Pokemon Black Version 2 DS
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2012
User Score
8.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 86
  3. Negative: 9 out of 86

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  1. MOHAMMAD0203
    Oct 7, 2012
    9
    Pokemon black and white 2 hands down the best second installment the series has seen.This game has more then the traditonal Pokemon game , giving a refreshing feel from the new gym leaders to Pokemon world championship.This game packs charming visuals more then the original and the continuation of the story and seeing how unova grown is truly charming.
  2. RavenEyry
    Dec 25, 2012
    3
    This fails horribly as a sequel and as a standalone game has a horrible plot, tacked onto the prequel. Some of the new features are nice and it has a good selection of mons, so it would have worked much better as the usual 'third version'. As it stands you have to deal with the atrocious plot.

    This is the only pokemon game I've ever regretted buying.
  3. rubin
    Oct 7, 2012
    8
    A game that packs more punch than it would appear on the surface. For the first time in franchise's history, the traditional "third version" feels like an actual new adventure instead of the same experience repackaged. For starters, the dex got massively expanded - a whopping 150 Pokemon (more than ever before) were added to the Unova Pokedex, including fan-favourites such as Growlithe and Eevee. Picking your final 6 of such a massive collection is nothing short of a challenge, and greatly contributes to the series already excellent replayability. The way you progress through the map is also very different - several new zones were added, and on top of that, each of the old zones got nicely redesigned, making them feel fresh. The game is also feels a bit less linear than BW - there are more caves, hidden secrets, more non-obligatory routes and places (like a haunted house). However, several problems, some of which were present in BW1, still remain unsolved. Musicals only "advantage" is that you're not forced to play them this time around. The hyped Pokemon World Tournament is frankly a poor man's Battle Frontier - no amount of fanservice is going to hide the fact that it's a compilation of easy, boring battles that any half-competent player will breeze through in 10 minutes tops. Online service is still mediocre at best - Dream World should only be played by total masochists, Random Match-ups are marred by disconnectors and cheaters, while Global trade station still allows for ridiculous things such as the famed lv.9 Reshiram (not legally obtainable by any means!). Despite this, Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 remain a great addition to the DS collection, and a game that hopefully all future "third versions" will follow suit.… Expand
  4. czaczaczar
    Nov 5, 2012
    10
    Best Pokemon game ever. The story is very intriguing & will make you ask what would happen next. The best part is the contents of the game. You won't get bored with this.
  5. Novembre
    Oct 8, 2012
    9
    Pokemon BW2 is an excellent game. With new characters, new music, new locations, "new" pokemon (pokemon from previous generations, unlike the Unova-specific preE4 roster from BW) and a new plot, it's quite fun. All locations have changed in some way or another, whether it's adding new buildings/gyms, to revamping cities, to completely new cities, and it's nice to see how it had developed over the two years (in addition, the cities and towns are the largest yet). Another neat thing to notice are the gyms - what they lost in complexity (which was a bit disappointing), they gained in originality and character. Each gym has its own exclusive track (from Elesa's fabulous "Are you ready?" electronic theme, to Burgh's cool, creepy (and by far my favorite) one)), and have great setup. Gamefreak also added in tons of things to keep you busy, whether it's collecting the 200+ medals (the equivalent of achievements or trophies), to making movies in Pokestar studios, to playing Funfest Missions, challenging the towers in White Forest/Black City, and finally challenging the top trainers in the World Tournament. Of course, some of the features from BW return in this game, such as the Musical Contests and the Battle Subway. Along with the large features, Pokemon BW2 really shines in the details. Tiny things, like sunbeams shining whenever you come out of a building, to moving NPC sprites (finally!), to the "battle platforms" for your Pokemon (simple coloured circles, be gone! Depending on your location, you can get grass gently blowing in the wind, to rippling waves, etc.) all add a sense of pleasure and detail to your playthrough that had never been seen before (at least, it does for me - I love small details like that). New Hidden Hollows, areas where you can catch Pokemon with their hidden abilities, are also a joy to discover. There are a couple of downsides to BW2, however - first of all, because the selection of Pokemon at the beginning is so varied and, well, good, I found the playthrough to be a bit easy compared to previous games. I have not yet touched the Challenge Key, but that will hopefully solve the difficulty curve once I acquire it (still, the wide variety of Pokemon can offer you different gameplays, if you are one to plan your team ahead of time). Another thing that really