Pokemon Black Version

 DS
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 873 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 624 out of 873
  2. Mixed: 146 out of 873
  3. Negative: 103 out of 873
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  1. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    10
    Treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  2. ALTPL
    Sep 7, 2023
    8
    I first played it in 2023 so 12 years after release date. Does it hold well today? Should it be played?
    I've played it on physical console and I've had lots of fun. I've tried it previously on emulators but such approach doesn't ignite a spark of joy.
    In terms of story-telling, lore and world-building this game should get straight 10 - but after reaching some point of the game near the    I first played it in 2023 so 12 years after release date. Does it hold well today? Should it be played?
    I've played it on physical console and I've had lots of fun. I've tried it previously on emulators but such approach doesn't ignite a spark of joy.
    In terms of story-telling, lore and world-building this game should get straight 10 - but after reaching some point of the game near the end the grind becomes unbearably dull and legend hunting isn't as good as in previous (and later) installments in series.
    Even though I've spent about 150h on this game it doesn't have factor that would make me repeat whole adventure any time in the future.    … Expand
  3. Squaredash
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    After getting lambasted for making pokemon players try new things (ie not use charizard), I’m very glad that the playerbase has turned around on these games, because I truly believe that gen 5 is the best the series has to offer. They did an excellent job with the new pokemon- you’d always find a few new things in every route, making you feel like there’s always more to discover, and theAfter getting lambasted for making pokemon players try new things (ie not use charizard), I’m very glad that the playerbase has turned around on these games, because I truly believe that gen 5 is the best the series has to offer. They did an excellent job with the new pokemon- you’d always find a few new things in every route, making you feel like there’s always more to discover, and the pokemon themselves are some of the most well-designed in the series, even if some of them don’t evolve until very late. The story is excellent (a first for the series), and as formulaic as it may be, I believe these games truly mastered the formula.… Expand
  4. Autoatlas
    Jul 17, 2023
    10
    The pinnacle of 2D Pokemon Games, and most likely the best of all mainline pokemon games. Rich story, lore, good map design, banger music 11/10
  5. ND-Bringer
    Jul 11, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best way to relive the enjoyment of classic Pokemon games, by exploring a region that contains nothing but Unova Pokemon. With entertaining pseudo third dimensional graphic design, intimidating and interesting villains, and well balanced grinding mechanics, definitely one of the greatest games in the franchise.… Expand
  6. Jonnybravo222
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Now this is a pokemon game right here. One of the very best ever made. So many new polemon. Great story. The sprite art is top tier. A game I'll always go back to for a new play through.
  7. Eterna97
    Jun 2, 2023
    10
    Il migliori giochi pokemon, quando ci mettevano ancora il cuore e le competenze tecniche
  8. miguellopez99
    Jun 1, 2023
    10
    96/100 .
  9. Dialga236
    May 18, 2023
    8
    A fantastic game that was given a hard time due to people's refusal to accept change. With a brand-new cast of 156 Pokémon to catch, the largest amount introduced before or after, many people grew hostile to many of the monsters due to not being allowed to use any old favorites in the main story, which is a shame as Pokémon Black and White have the strongest story out of the entire seriesA fantastic game that was given a hard time due to people's refusal to accept change. With a brand-new cast of 156 Pokémon to catch, the largest amount introduced before or after, many people grew hostile to many of the monsters due to not being allowed to use any old favorites in the main story, which is a shame as Pokémon Black and White have the strongest story out of the entire series with the best engine to date both in and outside of battle. A region brimming with life and diversity of location and people alike, Pokémon Black and White are fantastic games that are deserving of being the series' penultimate sendoff for the Nintendo DS.… Expand
  10. DegenerateKeith
    May 8, 2023
    8
    This is my first pokemon game and I say I had a pretty ok experience. It's fun to discover new pokemon, new evolution etc. The gyms are creative and the soundtrack is good. But it doesn't have the deepest gameplay of all time it's mainly to chill and have fun with your siblings and friends.
