Pokemon Black Version

 DS
Pokemon Black Version Image
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Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 751 Ratings

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  • Summary: Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram canPokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram can only be caught in Pokémon Black Version, while the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom can only be caught in Pokémon White Version. Additionally, the two games feature different areas for the first time in the series, with the game world of Pokémon Black Version featuring a unique metropolitan area called Black City, and a lush, green area named White Forest only found in Pokémon White Version. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version also mark the first time in a Pokémon video game that the seasons will change in the game world. Certain Pokémon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season.… Expand
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Pokemon Black Version Official Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. Eurogamer Sweden
    Mar 16, 2011
    100
    The fact that Game Freak dared to remove all the old pokémons from the main story line and replace them with 156 new ones is only one of the reasons for the series feeling fresher than ever. Pokémon Black and White is the most entertaining game yet, and is a must-buy for all Nintendo DS owners.
  2. Videogameszone.de
    Mar 9, 2011
    93
    The new battle system and the big new Poké-world feel great. There are a lot of new Pokémon to collect and train. You've got to get used to some of them. Poké-Fans shouldn't miss the new Black and White editions.
  3. Eurogamer
    Mar 3, 2011
    90
    Of course there's a lot that's the same. Of course there is. But with a great many small and well-placed innovations, a vivacious, inventive new cast and the biggest cosmetic makeover the series has ever seen, Pokémon Black and White makes it all feel new again. It reminds you what there was to love about Pokémon in the first place – and perhaps we all needed reminding.
  4. N-Europe
    Apr 7, 2011
    90
    One of the best generations of Pokemon titles to date, Black & White take almost all of the best elements from the series and then carefully craft it into something truly wonderful; recreating that same sense of adventure from the very first titles.
  5. GameTrailers
    Mar 11, 2011
    86
    If you enjoy deep RPGs and you're looking for a great time-killer--or just ask a lot from your video game purchases--you can't go wrong with Pokemon Black and White.
  6. DarkZero
    Apr 2, 2011
    80
    Few gaming series can steal as many hours from me, no questions asked, quite like Pokémon. I'm currently clocked at 28:37, which was enough to beat the Elite Four but not enough to lose interest. Is this the strongest entry to date? Probably not, nor is it the innovative leap that some gamers expected but you can cogitate all you like; there's a consistently enjoyable adventure to be found here, and that's all that matters.
  7. RPGamer
    Mar 16, 2011
    70
    In the end, the real question is whether Pokémon Black offers enough spark to justify buying another Pokémon game. True believers have purchased it already, and the vocal haters will continue their hating despite this review's best efforts. For everyone who's left, the answer is a solid maybe.

See all 63 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 148
  3. Negative: 11 out of 148
  1. Goonga
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    This game will always hold a place in my heart. The is probably the most ambitious entry into the franchise yet, due to implementing aThis game will always hold a place in my heart. The is probably the most ambitious entry into the franchise yet, due to implementing a completely new Pokedex with all new Pokemon to enjoy! The music is amazing, maybe bias is talk but the must is probably the best in the series, alongside Black 2 and White 2.
    Do get this game.    … Expand
  2. FestiveBoi
    Feb 2, 2022
    10
    Being a large Pokemon fan, Pokemon Black and White version are still one of THE best Pokemon games to ever come out, and that is still trueBeing a large Pokemon fan, Pokemon Black and White version are still one of THE best Pokemon games to ever come out, and that is still true over a decade later.

    The story is perhaps one of the better ones, with a theme of 'questioning' and 'opposites', and it was a great take on something that wasn't really done before, and it was a game where you could actually understand where the villains were coming from with their ideals.

    The characters are very memorable, the music is memorable, and of course, the game mechanics - Triple, Rotation battles - is memorable, and sometimes dearly loved within the Pokemon community.

    In 2022, the time of this review, this game is still highly in the recommended list for 'Best Pokemon Experience'    … Expand
  4. Zeph
    Mar 6, 2011
    10
    I told myself a long time ago, I am done with Pokemon. I now find myself eating my words. There are 150 new Pokemon, and while they areI told myself a long time ago, I am done with Pokemon. I now find myself eating my words. There are 150 new Pokemon, and while they are well... odd to say the least, it sure is kind of cool to see nothing but new creatures every time I get into a random battle. I like the camera angle here, it is really well done, and does a good job of implementing the 2.5D capability of the DS. Multiplayer... oh wow, they really created something else. The entire multiplayer experience is overhauled, with a feature similar to the 3DS' street-pass, a Pokemon dream world, and no more freaking Pokemon Centers to connect wirelessly. C-Gear is outstanding. I once rated HG a 9, but Black (and I suppose I can speak for White too), is so much more streamlined, improved, and fresh. I would call this among the top 10 DS games of all time.… Expand
  5. Happymonk
    Mar 27, 2012
    9
    The best Pokemon game to date, the graphics are excellent, the story is surprisingly good and the battle mechanics are as good as ever. TheThe best Pokemon game to date, the graphics are excellent, the story is surprisingly good and the battle mechanics are as good as ever. The Pokemon designs are mostly fantastic (including some of my favorite additions, like Dwebble), although there are a couple of odd choices. Everything added also feels right at home in the Pokemon franchise. The music is awesome as ever and everything, while technically being old game mechanics, feels fresh. My only complaint of the game is that it came out too close to the 3DS launch, so I worry that my pitiful 75+ hours spent on the game is not enough. It doesn't get a 10 because, if this is the best one yet, the next one might be better (silly reason really). Now bring on Pokemon Black & White 2! Just do yourselves a favor and buy this game if you have not already done so!… Expand
  6. notnoxi
    Dec 2, 2021
    8
    Pokemon Black and White is sprite-based pokemon at it's best. The world is even more animated than ever and captured in a beautiful artPokemon Black and White is sprite-based pokemon at it's best. The world is even more animated than ever and captured in a beautiful art direction and color palettes. Brilliant character designs and consists of many new pokemons, one of the Nintendo DS's highest quality game.… Expand
  7. krabboss
    Mar 7, 2011
    7
    Unfortunately, it seems Game Freak still hasn't worked out a few kinks in the Pokemon design. Like the previous generation, Pokemon Black andUnfortunately, it seems Game Freak still hasn't worked out a few kinks in the Pokemon design. Like the previous generation, Pokemon Black and White play at a snail pace. Your walking speed is atrocious and you're stuck with it until you're given the running shoes. I don't understand this design choice at all. Why disallow us from running in the first place? I've always found this to be a nonsensical milestone to meet in the games.

    Most actions and events are unnecessarily slow too. Transitioning from one scene to another (such as entering/exiting a building or a battle) still takes too long. Battle phases are still too drawn out as well. It should not take so long to show the attack you've used, the damage it has done and any multipliers or effects applied to it. This could all be remedied by simply showing all relevant information above the rival Pokemon (a la most RPGs), rather than the usual text boxes at the bottom of the screen.

    The new Pokemon are better than I expected, to be fair. I'd seen a lot of the official art of these new Pokemon a while ago and I was not impressed. Fortunately, as sprites, they look a little less hideous. Still, I consider them to be pretty weak compared to earlier generations (I didn't think much of Generation IV's new Pokemon either), but that could be nostalgia clouding my judgement.

    The story in this generation is slightly darker and more complex than the series has ever seen before, which is a nice touch. There are themes in this game I wouldn't have ever expected to see in the series and I'm glad they're there. In terms of story, this generation is far ahead of anything before it. However, don't expect to be enthralled by it - this is still a Pokemon game.

    I was hoping for more change in these games, honestly. I wasn't expecting these changes (I imagine straying from the proven formula too much could prove hazardous), but they would have been nice. That's about all I've got to say, really.    … Expand
  8. ProudGenwunner
    Feb 14, 2017
    0
    This game is a massive failure. I can't even get Charizard wtf.
    because this is forcing me to add characters the reason it is a 0/10 is    This game is a massive failure. I can't even get Charizard wtf.
    because this is forcing me to add characters the reason it is a 0/10 is because it has 0 real pokemon and features an abomination known as Druddigon.    … Expand

See all 148 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best DS Game of 2011
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2011
2
#2 Most Shared DS Game of 2011