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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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 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.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 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
  2. jeff_reviews
    Jul 23, 2013
    10
    "Pokemon Black Version" is spectacular due to its massive cities, beautiful visuals, and realistic premises. With new additions with seasons, skyscrapers, and roller coasters, "Pokemon Black Version" is a great example of how far the Pokemon game's technology has come. With new and interesting Pokemon, a wonderful villainous team called Team Plasma, and wonderful visuals, "Pokemon Black"Pokemon Black Version" is spectacular due to its massive cities, beautiful visuals, and realistic premises. With new additions with seasons, skyscrapers, and roller coasters, "Pokemon Black Version" is a great example of how far the Pokemon game's technology has come. With new and interesting Pokemon, a wonderful villainous team called Team Plasma, and wonderful visuals, "Pokemon Black Version" is the perfect game for Pokemon fans to love.… Expand
  3. ziozxzioz
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    3 years after it's release, it's still the best core pokemon game to date. Fresh new experience with only brand new pokemon, it revives the feeling of exploration that pokemon Red and Blue had plus some of THE best OSTs i've heard in quite a while. Some themes are masterpieces while others are just very good. Team Plasma is the most interesting villian team in the whole franchise, moving3 years after it's release, it's still the best core pokemon game to date. Fresh new experience with only brand new pokemon, it revives the feeling of exploration that pokemon Red and Blue had plus some of THE best OSTs i've heard in quite a while. Some themes are masterpieces while others are just very good. Team Plasma is the most interesting villian team in the whole franchise, moving from stupid or clichéd goals like "let's steal every pokemon" or "let's expand the sea" to much deeper questions with no definite answer like "why should pokemons work for us?", that makes for a superb story. The game's progression is much more defined by the actions of this organization, as opposed to just getting all the badges. Most Gym Leaders have actual personalities and roles in the story too, and I don't want to spoil it, but the ending of the game is one of the best i've seen in a pokemon game (after GS). It's a shame Nintendo is moving away from this game's features, as they triggered a very nostalgic part in people who played the first games and where more challenging (I don't think I've ever spent that much time trying to beat the pokemon league). All things considered, this was and still is THE definitive pokemon game.… Expand
  4. Lopesito27
    Jul 4, 2020
    9
    Not perfect, as the ethical questions come across as fake deep and there are some forgettable characters... But still, these are probably the pokémon games that feel the most epic. You also get lots of moments that work by resulting to become memorable fight moments plus building some kind of relation ship with both characters and tour pokemon team.
  5. ReedYT
    Nov 8, 2020
    10
    I like the songs they are very good I also like Pokémon wooper is a good Pokémon
  6. ShawnEXE
    May 3, 2019
    8
    Music: 4.5/5
    Game Play: 4/5
    Graphics: 4/5
    Story: 4.5/5
    Time-Value: 5/5
    Overall: 4.0/5
  7. Diego271094
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    El mejor juego se nota el cariño y el trabajo que le dieron a este juego lamentablemente no valorado en su momento fue el ultimo gran juego de pokemon desde de aqui todo se iria a la basura
  8. Ironmonger
    Jul 6, 2011
    8
    I, being a big poke maniac, love the game and new pokemon. I will agree to some of the pokemon being a little weird (and frankly...stupid looking), but if you look at their combat skills over their looks, you will like them. I will also agree that pokemon may be new (in terms of versions), but it is still the same. I got the game, but if pokemon doesn't change for the better soon, i mayI, being a big poke maniac, love the game and new pokemon. I will agree to some of the pokemon being a little weird (and frankly...stupid looking), but if you look at their combat skills over their looks, you will like them. I will also agree that pokemon may be new (in terms of versions), but it is still the same. I got the game, but if pokemon doesn't change for the better soon, i may stray from it some. I love how the pokemon keep moving after battle. I played pokemon platinum after i finished this, and i kept thinking, "why aren't you moving?" It grows on you! The legendaries were good, but i think they are repeating a little with the 3 musketeers as dog-like creatures. If they aren't dogs, they looks awful close to them. The graphics got a lot better, that i liked. To be honest and short, the game was great from all the new features (including the dream word!), but it is still pokemon, and pokemon needs to expand, not just stay slow, turn-based combat. No amount of features wil make up for a game that refuses to grow (other than new creatures).… Expand
  9. realgamefan
    Mar 7, 2011
    10
    The best Pokemon yet! I put about 20 hours in Black/White so far and until the sixth generation, Pokemon fans have great games in Black/White. Everything is pretty great for new Pokemon trainers as well as longtime Pokemon fans. Addictive as ever. And as an adult, I recommend these games to everyone!
