Every generation of Pokemon follows the same pattern as far as the games are concerned; two versions that are pretty much the same with minor differences and eventually, a third reenhanced version is released (just like the other two only with more content). For the fifth generation, Gamefreak decided to gives us something different; a sequel, and a brand new adventure. Though it may take place in the same region and only introduces a handful of new Pokemon, White 2 manages to do just enough to keep a second helping of Unova feel fresh all over again. In fact, it manages to be one of the most definitive Pokemon experiences in the franchise.
Taking two years after the predecessor, the basic story is one thing that doesn’t change; you control a 12 year old boy/girl (although you start off in a city this time, that’s kind of different) who chooses a Pokemon given to you buy the professor and now you must fight all 8 gyms, collect their badges, foil the plans of the evil team and defeat the Pokemon League. Speaking of evil teams, Team Plasma does make a return, but now there’s two of them; the ones who wish to follow N and keep equality between Pokemon and people, and one that follows Ghetsis who plan on……world domination. You are kind of given hints that both teams hate each other and are constantly fighting, but they hardly touch on it. In fact, the story is a bit of a step down from White. The story doesn’t seem as involved, but as if you truly care about a captivating story in a Pokemon game anyway, right?
The visuals aren’t really any different from the previous game. In fact, from the landscape to the battle screen, they’re exactly the same. The world of Unova, on the other hand, is…..mostly the same, but it is much bigger and filled with more to do. You’ll be able to discover areas of the world that you previously couldn’t reach before and tackle gym leaders you didn’t fight the first time around. Perhaps it could have used more but the new additions themselves definitely do enough to make exploring this vast region worth checking out once more.
The Pokemon formula has hardly changed this time around. You explore the region with your very own team of Pokemon. How do you get more? Well just walk into the tall grass until you run into a random encounter with one. You will send out your own Pokemon to do battle, and then you have the option to make it faint (gaining experience) or by weakening it and then throwing a pokeball, catching it for your own use. Each Pokemon is unquie as each one has a different type that may be good against other specific types, and choosing the right one for battle is crucial. In addition, each Pokemon is equipped with their own moves that they learn by leveling up or being taught, and they can evolve into even bigger and stronger. You can use your own team to fight other rival trainers scattered throughout the world, gym leaders (stronger trainers who you must defeat to get to the Pokemon League), the pokemon league and also, other players whether they be around the world or your local friends.
The Pokemon formula has hardly changed this time around, much like White. You explore the region with your very own team of Pokemon. How do you get more? Well just walk into the tall grass until you run into a random encounter with one. You will send out your own Pokemon to do battle, and then you have the option to make it faint (gaining experience) or by weakening it and then throwing a pokeball, catching it for your own use. Each Pokemon is unquie as each one has a different type that may be good against other specific types, and choosing the right one for battle is crucial. In addition, each Pokemon is equipped with their own moves that they learn by leveling up or being taught, and they can evolve into even bigger and stronger. You can use your own team to fight other rival trainers scattered throughout the world, gym leaders (stronger trainers who you must defeat to get to the Pokemon League), the pokemon league and also, other players whether they be around the world or your local friends.
Once again, the formula has hardly changed here too. However, unlike the first Black/White, instead of being limited to the 150 new Pokemon introduced this generation, you will find a much larger variety of Pokemon from this generation and previous ones. This allows you to mix and match your teams in even more various ways than before. It’s also great that people looking for familiar faces won’t have to wait to beat the game this time around.
The problem with the previous game was a lack of content, especially post-game. Well, I’m glad to say that Black/White 2 offers even more than before. First of all, there’s the Pokemon World Tournament. This tournament pits you against other trainers in a series of elimination rounds until one stands on top of the champion. But wait, that’s not all, not only do you fight gym leaders from both the previous game and this one, but you will eventually tackle gym leaders from every other generation prior and even the champions, especially Red (protagonist from the first game). This tournament alone is tons of fun and a good distraction, but you will also be given the White Treehollow (Black Tower in Black 2). In here, you traverse through a maze-like tree hollow fighting powerful trainers until you reach the master at the end. Defeating the master gives you an item and lets you continue to the next floor. This is fun at first, but it can get old about halfway through as it can be very time consuming. At least it’s a good way to rake in some experience. In addition, more legendaries are available to you as well including Reshiram, who you couldn’t catch the first time.
As probably expected, the multiplayer mode is pretty similar to Black/White. You will be given a handy device called the C-gear. The C-gear is displayed in the bottom screen and it gives you quick access to other players at any time. Very handy compared to having to go all the way to a Pokemon Center like previous games. Using the C-gear, you can instantly trade and battle others over WiFi. Battling and trading with others is always a joy. Then there’s the feeling check mini game, a rhythm game which is played locally and tests the bonds between you and your Pokemon, It’s not very exciting, but at least you are rewarded with items.
After just receiving a re-enhancement of the same two versions every generation, it was a nice change of pace to receive an actual sequel to the previous game this time. The formula remains the same, of course, but somehow the Pokemon formula never gets tiring. White 2 outdoes its predecessor by adding on to an already vast world and giving us more variety in Pokemon and moves while giving us more content, making this quite possibly the definitive Pokemon experience (at the time). If you’ve played Black/White already, don’t be afraid to give this game a go thinking it’s the same exact game. Just be prepared to kiss your social life goodbye.