Pokemon BlackandPokemon Whitekicked off the fifth generation ofPokemongames when they were released in 2010. Like most generations ofPokemon, they also received a follow-up whenPokemon Black 2andPokemon White 2released two years later. Obviously, this was a bit different as it was a direct sequel as opposed to a special third game. Both sets of games are remembered fondly by fans of the series, with the legacy of thePokemon’sNintendo DS and DSi releases bringing up memories of fantastic new regions and Pokemon to catch. With 8 generations of games and 24 differentPokemon starters, it can be cool to look back and see howPokemongot to where it is today.
Like every generation of newPokemongames, there were new features introduced and changes made to the core series. This means introducing new Pokemon in Gen 5 along with things like seasons and replacing Pokemon Contests with Pokemon Musicals.Pokemon Black 2andWhite 2remained true to much ofBlackandWhite’sbase game but also introduced a new story. While team Plasma continues to be the villainous group that the player battles. their structure is altered. How the Unova region is shown to players changes as well in the sequel games.
RELATED:Pokemon: All the Similarities and Differences Between Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Pokemon Black and Pokemon White
As with every generation ofPokemongames,BlackandWhitecomplement each other. The games’ introduction of new mechanics and features let players explore Unova like no other region. The Unova region is also the first time that the core series of games has geography not based around a location in Japan, with Unova’s inspiration being New York City. Since these games do go hand in hand, like their predecessor’s they also have version exclusives.
Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2
Pokemon Black 2andPokemon White 2expand on their predecessors in quite a few ways. With a new story for the games, some time has passed since the original conflict inBlackandWhite. As a result, certain characters have had their roles changed while the player’s experience of the Unova region changes as well. These games also expanded on the Pokemon available with new sets of version exclusives andLegendary Pokemonto catch.
Pokemon Black and White Remakes
Pokemon Black and Whiteas well asPokemon Black 2 and White 2are some of the most standout games of the series. With a set of complex interlinking stories, fans were exposed to philosophies that could be hard to ignore. The use ofBlack 2andWhite 2as sequels also helped players to feel like their investment in a new game wasn’t just to get more Pokemon.
With the announcement ofPokemon Brilliant DiamondandPokemon Shining Pearl, the franchise has officially moved on to remaking later installments in the series. It might be a while before anyone can enjoy a remake of Gen 5, but its story could be revamped well on stronger hardware. For the time being, however, players will have to be content with fond memories of the Unova region and its unique status in thePokemonfranchise.
Pokemon Black, White, and their sequels are available on DS.
MORE:Predicting Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’s Release Date
