PixlBit

 Number 2

 

As I’ve said before, Pokemon is my favorite rpg game and was my introduction to the genre. The games are just so fun and addictive. As I’ve mentioned before, 2009 was a bad year for me. Staying at a hospital isn’t a pleasant thing, especially when it basically became my second home for more than half a year. I’ve been to 4 different ones in different, far away areas, making a hard situation even more difficult than it already was. I would have probably gone crazy if I didn’t have my DS Lite and a copy of Pokemon Platinum.

I love Pokemon Platinum but I also hate it. I love it because it added a lot of new features making Platinum, the definitive version of Diamond and Pearl. And it helped me stay sane during 2009. But I also hate it because it reminds me of that horrible year.

During that year, I had learned that the best games in the series were getting remakes. Yes Pokemon Gold and Silver were getting remade and were called Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
I was really excited for that, but for this, I’ll be focusing on SoulSilver since that’s the version I had. So goodbye Cocoapuffs cereal mascot.

As I’ve said, these games are remakes of the Gen 2 games. Everything is remade from the ground up, from the towns, the environments, the music, and more. The games feel familiar, but at the same time they feel fresh and new. The games feature all the new mechanics that the 4th Gen games brought, like the new battling mechanics. For those wondering why Pokemon Crystal wasn’t remade, well it really didn’t to since elements from that game are in HG/SS like the exclusive storyarc involving the legendary Pokemon Suicune.

The game features all the content from the original versions of the game, but also features new content, like new areas and legendary Pokemon not native to the Johto region. Another neat feature is the ability to have your lead Pokemon walk outside with you like Pikachu did in Pokemon Yellow version. It’s a nice touch and like in Pokemon Yellow, you can check how your Pokemon is feeling and their reactions change depending on the Pokemon and the location you take them to. It’s a pretty neat feature and gives the game your own personalized touch.

One new feature in the game is the Pokewalker. The Pokewalker is a pedometer that counts your steps like a workout one might, and this is included in every copy of the game. What this reminds me of is a device similar to this one called a Pokemon Pikachu, which connected to the 2nd Gen games. I never owned one so I don’t know of the features it had when connecting to the games. The Pokewalker connects to these games and what you can do is transfer one of your Pokemon to it and take it with you on the go. You can also catch Pokemon in it using the Pokemon you transferred and you can transfer the captured Pokemon back and more. A thing I find really neat is that once you transfer your Pokemon back, you get a little story about what your Pokemon did when it was in the Pokewalker.

As for the story, if you’re familiar with the Pokemon games, then you know how the stories go, so there’s no need for me to explain. And yes, you can still travel to Kanto.

As for final thoughts, these games are the best in the series. They took the best games in the franchise and made them better. These games are perfect for those looking to get in the franchise, or for those who want a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

I was also happy to finally say good bye to Platinum too, so it all worked out. Granted the more recent titles have transitioned from 2D to 3D and obviously brought in new mechanics like the new Fairy type Pokemon and Mega Evolutions, but these games are still playable, and for those who miss the old 2D sprites.

So that’s about it for this one. Did you ever play Hearthgold or SoulSilver? What about the original Gold, Silver, or Crystal? Thanks for reading and later.