  10. fightingbias
    Mar 10, 2011
    10
    Pokemon Black and White remind us why Pokemon is such a hugely successful franchise. The tried and true formula is improved upon, the aesthetics are enhanced, the story is more creative, and there are tons of new Pokemon. Game Freak is never going to fix what isn't broken, but they sure has hell are not complacent--there was clearly a lot of effort put into these games, and it paid off.Pokemon Black and White remind us why Pokemon is such a hugely successful franchise. The tried and true formula is improved upon, the aesthetics are enhanced, the story is more creative, and there are tons of new Pokemon. Game Freak is never going to fix what isn't broken, but they sure has hell are not complacent--there was clearly a lot of effort put into these games, and it paid off. A true RPG masterclass, and a great send-off for the DS.… Expand
  11. Jamison12
    Jul 23, 2013
    10
    What's not to love?
    The only fault is that you have to face the Elite 4 twice to become champ. Despite that though, Pokemon Black is a fun pokemon game, and easier, but not too easy, training.
  12. Notorious
    Mar 9, 2011
    8
    Why change a game that already ticks all the right boxes? Pokemon does just that. With their newest update to the series, Pokemon Black & White stick to a winning formula. We've a new world to explore, a new roster of pokemon characters and slightly updated graphics. While at the core there is not much difference between the new generation of pokemon games and the original debut, thisWhy change a game that already ticks all the right boxes? Pokemon does just that. With their newest update to the series, Pokemon Black & White stick to a winning formula. We've a new world to explore, a new roster of pokemon characters and slightly updated graphics. While at the core there is not much difference between the new generation of pokemon games and the original debut, this version still seems completely refreshed. Here we have a game that remains true to a winning series.… Expand
  13. Barking
    Mar 17, 2011
    8
    Yes it's pokemon still, how much do you expect them to change? some new features are new camera angles, you see the back of the whole pokemon (not just the back of their head) and they move constantly, this makes battles look a lot nicer than previous pokemon games, and your first playthough will be full of 'Whoa look at those camera angles.'
    BUT
    The main thing wrong with this game is what    Yes it's pokemon still, how much do you expect them to change? some new features are new camera angles, you see the back of the whole pokemon (not just the back of their head) and they move constantly, this makes battles look a lot nicer than previous pokemon games, and your first playthough will be full of 'Whoa look at those camera angles.'
    BUT
    The main thing wrong with this game is what they decided not to use from SoulSilver and HeartGold, gone is the really useful menu on the touch screen, and you can't have pokemon following you. The touch screen is instead replaced with the Cgear, which currently, does nothing at all.
    The storyline is a lot better than previous games, and some of the new pokemon are pretty cool though.
