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. 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
  2. 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!
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. GamesAndMovies
    Apr 7, 2011
    10
    Best Game in the history of ever of all time in life. I love it. I want to marry it because of how much I love it. I played this game instead of eating. :D
  11. 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
  12. hizoka
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    What a great game, I cannot stop playing it again and again, because it has many features that keep you entertained for a long time. The online features are great for a DS game, it is like a preview of what is coming for next 3DS generation pokemon games. I hadn't played pokemon since Cristal and this edition captured my attention and now I'm back into Pokemon games. I recommend it if youWhat a great game, I cannot stop playing it again and again, because it has many features that keep you entertained for a long time. The online features are great for a DS game, it is like a preview of what is coming for next 3DS generation pokemon games. I hadn't played pokemon since Cristal and this edition captured my attention and now I'm back into Pokemon games. I recommend it if you want a game to compete with other people (you can play with random players from around the world), collect a lot of pokemon and items and expand your group by downloading dream world exclusive pokemon.… Expand
  13. andrewrox
    Dec 16, 2012
    10
    Amaziiiinnnnngggg.....well it's a good game great story sadly doesn't have as much stuff to do as black 2 but still a good game.....I find this game great and a must have
  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. Elesa
    Jul 5, 2012
    10
    I've never been much of a Pokemon fan, played 3 games in the past, this would be my fourth one, I'd say it's the best game I've ever purchased for my DS lineup, I've already hooked up 100+ hours into it and it's just amazing and has lots of things to do, very perfect pokemon game.
  16. alexwald16
    Oct 9, 2012
    10
    In the generations of Pokémon, one color is representative of a version, be it Red and Blue or Gold and Silver. Never before were direct opposing colors used
  17. theguy005
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    Hmmm...Not the best but not the worst,while this game improves on some points it also shares an even amount of flaws.

    For pros:156 new pokemon,better game-play mechanics,decent enough story,and a large world. For cons:About 70% of these pokemon look too bulky and unnatural to be considered 'pokemon',the game-play mechanics improved in the multi-player section and dreamworld,but other    Hmmm...Not the best but not the worst,while this game improves on some points it also shares an even amount of flaws.

    For pros:156 new pokemon,better game-play mechanics,decent enough story,and a large world.

    For cons:About 70% of these pokemon look too bulky and unnatural to be considered 'pokemon',the game-play mechanics improved in the multi-player section and dreamworld,but other then that,its still just the same old pokemon formula,the story was good but previous games have had better,the large world is pretty linear to the plot,so you'll be walking in a strait line to the elite four.

    Bottom line,if you are a new pokemon fan,Have younger siblings that want to try pokemon for the first time,or just a more die-hard fan then this one is for you.But if your anything but the above,then I recommend the games:Pokemon Heart Gold and Sould Silver.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. TVHeadTed
    Aug 9, 2015
    10
    This game is truly masterful and breathes new life into the pokemon series, in more ways than one. Game Freak took a big chance in removing all the pokemon from the previous games, however I think this give the player a chance to experience something great. You are now put into a situation where you cannot rely on using the same pokemon you have been using years before. You must dig downThis game is truly masterful and breathes new life into the pokemon series, in more ways than one. Game Freak took a big chance in removing all the pokemon from the previous games, however I think this give the player a chance to experience something great. You are now put into a situation where you cannot rely on using the same pokemon you have been using years before. You must dig down back into the roots of pokemon, when you first started playing. That experience of seeing a new pokemon, that feeling of trying to come up with a team of pokemon you have never used before. It's a truly nostalgic experience. Looking at some of the designs of the pokemon of this game you'll see that many are similar to the original 151. This allows the players to have an idea of how the new pokemon will play, while still changing the pokemon around enough to make them unique from the originals. The designs are incredibly fresh as well, with nothing overly complicated (except for a handful of very specific ones), but nothing boringly simple. There are some REALLY amazing designs in this game, some of which are a little darker than others if you dig deep into their lore, giving the game a bit of a more adult feel. In addition, the plot to this game is magnificent (by pokemon standards). It asks the player challenging, adult questions at times, and some players are left to ponder their childhood games. There's actually quite some bit of character development in the games rivals and main antagonist. In addition, there's a bunch of great surprises that will keep this game outstandingly fresh, especially towards the end.

    In conclusion, this game was made for the fans. Game Freak knew the players of the original games where getting more mature and many wanted a little more significant pokemon game. So, Game Freak decided to make a game for them. It is a game that appeals to the new players in that there are crisp and cool new pokemon designs, and keeps the basic elements of the games beforehand. It appeals to older pokemon players in that they can get a fresh breath of air, while still being able to go on an adventure similar to their first encounter with the game. It fixes some minor issues, challenges older players, and holds what is probably some of the best pokemon Game Freak have to offer. Over all, it is (in my humble opinion), the best pokemon game to date.

    (ps. Vanilluxe is one of my favorite pokemon, eat your heart out genwunners)    … Expand
  22. Dalura
    Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This game is in my opinion the best Pokemon game by far! It tells an really interesting story of three friends finding out what they want to do with their live which i really enjoyed! But i wouldn't like the game as much if it wouldn't be for the characters. There are very cool written chars like N, Adler, Cheren, Bianca and so on. It also has the (imo) best Soundtrack of the series, iThis game is in my opinion the best Pokemon game by far! It tells an really interesting story of three friends finding out what they want to do with their live which i really enjoyed! But i wouldn't like the game as much if it wouldn't be for the characters. There are very cool written chars like N, Adler, Cheren, Bianca and so on. It also has the (imo) best Soundtrack of the series, i could just listen to it every day, without getting tired of it! That's why i like this game so much!… Expand
  23. robertoiglesias
    May 24, 2018
    10
    Pokemon Black Version is a great Pokemon game with my favorite pokemon: Tepig. It has a great story, great gym leaders, and 156 new and amazing pokemon to catch! But it isn't the best.
  24. chocapic
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    EL mejor juego de la saga, con mejores diseños de pokemon, mejor historia de lejos, mejores personajes, mejor dificultad, un final abierto para sus secuelas... en fin 12/10
  25. MzMazzaire
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    Pokemon Black/White (and their sequel) are such perfect core series games on the DS, and I don't care what others say about them otherwise. In fact, they're so great, they're just begging Game Freak to remake them in the future!
  26. 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.
  27. Goonga
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    This game will always hold a place in my heart. The is probably the most ambitious entry into the franchise yet, due to implementing a completely new Pokedex with all new Pokemon to enjoy! The music is amazing, maybe bias is talk but the must is probably the best in the series, alongside Black 2 and White 2.
    Do get this game.
  28. greninjaX
    Nov 16, 2019
    10
    to this day, this is still my favorite pokemon game. i don't think gamefreak will ever make a pokemon game better than black and white.
  29. ReedYT
    Nov 8, 2020
    10
    I like the songs they are very good I also like Pokémon wooper is a good Pokémon
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
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