Does the latest installment of Pokémon franchise stand up to the predecessors?
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
Release Date: March 6, 2011
ESRB Rating: E
Score: 4.5 / 5
Pokémon Black & White is finally here and shows you that it is not just another Pokémon game. Taking from the previous two series (HeartGold/SoulSilver and Pearl/Diamond/Platinum) and expanding on them, they added a variety of features and graphical tweaks that are an improvement over the previous Nintendo DS titles.
Gameplay:
I don’t think I need to cover much on here unless you have never heard of Pokémon. The combat system remains the same. You are a new trainer who has set out to be a Pokémon Master and collect all of the Pokémon. You can only have six at a time and each one only knows four moves. What has changed is the game’s touch interface.
Much like HeartGold/SoulSilver, the menu has to been relegated to the touch screen but you must press “X” to open it. This is because most of the time, the bottom screen is occupied by the C-Gear. The C-Gear acts as a central hub for anything wireless. This device allows you to interact with people wirelessly and much more easily. On top of that, the biggest feature here is the ability to trade and battle over the Infra-Red sensor. This makes trading and battling much easier since you no longer need to go to a Pokémon Center to do that. Also, you can trade now from your boxes, so you don’t have to keep running back and forth to get Pokémon you wish to trade. There also seems to be a global network for trading and battling but that won’t be available until March 30. The Wireless features of the C-Gear allow people with the Nintendo DSi to video chat with each other and you can also jump into a friend’s world and help them with missions.
There are now seasons implemented into the game and some Pokémon can only be caught during some seasons. The seasons change with each passing month, so you don’t have to wait three months before they change to a new one. A few other minor changes include: progress bar while saving, registration list instead of just one item, reusable TM’s, and easier hidden item finder.
While there is now 649 Pokémon to catch, you cannot begin to catch any of the older generation Pokémon until you have completed the game. That means that you can only catch in the Unova region.
Visuals:
This game seriously pushed the graphical boundaries of the Nintendo DS. With the overhead camera altered slightly and buildings moving with the angle, it gives the world a greater sense of depth. There are even some areas with much more dramatic angles (in a very Final Fantasy VII – X way) where the camera is placed on floor level or way high to give a broad horizon. Along with the dramatic angles, during battles, Pokémon will move around instead of just standing there. Take for instance Timburr; he is holding a large log and will flip the log in the air during the battle. Even though the sprites are zoomed in and they don’t look as sharp as the predecessors, the dynamic look makes up for it in my book.
Music:
The music here is just as catchy as always. Sound effects still sound great and are still recognizable as a Pokémon game. This is probably one of the first Pokémon games in a long time that I’ve honestly kept the music on to enjoy it.
Overall:
I think this game improves on a lot of the problems I had in the previous games. If you aren’t a fan of the series, this may not be enough to make you one. Those who have been fans of the series will find a lot redeeming in this game and is an easy purchase. Having tried out the IR and Wireless features, I found that they make the game much more community friendly and the ability to IR beam your friend code is much more convenient than having to type it out. With 649 Pokémon now to catch, there is no shortage of time spent trying to catch them all. This game is definitely going to be my next addiction and I’m happy to have made this purchase.
If anyone is interested, I own Pokémon White and my friend code is 0991-1322-6657. Feel free to post your friend code in the comments section below!
The game is so good! I love the new look and the grass starter Snivy acts and looks like a total BAMF!
Also the Pokemon Center and the PokeMart are in the same building – genius!
This game must be awesome will get it when I purcharse the 3ds
Be sure to send your friend code when you buy it! That way we can battle and trade!
This game is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!
i have the game white to its really fun my friend code is 2021 9201 0434
Thank you, Ronald! I just added you today!
I have always been a fan of the video game franchise since i was still in elementary school in the red, blue, and yellow era. I think this game may keep my interest for a long time but, I feel a bit weird purchasing this game as a young adult. Heck, why am I telling you guys this. I’ll probably find myself buying the Black version in the next few days.
Don’t feel bad! I’ve been reading of so many stories lately where the person who bought a copy of a Pokemon game was a full grown adult and people around them thought they were cool. Honestly though, who cares what others think as long as you’re having a good time and not causing any ill effects to those around you.
In all honesty, im indifferent about this game. The graphics are good, and from what ive heard the game(s) have mostly had positive reviews. But im so used to the older pokemon that its a pretty big transition with all these new pokemon. Plus some of the new pokemon look a little odd. As much as i appreciate the graphics and the new type varieties, I have just grown up with the older pokemon and im so used to it.
Hey, my friend code is 4126-4330-6052. I have Black. I love all the updates they have done in these games. I have been playing since Pokemon Yellow. I cannot wait for more to come. I have already completed the main story line but am working on my Unova Dex then I am starting on White!
Jordan
I just completed the main story yesterday. I’ve had so little time to get on it. I’m glad the story is much grander and more intuitive with the gameplay. Also I just added you as a friend
Friend code away! I could always use trade partners. 0261-0182-7387.
Friend code put in! Thanks for sending it Kate!