A Review of the Pokémon Video Game Series, by Robert Leslie

Alright guys, it’s time for another game review. This time it’s going to be a little different because it’s a game that I’m sure you’ve heard of but also that many of you may not have played. And you may not have done so because it’s childish or nerdy. The game, friends, is Pokémon. Now I know what you’re thinking. Who hasn’t played a Pokémon game? I’m sad to inform you that I know several people who do not yet comprehend its wonders. I can assure you that just about any Pokémon game is fantastic. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of watching the show as a child or just how well the games have been made, but each edition is always amazing.

Now I can also admit that I currently have not played every edition because I was upset with some of the changes they have been making. They must have run out of ideas because they made a Pokémon in the shape of an ice cream cone, but they still have some good ones. The other problem comes in the form of how they represent the games. This can be explained by how each edition is named. They are named by colors, precious metals, or jewels such as: Pokémon LeafGreen, FireRed, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Pearl. These are named after the specific Pokémon in each addition. The newer games are Black and White but are reversed. Pokémon Black Version gives you the white Pokémon and White Version gives you the black Pokémon. This seems like a trivial change, but it is odd for someone that has stuck with the series for so long. This difference still only means very little for how amazing the games are; it just means you may have to decide more carefully about which version you want.

After you have chosen the version, you get to enjoy the wonders of that region and the fun it’ll grant you. Each Pokémon game comes with a specific region and is filled with that region’s Pokemon. The basic premise is to get your first Pokémon and then challenge all eight gyms to win badges. As soon as you have all eight badges you get to challenge the Pokémon League. It’s a lot of fun, training your Pokémon and finding new Pokémon to join your team. The combat mechanics are rather simple. You attack and then your opponent gets to attack. This continues until either side wins. It’s simple and easy but requires some strategy and knowledge of the Pokémon world. The game also allows you to explore the world at your leisure, to fish, to search for hidden items, and also includes a storyline that involves a legendary Pokémon. It’s a game filled with adventure and challenges. A game about winning and even losing, that teaches you to simply try harder to win next time. They’re all wonderful games and are constantly being improved to give the player more to do and more enjoyment out of the experience.

This may all sound nerdy and boring because you’ve all heard of Pokémon and regard it as a childish thing, but it doesn’t have to be. Pokémon can be enjoyed by all ages and they’re great games. I would encourage anyone to try playing a Pokémon game. They have several and keep making more. Besides the main ones, they also have the Mystery Dungeon series which includes even more exploration and is tons of fun. They’ll keep you busy for a long time.

I hope that I’ve convinced some of you to give the games a shot, and if I was to recommend one in particular it would be Pokémon Diamond. Thank you all for checking out this game review, and now go enjoy playing some Pokémon.