With Pokémon Black two and Pokémon White two, developer Game Freak has finally decided to quit beating around the bush and give us a more”true” sequel instead of a Pokémon Platinum-esque expansion pack. The series is better for it also, even though the much touted emphasis on storytelling remains largely superfluous.
More importantly, there are fresh Pokémon — should I say, older Pokémon. Unova is now rife with Pokémon from previous generations — a welcome sight for lovers of this series. It makes the entire world of Pokémon feel bigger and more linked than it already is, and makes the Unova Pokémon feel like they’re”a part of the family.”

Disappointingly, the coming Pokémon aren’t the only familiar component. As usual, Black two and White 2 rigorously follows the badge/Elite 4 formulation which has long since worn out its welcome but may not go away. What a shame that Game Freak didn’t use this chance to experiment a bit with the formula and cut the regular rote badge pursuit (or create it completely optional). As a company, Pokémon could be at once very smart and advanced, and annoyingly put in its ways.

Gallery: Pokemon Black two and White 2

It provides a context to the story, and the Mass Effect-like capability to link up with the initial game to add in various memories is awesome, but otherwise they are relatively self-contained.

One thing I really like about Black and White 2 within the original games is your newest post-game content. Not that there was any lack of bonus content in the original Black and White; I only prefer what the sequel offers.Join Us nds roms pokemon black 2 website One of the most unusual features is that the Pokémon World Tournament, which brings most of the fitness leaders and winners from the initial four generations to get a huge tournament. It makes for a fun bit of nostalgia for people who have been playing since the start, and supplies a tough challenge for anybody attempting to create it through each one of the tournaments.

Also enjoyable is that the Hollywood-like PokéStar Studios, that hearkens back to the competitions and musicals of former games — always one of my favorite features. At PokéStar Studios, you and your Pokémon follow a script (with just a little room for improvisation), after which you are rated by the movie-going crowd. It’s the ideal challenge for my beloved Flareon, who is now rocking over twenty ribbons, and is currently ready to be a movie star (if I could offer her a cool pair of shades to finish the look).

Finally, Pokémon has in-game accomplishments now. Called”medals,” they could be got by completing tournaments, trading along with other folks, or simply purchasing plenty of things from the shop. It makes me that much more motivated to really dive in and try to fulfill my Pokédex for first time because Pokémon Fire Red (which, incidentally, still boasts the very best and most attractive Pokedéx ever).

Playing Pokémon Black and White 2 has been shown to be a refreshing experience for me personally. Wandering the planet with my Infernape in tow, so I am constantly struck by exactly how large the world of Pokémon continues to be. Through Wi-Fi features such as the Global Trade Service and also StreetPass-type components such as Join Avenue, at which particular shop sellers are inserted by passing other enthusiasts, I’m more connected than ever before. There is really a ridiculous sum to perform once the limiters are away and you can research at your own leisure. I frequently wish I could just skip the badge-collecting and get right down to the work of battling in tournaments and collecting Pokémon. I suppose Game Freak has the new players to think of though; and as dull as the effort is now for me, I envision the well balanced challenge of the gym struggles and the diverse array of Pokémon is going to be a delight for first-timers.

Pokémon Black 2 and White two are apt to be the last of their fifth generation, which is somewhat poorer than the outstanding Diamond and Pearl installations, but has been able to stay very popular as ever. Now the Nintendo 3DS is in full bloom, another generation will surely be on its way soon, and Game Freak will have more tools than ever before to enlarge its distinctive world. It will be intriguing to find out what they do with the built in StreetPass tools as well as the much-improved Wi-Fi. The AR-driven Pokémon Fantasy Simulator — a paid minigame of types available on the 3DS that integrates with Black and White 2 — has already offered a glimpse.

Meanwhile, Pokémon Black 2 and White two feel as the”true” versions of Black and White, considerably as Crystal, Emerald, and Platinum felt just like the actual variations of their various generations. It’s more Pokémon, better post-game articles and, apart from a few additional perks like the above Memory Link, chiefly renders the original games unnecessary. Whether returning fans must pick up Black and White 2, meanwhile, depends entirely on whether you’re burnt out on Pokémon yet. The sequel is better and bigger than the original, but it is still Pokémon. In your heart, you know whether or not you’re ready to slog through the following eight badges and return to grabbing all.

In my case, Pokémon Black and White 2 has given a new outlook on the collection. For the very first time in many years, I am all set to put aside the steady grind of raising the perfect monster and really delve into what the world of Pokémon has to offer you. A universe that feels bigger and more interesting than ever.