User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1081 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Oct 27, 2018
    1
    Highly overrated. It's unfortunate to me to say it but it just doesn't stand the test of time: the charm, style, music and design of the original GSC games is completely absent, replaced by safe, boring music that's not even a fraction of how memorable the original was, generic sprites and an ugly overworld that doesnt make good use of what the ds could do. Worse: it has good aditionsHighly overrated. It's unfortunate to me to say it but it just doesn't stand the test of time: the charm, style, music and design of the original GSC games is completely absent, replaced by safe, boring music that's not even a fraction of how memorable the original was, generic sprites and an ugly overworld that doesnt make good use of what the ds could do. Worse: it has good aditions actually locked away through events that are now impossible to get, entire story bits no less that could have made the game better and more unique, not just event pokemon. The level scaling is also made worse than before despite the aditions its gen had.
    I recommend Crystal instead for the better Johto experience unless you really want the pokewalker app (nowadays hard to get) or want to transfer your cyndaquil to newer games.
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  2. Nov 23, 2018
    3
    Besides the terrible level curve. It has the same bad distribution from the GS games and basically fixed nothing: every single problem is back, but with the ugly sprites from the dp games. The legendaries were shoving in at inconvenient places, ruining their original lore completely.
    It's also highly expensive, in part due an add on app thats underused and you won't need, so I only
    Besides the terrible level curve. It has the same bad distribution from the GS games and basically fixed nothing: every single problem is back, but with the ugly sprites from the dp games. The legendaries were shoving in at inconvenient places, ruining their original lore completely.
    It's also highly expensive, in part due an add on app thats underused and you won't need, so I only recomend this game if you are a collector that want them all. Otherwise, stick to gsc.
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  3. Mar 31, 2019
    1
    Its a BAD pokemon game, not only that, but the only pokemon game that is bad, all others are at least ok. But this one is slow, bland, not inovative and they manage to make the few minigames weird and unplayable. Its also for the other game's looks what polar express is to reality, this ugliness makes the game even more boring than it adding nothing did. I saw some people praising it inIts a BAD pokemon game, not only that, but the only pokemon game that is bad, all others are at least ok. But this one is slow, bland, not inovative and they manage to make the few minigames weird and unplayable. Its also for the other game's looks what polar express is to reality, this ugliness makes the game even more boring than it adding nothing did. I saw some people praising it in the past but every time I looked up turned out to be some teenager who grew up when this one was new, in other words: if nostalgia and vanity over your own childhood are the only reasons you play a game, go for it but if you want a good game, play Firered, or really any other pokemon game. Expand

Awards & Rankings

3
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Shared DS Game of 2010
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. It may not be too revolutionary but this is by far the biggest, most packed Pokemon yet. [Mar 2010, p.67]
  2. Games Master UK
    88
    It's still the Pokemon you know and love - and handheld entertainment of the highest order. [Apr 2010, p.78]
  3. Nintendo Gamer
    88
    The Pokemon formula stays unchanged, but Gold and Silver remain our favourites. Essential for Johto newcomers and veterans. [Mar 2010, p.94]