Which Pokemo Game Should I Play Again

For more than 25 years, developer Game Freak has found a way to reinvent the Pokémon franchise for each new generation of gamers. Both make-new Pokémon trainers and Pokémon masters are captivated past these cute (and sometimes scary) little monsters. Peradventure information technology's the drive to catch 'em all that keeps players coming back. Or possibly it'southward how adorable these picayune pocket monsters can exist. Whatsoever the reason, players proceed to return to or commencement exploring the Pokémon franchise.

Each game has a pretty consistent feel to it. Each follows the one before it but builds a picayune more into the Pokémon globe. With every new iteration of Pokémon, new features and Pokémon are brought to the tabular array. Even though Pokémon veterans may notice each game familiar to the last, each holds a slightly new and immersive way of bringing players into the earth of Pokémon. And it looks like the next new Pokémon installment, Pokémon Legends: Arceus,might pause the mold entirely with a new, open-earth game that looks a bit like The Fable of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This franchise definitely knows how to keep players coming back for more!

Further reading

All the Pokémon games available for the Nintendo Switch
Best games similar Pokémon
How to play Pokémon GO

Since Game Freak has been effectually for so long and has produced so many different versions of Pokémon, we decided to share which Pokémon games we think would be best for newcomers. We've too included some of the all-time spin-off Pokémon games and Pokémon game remakes then new players can explore the vast world of Pokémon in different ways. It's important to think that, in the earth of Pokémon, "best" and "worst" are relative. Every entry on this list is great, but if yous're looking for a good entry into the universe, these are what we suggest.

1. Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal (generation two)

Starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile

Pokémon Gold and Silver added 100 Pokémon to the original 151, including arguably the best trio of starters Pokémon has seen. Across adding to the Pokédex, generation two fabricated not bad strides in multiple areas over the original. For starters, you at present had to think nigh the time of day when trying to catch new Pokémon, equally the day/dark bike smartly added a layer of depth to your time spent in the long grass.

Gold and Silvery added the Kanto region to the map, connecting Johto with the landmass that started the phenomenon. With sixteen gym leaders to best, Golden and Silverish remain the deepest, lengthiest Pokémon games ever created.

Adding to the systems seen in Pokémon Yellow, generation ii leaned into dual-types, assuasive you lot to make a more varied and strategically various team to bring into battle. The Johto region happens to be our favorite to explore too and has the best legendary birds (Lugia and Ho-Oh). This installment also added the iii legendary canis familiaris Pokémon — Raikou, Suicune, and Entei — which could exist establish roaming throughout Johto after an initial static encounter.

Nosotros'd be remiss not to mention HeartGold and SoulSilver, the enhanced DS remakes of Gold and Silver, but we'll get to that in our remake-specific section below.

two. Pokémon Crimson/Blue/Yellow (gen 1)

Starter Pokémon (Blue/Red): Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur

Starter Pokémon (Yellow): Pikachu

Partly due to nostalgia, partly due to how these games still experience cracking today, generation one's trio of excellent Pokémon games take our second spot. To this day, generation one has the best collection of Pokémon. We'll never forget the original 151 nor Ash's first run a risk. From the opening moments in Pallet Town to choosing your outset starter, racking upward gym badges, fighting off Team Rocket and defeating the Elite 4, Pokémon Red and Blue only feel right.

Sure, some of the deeper mechanics the serial is known for at present aren't present in the original games, but there's something virtually their streamlined identity that yet brings a smile to our faces. Pokémon Yellow brought the series to full color, and having Pikachu by our side made us truly feel similar we were Ash on a journey to catch 'em all. Generation one volition e'er concur a special place in our hearts. It'south magical.

three. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald (gen 3)

Starter Pokémon: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip

Generation iii is when Pokémon games actually started to lean into natures, EV systems, and 4 systems, emphasizing not only the species merely the specific member of that species in your party. The power of the best Game Boy Accelerate games fabricated each model of the at present 386 Pokémon more than vibrant.

