User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 656 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 85 out of 656
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  1. Oct 28, 2020
    10
    An amazing game and arguably the peak of the Pokemon franchise as a whole. If only GameFreak took notes from this game.
  2. Jun 2, 2021
    9
    Bestest story you can get from a Pokemon game, great character design, not better than the orijinal ones but amazing, the game feels like its a sequel instead of a deluxe version of the original, good game
  3. Jul 2, 2014
    7
    As someone who is following the series since the 3th generation i really enjoyed this game, but only if you consider it as a big ass dlc. As you know from my previous reviews I would usually talk a lot about a game but because that i see this game as a dlc, i will only talk about the new content

    The new Pokemon are as always welcomed to the franchise, but actually there is not much
    As someone who is following the series since the 3th generation i really enjoyed this game, but only if you consider it as a big ass dlc. As you know from my previous reviews I would usually talk a lot about a game but because that i see this game as a dlc, i will only talk about the new content

    The new Pokemon are as always welcomed to the franchise, but actually there is not much here, just black and white kyurem, keldeo, genesect, and another one that i forgot (you could get the last three in the last games by hacking it with all the move sets so this is also another "Disk Locked Content")

    The new cities and places are my favorite edition to the game, they make unova a whole lot greater

    And finally I actually think that the story is much better here then the previous games but that is just personal

