Whether it’s in your early childhood years or your time in university/college, Pokémon has cemented itself in our lives, in the fondest memories, the most nostalgic corners of our minds. A collaboration between Game Freak and Nintendo, it is without a doubt a phenomenon connecting people for the better part of 20 years. In this special 2 part feature we will examine all the different generations of games and what made them special, in the weeks leading up to the release of my most-anticipated title of this year, Pokémon Sun and Moon.
GENERATION I (1996–1999)
– Pokémon Red and Green (Japan)
– Pokémon Red and Blue (International) – Pokémon Yellow
Roughly 20 years ago, depending on where you live, the world was presented with the first four games. Red and Green were released in Japan for the original GameBoy, and once the Pokémon Company realized the success of their creation, an enhanced version was released internationally as Red and Blue. The fourth and final game in this generation, Pokémon Yellow, was released as an enhanced edition aiming to take advantage of the exclusive palette of the Game Boy Color, for an experience more akin to the style of the anime.
These games pioneered the fever that overtook the world in the form of Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Pikachu, with the story taking place in the Kanto region. Thus the quest to catch all original 151 Pokémon began. The aim of the developers was for players to socialize through training, battling, trading and exploring. The mechanics implemented in this game were not perfect, but they did provide the base for the following games.
GENERATION II (1999–2002)
– Pokémon Gold and Silver
– Pokémon Crystal
This generation was released exclusively for the GameBoy Color starting with Gold and Silver. Not only did it fix balancing issues from the previews games but it also introduced 100 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 251.
Players had the chance to catch, collect and battle in the Johto region using an advanced inventory and battle system with subtle features like a day/night cycle being implemented. Additionally, new Pokémon types were added for trainers to use in their teams along with a breeding mechanic. Once again, an enhanced remake in the form of Pokémon Crystal was released, most notable for presenting the choice of a male or female character to choose from.
To this day, starters of this generation remain fan favourites; Cyndaquil, Chikorita and Totodile.
GENERATION III (2002–2006)
– Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
– Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (remakes of 1st gen)
– Pokémon Emerald
With the release of the Game Boy Advance, naturally work was underway for the third generation in the video game series. This ‘evolution’ of sorts came in the form of the Hoenn region. Sporting more detailed environments, creature design and overworld, Ruby and Sapphire gave players new features including 2-on-2 battles, the Pokémon Contest and Secret Bases, while omitting some previous ones like the day/night system.
135 new Pokémon were added for generation 3, including the starters Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip which are some of my personal best.
Because of omissions and changes, combined with Pokémania moving out of the spotlight, these games sold less than previous entries despite garnering critical acclaim worldwide.
As it was with every generation before it, an enhanced remake made its way to the market; Pokemon Emerald was largely the same in plot and gameplay adding features like battle animations and a Battle Tower expansion knows as the Battle Frontier.
Stay tuned for the second part of our journey next week and share your thoughts below. Which gen has that special place in your heart?