Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

[Mhurron]

Since it seems like everyone and their damn dog except me is playing these Pokemon games, someone explain a few things to me.

First, is it actually that much fun or are you all just addicted and won't admit it to yourselves.

More importantly, why do they release two games at the same time, the most recent example being Black and White. What are the differences? Do you actually have to buy both?

Also, I guess I need to know where to find a cheap DS.

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

First, is it actually that much fun or are you all just addicted and won't admit it to yourselves.

Traditional RPG mechanics wrapped in a fun, innocent package with a fresh, modern sensibility. You're a kid out on an adventure to collect Pokemon data for a scientist and out to become the best trainer of them all. Kinda like the cartoon, but far less annoying.

And naturally, there's some nefarious group out to steal pokemon from people and use them for bad things. You will battle these people and other trainers through the game.

More importantly, why do they release two games at the same time, the most recent example being Black and White. What are the differences? Do you actually have to buy both?

No, you don't have to buy both. There's a slight difference in the kinds of Pokemon found in each game. The pokemon of each version are slightly different to promote social interaction between players to trade and "catch them all." This is not required to enjoy the main campaign.

Aside from the slightly different arrangement of pokemon there's also an exclusive zone in each version of the game, the white forest and the black city. The big legendaries of the game also differ, but you can see those on the boxart.

Also, I guess I need to know where to find a cheap DS.

I suspect anywhere that has a 3DS trade-in offer is going to be showered in DS Lites and DSis this week. Gamestop will probably mark them up considerably for now, but I'm sure you can find a working DS Lite at any mom and pop store. I only recommend the Lite because the shoulder buttons have less chance of getting stuck than the DSi's buttons, plus you'll have the option of playing GBA games on it if you want to collect some of those.

[DakAttack]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

Pokemon has been running dual versions since the beginning. They feature slightly different sets of pokemon to promote trading, and occasionally other differences as well.

It's just another one of those things marketed towards kids that attracts a cult adult following, like Spongebob. It used to be an interesting game, but their never-ending quest to come up with new pokemon all the time has lead to a lot of of odd design decisions.

[Armando]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

First, is it actually that much fun or are you all just addicted and won't admit it to yourselves.

I find playing against other people to be pretty fun, especially since there's a lot of Pokemon to choose from to make your own team. As for the single player part, I guess you'd have to try it and find out. I mean, the general concept is to make monsters fight each other. You level them up, they get stronger and evolve. It's rewarding for the same reasons playing any other RPG and beefing up your characters is rewarding to some people.

More importantly, why do they release two games at the same time, the most recent example being Black and White. What are the differences? Do you actually have to buy both?

There's always a small number of Pokemon that are exclusive to each version.The idea is that you can't catch all of them without trading with other people (or having two DS and both versions and trading with yourself - fuck that.) Trading used to be kind of a pain in the ass, but Internet trading has made it much easier. Or you could just not give a fuck that you won't have them all.

I don't know about cheap DSs, but I'd expect a large number of used ones to turn up from people trading them in for the 3DS.

[Malacite]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

What's with the pony avatars...

[Absentia]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

I've yet to play any Pokemon game besides Pokemon Snap. All my friends seem to have been invested in it since they were younger, so I kind of feel like I'd be way late to the party.

[Armando]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

All my friends seem to have been invested in it since they were younger, so I kind of feel like I'd be way late to the party.

For whatever it's worth, the game's rules remain more or less unchanged, and Pokemon Black/White are more forgiving than the old games. Getting EXP and money is easier, and there's also a lot more Pokemon at the beginning that don't suck. It's not like there's any heavy plot ties either - all the games can be enjoyed individually.

The games are always made with beginners in mind. Most of the early town NPCs say stuff that's really obvious to people who've played any previous games, but helpful to someone new.

[Etra]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

I haven't played since Gold was released in Japan and I just bought Black... I love ittttttt. I would definitely give it a go if you're interested in the general concept of the game, but not because it's the "cool thing to do" (well... cool in a very loose sense.)

[Aksannyi]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

Not a fan. But this image was begging to be posted in this thread.

[Takelli]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!

I used to be obsessed with pokemon, especially the card game. Me and my two brothers where unbeatable. XD

[Kailea]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

oh god..... it's spreading like a virus..... the Pony VIRUS!... oh god! its...... horrible!.... I need to run before I am infected!

[Aksannyi]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me



Don't fight it. It will hurt less.

[Kailea]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

that.....is so wrong.....

[Aksannyi]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

Yeah, lol. I'll stop Ponying it up in this thread though, since we have a few already for that. I just saw the Pokemans pic and felt the need to post it.

[Kailea]

Re: Someone explain this Pokemon thing to me

lol its funny too, in a wrong way ;p

but yeah *looks around for ponies* err anyway, yeah I have played Pokemon since red/blue and love it, it is a great RPG, with lots of fun in it..... I cant wait to unseal my Black, still sitting on my shelf, cant play it till I get my 3DS -.-