    All in all, it's pokemon but with better looks and a worse menu than SS/HG.    … Expand
  14. julius98
    Oct 6, 2012
    10
    At first I did not want to buy this game. I guessed that adding 156 totally new Pokémon to the game would cause too little variation and few really new and exciting Pokémon. I was definitely wrong. The starters are awesome. Although the start of the game is a little slow, it gets much better when you meet team Plasma, and begin to expand your team with new exciting andAt first I did not want to buy this game. I guessed that adding 156 totally new Pokémon to the game would cause too little variation and few really new and exciting Pokémon. I was definitely wrong. The starters are awesome. Although the start of the game is a little slow, it gets much better when you meet team Plasma, and begin to expand your team with new exciting and beautifully crafted Pokémon. There are a few minor things which could be improved. I think the battles go to slowly. If there was an option that could speed up the animations a bit, it would have saved me a lot of time. Another thing I'd like to mention is that there are far too many Normal and Flying type Pokemon. Some of them are cool like the ancient Pokémon Archeops (Flying type) or the cute dog Pokémon Lillipup (Normal), which eventually evolves into a huge dog, which is the first dog Pokémon I have ever used on my team. Old fans of the game might miss the classic first gen Pokémon, but if you just enjoy the game until after you beat the Pokémon League you will be able to find Pokémon from earlier generations. This, in addition to the already great variation of Pokémon in the game, and a huge potential for replayability adds up to create a game in which I have been completely lost in for several days already. This is a must for every DS owner.… Expand
  15. SethyChan
    Oct 29, 2012
    8
    This is a half decent game. I would have given it an 10 for the Plot and the design of the Player Character and NPC's but the majority of the designs of the Pokemon just let the game down. Sure, Snivy is a gorgeous Pokemon, but some designs just made me die a little inside. Some of the names were also a let down: a.k.a: Gothitelle? The design may be beautiful but could be seen as offensiveThis is a half decent game. I would have given it an 10 for the Plot and the design of the Player Character and NPC's but the majority of the designs of the Pokemon just let the game down. Sure, Snivy is a gorgeous Pokemon, but some designs just made me die a little inside. Some of the names were also a let down: a.k.a: Gothitelle? The design may be beautiful but could be seen as offensive to 'Goths'. Anyway: Decent game, Pokemon designs let it down considerably. However: N is the best antagonist there has ever been.… Expand
  16. Marchbaby
    Mar 7, 2011
    9
    Be fore I begin my review realgamer fan just to let you know you gave the game a 0 I believe by accident. Anyways Pokemon Black and White are truly a great rethinking of the series. Sure they have their flaws such as mostly weird pokemon and then no pokemon following behind you any more. The good out weights the bad by far however. Zekrom and Reshiram and awesome. Axew and its family areBe fore I begin my review realgamer fan just to let you know you gave the game a 0 I believe by accident. Anyways Pokemon Black and White are truly a great rethinking of the series. Sure they have their flaws such as mostly weird pokemon and then no pokemon following behind you any more. The good out weights the bad by far however. Zekrom and Reshiram and awesome. Axew and its family are wickedly powerful. The graphics are nice but the chamera is not as good as others were saying it was. In the end however I found both to be great games even if they could have come up with mostly better pokemon. I give the games a 9/10 overall.… Expand
  17. kiank
    Jan 13, 2018
    9
    Black was a less memorable pokemon game but a solid one nonetheless. After loving Pearl (which is still my favorite pokemon game), this game wasn't as impressive but I still enjoyed it.
  18. chavelucre
    Apr 27, 2018
    10
    Para sua época, foi muito interessante. Boa região com boa variedade apesar da falta de pokemons antigos até a liga. A história é cativante e as cidades e rotas muito criativas e com a variedade causada pelas quatro estações adicionada.
  19. QuacksonjaMeme
    Oct 20, 2018
    9
    Huge dose from nostalgia right here. I have soo many memories with Pokemon Black and White. Game Freak made a huge step in the franchise by putting only new Pokemon. A very nice story. Many improvements from the 4th generation. Definitely my favorite Pokemon game.

    9.5/10
  20. bubinator
    Apr 5, 2011
    9
    Pokemon Black was a great game. It had good graphics(for the DS), good sound, and good controls. The only problems with the game were that that the pokemon names were bad and you couldn't battle any of the trainers again. I found this to be really annoying when training my Haxorus and Deino.
  21. toastboy4456
    Mar 13, 2011
    10
    I signed up for this site just to write a review on this game. That's how good I feel Pokemon Black and White is. The animations are cool to look at, the combat runs smoother than ever before. It's a whole new experience. It's the first game in the series to separate itself from its predecessors. You never know what you are going to encounter. Random wi-fi battles are awesome as is theI signed up for this site just to write a review on this game. That's how good I feel Pokemon Black and White is. The animations are cool to look at, the combat runs smoother than ever before. It's a whole new experience. It's the first game in the series to separate itself from its predecessors. You never know what you are going to encounter. Random wi-fi battles are awesome as is the global trade center. Overall, if you haven't picked up this game yet on your DS you have to get this! I don't know how they could have made the game better (Besides some of the music) so I'll give it a 10/10!… Expand
  22. phoenixsaturn
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    Easily the best of Pokemon, with beautiful sprite art, a compelling cast of characters, and 150 new Pokemon to discover in the world of Unova.
