JRPG

Pokémon Diamond Version is a classic role-playing adventure set in the sprawling Sinnoh region. Players choose a starter Pokémon and set out to catch, train, and battle various creatures while thwarting the nefarious plans of Team Galactic. Featuring dual-screen utilization on the Nintendo DS, this installment introduced global trading and battling via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, dynamic time-of-day mechanics, and the Underground mining minigame for discovering rare items and fossils.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking a classic creature-collection adventure in the sinnoh region.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Kanto region, capturing, training, and battling classic Pokémon to become the ultimate Pokémon Champion. Pokémon FireRed Version enhances the beloved original Game Boy experience with modern conveniences, vibrant visuals, and expanded post-game areas to explore. Test your skills in turn-based strategic battles, trade with friends, and uncover the mysteries of the Sevii Islands. Whether you are a nostalgic veteran or a newcomer starting your journey, this masterpiece delivers endless role-playing excitement and timeless creature-collecting gameplay.

✦ Best for fans wanting a faithful, enhanced return to the kanto region.

Step into the vibrant world of Hoenn in Pokémon Ruby Version, where you capture, train, and battle dozens of unique creatures. Explore diverse environments ranging from lush forests to volcanic ash-covered routes while uncovering the sinister plots of Team Magma. Test your strategic prowess against gym leaders, complete the Hoenn Pokédex, and trade or battle with friends using the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable. Experience the introduction of Double Battles, abilities, and natures that deepen the tactical depth of every encounter.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking deep turn-based strategy and team building.

Pokémon HeartGold Version is an acclaimed role-playing adventure that invites players to journey through the nostalgic Johto and Kanto regions alongside a Pokémon that follows behind them everywhere they go. Featuring updated graphics, an expanded soundtrack, and modern gameplay mechanics built upon the foundation of the Generation II classics, it delivers a rich and immersive handheld experience. The game introduces innovative features such as the Pokéwalker accessory, allowing trainers to take their favorite Pokémon with them into the real world to earn watts and level up. With legendary encounters including Ho-Oh and Lugia, intense turn-based battles, and robust multiplayer connectivity for trading and battling with friends, it remains a high point in the storied franchise.

✦ Best for rpg fans wanting to explore two regions with a following pokémon.

Pokémon White Version introduces players to the vibrant Unova region, inspired by modern urban landscapes, featuring over 150 brand-new Pokémon to discover and train. Experience dynamic seasonal changes that affect the environment and the appearance of certain Pokémon in the wild. Engage in thrilling triple battles and rotation battles that add deep tactical layers to the traditional turn-based combat system. Journey alongside the enigmatic character N as you explore the conflicting ideals of truth and ideals in an unforgettable story.

✦ Best for rpg fans wanting a fresh roster of over 150 unova pokémon.

Pokémon Black Version takes players on an adventure through the culturally diverse Unova region, inspired by modern New York City. Alongside your childhood friends and rivals, you will uncover the mysteries of the legendary Pokémon Reshiram while confronting the villainous Team Plasma. Featuring over 150 brand-new Pokémon that cannot be found in previous generations, this entry introduces dynamic seasonal changes, animated battle sprites, and triple and rotation battles that add unprecedented depth to the traditional turn-based combat system.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking a mature story and 150+ new pokémon.

Pokémon SoulSilver Version is an acclaimed role-playing adventure that invites players to journey through the nostalgic Johto and Kanto regions alongside a faithful Pokémon companion that follows right behind them on the screen. Featuring updated graphics, an expanded soundtrack, and modern gameplay mechanics, this enhanced remake of the classic Game Boy Color title delivers a rich, immersive experience for both returning fans and newcomers alike. Players collect gym badges, battle the villainous Team Rocket, and capture legendary Pokémon such as Lugia while utilizing the innovative Pokéwalker accessory to train their monsters in the real world. With robust trading, competitive battling capabilities, and classic turn-based strategy, SoulSilver remains a high point in the storied Pokémon franchise.

✦ Best for rpg fans wanting massive exploration and a walking pokémon companion.

Pokémon Platinum Version expands upon the beloved Generation IV experience, introducing the mysterious Distortion World and enhanced features. Players explore the snow-swept Sinnoh region, capture legendary Pokémon, and battle formidable trainers on their quest to become the Pokémon League Champion. Featuring updated graphics, expanded Wi-Fi capabilities, and the return of the Battle Frontier, this enhanced version delivers the ultimate Sinnoh journey. Team Galactic returns with a more ambitious plot, driving a richer narrative that challenges players to save the world from total distortion.

✦ Best for rpg fans and monster-taming enthusiasts seeking the definitive sinnoh adventure.

Pokémon Pearl Version brings players to the expansive Sinnoh region, a land filled with myths, diverse landscapes, and newly discovered Pokémon. As a young trainer, you set out to complete your Pokédex, challenge the local gym leaders, and thwart the nefarious plans of Team Galactic. Featuring dual-screen utilization, Wi-Fi connectivity for trading and battling globally, and the introduction of the legendary Pokémon Palkia, this installment offers deep turn-based strategic combat and an unforgettable journey for players of all ages.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking deep turn-based combat and multiplayer trading.

Pokémon LeafGreen Version is a beloved role-playing adventure that invites players to explore the vibrant Kanto region, capture iconic creatures, and battle their way to become the Pokémon League Champion. Originally released in 2004 by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, this enhanced version of the original Generation I games combines nostalgic charm with refined mechanics. Players can embark on a grand journey either solo or with friends utilizing multiplayer connectivity features. Traverse diverse environments, defeat gym leaders, and uncover the mysteries of the Sevii Islands while building a formidable team of creatures suited for turn-based strategic combat.

✦ Best for fans wanting nostalgic kanto region exploration and monster-catching adventures.

Pokémon Sapphire Version is a classic role-playing adventure released for the Game Boy Advance, inviting players to explore the vibrant Hoenn region. Trainers catch, train, and battle numerous unique creatures while uncovering the nefarious plots of Team Magma and Team Aqua. Featuring double battles, secret bases, and intense turn-based combat, the game delivers a rich RPG experience. Players can also trade and battle with friends using the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable to complete their Pokédex.

✦ Best for rpg fans seeking classic creature collection and strategic double battles.

Pokémon Crystal Version is the definitive Game Boy Color installment in the beloved second generation of the Pokémon franchise. Expanding upon Gold and Silver, it introduces animated Pokémon sprites in battle, a dedicated female protagonist option, and the mystical Battle Tower. Players journey across the Johto and Kanto regions to catch, train, and battle Pokémon, collecting Gym Badges and striving to defeat the Pokémon League. The game also features unique plotlines surrounding the legendary beast Suicune and introduces special time-based events and wireless capabilities via the Mobile Adapter GB in its original release.

✦ Best for retro rpg fans wanting two massive regions and animated battle sprites.