With Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White two, developer Game Freak has finally decided to stop beating around the bush and give us a”true” sequel rather than a Pokémon Platinum-esque expansion pack. The series is better because of it also, even though the much touted focus on storytelling stays largely superfluous.
Set two years after the events of the first Pokémon Black and White, it sports a new quiet protagonist, a new rival, and a handful of fresh gym leaders. More to the point, there are new Pokémon — or should I say, older Pokémon. Unova is now rife with Pokémon from previous productions — a welcome sight for all lovers of this series. It makes the world of Pokémon feel bigger and more linked than it is, and makes the Unova Pokémon feel as they’re”a part of their household.”
Disappointingly, the coming Pokémon aren’t the only recognizable element. As usual, Black two and White 2 rigorously follows the badge/Elite 4 formula that has long since worn out its welcome but may not go away. What a pity that Game Freak didn’t use this chance to experiment a little bit with the formulation and trim down the customary rote badge pursuit (or make it completely discretionary ). As a company, Pokémon can be at once very smart and advanced, and annoyingly put in its own ways.
Gallery: Pokemon Black two and White two
It bears mentioning that prior knowledge of Pokémon Black and White isn’t essential for full enjoyment of Black and White 2. It provides some context to the story, along with the Volume Effect-like ability to link up with the initial game to incorporate in various memories is neat, but otherwise they are rather self-contained.by link pokemon black 2 rom android website Much better to cut to the chase and get to the good stuff early.
One thing that I love about Black and White 2 within the original games is the new post-game content. Not that there was any shortage of bonus content in the first Black and White; that I just prefer what the sequel offers. Among the coolest features is that the Pokémon World Tournament, that brings back most of the fitness leaders and leaders from the first four generations for a single massive tournament. It makes for a fun bit of nostalgia for people who have been playing since the beginning, and gives a tough challenge for anyone attempting to make it through each of the tournaments.
Also enjoyable is the Hollywood-like PokéStar Studios, which hearkens back into the contests and musicals of prior games — consistently one of my favourite features. It’s the perfect challenge for my beloved Flareon, who’s currently rocking over twenty five ribbons, and is now ready to be a film star (if only I could give her a cool pair of sunglasses to complete the appearance ).
Ultimately, Pokémon has in-game achievements now. Referred to as”medals,” they can be earned by completing tournaments, trading with different people, or simply buying lots of things from the store. It gets me much more inspired to actually dive in and try to fulfill my Pokédex for the first time because Pokémon Fire Red (that, by the way, still boasts the very best and most alluring Pokedéx in history ).
Wandering the world with my Infernape in tow, so I am constantly struck by just how large the world of Pokémon continues to be. Through Wi-Fi features such as the Global Trade Service and StreetPass-type elements such as Join Avenue, at which particular store sellers are inserted by passing other enthusiasts, I feel more connected than ever before. There is in fact a ridiculous sum to do after the limiters are away and you can explore at your own leisure. I often wish I could simply skip the badge-collecting and get right to the work of fighting in tournaments and amassing Pokémon. I suppose Game Freak gets the new players to consider though; as tiresome as the campaign is becoming for me personally, I envision the well-balanced challenge of this gym struggles and the varied array of Pokémon is going to be a joy for first-timers.
Pokémon Black 2 and White two are apt to be the final of the fifth generation, that is somewhat weaker than the outstanding Diamond and Pearl installments, but has been able to remain as popular as ever. Now the Nintendo 3DS is currently in full bloom, the next generation will certainly be on its way soon, and Game Freak will have more tools than ever to expand its own distinctive world. It’ll be intriguing to see what they do using the built-in StreetPass tools as well as the much-improved Wi-Fi. The AR-driven Pokémon Fantasy Twist — a paid minigame of sorts that can be found on the 3DS that integrates with Black and White two — has offered a glimpse.
In the meantime, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 feel like the”true” versions of Black and White, far as Crystal, Emerald, and Platinum felt like the real variations of their individual generations. It’s more Pokémon, better post-game content and, aside from some additional perks such as the aforementioned Memory Link, mainly renders the initial games unnecessary. Whether coming fans should pick up Black and White two, meanwhile, depends entirely on whether you are burnt out on Pokémon yet. The sequel is bigger and better than the first, but it is still Pokémon. In your heart, you know whether you’re ready to slog through another eight badges and return to grabbing all.
In my case, Pokémon Black and White 2 has given me a fresh outlook on the series. For the very first time in many years, I am all set to put aside the constant grind of raising the ideal monster and really delve into what the world of Pokémon has to offer. A world that feels larger and more interesting than ever.