  23. tghm1801
    Mar 8, 2011
    10
    Pokemon Black/White is, arguably, the best Pokemon game to date.
    Fully utilizing the DS's somewhat limited power capabilities, Pokemon Black/White does an excellent job of creating a realistic, breathing world filled with Pokemon on Nintendo's handheld.
    The 2.5D graphics are brilliant, and some of the bridge landscapes (you'll see what I mean when you play it) are truly phenomenal. The    Pokemon Black/White is, arguably, the best Pokemon game to date.
    Fully utilizing the DS's somewhat limited power capabilities, Pokemon Black/White does an excellent job of creating a realistic, breathing world filled with Pokemon on Nintendo's handheld.
    The 2.5D graphics are brilliant, and some of the bridge landscapes (you'll see what I mean when you play it) are truly phenomenal. The battle system is much improved; combat works faster, somehow, and the new animations for the Pokemon make the battles more interesting. However, for some baffling reason the Pokemon that you are using is just a blown up version of a smaller image, so it appears really pixelated, which I don't understand why the developers didn't do something about. Other than that though, the battle system is brilliant and triple and rotation battles add a breath of fresh air to the tried and true formula, the latter even encouraging more tactical thinking.
    Then there are the Pokemon - around 150 new Pokemon, meaning that for the majority of the game you won't see a Pokemon that you recognise. Although some of them look stupid, it is extremely refreshing not to walk into a cave and be assaulted by a Zubat. The story is also far more mature than the other Pokemon games, with the game's villians (Team Plasma) even dealing with quite a tough moral issue, which I won't spoil in this review.
    Basically, if you have read this far, GO AND BUY THE GAME. I have hardly put it down since I got it, and I have been carrying my DS everywhere with me so that, at any chance I get, I can dive right into the world of Pokemon.    … Expand
  24. Wormoid
    Mar 22, 2011
    10
    Absoloutely astounding. Whatever some reviewers may say about Pokemon Black not showing any new way for Pokemon, I don't think it needs a brand new developement, slight additions to the game each time adds new fun each time. Although it's not brand new, the great graphics which are used in Castelia City are amazing, some (ok lots) of the pokemon are dodgy and have slightly (ok very)Absoloutely astounding. Whatever some reviewers may say about Pokemon Black not showing any new way for Pokemon, I don't think it needs a brand new developement, slight additions to the game each time adds new fun each time. Although it's not brand new, the great graphics which are used in Castelia City are amazing, some (ok lots) of the pokemon are dodgy and have slightly (ok very) unusual names, but that is not worthy of knocking a mark of it. I give it 10 here, but if i was marking it out of 100%, I would give it 95%. 2% off for not being completely new, 2% off for a few dodgy pokemon, and 1% off for few legendaries. But, that aside, brilliant!… Expand
  25. Marcman59
    Mar 18, 2011
    9
    I'm very surprised at how well this game turned out. Been playing since Red and Blue versions debuted in the US, and I was very happy with this installment. Black gave me that sense of depth and team customization that I hadn't had since Blue. Until you beat the Elite Four, all the Pokemon you encounter are new. Every fresh face you meet, you wonder "How well would this guy fit into myI'm very surprised at how well this game turned out. Been playing since Red and Blue versions debuted in the US, and I was very happy with this installment. Black gave me that sense of depth and team customization that I hadn't had since Blue. Until you beat the Elite Four, all the Pokemon you encounter are new. Every fresh face you meet, you wonder "How well would this guy fit into my team? Does he have any good moves? Who would he replace?" The team combinations seem endless as you progress through the story. The story itself is pretty engaging, but not much to talk about. It's unfortunate that the Pokemon Global Link is down for maintenance until March 30th. I would've really liked to have this game feature available at launch. Another nitpick is that they removed the auto-run option from HeartGold/SoulSilver.… Expand
  26. SwoopTrust
    Oct 26, 2011
    10
