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. ImUnavailable
    Mar 31, 2012
    8
    Pokemon Black manages to bring some much needed freshness into the series, although not enough to fully satisfy. The usual journey of catching/training pokemon and battling other trainers is still fun and a world populated solely with new monsters is a nice change. What is disappointing is the reluctance of this series to stray too far from its comfort zone. Also, the region exclusive toPokemon Black manages to bring some much needed freshness into the series, although not enough to fully satisfy. The usual journey of catching/training pokemon and battling other trainers is still fun and a world populated solely with new monsters is a nice change. What is disappointing is the reluctance of this series to stray too far from its comfort zone. Also, the region exclusive to Black version is a big letdown. Even so, both newcomers and veterans will lap this up as it manages to recapture part of what made millions fall in love with Pokemon.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. ohaiKendyl
    May 19, 2011
    8
    Pokemon Black and White aren't the best in the series. However, they still retain the same addictive gameplay from their predecessors, yet build onto the overall "look" and "feel" of the game, resulting in another Poke-adventure worth taking! Pros: The use of 2-D sprites in a 3-D overworld is stunning, but the depth in level design is just mind-blowing; variety of Pokemon to catch, itemsPokemon Black and White aren't the best in the series. However, they still retain the same addictive gameplay from their predecessors, yet build onto the overall "look" and "feel" of the game, resulting in another Poke-adventure worth taking! Pros: The use of 2-D sprites in a 3-D overworld is stunning, but the depth in level design is just mind-blowing; variety of Pokemon to catch, items to find, and moves to learn; lots of extras/secrets; fantastic multiplayer value. Cons: Formulaic gameplay; some ridiculous dialogue; some of the Pokemon designs are uglier than ever.… Expand
  4. drlowdon
    Jun 8, 2013
    8
    Largely due to the fact that it was pretty much perfect in the first place the Pokemon series has changed very little in the last fifteen years. Despite this the developers have listened to some of the criticisms leveled at the games and included a number of the improvements fans have long been asking for.

    The game of course still sees the player taking on the role of a child travelling    Largely due to the fact that it was pretty much perfect in the first place the Pokemon series has changed very little in the last fifteen years. Despite this the developers have listened to some of the criticisms leveled at the games and included a number of the improvements fans have long been asking for.

    The game of course still sees the player taking on the role of a child travelling from town to town collecting Pokemon and using them to battle all manner of opponents. Despite the familiar concept Pokemon Black is a more streamlined experience. Little things like combining the Pokemon Centre and Poke Mart into one building for example cuts down on pointless travelling whilst battles also run at a slightly quicker pace.

    Two new types of battle are also included. Triple battles obviously allow for three Pokemon to fight at once whilst rotation battles allow the player to switch out Pokemon before each attack adding a new level of strategy to the game. Some Pokemon can now also combine moves to create more powerful attacks making the selection of a balanced team even more essential.

    For the first time since the Game Boy original this version features a completely new set of Pokemon. Many of these are not as well designed as the original group but it does make exploration more interesting. No longer will you enter a cave to be greeted by yet another Zubat or Geodude. It is possible to get some of the older Pokemon once you complete the game or by using some of the bonus features but as per usual most have to be transferred from your save games on previous iterations.

