Put it this way: Not only does this game surpass Gold & Silver for Gameboy, but it's the best Pokemon game. EVER.
I must first seriously WARN you though: if you are even a remote Pokemon fan you WILL get addicted to these versions. There's simply so much to do, so much to remember that it all can be truly fun yet also overwhelming. But I'd like to think it's overwhelming with goodness! Simply put, this game will keep you busy for hours upon hours. I've had this game for exactly 8 days and it's safe to say that I beat the main story in 6. It was just THAT insanely immersive.
Like they've been doing since Ruby and Sapphire (my least favorite entries in the series by the way), you can pick either a young boy or a cute girl in the beginning of your journey. Whatever your preference is doesn't really matter because it doesn't change the core game play. You also start your adventure, from the get-go, with your two best friends, blond-haired Bianca and serious-minded Cheren. They are two very different souls but during your journey I'm sure you will love at least one of them (if not both). And a HUGE plus is that they travel with you during your adventure. No, they don't hold your hand like what Misty and Brock were to Ash in the original (and best) cartoons, but they will be accompanying you from time to time, checking up on you and meeting up for Pokemon battles occasionally. Not to mention, sometimes they give you hints on where to go next.
I know it's not new to the series (I believe it started with Diamond and Pearl) but this is the first time that I actually got to trade and battle online with a Pokemon game. It's very addicting mind you and you just might "catch 'em all" this way. Eventually. There are over 600 Pokemon after all. You can trade and battle with people from numerous places around the world and the burn and desire to do it often will definitely be there. I can't say enough about this feature. Also, there are others, but I haven't accessed them all yet. Just battling and trading.
I'll make this part short but very sweet. The music, more often than not, is well--"epic" for the series in a simply uncomplicated way (I know, I hate when I oversee that word too, but hey--I only used it one time in this whole review!). You will find yourself *seriously* humming at least one of these themes before the game is over.
Lastly, I'm gonna "touch" on the story. This is one of the huge factors that makes the game what it really is. If you're not a story person and don't really care what's going on, then it might not faze you much. Hell--you might not want to pick this up because this game has a story. Yes, this memoir is so emotional at times that you really can't help but feel sucked in and invested in it all. I'm not gonna go into any real details since I'm sure you know the basics about everything from Team Plasma and the in-betweens by now. Don't wanna make this WAAAAY longer than it has to be.
Final thought: If you are even a moderate Pokemon fan, then you NEED to do yourself and your heart a favor and pick up a copy of Pokemon Black or White. Honestly, I hadn't read up much about them so when it came down to it, I picked White for two reasons: because the legendary Pokemon Zekrom looked 5x as cool as Reshiram but I also knew that if my favorite cousin was to get back into the series like I did, he would most definitely need (NOT WANT) the Black version, just 'cause it's black--one of his favorite colors (and maybe more personal reasons, who knows?).
I usually stray from making really long-winded reviews, but I had SO much to say and besides, this game totally deserves it! In fact, I'm kinda thinking it's my new favorite game ever! Just know that a rating of 10 is not handed out easily by me.
+Nice yet simple graphics stay true to the series
+Mostly great music
+Unova is and feels completely new with all new Pokemon to see until you beat the Elite Four
+Best friends join you on your adventure
+Great starters
+Most Pokemon are cute or cool (unlike most in Ruby/Sapphire)
+Engaging, emotional story
+Online battling and trading is a breeze (and fun!)
+Touch screen is well-implemented (but somewhat optional)
+EXTREMELY FUN
-Pokemon overall seem to have less experience points to give compared to the older versions (remembers the very first battle against your foe of any game played would result in an instant level up if you won against your opponent the first time--not so here)
-Rotation battles are simply awful
-May be too addicting for the tastes of some
Overall rating--> 10/10
written solely by darksongbird