Top 10 Pokemon Video Games
#10: “Pokémon Sword” & “Pokémon Shield” (2019)
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The first main series title on the Nintendo Switch marked a big leap for the franchise - emphasis on “big.” The addition of Dynamax added a degree of spectacle that could have only been achieved on a home console. That, alongside some very-welcome quality of life updates, already make Galar a worthy vacation spot. While the infamous lack of a National Dex is a bit disappointing, it’s easy to forgive since the new creature designs are some of the best the series has ever seen. If that’s not enough, the fact it’s one of the best-selling games on the Switch pretty much speaks for itself.
#9: “Pokémon Black Version” & “Pokémon White Version” (2010)
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The fifth generation marked a lot of firsts for the franchise. For one, it had an all-new Pokedex, with all past Pokemon locked to postgame. Secondly, it focused on the story above all else. That part was particularly thunder-shocking since, for all its successes, “Pokemon” was never really about the plot. Thankfully, the gamble paid off with an ambitious and thought-provoking narrative that’s easily one of the franchise’s best, ever. Of course, none of that would matter without the actual Pokemon, who are brought to life with sprite work that’s nothing short of gorgeous. This generation was the series’ Swanna song to 2D, and we can’t think of a higher note to go out on.
#8: “Pokémon X” & “Pokémon Y” (2013)
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They may be about collecting gym badges, but this pair of games walks away with a badge of honor, instead. That’s all because they dared to innovate a formula that had been more or less unchanged for a decade. Better yet, they did it in the coolest way possible. With the introduction of a new type, Mega Evolutions, and fully 3D graphics, it’s no hyperbole to say “Pokemon” was changed forever. The new mechanics reinvigorated the series’ classic battles, and meant there was plenty for even longtime Pokefans to discover. After successfully making the leap to 3D, it’s obvious why the series hasn’t looked back since.
#7: “Pokémon Scarlet” & “Pokémon Violet” (2022)
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For over twenty-five years, the recipe for a good “Pokemon” has been as follows: eight gyms, some new additions to the Pokedex, and a fresh villain team to thwart. But, “Scarlet” and “Violet” decided to add a heaping dose of exploration, and the results were downright irresistible. In the Paldea region, trainers can challenge gyms, uncover mysteries, and challenge titans - or ignore it all and do something else instead. Even if it meant enduring a few technical issues, the staggering amount of player freedom made generation nine feels like a shiny new benchmark for the series. The only unanswered question here is why it took so long to finally get an open-world Pokemon game.
#6: “Pokémon Platinum Version” (2008)
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This third trip to Sinnoh does exactly what an enhanced edition should. That is, make the original practically obsolete. “Diamond” and “Pearl’s” inaugural jump to the Nintendo DS came with a few growing pains, which is why this definitive version is all the more important. “Platinum” is more than a reskin, it’s a complete polishing of two games that were already pretty damn good to begin with. The streamlined story, faster pace, and improved mechanics single handedly turned a good generation into a great one. Even by today’s standards, it’s still the gold - or, in this case, the platinum - standard for what the series can be.
#5: “Pokémon Emerald Version” (2004)
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With its varied locales and truly excellent music, most trainers didn’t need much convincing to revisit the Hoenn region. But, “Pokemon Emerald” gave a few, anyways. Since it’s literally “Ruby” and “Sapphire” smashed into one, it’s the best of the Hoenn games on principle alone. Rest assured, though, it’s far more than the sum of its parts, and not just because of the added story. The entire game was masterfully rebalanced, making it one of the easiest titles in the whole series to return to. Not many GBA games hold up this well, especially when compared to their modern entries. But, rest assured, “Emerald’s” reputation is as solid as a Regirock.
#4: “Pokémon Legends: Arceus” (2022)
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It’s no exaggeration to say this is unlike any mainline “Pokemon” game ever. But, it’s all the better for it. In a refreshing back-to-basics approach, this title finally lives up to the promise of “catching them all.” Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of battles to satisfy, but the unique boss fights and exploratory missions helped break up the monotonous grind of combat. Especially since it’s paired with a surprisingly in-depth story. Look, it’s no secret that “Pokemon’s” been stuck at the same evolutionary stage for a while. So, if anything, this bold experiment deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame just for trying something new. The fact it’s actually successful is just the Slurpuff on top.
#3: “Pokémon Black Version 2” & “Pokémon White Version 2” (2012)
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Unova was already home to one of the best generations even before these sequels came along. But, with a bit of fine-tuning, the ambitious “Black” and “White” evolved into a masterclass of everything “Pokemon” does best. The amazing visuals and fantastic story returned, this time with one of the most satisfying regional dex’s a mainline game has ever had. Plus, their unique position as full-fledged sequels allowed them to craft genuine, cross-game character arcs like never before. It’s easy to point to the last releases of a generation as the de-facto games of their time, but “Black 2” and “White 2” are more than that. No, these are the hallmark for the whole series, period.
#2: “Pokémon FireRed Version” & “Pokémon LeafGreen Version” (2004)
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The very first “Pokemon” games will always hold a special place in history. But, even the most rose-colored glasses can’t disguise “Red” and “Blue’s” fundamental jank. So, when the time was right, Game Freak saw fit to give their original titles a much-needed makeover. Enter “FireRed” and “LeafGreen.”The new engine and upgraded mechanics smoothed away all of Kanto’s rough patches and balancing issues. But, somehow, it did it without sacrificing the charm that made the games stand out in the first place. This isn’t the series’ first trek through Kanto, and it wouldn’t be the last. But, despite all that, it’s still easily the best.
#1: “Pokémon HeartGold Version” & “Pokémon SoulSilver Version” (2009)
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Now this truly is the best like nothing ever was. At least, so far. It’s no small feat to make “Gold,” “Silver,” and “Crystal” even better, but this pair of remakes takes it a step further. It doesn’t just improve Johto, it elevated the entire series along with it. Auto-run, new sprites, a toggle for the original music, you name it, this game has it. Though, the fact that every single Pokemon follows you in the overworld is worth a full-priced game alone. That’s not even mentioning the fact there’s an entire second region to explore after the credits, too. Or, that by defeating Red atop Mt. Silver, the series figuratively and literally proved that it would never stop improving.
