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What pokemon game should I get?

So I wanted to get my groove on with Pokemon. I don't know, but something about those small creatures makes me want to play the game.
I decided to stick with my DS for the wi-fi connection. I loved the Gameboy versions, but I can't seem to find my Gameboy Color, so I want to start something more hi tech

My options are SoulSilver (leaning towards this one because I used to have Silver Version), HeartGold, Black, or White.
If you guys can, list some positive and negative aspects of each one.

August 11, 2012

34 Comments • Newest first

Amuro

[quote=xXlinkedXx]Any of the pokemon games teaches you how to play, and SS is a good choice, since you stick with the original pokemons (B&W's new region and pokemon to go with it, not old gen pkmns until after E4)

But to play like a pro you'll need to learn the lingo
STAB: Same Type Attack Bonus
pkmn: Pokemon
DPt: Diamond Pearl Platinum
HGSS: Heart Gold Soul Silver
BW/2: Black (2) White (2)
Conquest: Pokemon Conquest
Pocket Monsters: Japanese Pokemon
EV: Evolutionary Values (If someone says EV train in attack, you fight pkmns that give attack points when killed)
IV: I-something that's not important Value (the stuff you feed to pokemons, and can pass on when bred i.e. protien/zinc/calcuim etc.)[/quote]

Actually, it's D/P/Pt (for Diamond/Pearl/Platinum). Pokemon is short for Pocket Monsters. IV: individual values, and they are very important in the competitive scene. Protein, Carbos, and all those other things increase EVs (10 per, and stops working once the stat has reached 100 EVs).

Quite frankly, people who are casual are better off staying casual unless they hold an interest in the metagame. Once you learn what EVs and IVs are, and the significance of other factors like natures and hold items, it's hard to turn back and pretend they don't exist.

Reply August 12, 2012 - edited
xXlinkedXx

Any of the pokemon games teaches you how to play, and SS is a good choice, since you stick with the original pokemons (B&W's new region and pokemon to go with it, not old gen pkmns until after E4)

But to play like a pro you'll need to learn the lingo
STAB: Same Type Attack Bonus
pkmn: Pokemon
DPt: Diamond Pearl Platinum
HGSS: Heart Gold Soul Silver
BW/2: Black (2) White (2)
Conquest: Pokemon Conquest
Pocket Monsters: Japanese Pokemon
EV: Evolutionary Values (If someone says EV train in attack, you fight pkmns that give attack points when killed)
IV: I-something that's not important Value (the stuff you feed to pokemons, and can pass on when bred i.e. protien/zinc/calcuim etc.)

Reply August 12, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

Seems like Pokemon SoulSilver is winning!

Reply August 12, 2012 - edited
InSovietRussia

playr.org

This is your best friend for Pokemon

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=StiKman19]@ChildCrusade: http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9walker[/quote]

You just freaking sold me on soulsilver.
Do you think the games on amazon will have the pokewalker?

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
StiKman19

@ChildCrusade: http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9walker

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=StiKman19]30-35 for BW, 35-40 for HGSS because pokewalker[/quote]

What is that o:

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
StiKman19

[quote=ChildCrusade]I see. What is the price of new pokemon games? Is it like a new xbox game?[/quote]

30-35 for BW, 35-40 for HGSS because pokewalker

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=Amuro]The only things you'll be missing are the Kami trio (Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus), and the B/W story (B2/W2 is a sequel, taking place 2 years after the events in B/W). B2/W2 has everything else, and adds so much more (the world tournament, more cities, an improved Black City/White Forest, etc.), so getting B/W just for 2 Pokemon (Tornadus is Black only, Thundurus is White only) and a story you can find out about online just isn't worth it.[/quote]

I see. What is the price of new pokemon games? Is it like a new xbox game?

