The Pokemon series has become iconic since its debut in the 90s, and has become quite popular in more than one medium. Not only are the games incredibly successful around the world, but the spin-off Pokemon Trading Card Game and television shows/movies have also done phenomenally well over the years. It's a series that always gets away with providing the same gameplay formula in almost all of its main releases, and people never really complain. What is it about the world of Pokemon, its design and the addictive 'Gotta Catch 'Em All' feeling that sits in once a gamer begins his journey with a virtual Pokedex?
Pokemon White and Black Versions were recently released as one of the last major releases for Nintendo's regular DS platform, and its different iterations. This review focuses on the White Version, though the games are nearly identical apart from altered locations and some different Pokemon (including different legendary species.) Like most releases in the series (since day one with Pokemon Red and Blue, in fact,) the games were released as a pair. In order to successfully capture every Pokemon available, gamers must put hours upon hours into each version of the game, unless they're lucky and get the opportunity to trade with a friend or online acquaintance who has the Pokemon they require from a different version of the game.
As almost everyone is surely aware, the Pokemon games are role-playing games that do an excellent job of being kid friendly, while still appealing to the hardcore gaming crowd. The series is one of the only video game franchises that is able to do that, so it's a testament to its quality, addictive gameplay and its staying power. Pokemon White Version mainly follows the series iconic formula, as its campaign also focuses on having gamers set out into the wild, unknown world, in order to document the different types of Pokemon that are out there. The beginning of the game sets up the quest by having a scientist entrust the main character (male or female, depending on the gamer's choice,) with something called a Pokedex, which keeps track of all of the Pokemon said trainer captures. Though there's much more to it than just that, just like there almost always is.
In the old days, Ash Ketchum was always bothered by a malicious team of Pokemon trainers known as Team Rocket. Throughout the games' campaigns, there would be countless run-ins with members of the team who would try to put an end to Ash's journey with his Pokemon. Though Team Rocket isn't in Pokemon Black or White (and neither is Ash,) their spiritual successor are included in the form of Team Plasma. Over the course of the game, players run into Plasma's members (and even their leaders,) who express the interest of saving Pokemon from their trainers because they feel it is wrong to keep the little guys captive. Though there's obviously something sinister behind their motives, from the get-go. The game's campaign focuses heavily on their plot and motives, and they unravel as the game goes on.
This time around, the games take place in the Unova Region, which is a place far away from the environments in previous games. Though it includes a lot of the same tropes as previous environments in the series, there are also a bunch of new wonders and additions, such as three-dimensional cities to walk through, with different paths. The 3D effect looked quite good on the DS, as did the perspective changes that went with them. Additionally, the game also features some three-dimensional bridge crossing sequences that look good with the added depth that it brings. Of course, this is the 3D design/environments that we've seen since Star Fox on the Super Nintendo - not the type of 3D that the new Nintendo 3DS employs. Though the game does work really well with that unique new device.
When you boil down a Pokemon game to a basic genre, what is discovered is that the games are essentially traditional turn-based role-playing games. If you're unfamiliar with the term, think of an older Final Fantasy title. Though, instead of forming a party of characters, the Pokemon series forces players to assemble and train a team of different types of Pokemon, who have different moves, skills and weaknesses based on their type and some other in-depth stats. The aforementioned types include water, fire, electric, psychic and fighting, among others. Fire types are weak against water attacks, and water types are weak against electric types. Makes sense. The core gameplay involves you sending out your team against a foe's Pokemon team (or species that you meet in the wild,) fighting until only one team remains. There are different types of battles other than just one on one though, as the game also employs double battles and the odd triple battle. They're interesting new additions and don't feel over-used, which is nice. The speed at which you choose your attacks can be detrimental, though it's generally turn-based combat. Of course, status effects (confusion, paralysis, etc.) and moves that reduce speed and other abilities, also play a big part.
Those who love the series and spend hours playing each release will be happy to know that all of the game's subtleties are back. The complex item management that can lead to different effects, forced evolutions (most Pokemon evolve into superior beasts after a certain amount of experience,) and status changing berries, all make an appearance. Though they're not necessary. This is one of the ways that the game does a good job of catering to each group because children and families can play the game without even worrying about these items/aides, while the more involved crowd will love the fact that they can use them to create specific effects or alterations. The lucky egg was the most helpful item because it allowed the Pokemon who was holding it to gain more experience than normal in battle. This made them level up a lot faster than they normally would have, which was a big help during training times.
Most of the game is spent capturing and training Pokemon (including many new and unique species,) with the objective of earning all eight of the world's gym badges. Each gym has a leader who specializes in different types of Pokemon, with one gym altering the trainer you fight based on your team's elemental focus. The gyms in this game are much more creative than they were in the past, as they take place in creative areas (such as a frozen warehouse, a rollercoaster and a museuem,) with interesting designs and puzzles. Instead of being static paths like they used to be, which is nice. The mechanic of asking you to face a few different trainers before you're able to square off against the gym leader is still there, though there are sometimes more than just a few to take on beforehand. Other than that, the gym battles haven't changed too, too much. It's nice to see that they did evolve a bit, though.