  11. JasonFajardo
    May 4, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My personal favorite of the franchise. The beginning of the game it's fast passed, the story it's great for the basic standard of Pokémon, hell even the game surprices you with the evil team invading the Pokémon league and N defeating Alder becoming "champion" technically. The ending it's beautiful, the post game it's basically defeat the Pokémon league again and the soundtrack it's outstanding. The visuals are just great, the game just knew how to get the 100% of the Nintendo DS. It also has bad things like the designs of 80% of the Unova's Pokémon it´s terrible to say the least.… Expand
  12. Christian_TV
    Apr 15, 2023
    10
    Pokémon sucks in 2023.This game,it's instead the best of the main line. N is the best character of the series and even Komor and Belle are perfect rivals.
  13. Jerem8
    Apr 14, 2023
    9
    Best history, best antagonists, and my favorite Pokemon as legendary of the game.
  14. TehWaffl
    Mar 15, 2023
    9
    Without a doubt the best game in the Pokemon series. The decision to limit the Pokedex to only new Pokemon definitely helps freshen the experience. The characters are all interesting and the game has the best story in the series. The only downsides that come up are the sometimes questionable level curve and the occasionally lacking Pokemon designs.
  15. frightopia
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    I would give this game a 10 but the sequel honestly is a bit better. Still an amazing game though!
  16. Beatsaberzzz
    Feb 6, 2023
    9
    Just started playing this last week and I have to say I am impressed. This is still shocking how such a good looking game as this is working on a DS but the gameplay is what seals it all together. Its truly the final Pokemon game thats not brain dead easy like the new ones which is something I miss from the older games. Would recommend if you can afford it considering it is one of if notJust started playing this last week and I have to say I am impressed. This is still shocking how such a good looking game as this is working on a DS but the gameplay is what seals it all together. Its truly the final Pokemon game thats not brain dead easy like the new ones which is something I miss from the older games. Would recommend if you can afford it considering it is one of if not the best game in the series.… Expand
  17. amonium
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    The BEST game from the franchise that was ever released. The designs and the story were so cool, and the fact that none of the old Pokemon are there before the post game is very, very clever to make an old game feel fresh. Recommended to everyone who wants to play some DS games.
  18. Mikeligi
    Nov 13, 2022
    10
    I just finished beating Pokémon Scarlet (believe it or not), and I, naturally, started to wonder "Is this really Pokémon at its best?","Should this be the direction for all of the future games?,"Do I want it to be?". I just want to say, that Pokémon Black
  19. hector_bcn98
    Nov 7, 2022
    9
    La generación pokémon con la dificultad más alta de toda la saga y una banda sonora de locos. Lástima que, al compartir plataforma con la anterior, no innovó tanto, y aún con esas, sacaron una segunda parte de ellas. Sería utópico pedir otra generación que rete tanto al jugador como lo hizo está. Son otros tiempos...
  20. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    8
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  21. Gold_Clord_175
    Jun 30, 2022
    9
    Damn, what a game.
    This was my second pokemon game, but the first non ranger i have ever played. Can't really explain why but training my pokemon and the realization i felt when ending the game are feelings i will never forget. The story is not that memorable and the graphics just nowhere close to what you can get in a semi-decent game nowadays but i will never forget the experience. A    Damn, what a game.
    This was my second pokemon game, but the first non ranger i have ever played. Can't really explain why but training my pokemon and the realization i felt when ending the game are feelings i will never forget. The story is not that memorable and the graphics just nowhere close to what you can get in a semi-decent game nowadays but i will never forget the experience. A must play for all the pokemon fans.    … Expand
  22. AShinyG1ratina
    Jun 21, 2022
    8
    Easily the best story Game Freak has ever written, with the most compelling characters in the franchise.