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Amuro

[quote=ChildCrusade]Ah thanks for the input. Will I be missing anything if I get B/W2 and not get the original?[/quote]

The only things you'll be missing are the Kami trio (Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus), and the B/W story (B2/W2 is a sequel, taking place 2 years after the events in B/W). B2/W2 has everything else, and adds so much more (the world tournament, more cities, an improved Black City/White Forest, etc.), so getting B/W just for 2 Pokemon (Tornadus is Black only, Thundurus is White only) and a story you can find out about online just isn't worth it.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Nolen

[url=http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_HeartGold_and_SoulSilver_Versions]I used to have Silver and will get B/W2 later. Here are the different pokemon exclusive in each version. Scroll down. [/url]

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=Amuro]HeartGold/SoulSilver:

- the gimmick of Pokemon following you around
- aesthetically more pleasing (even though B/W got a graphics update, HG/SS is more colorful overall, and has some amazing scenery of its own)
- better post-game (8 more badges, battle frontier, more mini-games, etc.)
- better interface (can run without holding down B, touch menu is ridiculously convenient)
- GBA player replaces the remixed music with the original soundtracks - great for when you're feeling nostalgic
- Safari Zone (encounter a shiny here and you'll never want to go here again; while you can get a lot of Pokemon here, you'll likely find that it's a chore)
- slower battling speed compared to B/W
- story is pretty much the same as in the originals (i.e. simple, boring)
- lots of low-leveled Pokemon in Kanto region

Black/White:

- you will only encounter new (Unova) pokemon in the main game
- main game more linear
- random wifi battle match-ups (although strangers have a tendency to close their game when losing)
- faster battling speed compared to HG/SS
- 4 seasons add some aesthetic variety
- training is less of a chore (which makes having a team of 6 in your first play-through a much simpler task)
- better story
- TMs reusable
- you hardly need HMs to get through the region (a pro because you don't have to worry much about HM slaves at all)
- Black City/White Forest is pretty neat
- back sprites of Pokemon in battle are pixelized (will annoy you at first, especially if you're big in aesthetics like me)
- post-game is lacking (battle subway gets tedious)
- no gym leader rematches
- have to hold B to run

If it were up to me, I'd go for HG/SS first, and consider picking up B2/W2 (which is a [i]huge[/i] improvement over B/W) later on, when it's released in North America (at the beginning of October).[/quote]

Ah thanks for the input. Will I be missing anything if I get B/W2 and not get the original?

@megazord:
Fav pokemon game of all time

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
MegaZord

[b]POKEMON[/b]
[b]SNAP[/b]

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Amuro

HeartGold/SoulSilver:

- the gimmick of Pokemon following you around
- aesthetically more pleasing (even though B/W got a graphics update, HG/SS is more colorful overall, and has some amazing scenery of its own)
- better post-game (8 more badges, battle frontier, more mini-games, etc.)
- better interface (can run without holding down B, touch menu is ridiculously convenient)
- GBA player replaces the remixed music with the original soundtracks - great for when you're feeling nostalgic
- Safari Zone (encounter a shiny here and you'll never want to go here again; while you can get a lot of Pokemon here, you'll likely find that it's a chore)
- slower battling speed compared to B/W
- story is pretty much the same as in the originals (i.e. simple, boring)
- lots of low-leveled Pokemon in Kanto region

Black/White:

- you will only encounter new (Unova) pokemon in the main game
- main game more linear
- random wifi battle match-ups (although strangers have a tendency to close their game when losing)
- faster battling speed compared to HG/SS
- 4 seasons add some aesthetic variety
- training is less of a chore (which makes having a team of 6 in your first play-through a much simpler task)
- better story
- TMs reusable
- you hardly need HMs to get through the region (a pro because you don't have to worry much about HM slaves at all)
- Black City/White Forest is pretty neat
- back sprites of Pokemon in battle are pixelized (will annoy you at first, especially if you're big in aesthetics like me)
- post-game is lacking (battle subway gets tedious)
- no gym leader rematches
- have to hold B to run

If it were up to me, I'd go for HG/SS first, and consider picking up B2/W2 (which is a [i]huge[/i] improvement over B/W) later on, when it's released in North America (at the beginning of October).

