Since 1996 Pokemon games have had a tremendous impact on gamers with their unique creatures and game style. It’s no wonder Pokemon Games are one of the most played games in the world.
A start note that in this article only official Nintendo Pokemon games are discussed which does not include ROM hacks, Pokemon GO, Pokemon Unite, Pokemon Colosseum, Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness, and any non-main series games like Pokemon TCG, Pokemon Cafe, Pokemon Snap, etc.
10. Red, Blue, and Yellow
The Original Generation 1 games released in 1996 and Pokemon Yellow released in 1998 are truly iconic and welcomed us to the world of pokemon. From having a memorable protagonist Red and Rival Blue to our beloved original 151 Pokemon these games became one of the most sold role-playing games ever. Additionally, the story of the games is quite satisfying with starting as an inexperienced trainer with a mocking rival, defeating Team Rocket, and subsequently defeating Elite Four and the Rival. These games allowed us to explore Kanto to its fullest and not to mention all the glitches these games had that made these games even more enjoyable Pokemon Yellow also offered Pikachu as a walking partner and access to all 3 Kanto Starter and also the mini surfing game.
9. Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
The sequels to Generation 5 games Pokemon Black and White released in 2012 are set 2 years after the events we saw in Pokemon Black and White with Protagonists as Nate and Rosa. The Journey starts from Aspertia City where you get your starter Pokemon with your Rival Hugh. The games show the active role of Team Plasma led by Ghetsis whose objective is to catch Kyurem and liberate pokemon from humans. The games include expanded PokeDex (in comparison to Black and White) and access to new locations like Virbank City, Lentimas Town, Humilau City, along with areas called Hidden Grottoes, where you can catch special Pokémon. These Games also have two guaranteed shiny pokemon which are Shiny Haxorus in Nature Reserve and Shiny Gible or Dratini in Black Tower or White Tree Hollow respectively. Also, Iris replaces Alder as the new champion.
8. Pokemon Sword and Shield
The Generation 8 games Pokemon Sword and Shield were released in 2019 brought some unique features never seen before. The Major addition to the games includes Dynamaxing and the Wild Area. You start your journey from Postwick Town as protagonist Victor or Gloria, the adventure starts with you meeting Champion Leon and getting your starter and going on a misadventure to the Slumbering Weald to find the mysterious pokemon (i.e Zacian and Zamazenta). The games introduced camping to bond with pokemon, new Galarian forms, and Suprise Trade. The games also have additional DLC Crown Tundra and Isle Of Armour which gives you access to more pokemon and legendary pokemon in Dynamax Adventures.
7. Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
The Johto region is located adjacent to Kanto and the start of Generation 2 of the Pokemon Series. You play as protagonist Ethan or Kris(Only in Pokemon Crystal), with these games Steel and Dark types were introduced in the game and in addition to the evolutionary line to certain Generation 1 Pokemon. The time system was added for time-based events. The Games had colors and introduced shiny pokemon and PokeGear for time, radio, and location and we also saw the introduction of Breeding. The Crystal Version. Crystal Version had some significant differences with Girl as a playable character and much more emphasis of the story on Suicune. Players also received a Dratini with ExtremeSpeed after getting Rising Badge and the Battle Tower was introduced.
6. Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
The Generation 7 Games Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon had pretty significant upgrades in comparison to their predecessors. You start your journey as protagonist Elio or Selene from Iki Town as Professor Kukui gives you your starter Pokemon, the plot remains widely the same but the major difference is that, instead of the massive fiasco with Necrozma, you battle and capture the cover Legendary at the Altar of the Sunne/Moone, who then takes you into Ultra Space. The games include some cool features as the Mantine mini-surfing game and the Ultra Warp Ride that players can traverse to catch an endless sea of Legendary Pokemon or Ultra Beasts. The game also offered players side quests like collecting Totem Stickers to get a Totem Pokemon and new areas like the Pikachu Valley and Ultra Wormhole.
5. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
The Generation 3 Reboots released in 2004 of the original Pokemon Red and Blue exceeded our expectations with the same story shown in better graphics and with new exciting features. The game’s plot remains the same as of Pokemon Red/Blue but these games had much more to do. The game introduced Sevii Islands which are a group of Seven Islands players can access as soon as Defeating Blaine(Only three islands are accessible after defeating Blaine). These games also give access to certain Generation 2 Pokemon and Dark and Steel typing was available. The VS Seeker item was also available to the players.
4. Pokemon Platinum
The Advanced version of Generation 4 games Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum was a massive upgrade and more enjoyable. Released in 2008 Pokemon Platinum fixed a ton of problems of its predecessors mainly expanding the Sinnoh Dex and adding more fire-type Pokemon. The plot however remains the same with the difference being you fight Giratina in the Distortion World instead of Dialga or Palkia which are accessible in Post-Game. Platinum Version also replaced Battle tower with the Battle Frontier to expand the post-game activities and a new Player’s Villa was added to the Resort Area.
3. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The second remakes of the Pokemon Series, Pokemon HeartGold, and SoulSilver were refreshed for players to experience Generation 2 again. Released in 2009 these games were a massive upgrade with having Physical/Special split which was introduced in Generation 4 games. The game also introduced Walking Pokemon which made these games more realistic and the introduction of Safari Zone made more Pokemon accessible. We also saw some new TM’s and Elite four and Champion rematches with a better team, even though the story of the game remains entirely the same.
2. Pokemon Emerald
In the upgraded version of Generation 3 games Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire released in 2004, Pokemon Emerald the Protagonist Brendan or May had to fight both Team Aqua and Team Magma with both their goals of awakening Groudon and Kyogre respectively realized, it falls on the player to awaken the legendary Pokemon Rayquaza to cease the other two Pokemon’s battle. Emerald version made the entire trio catchable and changed Battle Tower to the massive Battle Frontier. After beating the Elite Four player has a choice between catching Latias or Latios and Professor Birch offers 1 of 3 Johto Starters.
1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
The Most recent Pokemon released in 2022 is everything a Pokemon Fan could want. The game takes place in Hisui Region (the former Sinnoh Region) as the protagonist Rei or Akari chosen by Arceus time travels and falls out of the sky on the beach near Jubilife Village. Without a doubt, this game was jam-packed with features a Pokemon Fan could dream of from catching pokemon without getting into battle, Pokemon rides, new evolutions, regional forms, and fast shiny hunting methods. The main purpose of the protagonist is to research Pokemon and explore Hisui to its fullest. The game had a perfect Pokemon Size scale and the new Space-Time distortion regions for players to get rare Pokemon and Items. We also get introduced to furious Alpha Pokemon and Frenzied Noble Pokemon. When the player catches all the Pokemon in the Hisui Region he can take on the God-Pokemon Arceus which was made available for the first time to everyone without an Event.
