With Pokémon Black two and Pokémon White 2, programmer Game Freak has decided to quit beating around the bush and give us a”true” sequel instead of a Pokémon Platinum-esque expansion pack. The show is better for it too, even though the much touted emphasis on storytelling remains largely superfluous.
Set two years after the events of the first Pokémon Black and White, it comes with a brand new quiet protagonist, also a new rival, and a couple of fresh gym leaders. More importantly, you can find fresh Pokémon — should I say, old Pokémon. Unova has become rife with Pokémon from previous productions — a welcome sight for most lovers of the collection. It makes the world of Pokémon feel larger and more connected than it already is, and makes the Unova Pokémon feel like they’re”part of the family.”
Disappointingly, the returning Pokémon aren’t the only recognizable element. As usual, Black 2 and White 2 rigorously follows the badge/Elite 4 formulation which has long since worn out its welcome but may not go away.Read here nds roms pokemon black 2 At our site What a pity that Game Freak didn’t use this opportunity to experiment a bit with the formula and trim down the standard rote badge quest (or make it completely discretionary ). As a company, Pokémon could be at once really smart and innovative, and annoyingly put in its ways.
Gallery: Pokemon Dark two and White 2
It bears mentioning that previous knowledge of Pokémon Black and White isn’t necessary for complete pleasure of Black and White 2. It provides a context to the story, and the Volume Effect-like capability to link up with the original game to add in various memories is neat, but otherwise they are relatively self-contained. Black and White 2 has better and more Pokémon in the get-go, along with the story quickly becomes a distant memory when the Elite 4 are finished.
One thing I really like about Black and White 2 over the first games is your brand new post-game content. Not that there was any shortage of bonus content in the original Black and White; I only favor what the sequel offers. Among the most unusual features is that the Pokémon World Tournament, that brings back most of the gym leaders and winners in the first four generations to get just one large tournament. It makes for an enjoyable bit of nostalgia for people who have been enjoying since the start, and offers a tough challenge for anyone seeking to create it through each one the tournaments.
Also enjoyable is the Hollywood-like PokéStar Studios, that hearkens back to the contests as well as musicals of former games — one of my favorite features. In PokéStar Studios, you and your Pokémon follow a script (using just a little space for improvisation), and you’re rated by the movie-going audience. It is the ideal challenge for the cherished Flareon, who’s now rocking more than twenty five ribbons, and is now ready to become a movie star (if I could offer her a cool pair of sunglasses to complete the look).
Ultimately, Pokémon has in-game achievements now. Referred to as”medals,” they can be got by finishing tournaments, trading along with different individuals, or simply buying plenty of items from the shop. That is a long overdue inclusion, particularly given Pokémon’s notoriously obsessive-compulsive fanbase. It gets me that much more motivated to really dive in and try to fill my Pokédex for the first time since Pokémon Fire Red (that, by the way, still boasts the very best and most alluring Pokedéx actually ).
Wandering the planet with my Infernape in tow, so I’m always struck by exactly how big the world of Pokémon has gotten. Through Wi-Fi features such as the Global Trade Service and also StreetPass-type elements like Join Avenue, in which particular store vendors are included by passing other enthusiasts, I’m more connected than ever before. There is actually a ridiculous amount to perform after the limiters are away and you’ll be able to explore at your leisure. I frequently wish I could simply skip the badge-collecting and get right down to the work of fighting in tournaments and amassing Pokémon. I guess Game Freak gets the newest players to think of though; and as tiresome as the effort is now for me, I envision the well-balanced challenge of this fitness center struggles and the varied variety of Pokémon is going to be a delight for first-timers.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are apt to be the final of the fifth generation, that has been somewhat poorer than the exceptional Diamond and Pearl installations, but has managed to stay popular as ever. Now that the Nintendo 3DS is at full bloom, another generation will certainly be on its way soon, and Game Freak will have more resources than ever before to enlarge its distinctive world. It will be intriguing to see what they do using the built in StreetPass tools and the much-improved Wi-Fi. The AR-driven Pokémon Fantasy Simulator — a paid minigame of forms which can be found on the 3DS that incorporates with Black and White 2 — has already offered a glimpse.
In the meantime, Pokémon Black two and White two feel as the”authentic” versions of Dark and White, considerably as Crystal, Emerald, and Platinum felt just like the real versions of their respective generations. It has more Pokémon, better post-game content and, apart from some additional perks like the aforementioned Memory Link, chiefly renders the original games unnecessary. Whether returning fans must pick up Black and White 2, nonetheless, depends solely on if you’re burned out on Pokémon yet. The sequel is better and bigger than the first, but it is still Pokémon. In your heart, you already know whether or not you’re prepared to slog through another eight badges and get back to grabbing all.
For the very first time in many years, I am all set to put aside the constant grind of raising the ideal monster and delve into what the world of Pokémon has to offer you. A world that feels bigger and more interesting than ever.