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Braviary

SoulSilver/HeartGold is better for battling.
Black/White has a bette storyline.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=Legendofzelda]Pokemon black and white, trust me the story is far more better than any other pokemon game[/quote]

I dont know man. I'm still leaning towards silver

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=spring786]I picked white because it wasn't mainstream in the polls. loljk[/quote]

wut. lol xD

quick question to you all. If I want SoulSilver pokemon on Black, how hard is it to trade for pokemon in Black?

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Deciduous

@ChildCrusade: just depends on how much you want to rely on Audinos. some of the gyms offer a good challenge too.
pokemon games in general aren't hard in the first place though so...

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=Deciduous]@ChildCrusade: i don't really consider it a challenge when it comes down the tedium of beating up a bunch of weak wild pokes/hoping for trainer rematches. i'd rather run some self-imposed rules for a challenge than have the game/game design fighting me and consider that a challenge.[/quote]

But I hear the 5th generation is a bit too easy. It's literally spoon fed.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Deciduous

@ChildCrusade: i don't really consider it a challenge when it comes down the tedium of beating up a bunch of weak wild pokes/hoping for trainer rematches. i'd rather run some self-imposed rules for a challenge than have the game/game design fighting me and consider that a challenge.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=Deciduous]the first and biggest downside i can think of for HG/SS is the training. i basically dropped the game when i was around the 3rd/4th gyms and training was already becoming tedious. it does have the advantage of being (amazing ) Gen II and letting you walk with a poke out though.
not sure how easy regular training is in BW but Audino grinding is amazing. also basically serves as a reinterpretation of Gen I (you only have Gen V pokemon available at first) and it's got a decent story and characters.[/quote]

The challenge is fun. I had Silver before, but I never beat the game (all 16 badges) because I lost the game somewhere on a roadtrip.
Lvl 60 Machamp + Togekiss unstoppable!

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Deciduous

the first and biggest downside i can think of for HG/SS is the training. i basically dropped the game when i was around the 3rd/4th gyms and training was already becoming tedious. it does have the advantage of being (amazing ) Gen II and letting you walk with a poke out though.
not sure how easy regular training is in BW but Audino grinding is amazing. also basically serves as a reinterpretation of Gen I (you only have Gen V pokemon available at first) and it's got a decent story and characters.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=DrHye]At first part, yes you're good on the wifi

You can transfer pokemon from 4th gen games to black/white using the PokeTransfer Lab or something in B/W, after you beat the league the first time. It's kind of a mini game, but the point is, you can transfer SS Pokemon to black after you beat the league once. But before you beat the league, the game is pretty much all 5th gen only pokemon[/quote]

I see. So you can't battle random people online with SoulSilver, but you can on Black.

So should I get both games, beat SoulSilver, beat Black, and then transfer pokemons from SoulSilver to Black for the online play on Black?
It's an option. But I'm not sure how the new Pal Park system works, and if trading takes ages. O:

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
DrHye

[quote=ChildCrusade]Ah, so since I used Diamond, it should be okay with SoulSilver?

I like after game content. But I also like SoulSilver pokemon. Is there anyway I can use SoulSilver pokemon for online play?[/quote]

At first part, yes you're good on the wifi

You can transfer pokemon from 4th gen games to black/white using the PokeTransfer Lab or something in B/W, after you beat the league the first time. It's kind of a mini game, but the point is, you can transfer SS Pokemon to black after you beat the league once. But before you beat the league, the game is pretty much all 5th gen only pokemon

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

@DrHye: Ah, so since I used Diamond, it should be okay with SoulSilver?

I like after game content. But I also like SoulSilver pokemon. Is there anyway I can use SoulSilver pokemon for online play?