bothered me was the dialogue and general plot progression. It's so incredibly clunky and badly written that I found myself wincing more than once (and even at one point believing that my game had miraculously become bootleg). As some people have mentioned, it isn't as 'fresh' as BW - but do you honestly expect it to be? Keep in mind, this is the equivalent of Platinum, or Emerald - it's leagues ahead of any Grey version we might have gotten, and all of the changes still ignite the feeling of exploration, albeit not as much (and please don't complain about there not being any new Pokemon - this is not a new generation!) Still, this game is another incredibly fun romp through the land of Unova. The upsides greatly outweigh the downsides of this game, which are minuscule (with exception of that dialogue! What happened to you, translation team?) I fully recommend that you get it. Why not?… Expand
  6. DarthSidious63
    Oct 14, 2012
    7
    If this is the final Pokemon game for the DS it's going out with a whimper not with a bang. I am not saying that Black and White 2 is a bad game it is the same game all over yet again. You start with the same starter Pokemon from Black and White and build up it stats all over again. What I would have liked to see is that you pick all of the starters Pokemon from all the regions such as Bulbasaur or Charmander. When a new Pokemon game comes out for the 3DS GameFreak needs to totally rebuild this series from top to bottom.… Expand
  7. zhoomcar
    Oct 31, 2012
    9
    In short, it improves upon everything that was introduced in B/W 1. With all new zones, a wider Pokemon roster, more attention to detail and generally so much more to do, once you go B/W 2, you'll never want to go back. Arguably the best game in my opinion since the original Gold/Silver. The only qualms I have with this particular entry is the plot, which went out with a whimper, unlike the original's fantastic climax. Which is a shame, considering they got everything else just right.

    It is rather sad, however, as this will be the last G5 game, seeing as Game Freak will probably head off to do a remake of Sapphire/Ruby for the DS, before finally moving to the 3DS. By then, maybe fans will finally get the definitive Pokemon game to rule them all.    … Expand
  8. MrWhiggy
    Oct 16, 2012
    10
    Pokemon Black and White 2 are one of the best entries in the series so far. There are a mixture of small and big changes, but all make the game feel fresh. The simple inclusion of pre-Unova Pokemon and new starting towns helps the starting zone feel new and exciting. While I generally preferred the story in Black and White, the journey to the Elite Four I found much more enjoyable in Black and White 2. Other additions include the Pokestar Studios (a film making "minigame", that is very enjoyable), Join Avenue (sort of like a customizable mall) and Pokemon World Tournament (which allows you to battle past Gym Leaders and Champions). The Memory Link was also a clever feature, allowing players who have completed Black and White to get new pieces of story in the two year gap. If you liked any of the Pokemon games at all, you'll like this one.… Expand
  9. andrewrox
    Dec 16, 2012
    10
    Flawless game!!!....there is so much inside this game that makes this game great like the amazing pwt tournaments....the many legendaries including the Regis.....sure the game is different compared to all the old pokemon games but this game is still a great game....this game has endless small details like the pokestar studios....it's hard to get board in this game because it's endless...
  10. kendylmau5
    Nov 2, 2012
    8
    In comparison with Pokemon Black and White, versions 2 give more than enough additional content and catchable Pokemon early in the game to make them feel brand new, yet it has enough references and similarities to make it at least a sequel. Pros: Pokemon from previous generations are made available throughout the game; Zorua is easily attainable; Wi-Fi connectivity offers a ton of multiplayer value; one of the most visually delightful Pokemon games to date. Cons: As with Black and White, lots of unnecessarily forced dialogue; formulaic for those who want refreshing gameplay.… Expand
  11. chevx
    Oct 13, 2012
    10
    Pokemon, The only thing I can really say bad about this entry in the Pokemon series is that......... Nothing to say really. I'm currently on my sixth badge and I must say its my first time choosing a water type starter for my journey (and all other Pokemon games that ever existed) and I regret it. It was so difficult to beat most of the gym leaders most notably the felt-hat-guy (cant remember name) I'm mainly a fire type user.… Expand
  12. alexwald16
    Oct 9, 2012
    10
    The recent release of Pocket Monsters Black Version 2 and Pocket Monsters White Version 2 in Japan was a pre-empted shock to those outside the world of Pokémon. Along with the summer arrival came the remorse (as its similarity to HeartGold and SoulSilver, themselves remakes, is striking) of the previous games. Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 are set two years after the fall of N and Team Plasma, with characters, concepts, and Pokémon never before seen. The story takes place at the same region, Unova, but with a different rival. Also, one of the rivals from the previous game, Cheren, is now a Gym Leader.

