Pokemon Black and White 2 review: A Creation's true form
With Pokémon Black two and Pokémon White two, developer Game Freak has finally decided to quit beating around the bush and give us a more”true” sequel rather than a Pokémon Platinum-esque expansion package. The series is better because of it too, even if the much touted emphasis on storytelling stays largely superfluous.
Place two years after the events of the original Pokémon Black and White, it has a new quiet protagonist, a new competitor, and a handful of new gym leaders. More to the point, there are fresh Pokémon — should I say, older Pokémon. Unova has become rife with Pokémon from previous productions — a welcome sight for both fans of this set. It makes the entire world of Pokémon feel bigger and more connected than it already is, making the Unova Pokémon feel as though they’re”part of their household.”
Disappointingly, the returning Pokémon are not the only recognizable component. As usual, Black 2 and White 2 rigorously follows the badge/Elite 4 formulation that has long since worn out its welcome but will never go away.read about it pokemon black 2 download from Our Articles What a shame that Game Freak didn’t use this opportunity to experiment a bit with the formulation and cut the standard rote badge quest (or create it entirely discretionary ). As a business, Pokémon could be at once really smart and innovative, and annoyingly put in its own ways.
Gallery: Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
It bears mentioning that previous understanding of Pokémon Black and White is not necessary for full enjoyment of Black and White 2. It provides a context to the story, along with the Mass Effect-like capability to link up with the original game to add in various memories is awesome, but otherwise they are comparatively self-contained. Black and White 2 includes better and more Pokémon from the get-go, along with the story quickly becomes a distant memory once the Elite 4 are finished.
One thing that I really like about Black and White 2 over the first games is the new post-game content. Not that there was any shortage of bonus material in the first Black and White; that I just prefer what the sequel has to offer. One of the coolest features is that the Pokémon World Tournament, that brings most of the fitness leaders and leaders in the initial four generations to get a major tournament. It makes for a fun bit of nostalgia for those who have been enjoying since the start, and offers a difficult challenge for anybody seeking to create it through each one the tournaments.
Also enjoyable is the Hollywood-like PokéStar Studios, which hearkens back to the contests as well as musicals of prior games — always one of my favorite features. In PokéStar Studios, you and your Pokémon follow with a script (using just a tiny bit of room for improvisation), after which you’re rated by the movie-going audience. It’s the ideal challenge for my beloved Flareon, who is now rocking over twenty five ribbons, and is currently prepared to be a film star (if only I could offer her a cool pair of sunglasses to complete the look).
Ultimately, Pokémon has in-game achievements now. Referred to as”medals,” they can be earned by completing tournaments, trading along with different folks, or simply buying lots of items from the shop. It makes me that much more motivated to really dive in and attempt to fill my Pokédex for the first time since Pokémon Fire Red (which, by the way, still boasts the very best and most attractive Pokedéx in history ).
Wandering the planet together with my Infernape in tow, I am always struck by just how big the world of Pokémon continues to be. Through Wi-Fi features like the Global Trade Service and also StreetPass-type components such as Join Avenue, where special shop vendors are added by passing other lovers, I feel more connected than ever. There is actually a ridiculous sum to perform after the limiters are away and you’ll be able to research at your 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 newest players to consider though; as tiresome as the effort is becoming for me personally, I imagine the well-balanced challenge of the gym fights and the diverse array of Pokémon is going to be a joy for first-timers.
Pokémon Black two and White two are apt to be the final of the fifth generation, which is somewhat poorer than the excellent Diamond and Pearl installations, but has been able to stay so popular as ever. Now the Nintendo 3DS is at full blossom, the next generation will surely be on its way soon, and Game Freak will have more tools than ever before to expand its distinctive world. It will be intriguing to find out what they do with the built in StreetPass tools and the much-improved Wi-Fi. The AR-driven Pokémon Fantasy Simulator — a paid minigame of types to be found on the 3DS that incorporates with Black and White two — has already offered a glimpse.
Meanwhile, Pokémon Black 2 and White two feel as the”true” versions of Dark and White, considerably as Crystal, Emerald, and Platinum felt like the actual versions of their individual generations. It’s more Pokémon, better post-game content and, apart from a few added perks like the above Memory Link, mainly renders the initial games unnecessary. Whether returning fans must pick up Black and White 2, meanwhile, depends entirely on if you are burnt out on Pokémon yet. The sequel is better and bigger than the first, but it’s still Pokémon. In mind, you already know whether you’re all set to slog through another eight badges and return to catching all.
For the very first time in many years, I’m all set to put aside the constant grind of increasing the ideal monster and delve into what the world of Pokémon has to offer you. A world that feels larger and more interesting than ever.