive. There are 17 different types, all with their own strengths and weaknesses (with some Pokémon being a combination of 2 types instead of just 1 pure type). Delving deeper, every Pokémon has 6 stats (and the same two Pokémon can actually have differing numbers) that contribute to their overall effectiveness. Add in abilities (passive powers that can turn the tide of a battle at a moment's notice) and it's clear that it's not just a rock, paper, scissors game. Heck, they have tournaments every year and there are sites dedicated to building a team for competitive fighting. Honestly, that's all above my head, because I really play these games for the last point on my list.

The Pokémon Are Ridiculously Cute

Seriously, Pokémon are freakin' adorable. Look at my Oshawott collection! How can you not love that little guy?!

I will concede that sometimes I feel a bit awkward (at first) when talking about the games in public. Most of the time that doesn't last long because there's usually another older Pokémon fan (who is ashamed of liking it) within earshot of my conversations. We should be able to stand tall and proud, just like the 10 year olds that think they are so cool for playing Call of Duty and using foul language on Xbox LIVE. Hrm... Okay that's not quite the same, but I'm proud to admit my love for Pokémon at my age and I don't care who knows. And if you have a problem with it, I don't care. My Oshawott army will punch your teeth in.