Pokemon Silver Version

"100 new Pokemon and a new world. What's not to like?"

When Pokemon was first released, no one expected it to go very far. Adults couldn't figure out how this idea was becoming so popular. And though it is still very popular today, it never has been the same as it was with its first release of Pokemon Red and Blue. The developers knew they had to do something to bring back their crowd of gamers and it started with a hundred new Pokemon.

First I want to point out that this is a review for Silver and though Gold is basically the same game with the exception of a few Pokemon, these experiences and thoughts are from playing Pokemon Silver.

Gotta Catch ‘Em all

The game starts the way as most Pokemon as you meet up with Professor Elm and he decides to give you one of his three Pokemon. You choose which one you want and set off on your journey to become the greatest trainer. Instead of meeting up with Gary and dueling, you discover a thief who steals one of the other Pokemon and becomes your rival. After a few goodbyes, you start off to win the eight Johto battles. Johto is the world you're in and is much different than the world of Kanto (Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow).

There are significant fixes that they improved in this game, such as the ability to register phone numbers and call trainers, listen to the radio, check the time (which has a day and night cycle) and look at your map. You also have a much better backpack which carries more items and separates them into; normal items, balls, TM/HM, and key items. The bicycle is back and once you get it, your traveling needs are perfect. I say “balls” because in addition to the Pokeballs, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and Master ball. There is a man who once you have met up with him tells you to bring him and apricorns in order to make special balls such as heavy balls for heavy Pokemon and lure balls for Pokemon caught fishing.

Your cellphone is a great addition and most trainers that you defeat will give you their numbers so they can call you for a rematch. Others, such as Bill and Professor Elm, will tell you how many Pokemon you have in your storage center and give you updates on new Pokemon. The radio serves as change of tune which lures different Pokemon to you and eventually lets you use a tune that wakes up Pokemon. The map shows you where you are and where everything is located. And the watch shows you what time it is, depending on what you set it to at the beginning of the game will take into effect the different Pokemon that appear and what the outside field looks like.

Since there are 251 Pokemon to collect now, and a few appear only in Silver or only in Gold. You should attempt to catch every Pokemon you see. There are three new legendary dogs instead of the birds and a lot of weird Pokemon. Once you have completed the eight gym badges of Johto, you are able to access Kanto and play the world of Pokemon Red and Blue in color. As well as battle the other eight gym leaders and then take on the ultimate trainer as well.

So what's the point of going back to Kanto? Well, the trainers are placed all over the world and are much more powerful than the trainers in Johto. You can also only get a few Pokemon only in Kanto. If you visit Viridian City, then you can take on a powerful trainer or previous trainers you have fought through the link cable. Which brings me to another point. If you have a friend who has Gold or Silver, you can attach a link cable to battle each other and trade Pokemon. It's disappointing to say that you cannot battle with Red, Blue or Yellow games. But you can trade original Pokemon that don't have new moves back to those versions.

Buy?
Since they no longer sell knew copies of this game and you can't rent Gameboy games any more. The only options you have are to order it online or head to a used game store where they usually have quite a few copies. I recommend this game to any Pokemon fan or a gamer that wants to try something new.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/25/05