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
DrHye

[quote=ChildCrusade]What do you mean by WEP wifi?
And if I got SoulSilver, I can't play online with it vs other people online with the Regular DS? It worked pretty well for Diamond version.

So what you're saying is SS is more appealing, but Black/White has more content?
I'm so conflicted D:[/quote]

I don't know the exact terminology, but there's two "types of wifi" which are WEP and WPA, the former being less secure and the majority of people having the latter. The DS/DS lite and any 4th gen Pokemon game can't use WPA wifi, but if you've used diamond on your wifi, then you're fine

SS is more appealing until after you're done going through the game. If you're more interested in what you can do after you're done walking through the game, then I'd go with black.

I can talk to you more about it later, it's late

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=DrHye]If your wifi isn't WEP then you won't be using HG/SS online anyway.

I've played through both and I have to say, B/W seemed more fun with what you can do after the league. There's no real frontier, but there's still the battle subway and online 3v3 matchups which thankfully don't require friend codes. Most people who play online play with 5th gen games as well from what I've seen.

I'm not saying SS was a bad game, but I just got a lot more enjoyment from the latest games. There's more Pokemon to choose from (yes, they're not all visually appealing... So don't use them ), there's more moves, more strategies, more types of battles (triple and rotation, though most still stick to single).

I'd say to play through both if you have time. SS was way more enjoyable when simply playing through the game, but once you're done... The battle frontier is basically all I did since I couldn't play online. But since I got a 3ds and replayed black, I do wifi matches daily and it's way more fun than I had in SS.

Black was kinda boring on the 2nd playthrough for me, but that may have been because I was too excited to start transferring SS pokemon to black and begin online play.[/quote]

What do you mean by WEP wifi?
And if I got SoulSilver, I can't play online with it vs other people online with the Regular DS? It worked pretty well for Diamond version.

So what you're saying is SS is more appealing, but Black/White has more content?
I'm so conflicted D:

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
DrHye

If your wifi isn't WEP then you won't be using HG/SS online anyway.

I've played through both and I have to say, B/W seemed more fun with what you can do after the league. There's no real frontier, but there's still the battle subway and online 3v3 matchups which thankfully don't require friend codes. Most people who play online play with 5th gen games as well from what I've seen.

I'm not saying SS was a bad game, but I just got a lot more enjoyment from the latest games. There's more Pokemon to choose from (yes, they're not all visually appealing... So don't use them ), there's more moves, more strategies, more types of battles (triple and rotation, though most still stick to single).

I'd say to play through both if you have time. SS was way more enjoyable when simply playing through the game, but once you're done... The battle frontier is basically all I did since I couldn't play online. But since I got a 3ds and replayed black, I do wifi matches daily and it's way more fun than I had in SS.

Black was kinda boring on the 2nd playthrough for me, but that may have been because I was too excited to start transferring SS pokemon to black and begin online play.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Lazer

@ChildCrusade: Meh, every generation has its fair share of bad designs. Pretty much every Gen I evolution is the pre-evo but bigger.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

[quote=Lazer]HGSS gives that delightful nostalgic feel with some added features. Also, KANTO.
BW had a pretty good story for a Pokemon game, but people are really critical on the 'mon's designs.[/quote]

That's what I'm thinking too. It's so unpleasing.
I like the original pokemon designs. 1~2 generations were good, I like the 3rd the best.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
wsly

get Black!
or White!
i got both
its rlly fun
lol
thats all i have to say for now

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
Lazer

HGSS gives that delightful nostalgic feel with some added features. Also, KANTO.
BW had a pretty good story for a Pokemon game, but people are really critical on the 'mon's designs.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
ChildCrusade

@BBD: Eh, I'm not even sure about Black and white. And I probably won't have time in the next two months. Too many college apps.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited
BBD

Just wait two months for Black 2 and White 2.

Reply August 11, 2012 - edited