pokemon gold silver review
Pokémon Gold Version: HeartGOldThe Pokémon Gold and Silver versions have generally left great memories in the hearts of fans of the series. They are often cited as an example for the richness of their universe and the effectiveness of their gameplay. It is therefore with a legitimate enthusiasm mixed with curiosity that we welcome today in France their remakes on DS. Will the magic work again?
On April 6, 2001, Pokémon Gold and Silver came out in France on Game Boy after having unleashed passions in Japan. Including two regions to explore, 100 additional creatures and a day / night cycle based on the internal clock of the cartridge, these versions made a hit with fans of the first episodes. The new products on offer were numerous and well thought out. Thus, our Pokémon could hold and use objects, they were able to lay eggs, their happiness was taken into account and some of them benefited from new developments. The types Ténèbre and Acier made their appearance, just like the famous Shineys that we only had one chance in 65536 to meet each time. Depending on the date and time we were playing, the grass-lined Pokémon were not the same and special events could occur. In short, rarely following a bestseller had been so generous on the improvements made to the initial concept, which undoubtedly explains the mind-blowing figure of 23 million copies sold worldwide.
Pokémon Soulsilver and Pokémon Heartgold naturally take up the scenario that led us to explore the vast regions of Johto and Kanto a decade ago. Accompanied at the start by a Héricendre, a Kaiminus or a Germignon, the player will have to capture and breed all kinds of creatures in order to eventually become the best trainer of his time. He will also have to beat no less than 16 arena champions and face various lieutenants of the evil Team Rocket. DS requires, the graphics of Soulsilver and Heartgold have been completely reworked. The environments are more lively, 3D elements have been integrated into the sets, and the first Pokémon of our team is visible on the screen. The use of the stylus (optional), remarkably well integrated in an impeccable interface, allows you to walk through the various menus with ease. The Pokématos is making a comeback with a detailed map, a telephone, a radio, etc. The Pokédex, for its part, is more ergonomic than ever and the amount of information it contains is truly phenomenal. We also find in our equipment pots to grow plants, a shaker, etc.
As for the places to visit, the fan of the original versions will no doubt notice the appearance of new roads, a cave as well as a tower in which one can capture legendary Pokémon. The entrances to the traditional Safari and Combat zones now have a few amenities. A World Terminal which allows you to trade your Pokémon online has been set up in Doublonville. Nevertheless, the most surprising and emblematic area of these Soulsilver and Heartgold versions is undoubtedly the famous Pokéathlon which houses a dozen mini-games taking advantage of the touch screen. Hurdle race, snowball fight, ball at goal ... each test is based on various statistics (speed, technique, etc.) that can be boosted by making our critters drink, obviously at ease with doping, energizing drinks. By performing well against the A.I. or friends, the player will earn Athlete Points which he can then exchange for numerous prizes. In theory, Pokéathlon is therefore a remarkable addition further extending the already enormous lifespan of the software. In practice, however, it leaves a more mixed feeling because the mini-games offered are rather simplistic and repetitive.
Repetitive, the fights that are chained with great fanfare by walking in the tall grass or venturing into obscure undergrounds are necessarily a little too. But there is no question of talking about simplicity or boredom here. Indeed, the tactical richness of these confrontations is such that we do not see the time passing. Among the hundreds of attacks available, the types of Pokémon to take into account, their special powers and the ton of objects to use, there is enough to write whole books on the various strategies to implement. However, and it has always been one of the great strengths of the Pokémon series, this extraordinarily complex system remains accessible to the youngest thanks to easy-to-assimilate bases and a clear interface. After a few hours of play, we see that nothing has changed in terms of the gameplay developed years ago by Game Freak. Basically, it's not worse because if you think about it, you don't see what the developers could have changed without jeopardizing the balance of the game.
Where they have shown an overflowing imagination, however, is by providing with the cartridge a great accessory allowing us to take our Pokémon everywhere with us. Called Pokéwalker (in tribute to Chuck Norris?), This species of Tamagotchi with a screen and three buttons is not only capable of temporarily hosting any creature in the game, but it also offers us the possibility of picking up objects or even capture new critters through two ultra-basic mini-games. However, access to these mini-games is not free. The price to pay ? Watts. And the only way to accumulate these watts, well, it's to walk! Yes, to walk because the Pokéwalker (which therefore has nothing to do with Texas Ranger) is also an authentic pedometer! This is why, by screwing a small shell provided in the packaging, we can clip it on the belt so that it counts each of our steps. Then just approach our DS so that we can recover our companion and / or our earnings. This is not the first time that the Pokémon series has innovated in terms of gadgets, but this time, it must be recognized that its designers have been very strong.
If Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version already enjoyed a colossal lifespan, Pokémon Soulsilver and Heartgold succeed in the feat of being even more generous in terms of content. All Pokémon created since the start of the series (493 in total) can thus be captured or exchanged, the events are more numerous, and above all we now have online features. Connected players can challenge friends or go to a virtual space to interact in multiple ways. In addition, the GTS system set up with the Diamond / Pearl generation is back to collect or offer for exchange (even console off) our precious Pokémon. It would take too long to want to develop the host of details that make Pokémon Soulsilver and Heartgold exciting games. The cultivation of berries, the mixing of noigrumes, photos, style contests, fishing, combat videos ... All of this is part of a world apart. A fabulous universe that you can only discover by running to buy the version of your choice and letting yourself be lulled by its magic.
The notes
Graphics 14/20
Once again we find the colorful style and the naive design so characteristic of the series. Nevertheless, some elements in 3D are now invited in the decorations and the various menus are of unprecedented clarity. We are also delighted to see the first Pokémon of our team appear alongside our trainer.
Gameplay 17/20
If the combat system has still not evolved an inch, the interface this time proves to be foolproof. Whether you play with a stylus or the old-fashioned way, the controls are intuitive and navigation in the different sections is optimal. The day / night cycle indexed on the internal clock ideally paces the adventure while the many online features integrate perfectly into the whole. Finally, a special mention for the Pokéwalker which allows us to take our favorite Pokémon everywhere with us.
Lifespan 19/20
With 493 Pokémon to collect, two entire regions to explore, ten mini-games and dozens of opponents to challenge, Pokémon Soulsilver and Heartgold have a truly breathtaking lifespan. There is no doubt that for enthusiasts, the time spent on their DS will be counted in hundreds of hours.
Soundtrack 13/20
The main musical themes of the original versions have been remixed and each Pokémon has an original cry. However, the sound environment still needs improvement.
Scenario 13/20
Although the story is long and rather fun, it is not particularly original. On the other hand, we appreciate the great freedom that is left to us to come and go as we please.
Okay, Pokémon SoulSilver and Heartgold are just remakes of titles released almost 10 years ago. But what remakes! Between the updated graphics, the redesigned interface, the online functionality and the ton of new features in the cartridge, fans of the series will no longer know where to turn. Whether we know the original versions by heart or discover them for the first time here, it is clear that we are not close to picking up our DS ... Except to recharge the Pokéwalker, well heard!
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