While nosotros think the 135 new Pokémon as a group didn't compare to the 100 added in gen two, Cherry-red and Sapphire had one of the neater regions. The Hoenn island region felt larger than previous regions and was generally a more interesting area to explore. A pair of stellar gen 3 remakes, Omega Blood-red and Alpha Sapphire, are available on Nintendo 3DS.

4. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Starter Pokémon: Rowlet, Cyndaquil, Oshawott

There is some question every bit to whether Pokemon Legends: Arceus is technically a mainline title. Regardless of how you feel, there is no dubiousness that this is an ambitious and fresh take for the serial. We praised Pokémon Legends: Arceus in our review for the way it, "…makes bold changes to the tried-and-true formula, successfully boot off Pokémon'south long-needed reinvention." Capturing and battling Pokémon meets a Jiff of the Wild like open world in a game that may shape the future of the series for years to come. It'south helped back a bit past the Nintendo Switch'due south technical limitations, but the Pokédex organization and outstanding battling brand this a can't miss Pokémon entry.

5. Pokémon Sword and Shield (gen viii)

Starter Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble

The latest Pokémon games are the first mainline titles released every bit a Nintendo Switch game, and Game Freak has finally realized our longtime dream of having a fully 3D Pokémon adventure on a home console. In the British-themed Galar region, you lot can venture into the new Wild area and capture monsters, or follow the set pathways from town to town that take been in the series since the very beginning. Either way, Pokémon are now only out and about instead of being hidden in randomized encounters, so frustration is profoundly reduced.

With 400 Pokémon to grab and the add-on of the Dynamax system to power up your monsters, Pokémon Sword and Shield tin can keep you lot busy for hours. Even so, the removal of longtime monsters from the game, including Psyduck and Squirtle, does mean y'all can't grab 'em all this time. Fortunately, with the arrival of the game's Isle of ArmorDLC and Crown Tundra DLC, y'all'll have a chance to see new environments in the Galar region, take hold of new Pokémon, and battle new foes.

6. Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon (thousand en 7)

Starter Pokémon: Rowlet, Litten, Popplio

Sun and Moon and the enhanced Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon switched up the standard Pokémon progression a bit. Set beyond the islands of Alola, Sun and Moon introduced players to Team Skull and the Aether Foundation, a grouping dedicated to protecting Pokémon. Rather than progressing through various towns' gyms, you had to consummate island trials, which typically included a small dungeon and a battle with a powerful Pokémon. Afterward, you'd exist able to boxing the island's Kahuna.

The 80 new Pokémon were some of the nigh interesting to be added since the early on games, and the Alolan versions of original Pokémon felt inspired. Z-Moves, Ultra Beasts, and an expanded take on Mega Evolutions added welcome mechanics into the fold. There was fifty-fifty a Pokémon Snap-style mini-game, making this one of the best 3DS games you lot can buy.

7. Pokémon 10/Y (gen 6)

Starter Pokémon: Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie

Pokémon Ten and Y marked the serial' first truly 3D experience. The camera perspective switched from top-down to a closer, behind-the-torso angle, which gave the world of Pokémon a sense of telescopic it hadn't seen earlier. The French republic-inspired Kalos region had flair and style and featured i of the largest mega-cities we'd seen thus far.

Though X and Y just introduced 72 new Pokémon, it did mark the beginning of Mega Evolutions. The storyline somewhat disappoints, just the higher allegiance presentation provided by the Nintendo 3DS hardware made Pokémon models truly popular during boxing sequences, assuasive for crisper fighting animations.

viii. Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (gen 4)

Starter Pokémon: Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum served an important role in the development of Pokémon. They looked markedly better than gen three Pokémon, thanks to the Nintendo DS, just they mainly showed where the franchise would eventually go. Generation four brought a very important characteristic: Online trading and contesting. This made filling out the Pokédex, which then neared 500 with the assistance of the new 107 pocket monsters, more of a global effort.

You didn't accept to know people with copies of the game to trade. Instead, you could just hop online and brand a merchandise for what yous needed. Online battling lets you really see who was the all-time trainer for the first time in series history. Generation four is dandy because of its technological innovations, but it'southward one of the more forgettable Pokémon time periods overall.

