Pokémon embarks on new journey

by Kevin Nguyen

Currently one of the most popular game series for the Nintendo DS platform, Pokémon Black and White was released this March after much anticipation. As the fifth installment in the series, the role-playing game elements and turn-based fighting are still intact, but feature many developments that add new dimensions to the game, creating a new Pokémon adventure of its own.

The protagonist is on a quest to be the very best, like no one ever was. Though an oddly familiar statement, this goal should, and will always be, the premise behind every Pokémon game. As usual, the featured Pokémon trainer must choose from one of three starting Pokémon. Using this one starter, the trainer will catch more Pokémon to train and eventually build a solid team that will help them earn eight gym badges and defeat the Elite Four and its champion. However, this journey will be interrupted by Team Plasma, an organization with plans that threaten the Pokémon world, though the antagonist’s structure is much more dynamic than in other series.
Visually, Pokémon Black and White’s graphics are levels beyond its predecessors. Sprites are fully animated and dialogue is now presented in speech balloon format, allowing multiple characters to speak at once. During battles, the camera highlights important events rather than remaining static. The addition of seasonal weather is aesthetically pleasing and adds notable effects to terrain. The old Pokémon Contests that have served as an alternative to battling have been replaced by Pokémon Musicals, a modified version that focuses on props for Pokémon.

With 156 new Pokémon introduced in Generation V, a total of 649 Pokémon are now able to be used regardless of which version a consumer may have. Though there may be Pokémon encountered in-game specific to each version, active players can easily overcome this limitation using new multiplayer features such as C-Gear and Global Link that offer new functionalities that expand the Pokémon universe and allow players to interact online. The sheer number of Pokémon leads to a unique battling experience with so many diverse and effective line-ups.

Competitive players will find that the metagame has changed dramatically with the introduction of the new Pokémon Dream World, which allows Pokémon to interact online and obtain new abilities. Pokémon that were once deemed useless may now have stronger synergy and have important roles on line-ups. Additionally, many new moves have been added and older ones have been revamped.

Given the attention to detail and absorbing gameplay, with Black and White, it will never be too late to catch them all.