Pokémon is practically a cultural institution. Every true child of the '90s knows every word to the theme song, lost a lot of their parents' money on the trading card game, and spent many dozens of hours testing playground rumors in the videogames.

Black 2 and White 2 are the latest handheld entries in the main series. Being the first direct sequels already represents a pretty significant break from the norm in a franchise that is notoriously resistant to change. 

After 15 years, many of the mechanics are starting to show their age, despite the constant refinement. With almost 650 Pokémon now, the time investment is beyond reasonable for the average player. Still, Game Freak has done its best to keep things fresh, deep, and approachable -- a balancing act few can maneuver successfully. The developer falls short a bit too often, but manages another worthy, if at times frustrating, entry.

Pokémon Black and White 2 (Nintendo DS)
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: October 7, 2012
MSRP: $34.99

Playing a new Pokémon game for many people tends to be a war with their own nostalgia. Every time a new title in the core series of games is released, fans of the originals become rabid children and flock to the new game in a desperate attempt to "Catch 'em all" -- a task which gets exponentially more difficult with each generation. It's a roller coaster of sentimentality that messed with my head a bit. For the first few hours, I went back and forth between belting the Pokémon show theme song and practically yelling at the DS for not telling me what to do and where to go.

BW2 needs some kind of recap feature or journal or something. NPCs will often mention to go find certain things, but it never explicitly tells me where they are. There are so many random buildings and people wandering around everywhere that it's impossible to know at first glance what is and isn't important.

Important names are only in the last lines of the dialogue with NPCs and never mentioned again. I have no way to look it up, no way to find a hint, no way to get some kind of reminder, even. Every now and then, people just walk up to me and hand me items without any explanation or context. No one tells me what I need to get through which area or how, or even the general direction I should be going. Black and White had a fairly linear path. This sequel, on the other hand, seems to just send you off with all of your options apparently available, but not really showing you where you can and cannot go until you try.

I've also noticed that it's harder to use only one Pokémon in this game. It's the first time I've ever had problems with that strategy. I'm being forced to pick up other Pokémon and use them because I simply don't have the ability to learn any decent moves. 

While initially frustrating, this actually makes me glad in a way. For years I've been playing this game in a really cheap, easy, shortcut-y way and this is the first time I've seen some real effort to balance the trainer and wild Pokémon distribution in such a way that my old, rather boring strategy is totally unusable. Kudos, Game Freak. You did something right. Conniving bastards. Sucking me in again...

Despite these extensive, nagging complaints, I'm really surprised at how well the core Pokémon formula continues to hold up. With minor tweaks, the basic game becomes exponentially more complex over time while simultaneously being simple enough that children can get into it and appreciate the basics.

The entire game is centered around the core theme of growth and gradual maturity as well, reinforcing the appeal to younger audiences. Most people started playing Pokémon when they were young and had little agency in the world, but by tapping the dream of growing up and being more and more important within a relatively small time frame is a powerful appeal to kids.

It seems then, as the Pokémon generation ages, the nostalgia is reinforced by this longing to fulfill those same childhood dreams that were planted in our minds back in the '90s. Wow. This has to be some really sick, decade-long marketing scheme ... it's genius. Maybe Nintendo and Game Freak are actually Team Rocket.

If so, they've managed to create another compelling installment in the long-running franchise. Pokémon embodies the maxim "easy to learn, hard to master." Even after 15 years, I still only know a small portion of what I potentially could. While I don't have the time or the patience to dedicate to that endeavor, it's comforting to know that even in what is, ostensibly, a children's game, that if I chose to take that leap, I would have something substantive on which to land. Unfortunately, that same level of refinement and care cannot be found in the narrative.

Black and White attempted to tackle several legitimate moral issues with their plot -- and they were, more or less, the first games in the series to do so. They posed a question which any legitimately moral individual inhabiting the world of Pokémon would eventually have to ask themselves: is it okay to capture small animals and force them to fight one another for sport?

For most, the answer is a resounding "no." However, Black and White backed away from the implications of the very question they raised, and I'm sad to say that their sequels are no different in that regard.

Normally, I could forgive Pokémon for so poorly handling a fairly legitimate moral issue, but the plot has been so deeply integrated, and spans such a large portion of the game that I really can't let it go. It feels like I have been tantalized with a potentially subversive, thought-provoking game that never appears. In that sense, Black and White 2 are clearly the products of Nintendo. The paired titles hint at so much more than they are, that when the whole journey is over, I'm left wanting what could have been. 