  23. Zachu
    Jun 12, 2022
    10
    Pokemon Black is peak Pokemon. Something I never expected a Pokemon game to accomplish (especially by modern standards) is tell a compelling, deep and lovely story from start to finish. Characters such as Cheren, and Bianca are great rivals throughout the adventure, going on self actualizing arcs of their own to figure out what they want to be in this world. The show stealer in characters,Pokemon Black is peak Pokemon. Something I never expected a Pokemon game to accomplish (especially by modern standards) is tell a compelling, deep and lovely story from start to finish. Characters such as Cheren, and Bianca are great rivals throughout the adventure, going on self actualizing arcs of their own to figure out what they want to be in this world. The show stealer in characters, however, has to be N. A trainer without a heart fostered by Ghetsis, who admittedly I was a little disappointed by his overall goal not to separate people from Pokemon, a motive that a lot of people can easily get behind, but was instead to take over Unova. Unova itself is a great take on the ‘UNited states OV America’ taking you on very different biomes, Castelia City being the obvious stand out, not to mention it’s soundtrack. In fact, the soundtrack as a whole is outstanding, my favorite theme being the amazing ending, with the bittersweet ‘farewell.’ Another particular stand out is the low-health theme, whenever your pokemon are on low health. Be prepared to listen to it a lot during the Elite 4. My favorite part about the game was probably the Elite 4, in how clawing your way through them you face Team Plasma’s hostile takeover of the Pokemon League and have to face the culminating battle of N, and then finally Ghetsis as your final challenge. Difficulty in this game rocked me, I blacked out multiple times, especially on the Elite 4 and champion. Unova’s selection of Pokemon is staggering compared to other titles, this being because you can only catch new Pokemon until the post game. Personally, I like the roster introduced in Gen 5 so I was very happy with my team that I took to the end. Zebstrika you were the GOAT. It’s hard to give this game anything but a 10, Pokemon in itself is so charming, especially during this era, and Black is undoubtedly the peak of the series. (yes there is a little bit of nostalgia talking)… Expand
  24. DavidMinnt
    May 12, 2022
    9
    Pokemon Black is a Good Pokemon and My First Pokemon.I dont Know why is it so Much hate on the Game.
  25. gauxelus
    Apr 7, 2022
    8
    Probably the best of mainline games which don't have third versions. A far more responsive battle speed (my god, the Generation 4 battle pace were horrible), probably some of the best graphic style for DS and sprite work bar a few give so much life to the creatures and the environment. The new Pokemon roster is also quite diverse enough to not make different playthrough monotonous. StoryProbably the best of mainline games which don't have third versions. A far more responsive battle speed (my god, the Generation 4 battle pace were horrible), probably some of the best graphic style for DS and sprite work bar a few give so much life to the creatures and the environment. The new Pokemon roster is also quite diverse enough to not make different playthrough monotonous. Story is a bit more thought provoking and better than previous iterations. The map progression leads it to being a linear game, but due to various features like Dream World, Entralink and others (Musicals, they aren't that much liked or used by people), it feels decent enough room to explore. The main story beat ends in a bang. Post-game areas (Black City and White Forest) and the Looker quest were nice but the main draw is Battle Subway. Fantastic facility. While it is a solid entry in the franchise, the extra facilities and features brought by its sequels (B2W2) makes for the best Unova adventure then these. I do recommend playing through BW once through the post-game since our progress can be synced for rewards on the sequels.… Expand
  26. fanmadeendings
    Feb 15, 2022
    8
    Really good main game, people will say it is linear, but that's just the layout of the map. The routes offer a satisfying amount of exploration, unlike Swsh, for example. It's only lacking in meaningful post game content.
  27. 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 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    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 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
  28. Cash_te_furry
    Feb 2, 2022
    8
    I really liked playing this game as a kid but now everyone praises it so much it feels over rated and i feel like if i give it anything more then a 9 ill be one of those joining it in the over hype
  29. Charabargle
    Dec 29, 2021
    10
    Best legendary's and It as a great ending and Its Evil team in this game Is the most Actual Evil people. If your a Pokemon fan and haven't played this game U need to now.
  30. Sweet_paco
    Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Una pena que este juego no haya sentado precedente, obra maestra de nintendo, alejada de la formula clasica pero muy acertado
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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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. Universo Nintendo
    Jun 5, 2011
    92
    Learning from the past without ever taking his eyes off the present, this is the pinnacle of the series to date and proof that sometimes you don't need a revolution to give new life to a franchise.
    Read full review
  2. GameOver.gr
    Apr 30, 2011
    90
    Game Freak did it again. Pokemon Black Version is a masterpiece, delivering all the superb gameplay elements that fans of the series learned to love over the years. The only drawback is the dated technology it uses, something that will surely be addressed in the future versions for the 3DS.
    Read full review
  3. Level7.nu
    Apr 18, 2011
    90
    Actually a Pokémon game with some news. The online modes have been polished, there's new pokémons, quick, better animated battles and better graphics.
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