Summary

Release Year: 2010
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Developers: Game Freak
Publishers: Nintendo

Pokémon White Version: A Journey Through Unova

Pokémon White Version, released in 2010, is the first installment in the fifth generation of the Pokémon video game series. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS, it was released alongside its companion version, Pokémon Black Version.

Story

Pokémon White Version follows the journey of a young Pokémon Trainer as they travel through the Unova region, a vast and diverse land inspired by New York City and other urban areas. Along the way, the player encounters a variety of characters, including Gym Leaders, rivals, and members of Team Plasma, a villainous organization seeking to liberate all Pokémon from humans.

As the player progresses through the game, they learn more about the history of Unova and the conflict between Team Plasma and the region’s people. The player must ultimately defeat Team Plasma and their leader, Ghetsis, in order to restore peace to Unova.

Gameplay

Pokémon White Version features traditional Pokémon gameplay, with players capturing, training, and battling Pokémon. The game introduces 156 new Pokémon to the series, including starters Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.

One of the most significant changes in Pokémon White Version is the introduction of the Dream World, an online feature that allows players to interact with their Pokémon and other players in a shared virtual space. Players can catch special Pokémon in the Dream World and transfer them to their main game.

Graphics and Sound

Pokémon White Version features updated graphics and sound compared to previous Pokémon games. The game’s world is rendered in full 3D, and the character models are more detailed and expressive. The game’s soundtrack is also more varied and dynamic, with a mix of traditional Pokémon themes and new compositions.

Reception

Pokémon White Version was a critical and commercial success. The game sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo DS games of all time. The game received praise for its story, gameplay, and graphics.

Legacy

Pokémon White Version is considered one of the best Pokémon games in the series. It introduced a number of new features and innovations that would be carried over into future generations. The game also helped to expand the Pokémon universe and introduce new characters and Pokémon that have become fan favorites.

In-Depth Analysis

Characters

Player Character: The player character is a young Pokémon Trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Champion of Unova. The player can choose to play as either a male or female character.
Professor Juniper: The professor of the Unova region, Professor Juniper is a leading expert on Pokémon and their habitats. She gives the player their first Pokémon and sets them on their journey.
Cilan, Cress, and Chili: Three brothers who run the Striaton City Gym. They specialize in Normal-type Pokémon.
Lenora: The Nacrene City Gym Leader, Lenora is a skilled archaeologist and historian. She specializes in Normal-type Pokémon.
Elesa: The Nimbasa City Gym Leader, Elesa is a famous model and fashion designer. She specializes in Electric-type Pokémon.
Clay: The Opelucid City Gym Leader, Clay is a skilled miner and construction worker. He specializes in Ground-type Pokémon.
Skyla: The Mistralton City Gym Leader, Skyla is a skilled pilot and air racer. She specializes in Flying-type Pokémon.
Brycen: The Icirrus City Gym Leader, Brycen is a skilled ice skater and snowboarder. He specializes in Ice-type Pokémon.
Drayden: The Opelucid City Gym Leader, Drayden is a skilled martial artist and swordsman. He specializes in Dragon-type Pokémon.
Marlon: The Humilau City Gym Leader, Marlon is a skilled surfer and swimmer. He specializes in Water-type Pokémon.
Iris: The Champion of Unova, Iris is a skilled Dragon-type Trainer. She is also a member of the Unova Elite Four.
N: A mysterious young man who believes that Pokémon should be liberated from humans. He is the leader of Team Plasma.
Ghetsis: The true leader of Team Plasma, Ghetsis is a ruthless and ambitious man who seeks to use Pokémon to conquer the world.

Locations

Unova Region: The Unova region is a vast and diverse land inspired by New York City and other urban areas. It is home to a variety of different environments, including cities, towns, forests, mountains, and deserts.
Striaton City: The starting town of Pokémon White Version, Striaton City is a small town located in the eastern part of Unova. It is home to the Striaton City Gym.
Nacrene City: A city located in the central part of Unova, Nacrene City is home to the Nacrene City Gym. It is also home to the Dreamyard, where players can access the Dream World.
Nimbasa City: A large city located in the western part of Unova, Nimbasa City is home to the Nimbasa City Gym. It is also home to the Battle Subway, a popular destination for Pokémon battles.
Opelucid City: A city located in the northern part of Unova, Opelucid City is home to the Opelucid City Gym. It is also home to the Relic Castle, an ancient ruin that is said to be the resting place of the legendary Pokémon Reshiram.
Mistralton City: A city located in the southwestern part of Unova, Mistralton City is home to the Mistralton City Gym. It is also home to the Skyarrow Bridge, a long and winding bridge that connects Mistralton City to the rest of Unova.
Icirrus City: A city located in the northeastern part of Unova, Icirrus City is home to the Icirrus City Gym. It is also home to the Pokémon Center, where players can heal their Pokémon and store items.
Humilau City: A city located in the southeastern part of Unova, Humilau City is home to the Humilau City Gym. It is also home to the Seaside Cave, a large cave that is home to a variety of Water-type Pokémon.
Black City: The largest city in Unova, Black City

Review Score

9/10

Pokémon White Version (2010)