The deal with Pokemon?

I know this should be more of a Nintendo DS topic, but since it covers Pokemon in general (and therefore, not just the NDS games), I figured I'd just ask it here.

What exactly is it that makes Pokemon a big deal? I once owned Pearl, and really wanted to play online against others, but I really didn't want to go all the way through single player to do it...

Also, everybody who plays it - except me - seems to know everythign about Pokemon. Is there going to be a game similar to the NDS games, but made primarily torwards a beginner?

I went with my brother to get SoulSilver (for him) (which launched, once again, on a Sunday...which I still don't exactly understand) today. I didn't have the money for HeartGold or whatever, but even if I did, I would've hesitated about the purchase due what the game expects me to know about Pokemon in general...

It's not that I don't like Pokemon, I just don't understand what makes it a worldwide phenomon (other than it's made by Nintendo)...

They're fun to play simple as that really IMO of course. I've been playing Pokemon games since Red version. It's just fun to go around battle, build up your party and trade with friends. Also the game offers a lot of replay value

You don't need to know anything to get into it. In fact, I think the new games do a better job of introducing you into the world and teaching you what you need to know than the older ones. Every game is set in a whole new world as well, with no reference to previous games. The only exception is Gold and Silver, which has some mild references to Red and Blue.

The games expect you to figure some things out on your own, such as what elements are strong against certain elements. (Although this information is easily obtainable on the net if you'd prefer) but no game, aside from Pokemon Stadium 2 ever willingly offered a complete strength and weakness chart. The same goes with how Pokemon evolve and whether they even evolve. They'll give you hints, and use certain Pokemon as examples, but nowhere in the game does it hand you this information. So if this is the reason you're put off, then no that you're in the same situation the original gamers playing Red and Blue were over a decade ago. It's just the way the Pokemon games are. But there are guides all over the internet that'll give you complete descriptions of every Pokemon, what they learn, how they evolve, and etc if you'd prefer to know this stuff upfront rather than learn through trial and error. You wouldn't be the only Pokemon player to do it.

Well i never played it.

Game Freak actually makes the games, Nintendo is the publisher. But the thing about Pokemon is simple: it's simple :P I love Pokemon, though I feel the latest entries have faltered slightly when it comes to offering the genuine Pokemon experience. If you haven't already, I'd play Gold and/or Silver. Not only are those my favorite games in the series, they're among the top 10 games I've ever played. SoulSilver and HeartGold look sweet!

cuz it's Japanese..

cuz it's Japanese..

the_antivirus

If that was true, a Anime guy like me would be all over it. (which im not)

The big deal?

I wonna be the very best, like no one ever was....to catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause...

The big deal?

I wonna be the very best, like no one ever was....to catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause...

BranKetra

I will travel across the land, searching far and wide. Teach Pokemon to understand the power that's inside,,.

Game Freak actually makes the games, Nintendo is the publisher. But the thing about Pokemon is simple: it's simple :P I love Pokemon, though I feel the latest entries have faltered slightly when it comes to offering the genuine Pokemon experience. If you haven't already, I'd play Gold and/or Silver. Not only are those my favorite games in the series, they're among the top 10 games I've ever played. SoulSilver and HeartGold look sweet!

calvinsora

[QUOTE="BranKetra"]

The big deal?

I wonna be the very best, like no one ever was....to catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause...

calvinsora

I will travel across the land, searching far and wide. Teach Pokemon to understand the power that's inside,,.

[QUOTE="calvinsora"]

Game Freak actually makes the games, Nintendo is the publisher. But the thing about Pokemon is simple: it's simple :P I love Pokemon, though I feel the latest entries have faltered slightly when it comes to offering the genuine Pokemon experience. If you haven't already, I'd play Gold and/or Silver. Not only are those my favorite games in the series, they're among the top 10 games I've ever played. SoulSilver and HeartGold look sweet!

tjoeb123

Well, from two guys I know, the HG and SS versions are terrific reboots of the game, so it would be worth the purchase, but if you can in any way access the originals, then that's even better.

If you're looking for a PKMN game that's geared toward a beginner in the series, you might want to go with Pokemon versions Fire Red and Leaf Green (both are on GBA and are playable on the DS). They're the remakes of the original Pokemon Games: Red Version and Blue Version.

About 90% of the fans were hooked when they were little. Then it carries over because younger kids now get hooked. So then you get a pool of fans from all ages and knowledge spreads. And just to say, the games don't expect you to know everything. In each game, they treat you like a newb who has never played before, again hooking people who are already familiar and can just go on and hooking new people who are just getting used to the idea. DevilBorg

true. when i was 4 i started playing pokemon blue in gb color. until now i play it in gba, DS.

i dont know but the adventure and the story never seems to grow old for me. maybe you were left out by the pokemon fever?:P

as long as there is a pokemon game on DS,i WILL BUY it! :D