Most people won't care, though, and for those folks, Black and White 2 represent a perfectly adequate, even addictive sequel that falls a bit short short of its full potential. Then again, at some point, a giant, flying, solar-powered pirate ship shows up and freezes whole cities with an ice laser. So... take the good with the bad.

Legacy Comments (will be imported soon)

Mr mew

moop

RPGFan2k

I dunno, I dont think I agree with the score. But I will leave it at that

Ziko

"Then again, at some point, a giant, flying, solar-powered pirate ship shows up and freezes whole cities with an ice laser."
That sounds awesome. I actually managed to correctly guess the review score with this one, which is unusual for me.
Anyway, can't wait. You'd think that I'd be sick and tired of this series after playing the games so many times, but nope! Still can't get enough of those Pokemans. I don't know how Game Freak does it.

Captain of the Zanarkand Abes

Kinda slowly going through black right now, i may pick this one up one day. If only there was a soul silver 2.

Amanda King

"BW2 needs some kind of recap feature or journal or something. NPCs will often mention to go find certain things, but it never explicitly tells me where they are. There are so many random buildings and people wandering around everywhere that it's impossible to know at first glance what is and isn't important."

It's an RPG, y'know, why don't you like, just...talk to everyone in town? Like explore. Play the game. It's generally how you progress in that genre.

Also there's a map that labels points of interest in Black/White, I'd be astounded if it was somehow removed in the sequel.

Chris Carter

My Mom told me that Pokemon was a fad when I bought Red in 1998.

Lol.

LiquidBear

pokemon became stale after gold/silver. do something different, gamefreak

RPGFan2k

I didnt want to say this.....but I am not convinced daniel finished the game. Because he didnt mention the pokemon world tournament, advance modes, the achievements, ect.......

I think he would of scored it higher if he fully finished it and did and saw everything

maybe I am wrong

NipTadFossilFinger

Thanks, great review. This is about where I feel all of the ds pokemon entries should have scored. Maybe 8 for Soul Silver.

GoodlyMike

I'll still eat it up, great review!

mxporygon

you're my best friend. In a world we must defend!

Dr Light ate your Magicite

Great review! I never realized how much they've managed to skirt around that moral issue, and just how much mileage they've gotten out of a very basic set of mechanics. I was almost ready to order a copy, but was reminded of the fact that there are now about 650 Pokemon. I think I'll not risk madness and just stick with my fond memories of Red's humble 151 roster.

tomnuki

No you're right, Stealth. There's a plethora of content now. They've even highlighted EV/IV training as well.

RPGFan2k

From what Ive noticed those who finished the game and played around with all the modes scored it 8 and higher

those that didnt scored it 8 and lower.

Just a pattern

UltorOscariot

I kinda wish I could still enjoy these, but for some reason, I hit a tipping point at Heart Gold/Soul Silver, and the simple promise of new monsters lost it's hold. Maybe if they finally ditch the sprites and 8 gym/fight a Pokemon crime syndicate format, I'll come back. But that's probably never.

Kyousuke Nanbu

Its a 7.5 stealth, hardly a low score, stop being such a fanboy.

RPGFan2k

@nanbu, learn what fanboy means idiot.

@porygon

I have a degree in pokemon mastering

MikeShadows

@Chris Carter

Same with me. lol

Daniel Starkey

I finished it. I kind of have a Pokemon problem. When I was done I binged on pokemon music and remixes for several hours.

RPGFan2k

Oh so you did finish it my apologizes then. Did you get to see the advance mode, world tournament, or achievements?

Tell me if I am out of line, but if you were not forced to review the game would you buy pokemon games?

Ardent Snow

@Stealth you do seem like a bit of a fanboy getting worked up over at 7.5 when it's the same formula for over the last 15 years.

RPGFan2k

@snow

You havent seen me worked up. Learn what fanboy means. Asking questions about what went into the score, isnt being a fanboy. Its being curious about a game I am thinking of purchasing in 2 days.

Most games have the same formula, that hasnt stopped other series.

Daniel Starkey

I would. I used to hand-train teams to 100 just so I could watch them in Pokemone Stadium 2.

I played and completed the dex for every generation, I spent a decent chunk of one spring break playing HG/SS, and I still know the PokeRap.

I never thought many of the additional modes in Pokemon were that compelling. I love the fact that Pokemon world tournament allows you to battle people from other generations, but I think the human vs. human interaction is way more interesting. Especially because when I pull out my shuckle I want to know that someone, somewhere really hopes I die in twelve fires.