9. Pokémon White/Black and White/Blackness 2 (gen 5)

Starter Pokémon: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott

Generation 5 was an oddity. It was the first in the serial to get a direct sequel, with Black 2 and White 2 releasing a year after the originals. The sequels did retread familiar territory, but told a new story and featured some new areas and new Pokémon. Generation 5 also holds the tape for the most Pokémon, with 156 new Pokémon to catch.

Even more so than Diamond and Pearl, though, gen 5, especially the sequels, felt like a stopgap for the series' next development. While nosotros regard generation five every bit the "worst," we still think it's pretty darn good. It didn't introduce much new at all, but the true sequel concept was intriguing nonetheless.

The all-time Pokémon game remakes

When you accept a winning formula, it'south hard to want to alter it. The Pokémon games accept institute their niche audience and have managed to keep this audience entertained regardless of graphics. However, the Pokémon franchise has managed to push out a few remakes that are worth your time. Although these games are almost identical to the games listed in a higher place, they exercise have some improvements to each game that make them worth checking out and were usually compatible with the latest installment in the main series, allowing for some interesting cross-generation trading and battling.

1. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (gen 4)

Starter: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile

If you oasis't guessed withal, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are enhanced versions of their predecessors, Pokémon Gilded and Silver. This game was released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Gold and Silver, which were originally released in 1999. The creators worked to ensure that the game felt like a new game while also ensuring that it respected the feelings of those who loved the originals.

The games concur a few new features that originally simply Pokémon Crystal had. It'south also the first Pokémon game that allowed the histrion's political party to follow them in the outer globe. It was similar to how Pikachu would follow you around in Pokémon Yellow. There were also a handful of minigames that were added. Players could use the Nintendo DS touchscreen to compete in the Pokéathlon. Additionally, the GB Sounds was a new particular and would change the background music to the original viii-scrap music from Pokémon Gilded and Silvery.

two. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (gen 3 remake)

Starters: Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur

The first remake for Game Freak, FireRed and LeafGreen are the 2004 enhanced remakes of the original Ruby-red and Blue. Although they were made based on Ruby and Blue, they're actually function of the third generation of Pokémon games. The game takes us dorsum to the Kanto region, giving us memories of some of the Pokémon we've seen before.

However, at the end of the game, we're welcomed to the Sevii Islands, which is a completely new surface area that wasn't bachelor in either Red or Blue. This island stands out because it holds Pokémon that were unremarkably exclusive to the Johto region and has a few mail-game missions that can be fun. What's more, once the missions on the Sevii Islands are completed, players were able to trade Pokémon with players who had Red or Sapphire, making it possible to accept Hoenn-exclusive Pokémon also.

three. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Blastoff Sapphire (gen half-dozen)

Starters: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip

Those of us who preferred Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were invited dorsum to the game with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The game is part of the sixth generation of Pokémon games and was played on the Nintendo 3DS. Although the game is a remake, Game Freak worked to ensure that it had some of the changes from later generations.

We saw Pokémon with split types from the fourth generation and had unlimited TM usage and triple battles from the fifth generation. They too added features fromPokémon 10 and Y, such as Super Training and Mega Evolution. Ane of the new mechanics that stood out was the power to use Latios or Latias to fly around Hoenn. This is because when using these Pokémon to fly, we could run across "mirage spots," which had Pokémon that weren't otherwise bachelor in the Hoenn region. This includes numerous legendary Pokémon from previous generations.

four. Pokémon Vivid Diamond and Shining Pearl

Standing in the secret base full of Pokémon statues.

Starters: Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup

The 2022 release of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl finally brought gamers a pair of long-requested remakes. The two classic Nintendo 3Ds titles come up to the Nintendo Switch with updated gameplay, enhanced visuals, an expanded endgame.

We praised the game in our review for faithfully translating Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl in a way that felt authentic to the originals. That can exist a fleck of a double-edged sword, equally the linear path and lack of challenging gameplay will exist highly-seasoned for young gamers, just may turn off series veterans. The Underground has been expanded into the new Grand Underground. This end game area at present contains a sprawling dungeon, where you can battle and capture Pokémon of various types. It'southward not bad for gathering XP or filling out your Pokédex.

5. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (gen vii)

Starters: Rowlet, Litten, Popplio

Every bit function of the seventh generation of Pokemon games, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon enhance the versions of the original Sun and Moon in a way that makes them enjoyable. Critics and players were a bit divided on how this game felt. On ane hand, the additional features were amazing. On the other mitt, it didn't stray too far from the original story, which fabricated it feel similar the same game over again.

Notwithstanding, nosotros saw some great new features added to the game. Things similar Ultra Beasts, new forms of legendary Pokémon Necrozma, and a new Lycanroc form. We could too travel effectually the Alola region to collect Totem Stickers, which would then give us a chance to become a Totem-sized variant of a Pokémon. We also had a few new activities: Mantine Surf allow united states of america surf across the region'south seas, the Alola Photo Guild got us to have pictures with our Pokémon, and Ultra Warp Ride let us travel through Ultra Wormholes and come across Ultra Beasts in their own globe. Of course, there were also the new Z-Moves for a scattering of Pokémon and the upgrade to the Rotom Pokedex, which added Roto-Loto.

Best Pokémon spin-off games

Outside of the mainline games, in that location are dozens upon dozens of Pokémon experiences. Some of them diverge slightly from the core formula, and others are entirely different. Make no mistake about information technology, the Pokémon franchise has produced a lot of duds that felt like cash grabs. (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, anyone?) Just some Pokémon spin-offs work quite well. Here are our favorites.

1. New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap is the latest release in the Pokémon franchise and one of the series' best. Office amusement park ride, office puzzle game, New Pokémon Snap tasks yous with collecting pictures of Pokémon as y'all are carted effectually on a self-driving car. You earn points and stars based on the quality of the pictures as you venture across several maps. Getting the perfect shot often comes downwardly to conscientious timing and learning what lures or deportment on your part go the right reaction from the Pokémon. There are subconscious pathways to find, and the wild Pokémon become increasingly comfy with you on repeat visits, leading to fifty-fifty more opportunities to snap an interesting picture. Seeing these adorable creatures in their natural habitat is relaxing and charming, and New Pokémon Snap is the perfect game to relax with.

2. Pokémon Stadium

Pokémon Stadium brought our friends to 3D long before the mainline series when it launched on Nintendo 64. The game used the standard turn-based contesting system, rendering all of your favorites from the original 151 in the glory they deserved.

Working our mode through the stadium cups and playing multiplayer confronting friends was a blast. The best part about Stadium, though, was the Transfer Pak. The N64 controller attachment lets yous insert your re-create of Pokémon Cerise, Blue, or Yellow to utilise your personal collection in the game'south exciting 3v3 battles.

3. Pokémon Conquest

Pokémon Conquest for Nintendo DS spun the Pokémon formula into a wonderful tactics experience. Set in the new Ransei region, it told a wholly original story filled with warlords and waging factions. While the turn-based tactics gameplay wasn't as deep or challenging as games such equally Fire Emblem and Terminal Fantasy Tactics, it was a perfect introduction to the genre and contained all of Pokémon's patented charm.

4. Pokémon TCG Online

Pokémon began its life as a serial of video games, but the trading card game has taken on a life of its own. Published in the Westward past none other than Wizards of the Declension — the aforementioned company backside what might be the most popular trading menu game in the world,Magic: the Gathering— Pokémon's physical spin-off is simple to understand simply rife with depth. Pokémon TCG Onlineis a free, online version of the tabletop game, fit with the latest expansions and a sleek interface. Even better, each pack of physical cards comes with a redemption lawmaking, allowing y'all to double downwards digitally.

5. Pokémon Snap

An on-track shooter about taking candid shots of Pokémon in their natural habits for Professor Oak? Sign us up. The original Pokémon Snap as a Nintendo 64 game focused more on the beauty of these magical creatures rather than their deft combat skills. Nosotros loved every moment of it, especially when we captured an absolutely perfect photo of a burn down-breathing Charizard.

6. Pokémon Get

Pokémon Go is the most successful Pokémon game of all time in terms of actor count. The mobile sensation lets you be a real-life Pokémon trainer anywhere in the globe. Using AR technology, Pokémon pop up whether you lot're walking down the sidewalk or hanging out in your own backyard.