    These games also have a new facility known as the Pokémon World Tournament. Not only does this feature allow players to battle every gym leader, as well as champion, from every region (with the exclusion of Koga), but it also changes the battle theme for each opponent they face, upgrading them from memories lost to memories regained, and transforms the game itself into a battle-field fit for all players of all genders and generations, making for a never-ending TRUE Pokémon battle between masters!    … Expand
  13. Jon2011
    Oct 12, 2012
    9
    Black 2 is a sequel to Black and has some improvements. Pokemon World Tournament is addicting, fun, and challenging. Some little things that help like the new repel feature. Still missing the 'shoe button' that was in the HGSS games. Some new areas and gym leaders.
  14. mewshiny
    Nov 7, 2012
    9
    Really like this game. It's the same world like it was in Black and White but they changed alot of towns and added some new places. You can catch old pokemon from previous generations or the new ones. I played over 40h to get all the badges. Only bad things are, they could add some more trainer on some of the routes or one the bridges, which are very empty.
  15. Deamatre
    Nov 9, 2012
    8
    Pluses: It is still Pokemon, they have added may areas and storylines. Minuses: Not a completely New game- not a full set of new Pokemon, keeps many of the problems Black & White 1
  16. locpro998
    Nov 19, 2012
    10
    I am so proud to play the newest Pokemon game. h h hh h h h h hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  17. Oceanicus
    Nov 20, 2012
    9
    Hands down, the best game of the generation. It has really nice touches, like the Pokémon World Tournament. Improved story and map. However it could have been only 1 game (gray or grey version) instead of 2.
  18. Patrick94
    Feb 5, 2013
    9
    I haven't played a Pokemon game since Emerald and I must say, I am impressed. Those people that say Pokemon uses the same formula bla bla bla are wrong. Black 2 (and i'm sure white 2) is a fun, fresh, exciting outing in the region of Unova and I haven't been disappointed yet. I would recommend this to anyone that hasn't played the previous Black/White versions as the story isn't hard to follow at all and I mean, IT'S POKEMON… Expand
  19. frugal_frogger
    Dec 17, 2012
    10
    This is the best pokemon game I've ever played! I didn't think the DS had all that much to offer anymore but this game surely proved me wrong! Yesss! Overall the visuals, music, adventures and characters mix together into a wonderful DS gaming experience!
  20. TheCritic1
    Dec 27, 2012
    10
    When this game was announced in March of 2012 with Black and White Kyurem also being announced, I thought to myself " Yes, a new Pokémon game, but still in Unova?" Yes, I knew about the third game thing Nintendo and Game Freak do with the franchise. As the game released in Japan and I watched many walkthroughs of it to see what I could expect, my excitement kept falling and falling. Until Christmas Day, when I got the game and I gave it a shot. I love Unova two years later because it is SOOOOO pretty and you will be seeing a lot of familiar faces. The amount of Pokémon in the game is very helpful than the first. While there was only 150 Pokémon in the first game's Unova Pokédex, the number has doubled in this game, bringing it up to 300. Some of these Pokémon include Riolu, Eevee and Trapinch. You can also get a Zorua in game without going to an event and that Zorua is a very special Zorua indeed. Also, the conflict between the Team Plasma of past and present is very interesting to watch at how N and Ghetsis rule each of their teams. And its the little things to that make this game brilliant. Asking to spray a Repel when your previous one has run out without going into your bag. The animations of Trainers. The amount of good training spots, which is something all Pokémon Trainers will appreciate. Tons of replay value. I was fighting a Clefable just a while ago, it used Metronome and it said " Wagging a finger let the foe's Clefable use..." These are the little things that make this game so great. But with great advantages comes some disadvantages. Some of the boss battles, like Gym Leaders, are too easy. Like Ghetsis in the last game WAY overpowered but in this game, his Pokémon are easy to take out and fighting his Hydreigon is just not as scary as it was in the first game. And at the beginning, there is a HUGE tutorial on the basics, which are not to be told to experienced Trainers but is useful for beginners. Like, I got asked how to open a bag, for God sake! But these are only little things. All in all, this is a great game and a huge improvement on the first game and the best Pokémon game I have played, mabye the best one yet!… Expand
  21. imthenoob
    May 11, 2013
    0
    Own either White or Black version? Good then don't bother with this. It's THE EXACT SAME GAME!!! Literally, Same locations, Same graphics and sound-track, Same everything. The only difference is that they added some of the old Pokemon from previous games to it. Other then that it's the exact same game and a complete waste of money.
