PixlBit

What do Pokemon Black and White bring to the table for Pokefans, new and old?

New Ways to Battle

Like the 2v2 Pokemon battles introduced in the third generation of Pokemon games, the fifth generation brings two new modes into the fray, while maintaining the older single and double battle options. Some older attacks have been rebalanced and tweaked, while new attacks and abilities have been created to take advantage of all sorts of in-game and player vs. player circumstances.

The rotation battle system allows a player to summon three Pokemon onto a turntable-style platform. Like a standard battle, one Pokemon is active and can attack and take damage at a time. New to this type of battle? Before each turn begins, either trainer can choose to rotate to one of the other two active Pokemon without losing their turn. The new leading Pokemon will be able to attack, potentially surprising opponents. Status effects behave a little differently in fights too, as rotated Pokemon aren't counted as withdrawn Pokemon, meaning rotating out a Pokemon won't heal confusion or stop toxic poison damage from doubling each round.

The new 3v3 battle system is even more complex and original. Like 2v2 battles, some attacks have special effects. Unlike 2v2 fights, Pokemon can't always reach other Pokemon in the fight. Each player's first Pokemon is considered to be on point, able to reach any other Pokemon on the opponent's side. The next two Pokemon in the line-up take the job of wingmen, where a Pokemon on the left side of the field can only hit an opponent's left and center battlers, being unable to attack the Pokemon on the right. Flying type attacks circumvent this, being able to reach anyone in the field of battle and many new (and old) attacks and abilities will see new use through triple battles.

Seasons

Well, the clock is back, as one might expect, and it's brought seasonal changes with it. While there's morning, afternoon, evening, and night in Pokemon Black and White, the hours of each time period changes based on in-game season. Each game changes season for each month in real-time, resulting in new Pokemon being available or easier to find, new pathways opening up, and some Pokemon even take on seasonal forms. Essentially, the now-standard day/night system has been developed and enhanced to the next level.

151 New Pokemon

In creating Pokemon Black and White, GameFreak had a goal of creating an all-new Pokemon experience for any fans, not just those new to the game. Outfitting a new world with only original, 5th generation Pokemon was paramount to reaching their goal. Don't expect to see any of the classic Pokemon until after you unlock the “National Pokedex,” which is obtained at a point beyond the standard ending for Pokemon games.

An Enhanced Story

Yes, Black and White does have a greater emphasis on an ongoing story than prior Pokemon games. There is still a team of ne'er-do-wells that cause trouble, perhaps more trouble than villainous teams in the past game have. Some of the story even heavily ties into the standard Pokemon 8 gyms/Elite Four formula, continuing into the postgame, which marks a first for the flagship entries of the Pokemon franchise.

New Ways to Connect with Others

Black and White DS cards both implement infrared communication, just like HeartGold and SoulSilver. While incompatible with the PokeWalker, the infrared can be used to quickly arrange battles, trading, and friend codes relatively hassle-free, at any time outside of battle. In addition, the now-standard local/WiFi battling and trading modes are available. For the first time in a handheld Pokemon title, playing random people across the internet is possible. Additionally, Black and White each have an area containing rare Pokemon to battle or catch, respectively, which can be enhanced by using the “Entralink,” a WLAN mode that lets two players connect and complete some special missions for special items. Pokemon fans with a DSi can video chat together. Two friends can connect online for a video chat, while up to four can connect over a local connection.

The Global Link

In addition to the Global Trade System (GTS) which allows players to offer a Pokemon to the entirety of the internet in exchange for another monster of his or her choice, the Global Link makes its debut in Pokemon Black and White. A little after the game's launch, once the Global Link opens up, a player will be able to upload his or her save file to play in the Pokemon Dream World through a computer's internet browser. Pokemon obtained in the Dream World will often be rare or have special abilities not typically found on a Pokemon. The Global Link also allows players to receive some DLC over time, though this will have a lesser impact on gameplay.

My Thoughts

I've been playing Pokemon since the original Red and Blue games were released in North America. With every new flagship title and generational update, I've been excited in some areas and disappointed in others. I'm sure the same will hold true for Black and White, but beyond that, from my research into the new generation, I believe the franchise has grown an impressive amount since Diamond and Pearl. There are indicators that suggest these new games could be a solid starting point for beginners, and the new Pokemon and battle systems could be exactly what an lapsed, older fan would want in the series. Even more, Black and White take place in Unova, a land sculpted more after North America and less after Japan, perhaps creating a more familiar experience for those interested. I'm looking forward to playing the new Pokemon generation myself, and I think it will likely be an experience many gamers will enjoy.