Pokemon White Version Image
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Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 753 Ratings

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  • Summary: Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram canPokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram can only be caught in Pokémon Black Version, while the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom can only be caught in Pokémon White Version. Additionally, the two games feature different areas for the first time in the series, with the game world of Pokémon Black Version featuring a unique metropolitan area called Black City, and a lush, green area named White Forest only found in Pokémon White Version. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version also mark the first time in a Pokémon video game that the seasons will change in the game world. Certain Pokémon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season. Expand
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Pokemon Black Version Official Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Mar 16, 2011
    100
    The fact that Game Freak dared to remove all the old pokémons from the main story line and replace them with 156 new ones is only one of the reasons for the series feeling fresher than ever. Pokémon Black and White is the most entertaining game yet, and is a must-buy for all Nintendo DS owners.
  2. 93
    The new battle system and the big new Poké-world feel great. There are a lot of new Pokémon to collect and train. You've got to get used to some of them. Poké-Fans shouldn't miss the new Black and White editions.
  3. Mar 4, 2011
    90
    Quotation forthcoming.
  4. Apr 7, 2011
    90
    One of the best generations of Pokemon titles to date, Black & White take almost all of the best elements from the series and then carefully craft it into something truly wonderful; recreating that same sense of adventure from the very first titles.
  5. Mar 4, 2011
    88
    Strip away the unmanageable bulk and Pokémon is a truly great RPG. Add it back on later and it remains a flashy, if conventional, entry in the franchise.
  6. Mar 30, 2011
    80
    It's not perfect and can still feel a bit over-familiar to veterans, but it's still a well-constructed and extremely addictive entry which is well worth checking out.
  7. Mar 4, 2011
    75
    What it lacks in originality, Pokemon Black more than makes up for with a vast world to explore and an absorbing battle system that's heaps of fun.

See all 56 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 136
  2. Negative: 12 out of 136
  1. Jun 14, 2020
    10
    Gracias a juegos como estos, es que nos damos cuenta que aveces la nostalgia nos sega de la realidad y nos lleva a un futuro que al finalGracias a juegos como estos, es que nos damos cuenta que aveces la nostalgia nos sega de la realidad y nos lleva a un futuro que al final disgustamos. Esto pudo ser Pokemon. Expand
  2. Apr 2, 2012
    10
    Not only are black and white the best of the series, but they are some of the greatest games ever created for the Nintendo DS. They are trueNot only are black and white the best of the series, but they are some of the greatest games ever created for the Nintendo DS. They are true masterpieces because of improved graphics, area, battle system, amount of creatures, and even small editions such as triple battles and c-gear. Expand
  3. Apr 14, 2012
    9
    This game is Pokemon, plain and simple. If that is not your style, turn away now. If you only like the first few generations, turn away now.This game is Pokemon, plain and simple. If that is not your style, turn away now. If you only like the first few generations, turn away now. This game is for those who are young, young at heart, or simply like a fun and rewarding RPG. Expand
  4. Nov 23, 2018
    9
    One of the best stories in a Pokémon game EVER, Pokémon Black and White are the games Pokemon fans have been asking for a long time butOne of the best stories in a Pokémon game EVER, Pokémon Black and White are the games Pokemon fans have been asking for a long time but weren't able to appreciate. The story is great, the music is superb, having 150 new Pokémon until you access the post-game made me super excited to play this game when it came out and I couldn't tell enough good things about it.

    On the downside, I feel these games marked the sort of downfall of the legendary Pokémon. 13 legendary Pokémon is simply too much and apart from the cover ones and maybe one or two more, the rest didn't add much in terms of story and therefore I feel like they're useless.
    Expand
  5. Mar 1, 2022
    8
    I remember playing Pokémon White when I was a child and having a hard time knowing why B/W even existed, but the more I grew, the more II remember playing Pokémon White when I was a child and having a hard time knowing why B/W even existed, but the more I grew, the more I noticed that Pokémon B/W are indeed the best games in the franchise even at this day.
    Pokémon B/W succesfully tell the most mature plot in any Pokémon game, making a focus on character development and presenting a constant clash between truth and ideals, making this the reason of the names, different ways of seeing something, but more than dividing in Black and White, finding shades of gray between both. That made a huge impact on me when playing this game at this age.
    Pokémon B/W shows different ways of growth and acceptance with our rivals, N, Bianca and Cheren, every one connected to the main character in one way or another, but at the same time, so unique and far away from our truth and ideals, each having their own. In this game, even characters like Gym Leaders are important, and the champion is arguably the best in any Pokémon game, helping our characters to grow and develop.
    Pokémon B/W made a daring decision with its art style, making moving 2D sprites and taller more mature looking overworld, using sometimes 3D animation, something unbelievable taking into consideration Nintendo DS' hardware.
    This game also introduced the most amount of new Pokémon, making team building feel fresh and unique, as if back on Red / Blue. A lot of people didn't like this, but in my opinion, it changed the way I played future titles, using only new Pokémon.
    5th gen OSTs are, also, pretty good, and I've seen a lot of people who say the same, some even saying its one of the best Pokémon has seen ever, but I think this is totally subjective, even though I really like it, and say it's memorable.
    If I had to say something I dislike, is mythical Pokémon encounters. B/W started a trend I actually dislike a lot, making these Pokémon gifts at the Pokémon center, something rarely seen in previous generations, where, for example, you could get Darkrai, Shaymin and other Pokémon in special areas made for them.
    Overall, Pokémon Black and White, in my opinion, are the best games in the franchise, and I totally recommend giving them a shot, if possible.
    Expand
  6. Oct 14, 2021
    7
    Story is a main focus for this game. Pokemon had been adding more and more story to their games up to the release of Pokemon White Version andStory is a main focus for this game. Pokemon had been adding more and more story to their games up to the release of Pokemon White Version and this game delivered one of the best stories yet. It challenges many things that you think about the Pokemon world and treats you more like a true hero than a kid playing a video game. Almost all of the new content to this game is memorable and fantastic, especially the season changing feature, where the seasons in game will change every few weeks. Pokemon White Version also had the cleanest graphics and art out of all of the 2D Pokemon games to compliment its variety of music, moods, and events.

    The reason this game falls a bit short is mostly its ambitiousness not quite paying off. The quick connection feature is something you rarely use, that Game Freak seems to have put a lot of time into. It seems like they wanted to expand into an online oriented game before moving the series to 3DS, when they should have waited for their next main series game instead. The "triple battles" was something I was so excited for when the game first came out, but I'm not sure I ever even used it.

    Most of what Game Freak did for this game, was a massive leap for the series, but they tried to do too much, too fast. The game is definitely an exciting and engaging one, but too many features were a let down.
    Expand
  7. Jan 20, 2012
    0
    Creatures Inc. and Pokemon Corp. should think of a newer spin off than the serie with the same plot. I am disgusted by the black and whiteCreatures Inc. and Pokemon Corp. should think of a newer spin off than the serie with the same plot. I am disgusted by the black and white pokemons they were ridiculously not memorable. They are like trashes that came along to the series. Expand

See all 136 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

1
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#2 Most Discussed DS Game of 2011
5
#5 Most Shared DS Game of 2011