    For someone who had lost faith on Pokemon after Crystal, due to awful entries like Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald and Platinum/Diamond/Pearl, not to mention the cashgrabs that were HeartGold and SoulSilver, with absolutely zero improvements, Pokemon Black was just what the series needed: fresh ideas and changes. Animating the Pokemons was an absolutely superb idea that should have been implementedFor someone who had lost faith on Pokemon after Crystal, due to awful entries like Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald and Platinum/Diamond/Pearl, not to mention the cashgrabs that were HeartGold and SoulSilver, with absolutely zero improvements, Pokemon Black was just what the series needed: fresh ideas and changes. Animating the Pokemons was an absolutely superb idea that should have been implemented before, and the fact that TMs can be reused, which makes planning strategies much easier, was just the icing on the cake. Complete with very good music, and a storyline which may be not oscar-winning but does it job well, and also playing with more "mature" themes while keeping the core well preserved, this game is a must have for Nintendo DS owners and Pokemon fans alike. Not to mention that the online elements like the Dreamworld also further improve and expand the experience. If you also dropped Pokemon at one point and want to give the series another try, this is the entry that you're looking for. Very recommended!… Expand
  27. iLoveToReview
    Aug 1, 2011
    10
    Pokemon Black and White are great games. I am a fan of the Pokemon series and have not been disappointed yet. Pokemon Black and White has hours of fun gameplay, and the story is lengthy, entertaining, and fulfilling. Pokemon Black and White have 156 new Pokemon with a new region called Unova, which is different from any other region you have experienced in a Pokemon game. The Unova RegionPokemon Black and White are great games. I am a fan of the Pokemon series and have not been disappointed yet. Pokemon Black and White has hours of fun gameplay, and the story is lengthy, entertaining, and fulfilling. Pokemon Black and White have 156 new Pokemon with a new region called Unova, which is different from any other region you have experienced in a Pokemon game. The Unova Region has many large cities, some very large, with wilderness and ancient temples spread across the land. I would definitely suggest this game to anyone who owns the console to play it.… Expand
  28. Willypiggy
    Mar 10, 2011
    10
    They've done it again, made a superb pokemon game. I've been playing since Red and Blue and this game, whilst maybe not as good as the previous in terms of new features it is fantastic. My only regret is not buying white for the forest and more triple battles! There are a massive amount of pokemon to catch, loads of trainers to fight, loads of fighting methods, new moves, new abilities,They've done it again, made a superb pokemon game. I've been playing since Red and Blue and this game, whilst maybe not as good as the previous in terms of new features it is fantastic. My only regret is not buying white for the forest and more triple battles! There are a massive amount of pokemon to catch, loads of trainers to fight, loads of fighting methods, new moves, new abilities, the new region and of course the 2.5D view which works amazingly well. There are some breathtaking visuals with amazing cut scenes. There's also the ability to transfer pokemon from the older games making completing your pokedex a lot more easier. All in all there is well over 300 offline hours available in this game, loads more if you go online.… Expand
  29. Turine
    Apr 19, 2011
    10
    What can I say? Gamefreak has done a really good job incorporating the graphics from 3D games into the DS to make these new Pokemon Games as enjoyable and exciting as ever.
  30. Tokyochuchu
    Mar 22, 2012
    8
    Pokemon Black steps up it's game up in a few non-essential areas. Both the graphics and the story-line are much improved over previous versions. It also has 156 all-new monsters, which is great news for long-time fans who have grown tired of re-catching Pikachu over and over. The battle system, however, still adheres to the tried-and-tested formula... But there was nothing wrong with thatPokemon Black steps up it's game up in a few non-essential areas. Both the graphics and the story-line are much improved over previous versions. It also has 156 all-new monsters, which is great news for long-time fans who have grown tired of re-catching Pikachu over and over. The battle system, however, still adheres to the tried-and-tested formula... But there was nothing wrong with that formula in the first place. So if it ain't broke, why fix it?! Basically, Pokemon is still Pokemon. It's fun to collect and train the beasts and the game is super cute and easy to play. If you have overdosed on Pokemon, or you never liked it to begin with, this game doesn't offer much to entice. If you are a Poke-maniac, or you've never played a Pokemon game before, then Black is the best one yet.… Expand
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »