From a plethora of options, we’ve picked only the best Pokemon games ever! Created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996, Pocket Monsters has grown into one vast universe and the franchise is spread from gaming titles to an animated series to movies to trading cards to manga. And even after being around for nearly two decades, the series is still booming with new additions being introduced into an already vast universe.
What we’ve done here is prepared a list of the finest releases in the franchise since its start to where we currently are. We’ve also divided the titles into different segments based on console type so that you can conveniently differentiate between the old and the new.
– For legacy consoles
We’re starting off with releases made for old Nintendo systems such as the N64, the GameCube and the GameBoy Color as well as Advance handhelds.
1. XD Gale of Darkness:
XD Gale of Darkness was launched for the GameCube in 2005. Set in Orre which is the same place where its predecessor Colosseum happened, this title mainly focuses on capturing Shadow Pokemon through the Snag Machine.
Let’s take a quick look at the story – It follows Michael (default, but changeable name) who sets on a journey to defeat the evil group Cipher that’s the cause behind the shadow creatures. The goal here is to collect them all for purification. There are a total of 83 different monsters to gather and various locations for battle.
2. Stadium 2:
Stadium 2 is the sequel to the original and it was launched for the Nintendo 64 system back in the year 2000. Like the name suggests, the title basically revolves around battles and winning tournaments. You start off as a trainer in White City where you’ll have to complete two rounds by first achieving cups in the Stadium and defeating all gym leaders, followed by a rival which then leads to the second phase.
There are 251 playable creatures and various mini-games. Additionally, a multiplayer mode is present for player vs. player battles and a league mode.
3. Yellow:
We’ll come straight to the point here – The GameBoy Color-based Yellow version isn’t a treat to the eyes. The graphics are, well, not at all enjoyable and the in-game audio is annoying, but considering its time of release, Yellow was one of the greatest Pokemon titles. It’s basically an enhanced version of Red and Blue editions with a very quite engaging story which is bound to get you hooked on.
Here, you travel across the Kanto region, collect Pokemon, fight other trainers, and earn badges by defeating gym leaders. The final goal is to conquer the Elite Four. The same story can be found in FireRed and LeafGreen for the GameBoy Advance which basically fixes the poor graphics and offer slightly altered gameplay.
4. Emerald:
Emerald is an updated version of Ruby and Sapphire which combines the features of both titles into one. Launched in 2005, the title takes place in the region of Hoenn. The gameplay here is pretty much the same as FireRed and LeafGreen, but with the addition of dual battles where two Pokemon fight together as a team against the opponent’s.
The story features both villains Team Magma and Aqua as they plan to revivethe legendary Groudon and Kyogre, respectively. It’s your job to stop them by reviving the legendary Rayquaza. Your main goal, however, is to fight gym leaders for badges, defeat the elite four and then head on to the Battle Frontier.
– Wii/Wii U
5. PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure
In this release, you take control of everyone’s favorite critter, Pikachu. Unlike others in the franchise, this one features full 3D graphics and it basically is a spin-off in the series. Set in a place called the PokéPark, the narrative starts off with Mew sending you on a quest to locate the 14 pieces of the Sky Prism.
You’ll also have mini-games which include battles, playing hide and seek and more. A sequel was launched in 2011 dubbed PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond.
– DS/3DS
6. Platinum:
Like Emerald, Platinum version is an enhanced release of Diamond and Pearl. This one is also developed by Game Freak and it puts you in a place called Sinnoh. The objectives here are pretty much the same as its predecessors’ – You collect Pokemon and fight gym leaders as well as trainers.
And while you’re at it, you will also meddle with the villains of Team Galactic. This release features two new characters and the main focus is on the legendary Giratina. Compared to GBA titles, the DS ones provide much better visuals and gameplay.
7. X and Y:
X and Y are the latest in the franchise and they are only supported by the 3DS system. Apart from being the first in the handheld lineup to feature 3D graphics, both titles are the initial installments in the sixth generation. You can also finally, customize your characters appearance.
One of the main highlights here is Mega Evolution, where a Pokemon can temporarly transform into its final stage. You journey through Lumiose City and do the usual badge collecting, battleing trainers and finally taking on the elite four (this never gets old). And like in every other release, there’s a villain group here as well, Team Flare.
Conclusion:
Well, that’s the end of our best Pokemon games roster. While the 3DS, DS and Wii consoles are easily available (you’ll have to search a bit for a good GBA handheld), older ones are extremely tough to find, especially in proper condition. Nevertheless, you can still play those legacy titles through emulation software. Do make sure you own a copy of the titles (take a look at eBay and Amazon) before playing them. Alternatively, you can also check out some other games like pokemon to get your fix of creature catching fun.