Hey guess what? Yes I know that it's only been a little over 24 hours since its release but I've already completed the main storyline of B2/W2...yes I skipped college classes today to do so. But hey what can I say? I'm a spaz for Pokémon. If you want to you can check out my review for the original Black and White here
For the first time, Pokémon decides not to include a third version for this generation, but a TWO sequel games for our enjoyment. Picking up from where Black and White left off, it's been two years since N's defeat and Team Plasma's disbanding. We start off in a new location, Aspertia City. Ever the reoccurring trend, you're beginning your journey into the world of Pokémon once more alongside your new rival, Hugh (or whatever you wish to call him). This time, Team Plasma is back, but in two factions. One follows Ghetsis who wishes to take over the world, while the other follows N and still wants to liberate Pokémon. You'll mostly face Ghetsis' faction, and things get much more...colder than the last game. All in all, this game feels less story heavy than Black and White was as Team Plasma was encountered literally in every town. Now they poof in here and there and just rehash the old "We're gonna take over the world" shtick. Not a bad thing, but in the shadow of its predecessor, I expected a good story. Though I'm happy the loose ends were tied.
All features of the original Black and White are back but there are some minor tweaks to the game. All trainers now have animated sprites, even the generic trainers. Some moves have new animation sequences. Even some of the Pokémon have new animations. There is the return of the Move Tutors from the last few games. Also the Unova dex has been expanded to include past generation Pokémon so you'll be encountering them before the endgame, but there still are Post Game areas like the last game.
As you probably know, the Gym Leader order has changed. Chili, Cress, Cilan, Lenora, Brycen, and Iris (if you played White) are no longer gym leaders. You'll start off with Cheren, then Roxie, go through the remaining original 5 in the same order, and finish lastly with Marlon. Alder is no longer the Champion, but I'll save the new champion revelation for you to discover.
New side quests are added such as Join Avenue, Difficulty settings, and Memory Link. Amongst them most notably is the new Pokemon World Tournament (or PWT) is the new Battle Tower in which you'll be playing against current and past notable trainers from other Generations. All of which are either Gym Leaders (Brock, Winnona, etc.), Champions (Cynthia, Lance), or "Others" (Red, Steven Stone). This is the games way of giving new Players a chance to battle Gym Leaders from the past while allowing veterans to finally be able to play against the Hoenn Gym Leaders for the first time in almost 10 years. It's a lot of fun...believe me.
Also the new Pokéstar Studio is worth mentioning as it allows you to act in movies. You can use rental Pokémon (I highly suggest doing this first) or your own (for lols later.) Depending on the success of the movie (ie. Completing the task of the scene, picking the right line to say) you earn fame and some items from fans. Keep in mind, not all scenes requires you to defeat the enemy, some you must survive a certain number of scenes (turns), or defeat only one of the enemy allies (as some enemies are props). It's a nice sidequest and I find it really fun!
Since this a new version in the same generation we get new form differences. Kyurem can fuse together with Reshiram or Zekrom to form White Kyurem or Black Kyurem respectively with all new stats and new signature attacks. Keldeo get's a small form change as long as it knows its signature move Secret Sword. And lastly the Kami Trio gains new forms with the Reflecting Mirror, as long as you have the Dream Radar 3ds application.
Reflecting upon the two year time lapse since Black and White many areas have changed. Route 4 which used to be just development and desert is now populated with buildings. New areas such as the Castelia Sewers can be explored. Not to mention all returning Gyms have received a complete make over, sporting new puzzles to get to the Gym Leader.
Music hasn't changed much but many tunes have gotten slight remixes.....yeah I got nothing else to say about the matter, it's basically the same as the last game.
Nonny's Rating: 8.5/10. For Game Freak to make a bold move or making a sequel rather than a third version, they picked a good time to do so. I welcome the new changes and I am not disappointed.
Tips: Same as the last review. Versatility and be well equipped. Oh and if you have Black or White, make sure to do the Memory Link for some cool extras.
Nonny's Team: Emboar, Unfezant, Leavanny, Krookodile, Haxorus, Vanilluxe
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Now that's Capsuled strategy!