    But overall i recommend you to buy this game only if you are a hardcore Pokemon fan or if you haven't bought the first games
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  4. May 19, 2015
    6
    The game is good but it is just like a DLC to the previous games. They need to think of something new and interesting. The gameplay is great and I love Pokemon but it is hard to stay interested after awhile
  5. 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 asIf 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
  6. Jan 19, 2014
    5
    It's a pretty normal pokemon game overall. The 5th generation has scaled EXP so that you can't easily out-level your opponents, which is great for keeping the challenge even, though it's never super hard. There's not too much variety to the post game content, but they did add a pokemon world tourment thing in addition to black/white's battle subway. The story isn't really interesting orIt's a pretty normal pokemon game overall. The 5th generation has scaled EXP so that you can't easily out-level your opponents, which is great for keeping the challenge even, though it's never super hard. There's not too much variety to the post game content, but they did add a pokemon world tourment thing in addition to black/white's battle subway. The story isn't really interesting or anything. You can get more pokemon in-game than you could with the first black/white, but they still expect you to use the stupid dream world for the rest of them, which is an online flash minigame thing that's mostly dumb. It's all sorta just average and "what you'd expect" sort of stuff. Expand
  7. 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.
  8. Jul 23, 2013
    9
    With a different plot and new areas in the Unova Region, "Pokemon Black Version 2" is able to surprise with a new journey, a more variety of Pokemon, and a new feel. Unlike "Pokemon Platinum", players are able to experience its region in a different time period, thus, enabling new technology and the areas explored in the first game, being entirely redecorated. Although the Unova region mayWith a different plot and new areas in the Unova Region, "Pokemon Black Version 2" is able to surprise with a new journey, a more variety of Pokemon, and a new feel. Unlike "Pokemon Platinum", players are able to experience its region in a different time period, thus, enabling new technology and the areas explored in the first game, being entirely redecorated. Although the Unova region may feel old and tedious at times, "Pokemon Black Version 2" has enough new and interesting qualities to make it feel enjoyable. Expand
  9. Oct 8, 2013
    10
    Wow! Pokemon Black 2 is just AMAZING! It has unlike black and white, Pokemon from all regions from the get go! This leads to every player having unique teams. The story in this game is amazing. It is probably the first Pokemon game that had me go WOW in the story. It does make it more enjoyable if you have already played Pokemon Black or White as the events that happened there areWow! Pokemon Black 2 is just AMAZING! It has unlike black and white, Pokemon from all regions from the get go! This leads to every player having unique teams. The story in this game is amazing. It is probably the first Pokemon game that had me go WOW in the story. It does make it more enjoyable if you have already played Pokemon Black or White as the events that happened there are referenced a lot. The Pokemon world tournament is a neat addition that allows you to fight gym leaders and champions from previous games. You can even fight Red! So if you like Pokemon or RPG's in general, or even just want a game that will actually hold your attention, Pokemon Black 2 is for you! Expand
  10. 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.
  11. 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 setThe 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!
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  12. 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 developedPokemon 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
  13. 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 toI 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
  14. 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 andA 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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, unlikeIn 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.
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  18. 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.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
  19. 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 BlackPokemon 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
  20. 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 (cantPokemon, 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
  21. Jun 6, 2013
    8
    Pokemon Black 2 far surpasses all of it's predecessors. With what little holes that Black had, Black 2 fills those up nicely. Nintendo and Gamefreak continue to show why they're the best at what they do.
  22. 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 narrativeI 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
  23. 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.
  24. Sep 20, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is really enjoyable!!! The pokemon in this new region offer a new experience for everyone and the Gym leaders give out enjoyable battles. Finally, there are different levels of difficulty once you beat the game depending on which version you are playing! There is high replay value after the game, which you can go to Nimbasa City and go to the stadiums, battle Gym leaders at the PWT and record movies at Pokestar Studios! NOTHING GETS BETTER THAN THAT!!! Expand
  25. 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 wasAt 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 was 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
  26. Jun 15, 2013
    8
    A nice break from the same old formula that Game Freak is (in)famous for. Rather than the third updated version, this is a sequel. Decent story and an easy to learn but hard to master game-play mechanic the series is known for.
  27. Jul 1, 2013
    10
    I have played Gold, Ruby, Platinum, HeartGold and Black before, and to compare, this game got replay value. Lots of it. If you're ever going to play it, do it now while the Pokemon Global Link is supporting the game. Yes, the Pokemon Dream World is quite childish, but if you just ignore that, you have LOTS of available pokemon, without even trading. Probably the most of any game in theI have played Gold, Ruby, Platinum, HeartGold and Black before, and to compare, this game got replay value. Lots of it. If you're ever going to play it, do it now while the Pokemon Global Link is supporting the game. Yes, the Pokemon Dream World is quite childish, but if you just ignore that, you have LOTS of available pokemon, without even trading. Probably the most of any game in the series. When you get through the game, Join Avenue is probably the best thing that has happened to the game. The grind to hatch eggs, happiness, EVs and levels are probably the reasons why most people won't bother trying to get the perfect pokemon. Getting money isn't difficult at all, as you can trade (easily with other players) and plant ultra rare berries in the Dream World, and earn about 600K per day when you get your first stack. Not even that, you can use Join Avenue to get lots of money with the treasure shop. But enough about that. When you get through the game, you can unlock different modes, which differs from Black 2 and White 2, Easy and Challenge mode in addition to the normal game. Black 2 got Challenge mode, which is probably the only thing you want, as most people would like the game to be a tiny bit more challenging. Yes, Black 2 is the easiest game in the series. Easily. But, it's better that it's too easy, than too difficult, as there are lots of rules you can set in your mind to make it challenging. So it's just good that the game becomes easy for the casual players, but can still be challenging for the veterans. And the 5th gen got the best legendaries since 2nd gen. To end, this is by far the best pokemon game in terms of gameplay. Though I hate those foongus... Expand
  28. Jul 23, 2013
    9
    This is a much more enjoyable experience than the experience I had with the first one (besides the story).

    The post-game content is better than ever, the music is just as awesome (if not better), but it did feel more like Black and white 2.0 rather than Black and White 2 (if ya get what I am saying). But besides that this is still a great game (9 out of 10), and I recommend this game
    This is a much more enjoyable experience than the experience I had with the first one (besides the story).

    The post-game content is better than ever, the music is just as awesome (if not better), but it did feel more like Black and white 2.0 rather than Black and White 2 (if ya get what I am saying).

    But besides that this is still a great game (9 out of 10), and I recommend this game to almost everyone.
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  29. Apr 13, 2020
    10
    This is 2D Pokemon at its peak. The story, the characters, the music... all of it has been touched with heart.
  30. May 11, 2019
    10
    This what the Pokemon series was waiting for. Game Freak took Black and White, and fixed nearly everything about them. Brand new locations, the in region inclusion of Pokemon from other generations, the Pokemon that can fuse, and tons of new goodies. Easily one of the best games in the series.

Awards & Rankings

1
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2012
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2012
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 56
  2. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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]