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Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 742 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
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. 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. 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. Mar 4, 2011
    90
    Quotation forthcoming.
  4. 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. Mar 4, 2011
    88
    Strip away the unmanageable bulk and Pokémon is a truly great RPG. Add it back on later and it remains a flashy, if conventional, entry in the franchise.
  6. Mar 30, 2011
    80
    It's not perfect and can still feel a bit over-familiar to veterans, but it's still a well-constructed and extremely addictive entry which is well worth checking out.
  7. Mar 4, 2011
    75
    What it lacks in originality, Pokemon Black more than makes up for with a vast world to explore and an absorbing battle system that's heaps of fun.

See all 56 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 132
  2. Negative: 12 out of 132
  1. Jun 11, 2020
    10
    Nowadays all of us agree that Pokémon peaked in gen 5. Black and White 2 were greatly acclaimed but Black and White themselves are noNowadays all of us agree that Pokémon peaked in gen 5. Black and White 2 were greatly acclaimed but Black and White themselves are no exception. An original story with interesting characters, the Pokémon soft reboot concept, the perfect soundtrack and aesthetic appeal of 2D sprite design on it's peak compared to the disaster that is Pokémon 3D models all help drive this point home. Expand
  2. Apr 2, 2012
    10
    Not only are black and white the best of the series, but they are some of the greatest games ever created for the Nintendo DS. They are trueNot only are black and white the best of the series, but they are some of the greatest games ever created for the Nintendo DS. They are true masterpieces because of improved graphics, area, battle system, amount of creatures, and even small editions such as triple battles and c-gear. Expand
  3. Dec 11, 2011
    9
    Easily the best pokemon games to date. The pokemon are the most original pokemon we've seen since generation 2. I would also say these are theEasily the best pokemon games to date. The pokemon are the most original pokemon we've seen since generation 2. I would also say these are the most difficult pokemon games, although they're still easy. I didn't like the attempt to incorporate a story more so than the other pokemon games did, but that's not why I play these games. Also the new graphics are nice but again, nobody plays pokemon for the graphics. The core reasons to play a pokemon game are all there, such as new pokemon, new world to explore, new secret areas / secrets to find, new legendary pokemon to seek out in interesting ways, new gym leaders and battles, etc. Expand
  4. Apr 21, 2011
    9
    Looking back on the Pokemon series, its easy to claim that Gamefreak hasn't made very many changes. That was never more apparent than inLooking back on the Pokemon series, its easy to claim that Gamefreak hasn't made very many changes. That was never more apparent than in Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. It was disappointing and over all, the game felt stale, with hardly any new pokemon worth caring about. Thankfully, Black and White have solved all of these problems. The game is longer, the pokemon are better, and everything looks and feels new and exciting. It seems like its been years since I've cared about pokemon and this game has pulled me right back in. Of course, its a very similar game as you still move from town to town, defeating trainer after trainer and gym after gym. However, now with new pokemon and a bigger emphasis on exploration rather than HM moves, it all feels much better. Even if you're a jaded game, Pokemon Black/White does a lot to pull you back in. Expand
  5. Feb 21, 2021
    8
    Well made game,the fact that only 5th gen Pokemon is available until you beat the elite 4 and then all the other gets available and you get toWell made game,the fact that only 5th gen Pokemon is available until you beat the elite 4 and then all the other gets available and you get to revisit the region and catch them all is awesome Expand