A major addition to this dual release is seasons. Along your journey, the seasons will change and it will affect the way that you interact with the world, as well as the types of Pokemon that show up in the wilderness. It's a genius addition because it makes perfect sense and adds more length and depth to the game. Winter is the most world altering season because waterways will freeze, allowing you to slide over them - sometimes to new areas. However, though it opens up some new places, it also makes getting around a bit more difficult, as you can only slide in one direction. Protruding rocks will stop you and allow you to change your direction, while on the ice. Sometimes it can be quite puzzling, but the season-based puzzles are never too challenging. As mentioned before, one of the gyms is a frozen warehouse, which uses these same sliding mechanics.
The campaign was generally quite impressive and well-written. Though, there were some issues. Although the series has shown progress over the years, the gameplay hasn't evolved much and that may turn some people off. Additionally, it felt like the random battles were far too frequent (and even sometimes too infrequent.) What is meant by this seemingly contradictory statement is that there were times where every second step would result in a random encounter with a wild Pokemon, though there were also times where it would be a little while between encounters. When they were too frequent, it was sometimes frustrating. Luckily, there is an item known as repel that stops Pokemon from popping up for a certain amount of steps. That came in handy sometimes.
One major design flaw that was addressed this time around was the joining of the Poke Mart and healing centres. Instead of having to go to different buildings to heal your team and buy items for them, you can now do it in one place. Though it wasn't by any means game breaking in the past, it was a bit of a minor nuisance. However, the computer system that allows you to store your Pokemon that aren't being used is still clunky and could do with an upgrade. It's strange that, after all of these years, they still haven't altered that odd design. You can place one in the box and then withdraw another through the same menu, which doesn't make much sense at all.
To say that it's a lengthy experience would be an understatement. There is the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay. Though the core campaign can be finished in between twenty to thirty hours, there is a lot of post-game content that will keep you busy for a long time. It's not just collecting the Pokemon you missed either. There are some extra quests, new legendary (and classic) Pokemon introduced into the wild, and new areas. Additionally, you can also face off against the Pokemon League's Elite Four and champion if you wish (it would be the second time you'd fight the Elite Four.) Though it'll take hours of leveling up your team to approximately level 70 in order to stand a chance in the battles. Your first encounter with the Elite Four can be completed around level 50. Needless to say, this is one game that you will get your money's worth out of. It can keep you playing for months. Not to mention the Battle Train which puts you up against a ton of foes on moving trains, as well as the Pokemon musicals you can participate in, and the sports domes where athletes will challenge you. There's a ton of stuff to do during the campaign and after the credits roll.
Online play is also available, allowing virtual Pokemon trainers to battle it out against their friends, as well as random online challengers. It works very well, like the rest of the game, though it's not as immersive as the campaign. Trading through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Network is also available, allowing you to swap Pokemon with pals. Of course, you can also import your Pokemon from previous titles, though it's an option that is only available after you've completed the game's main campaign.
Even though the DS has touchscreen capabilities that a lot of different games utilize to a great extent, the Pokemon games have never forced gamers to use their stylus for gameplay in the past. Pokemon Black and White are no different, as the touch screen controls are optional. They mainly factor in when you're in battle or cycling through menus, allowing for easier use. However, the directional pad and face buttons work just fine. The overall control scheme is very basic and easy to understand, though the game's complexities are there for the hardcore fans. It's very easy to just pick up and play, even if you haven't had any experience with the games before. Just be careful - you won't want to put it down once you begin.
The game's visuals are impressive considering the handheld device's power. It does a good job of creating three-dimensional characters with lots of detail, and has some nice cutscenes, character designs and sprites. The three-dimensional cities and bridges look excellent and feature some very nice perspective (camera) changes as you walk through them, which was a nice touch. It's also worth noting that Pokemon are much more active during battle, moving in place, instead of just appearing as static images. Their moves also feature some really nice additions and very few look close to each other.
Its audio is also quite impressive. The original score is loud, features some great composition and excellent sound quality. It does a good job of setting the tone of the game and its battles, which can be especially dangerous when weather effects play a role, such as rain or sandstorms. Sound effects play a huge part in the game because each Pokemon has its own unique sounds. All of their moves do as well. An impressive amount of thought, effort and creativity has gone into the game's sound design and it shows.
Overall, Pokemon White Version is an excellent game. Fans of the series will love it and it's no wonder that it's been selling like hotcakes. It does a lot of things very well and features the iconic and addictive gameplay that the series is known for, with some new additions and a lot of polish. The new additions work really well, with the seasonal changes playing a big role in the gameplay and the three-dimensional cities providing some wow moments in terms of visuals. Though there are some odd design flaws and some gamers may find that it is a bit too repetitive and/or similar to previous titles. If you're looking for something that will keep you playing for hours on end, then this is definitely worth looking into. You really cannot go wrong with picking this one up.
Rating: 9/10
Pokemon White and Black Versions were released for the Nintendo DS on March 6, 2011. The games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo.
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