RPGFan2k

Oh ok, so you do like pokemon. I was feeling bad they were forcing you to review a series you didnt care for. But if thats not the case cool

Oh so you care more about the competitive battle scene, than what the single player has to offer huh? Thats fair I guess.

For me the single player might matter more, as most of the people I find online are assholes

Daniel Starkey

You're probably right (hence the Shuckle)

RPGFan2k

I can see why you gave it a 7.5 now, they really didnt add anything new to the online component, it was all single player

Ardent Snow

@stealth I think you need to get of your high horse once in a while. It's gotta get tiring having your nose in the air all the time. If you read the text of the review you will see what went into it instead of taking an arbitrary number so seriously.

RPGFan2k

@snow for someone who accused me of getting heated, your getting heated. I have no HORSE in this RACE. Get it?

Daniel Starkey

People should back off stealth. He's not hurting anyone.

RPGFan2k

@daniel

RPGFan2k

The funny thing is if I were to get heated over ANYTHING, it would be the fact that he played the game and I havent

Ardent Snow

I never said anything heated. Getting heated is calling people idiots like you did up there. You are tying yourself in knots here man.

RPGFan2k

@snow, you try being insulted and then see how you respond hmm?

Me and daniel just bro fisted, what do you have on that brotherly love?

Ardent Snow

I didn't quite understand the first sentence there. I don't really have a problem with you, just sometimes you are a bit stuck up. I was calling you out for calling people an idiot and telling people to learn what fanboy means. That's the definition of getting defensive.

RPGFan2k

If I was stuck up Id say i was smarter than everyone by 100 iq points. Whatever your thinking is in your head.

Next time why dont you inject yourself in, mkay?

The real question should be how do I get daniel to gift me his copy.


What I am willing to do for it would be the opposite of stuck UP

Ardent Snow

I've read enough of your posts man. Believe me. You are still defensive btw...

RPGFan2k

maybe it appears that way to you, since your attacking me but I dont really pay this any mind at all.

@dan

I was listening to some ost tunes as well yesterday

the johto victory theme is still kick ass

janoDX

Guys stop with Stealth, he just asked questions about a gme he's about to buy. I'm guessing he will...

Also, obligatory score is better than RE6...

RPGFan2k

@jano

for some reason when I say something in a review article, batten down the hatches I am about the murder the writer...........

I just wanted to know what he thought in more detail since he didnt mention alot of in game things, thats why

qlum

Please don't judge the review by the two numbers and the dot at the end but rather by the full text.
The review is actually written pretty well despite maybe trying to say a bit to little about the story to make a point.

ChocoboSlayer

Well its a good thing Jim didn't review this he would have given the game a 2/10...

RPGFan2k

@qlum, who said it wasnt well written? He has better grammar than I do. He just missed speaking about some things I wanted to hear is all

SayWord

I would rate every gamr after gold/silver a 5. Just like mostly every nintendo franchise. Shit is getting stale. Hey guys how about instead of buying the same shit for the last 15 years we stop and force them to um i dont know? Evolve the game itself?

Jonathan Holmes

"In that sense, Black and White 2 are clearly the products of Nintendo. The paired titles hint at so much more than they are, that when the whole journey is over, I'm left wanting what could have been. "

Really? For me, Nintendo games are (generally) great because they promise to do something straight forward and simple, and then make 100% good on that promise. This game seems no different.

I think that a lot of Nintendo fans in their 20's tend to imagine what they think Nintendo games should be, and end up disappointing themselves when Nintendo fails to live up those self-generated expectations

I'm not sure if Nintendo is to blame for that.

RPGFan2k

@chocobo

jim is pretty consistent that way at least.

You know exactly what the scores will be right away

if its dynasty warriors, or silent hill, it gets a high score, anything else. Not so much

I think jim gave pokemon conquest an 8 if I am not mistaken

GeneOB

Good review. I admit I like the multiplayer focus a little more since the AI is either extremely dense (typical single player A.I.) or the game begins to cheat in favor of the A.I. (Battle Tower/Frontier/Subway)

At least human players can bust out some sick strats that may require thought.

Raiku

Stealth is hated as much on dtoid as I am in real life, and for the same reasons.

Mathias Drevan

No-one has mentioned if it's better to get be same color again or not. I was just curious if anyone knew? I guess I'm asking Stealth?

LiquidBear

the reason why people are annoyed with stealth is because he comes across as a pretentious asshole.

snoogans775

I don't wanna be a negative nancy, but this review was very confusing. You jumped from shmaltzy nostalgia to unstructured skin-deep analysis of the plot without riffing at all on the mechanics. Just a little constructive feedback because...gaems.