7. Pokémon Unite

Gameplay from the Japanese Pokémon UNITE beta test.

Pokémon meets League of Legends in Pokémon Unite, the commencement-always Pokémon MOBA. Customizable trainers boxing five versus v, using some of the most pop Pokémon from the series. It has archetype set on moves, evolutions, and ambrosial outfits for Pokémon to wear. What's not to dearest?

8. Pokémon: Let's Go

Pokémon: Permit's Go for Nintendo Switch is incredibly close to being considered a mainline Pokémon game. After all, it'south a largely faithful remake of Pokémon Yellowish rendered in beautiful 3D visuals, complete with battling, the gym badge progression, and the Aristocracy Four. Where Allow'due south Get differs is the act of catching Pokémon.

Using Pokémon Go as an influence, a simplistic catch mini-game commences when running into a wild Pokémon. Permit's Go also depicts wild Pokémon roaming the overworld, so you ever know what you're getting into beforehand. Pokémon: Let's Get is a wonderful melding of two types of Pokémon games.

9. Pokémon Puzzle League

Pokémon Puzzle League is essentially simplyTetris Assault with a different coat of pigment, but information technology is still 1 of the more entertaining Pokémon games outside of the main series. The game is unproblematic: the player's board is on one side of the screen with the opponent'south on the other.

Both boards will fill upwards with the tiles and players must rearrange the tiles to create lines of three or more in a row. Doing so will clear the tiles from your board and transport blocks to your opponent's, which they'll have to clear out. The game is straightforward but challenging and is specially fun to play against another person. The presence of various characters from Pokémon likewise gives it a warm feeling of nostalgia.

10. Pokémon Pinball

Pokémon Pinballfor the Game Male child Colour is surprisingly addictive for a game with simply 2 tables. Striking certain objects on the table will crusade Pokémon to appear, and players tin then catch them by hitting them with the ball multiple times before the time limit runs out.

Though information technology is a basic game, there are some interesting aspects to it. It has a misshapen game cartridge that contains a bombardment-powered "rumble" feature to add some haptic feedback. This was a unique novelty for the Game Male child when this game was released.

eleven. Pokémon Café Mix

Pokémon Café Mixis a free-to-play game that requires you to complete puzzles. The game stars you and an Eevee, who are owners of a café where Pokémon come and lodge Pokémon-themed food and drinks. To fulfill each order, you have to complete a puzzle to prepare the corresponding item. You'll need to clear Pokémon icons on-screen by linking them together in a ring. When you finish a level, you're able to upgrade your café with customized floors and designs that depict in dissimilar Pokémon. Subsequently a while, these Pokémon volition besides go part of your staff.

This game is similar to a lot of mobile games on the market. First-time players who try it out will get the hang of it fairly quickly. It'southward a fun and cure game for players on the go to effort out. You lot tin can play the game on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, only the game is only supported in the Switch's hand-held way. Pokemon Cafe Mix isn't an innovative game that volition garner special awards, but it's a fun game for Pokémon fans to play.

12. Pokken Tournament DX

Pokken Tournament DX is a Tekken-inspired fighting game that puts you in direct control of your chosen Pokémon, battling your manner to the peak. This palatial version is an expanded and upgraded port of the 2022 Wii U release, bringing with it expanded rosters and gameplay modes to the Nintendo Switch.

The activity shifts between 3D and 2D, and successfully blends Pokémon powers with traditional melee combat. The outcome is a game that is welcoming to Pokémon fans but deep enough to satisfy fighting game aficionados. Pokken Tournament features a single-player campaign just really shines in its online competitive multiplayer way.

13. Detective Pikachu

Detective Pikachu is the start of its kind within the Pokémon franchise. It's an adventure game that takes you through a powerful narrative. You play as Tim Goodman, who stumbles upon a Pikachu that he can oddly understand. We come to find out that this particular Pikachu is actually the Pokémon of Tim's father, Harry Goodman. We also come to learn that Harry has disappeared. Now it's up to you and your new Pikachu to find Harry and unravel the secrets of the Pokémon Comprehensive Laboratory.

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