Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver prove the Pokémon franchise still has something to offer.
Ten years ago, Pokémon Gold and Silver were released, and we all wanted to be the very best, like no one ever was (or at least, that is what the television theme song told us).
Following the original Red and Blue versions, Gold and Silver offered a slew of new features, including full color animation, Pokémon breeding, an internal clock that changed the environment between day and night and the first appearance of the PokéGear.
A decade later, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are reimagining the classic sequels on the Nintendo DS and DSi, proving yes, Nintendo and Game Freak’s classic franchise can stand the test of time.
HeartGold and SoulSilver take players back to the Johto region to train their Pokémon, work to catch them all, complete the Pokédex and beat Pokémon gym leaders to solidify their place in history as Pokémon masters. As they do so, trainers face off against the evil Team Rocket and a rival who has stolen a rare Pokémon from a lab in the players’ hometown, New Bark Town.
Despite the fact their counterparts were introduced on the Game Boy Color in 2000, the newer versions are polished and updated to make great use of the DS screen. The Pokémon and the Johto region fill the top screen with their vibrant colors, and the character animations, particularly in battle, are more detailed than ever. For the first time in a Pokémon title, every single creature can follow its trainer.
The touch screen is used for in-game menus. These easily useable menus have been completely revamped to work with a stylus, and players are never forced to use the touchscreen. Menus can be navigated with the control pad and buttons. The menus are more organized than in previous versions of the game, as well.
Another new feature is the use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection. Trainers can now trade and battle their Pokémon over the Internet as well as via wireless connection between Nintendo DS systems. This online connectivity will add even more playing time to the practically infinite replayability the game already offers.
Finally, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver each come packaged with an accessory called the Pokéwalker, which is reminiscent of Tamagotchi or Pokémon Pikachu. The small, Pokéball-themed device connects to your game cartridge via infrared sensors. Trainers can put a Pokémon in the Pokéwalker, which acts as a pedometer and counts your steps on a number of virtual paths.
These steps are converted into “Watts” that can be spent to give your Pokémon a chance to catch wild creatures or find items, all of which can be transferred back to the cartridge for use in-game. Your Pokémon can also gain experience to level up or connect wirelessly with a friend’s device.
Essentially, your Pokéwalker is your game away from the game. It’s fun but unnecessary. It never feels like a gimmick, but the game could have been sold $5 or $10 cheaper without the Pokéwalker. Nevertheless, it is an interesting addition, as you can take your favorite pocket monsters anywhere and everywhere.
Despite the polishes and new features, the games are still the original Gold and Silver titles. Players who played the original game will see the games’ events and realize they played them before. The story is pretty much — if not exactly — the same. Players catch Pokémon, fight and train. Even so, the updates and new features make the DS titles the quintessential versions of Gold and Silver to own and play, if only for the sense of nostalgia.
Trainers choosing between the two titles do not have much to worry about missing something. The two games are more or less identical, except that each game has a handful of exclusive Pokémon. Therefore, if you really want to catch them all, you will either have to trade Pokémon with a friend or play through both games. You can also trade with other Pokémon titles on the DS, as well as on the Game Boy Advance.
Ultimately, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are more than just games — they are nostalgia in your hands. Playing these titles will remind you why you played them a decade ago: They are still fun. Catching Pokémon, training them and leveling them up are all somewhat addicting. You and your little siblings, cousins, children — pretty much anybody — can enjoy this role-playing game.
Not many series have the staying power of a decade, nevermind the unique creativity to cross a generational gap. Yet Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver prove the Pokémon series is still going strong. Whether you’re a kid getting into gaming or just want to feel like one again, HeartGold and SoulSilver bring a feeling of nostalgia to the older crowd and hundreds of new creatures to catch to the younger one.
So dust off those old Pokéballs — it’s time to feel like a kid again.
afreedman@umdbk.com
RATING: 4 stars out of 5