  22. CrimsonWolfen
    Feb 6, 2013
    10
    As the first real sequel to any Main-Series Pokemon game, Black 2 and White 2 are amazing. Any faults in the original Black and White were fixed, story that was left unclear was cleaned up, Move Tutors, more areas to the Unova Region and anything you were expecting from Black and White will most likely have it. Also, intermixing different region Pokemon is back. Awesome.
  23. Parzival
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    When Pokemon Black and White came out, I was blown away at the sheer size of the game, overhauled battle scenes, and a completely new set of Pokemon to explore. Black 2 provides this epic experience and more. The story plot is similar to the other games, but small twists along the way make it a refreshing experience for veterans. The dynamic camera during battles is kept, giving a realistic edge to the gameplay. No new Pokemon are created, but new forms are a welcome addition to the mostly linear Unova Pokedex. When exploring, the camera will occasionally zoom out/in or pan left or right, giving a quality new to the series (handheld; ones for the GameCube do this too). The story plot is a direct sequel to the previous, making it the third Pokemon game so far to do that. Familiar faces from Black and White reappear, along with new people. Even after the main story arc is complete, many side quests are sure to keep you busy for a long while. This is hands down one of the best games, Pokemon or otherwise, that Nintendo has created.… Expand
  24. Falcon612
    Mar 16, 2013
    8
    I love Pokemon, but do not let all the new features of the game scare those who have never played Pokemon or stopped after gen 1 or gen 2. The game is easy enough to be welcoming, perhaps too much so for my taste, but there are always ways to make the game harder for yourself. Story does not win any medal though which is a shame because there is so much potential for a good narrative (read Pokemon Adventures). But the charm of collecting and getting to know your little friends is still there.… Expand
  25. Tomaskovic93
    Apr 25, 2013
    9
    Fantastic continuation of the story from Black and White, this game wraps it up nicely. love the new forms of Kyurem. Always loved these games, always will.
  26. Skullgirlsfan13
    May 12, 2013
    8
    At my age I thought Pokémon was a dying franchise, and was still cramming down as many games and T.V shows; I still think the shows should've stop. With the release of the newest generation of Pokémon I was not interested in buying this game, but I eventually succumbed to curiosity and purchased Pokémon white. I thought that was one of the best ones ever, the gameplay, the strategy, it waswas a great experience. When I heard shortly after the release of the first one the was another one coming out: Black & White 2. I thought it was too soon for another one, but I ended up getting it anyways. So I thought it would be another version of the same game but with minor differences. In a way it kind of was, but in another way it improves in many other factors. Like the story has improved, and is more interesting, but like the previous games it just comes and goes. There's actually no giant significant difference from its previous instllment, it's actually the little things that makes this game a bit better. That's what I think of this game: It's a little bit better.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. RPG Fan
    Mar 20, 2013
    78
    They're still good games, but there's nothing overtly special about them that makes them stand out from the rest of the series or, more importantly, Black and White 1.
    Read full review
  2. Worth Playing
    Jan 10, 2013
    75
    Like the first game, Pokémon Black: Version 2 is a solid title that most fans will enjoy. The addictive qualities remain, and partaking in the quest to meet and capture every Pokémon is still as exciting as it was several handheld generations ago. While the base game is still great, longtime fans will be less enthused by the restrictions, despite the many improvements and included modes. For those looking for their next series fix, this entry will do nicely.
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Dec 21, 2012
    70
    Classic collect-them-all RPG offers challenging battles and quite-a-lot Pokémons to train. [Christmas 2012]
See all critic reviews »