    Wrongly looked upon as 'a game for kids' Pokemon remains once the most in depth and strategic RPGs available on any console and with its more streamlined approach the Black or White game are as good a place to start as any.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. ja52ng74
    Jul 15, 2011
    8
    The Pokemon series is like space. It keeps expanding, and adding more to itself, and sometimes something changes, Pokemon Black does that, again. The thing I don't like about Pokemon Black, is that it feels more like Diamond/Pearl rather than HeartGold/SoulSilver. What I noticed that HG/SS has that Black doesn't have are: More touch screen controls, have Pokemon follow you in theThe Pokemon series is like space. It keeps expanding, and adding more to itself, and sometimes something changes, Pokemon Black does that, again. The thing I don't like about Pokemon Black, is that it feels more like Diamond/Pearl rather than HeartGold/SoulSilver. What I noticed that HG/SS has that Black doesn't have are: More touch screen controls, have Pokemon follow you in the overworld, radio and ability to travel in more than one region. However, Pokemon Black does improve on many things that should have been in the Pokemon Series years ago: Fully animated battle sprites, C-Gear, more internet connectivity and more time based events.… Expand
  7. Zegilgamesh
    Dec 29, 2012
    8
    The graphic overhaul is well-awaited, and with a Pokemon game, it's hard to disappoint. BUt then again, its a Pokemon game, so its hard to be groundbreaking either.
  8. AeroKieran
    Feb 20, 2012
    8
    This game has a lot of new enhancements and features. The story is great, the places are cool but I don't like the new Pokemons, there are few exceptions but not all. Some just look so horrible, I can even draw myself a better one for those.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. ATTin
    Jun 26, 2019
    8
    Story: 9, Gameplay: 8, Graphics: 8.5. The new graphics, new pokemons and new mechanics and especially the story in this game are great, a great start for Generation 5
  12. SrPepe
    Oct 30, 2017
    8
    La mejor historia que ha visto la saga de Pokémon la proporciono Pokémon Blanco y Negro, si bien los Pokémon útiles y agradables son pocos, el juego es excelente.
  13. 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
  14. Dragonfly44
    Oct 7, 2018
    8
    With a truly captivating story and a plethora of things to do, this game is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the franchise. While the graphics are rather hit or miss, this game is still spectacular.
    Rating - 85%
  15. 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
  16. Maxttvd
    Jun 22, 2020
    8
    Junto ao Pokémon Pearl, um baita jogo de Pokémon, muito legal e bacana kkkkk
  17. KegMinami
    Dec 31, 2019
    8
    Overall a very solid Pokemon game. I like the "soft-reset" idea, with 150 new Pokemon and none of the old ones available until post-game. Some may see that as a downside but I like to see what's new when it comes to Pokemon games. The story is probably the best in the series to date, and it all comes to a head when you reach the Pokemon League. I'd rather not spoil it for those who somehowOverall a very solid Pokemon game. I like the "soft-reset" idea, with 150 new Pokemon and none of the old ones available until post-game. Some may see that as a downside but I like to see what's new when it comes to Pokemon games. The story is probably the best in the series to date, and it all comes to a head when you reach the Pokemon League. I'd rather not spoil it for those who somehow haven't played it by now, but the climax is amazing. There's quite a few interesting dungeons and secrets scattered about the region, even places you might initially miss on your first playthrough. There's a lot to explore here, and I love it. The post-game is basically just checking out a previously unavailable portion of the region. The sprite work is phenomenal, and really helps the Pokemon feel alive.
    Overall, this is one of the best in the series.    … Expand
  18. W-Lights
    Dec 2, 2018
    8
    While the whole only new pokemon could and should be better implemented, and it removed the undreground, following pokemon and contests, it did a good job with the story, which is now a staple in the series but not something they risked meddling with before, and also had interesting looking routes and the urban theme was a creative take to go with (I personally find it better than White'sWhile the whole only new pokemon could and should be better implemented, and it removed the undreground, following pokemon and contests, it did a good job with the story, which is now a staple in the series but not something they risked meddling with before, and also had interesting looking routes and the urban theme was a creative take to go with (I personally find it better than White's rural one since all pokemon games are already nature-bound in their layouts)… Expand
  19. 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
  20. Zankyouo
    Sep 3, 2019
    8
    Pokémon es una saga que nunca a sido reconocida por su nivel narrativo, o es malo o de paso inexistente. Pero en este juego todo cambia y hace un trabajo muy bueno en ello.

    Este juego habla sobre el debate de si esta bien o no tener pokémon y hacerlos luchar, y es la primera vez en la saga que se trata un tema de una manera un tanto profunda y si, se que pokémon está principalmente    Pokémon es una saga que nunca a sido reconocida por su nivel narrativo, o es malo o de paso inexistente. Pero en este juego todo cambia y hace un trabajo muy bueno en ello.

    Este juego habla sobre el debate de si esta bien o no tener pokémon y hacerlos luchar, y es la primera vez en la saga que se trata un tema de una manera un tanto profunda y si, se que pokémon está principalmente orientado para niños, pero el desarrollo de la trama en este juego es bastante bueno, no sólo por parte del personaje N, sino también de el equipo contrario que empieza a ganar protagonismo por más de la mitad del juego, me parece sinceramente el pokémon mejor hecho.

    Mecánicamente es otro pokémon con toques mejorados que solo se notarán si te gusta el competitivo, así que no hablaré mucho de eso ya que todos conocemos ya esta saga y como funciona    … Expand
  21. AShinyGiratina
    Nov 21, 2019
    8
    How can you not love these games? This is what pokemon should've been from the start. A nice basic storyline that questions morality of not just villains but yourself for basically enslaving living creatures. The soundtrack of this **** is the best to date of the entire series. If Platinum wasn't so amazing I'd definitely choose these as the single best games in the series.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. greenwood101
    Nov 11, 2021
    8
    Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  25. 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 art direction and color palettes. Brilliant character designs and consists of many new pokemons, one of the Nintendo DS's highest quality game.
  26. 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
  27. AShinyG1ratina
    Jun 21, 2022
    8
    Easily the best story Game Freak has ever written, with the most compelling characters in the franchise.
  28. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    8
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  29. 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.
  30. 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 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 aUnfortunately, 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
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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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