  6. Sep 1, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ITS INCREDIBLE! ITS PHENOMENAL! Its not all that great if you ask me. Sure I loved playing this game growing up, watching my Pokemon evolve after hours of grinding brought me tons of joy. But being the timid kid I was, I had no intention of completing the game fearing what lied ahead. I had a team of level 60 Pokemon and I was too scared to play through the 3rd act of the game, the moment where you face N in the Pokemon League. I was curious so I looked up a game guide to see if I really stood a chance against the final challenges. Every time I pull the Serebii Net data, I got exhilarated wondering what the future looked like. And years later it feels sweeter than ever to complete challenges that I once feared many years ago. But after beating Black and White for the 3rd time, I've come to realize what this game really means to me. Of course I adore the game mechanics and the wonderful theme that makes me look deep inside myself...but this game is far from being a masterpiece despite being one of the best Pokemon games. I'd say this game's most underrated issue lies within the 3rd act of the game. It's kind of ironic for me in particular. First off the Relic Castle stage, as awesome as looks and sounds is the stage most people get stuck on. It's not due the Plasma grunt or the wild Pokemon obstacles, no its because of the quick sand traps. Every time you try to run through them you'll automatically sink down to the floor below. It's important to pay attention carefully to what those around you are saying in order to learn how to get through. Like most of the Gym gimmicks most kids playing this game may rage quit the game with enough of these boundaries. That's the least of my worries though as my main nitpicks actually lie within the dieting of the final battle. First let's talk about Team Plasma and I must say they are well designed villains. They may not be as intimidating as characters like Mewtwo or the Iron-Masked Marauder, but their ambition its threatening enough. Their aim is to separate all Pokemon from trainers, hoping that it's the only way for Pokemon to become perfect beings. They pledge to Unova that Pokemon training is a form of slavery and I won't lie, it does make wonder if I'm treating my Pokemon like tools. At this point the series is looking within itself while trying to reach the next level. And it really ties in with the story well. As you journey with your friends they ask themselves what answers will they find at the end of the journey. The conversations in the cutscenes can drag on for bit sometimes, but this is the stuff I live for in a good RPG game. A novel like story to go with the game. I can take Team Plasma seriously because their leader Ghetsis is an intimidating presence. He's really knows how to bind people up with the tiniest speech, though it isn't a big surprise that he's going to betray everyone in the end. "If we can win people's hearts and minds, we can easily create the world that I-I mean, Team Plasma-desires!" Speaking of which, the final battle in this game has a nice twist, N your archival and the King of Team Plasma, has bonded with the Legendary Pokemon. N's plan is to defeat the Pokemon Champion in order to install submission into everyone the region and force them to release their Pokemon. This build up is great because N is a great character, he has the ability to speak to Pokemon and carries a strong belief that humans are responsible for bringing suffering to Pokemon. And since Pokemon are a like animals I can see why he feels that way. Its like if Dr. Dolittle was an anime character, he's one of the best rivals no questions asked. And after you have defeated the Elite Four, its reveled that N had defeated Alder and has become the new champion of Unova. Looming in the distance Team Plasma's hidden castle rises from the ground and towers over the area in a menacing fashion! You race through the castle, peek into N's creepy childhood room, capture the alternate legendary dragon, use it to fight N's legendary dragon, and after it looks like its all over...Ghetsis comes to fight you next enraged that he lost, and the music strikes my soul like a bolt of thunder! Its an epic final battle! Then why wasn't my heart beating throughout the whole level? Well first off, N's Castle, as cool as it is, is a very short level. No enemies, traps, or wild Pokemon what so ever stand in your way. All you have to do is catch the legendary dragon. But what's irritating is that unless you have a player guide, you would have no idea how to properly use Reshiram or Zekrom in battle without a little practice. Honestly, if you have a solid team you're better off without using them. And what a shame that after you beat the game you can't revisit N's Castle again until the next game where it's in pieces. You can't even fight N again until the next game! Without Team Plasma and N this game isn't as interesting to continue playing through, I had more fun evolving Pokemon in this game. Expand
  7. Jan 20, 2012
    0
    Creatures Inc. and Pokemon Corp. should think of a newer spin off than the serie with the same plot. I am disgusted by the black and whiteCreatures Inc. and Pokemon Corp. should think of a newer spin off than the serie with the same plot. I am disgusted by the black and white pokemons they were ridiculously not memorable. They are like trashes that came along to the series. Expand

See all 132 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

1
2
#2 Most Discussed DS Game of 2011
5
#5 Most Shared DS Game of 2011