Summary
ThePokemonseries is one of the most seasoned and beloved franchises, not only in all of gaming but in the whole of pop culture as well. With a few dozen games and hundreds of Pokemon ahead of them, it’s easy to understand why new players would be intimidated by jumping into the media juggernaut that is Pokemon for the first time.
Thankfully, there are plenty of solid entry points into the series, and while some titles can be easier to start with than others, there really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to trying Pokemon out initially. From the classics that started it all to revolutionary remakes to modern titles that propel the series into the future, newcomers won’t be remiss for plenty of awesome Pokemon content to dive into.
Platform
Game Boy Color
Gold and Silver are the titles that mark the second generation of Pokemon in the franchise, and while that doesn’t always make them the immediate first choice for new players,these games have plenty of charmsto draw in beginners to the series.
For one, Gold and Silver introduced some of the series’ most iconic Pokemon, like Togepi, Lugia, and Umbreon, just to name a few. This generation also introduced two new types (Dark and Steel) as well as new types of moves, a real-time clock mechanic, and a breeding mechanic. Sometimes a sequel is the best way to go, seeing as it’s smoothed out some of the first entry’s rough edges.
Nintendo Switch
Some players who are starting out actually prefer to play the most recent release in a game’s franchise, as it is more in line with the contemporary gameplay design that they’re already used to. For those who enjoy all the bells and whistles, Pokemon Scarlet or Violet would be the right place to start, as they are indeed the franchise’s newest mainline releases.
In addition to a wealth of complex gameplay mechanics to explore, players will also have a vast lineup of Pokemon to get to know — certainly more than the earlier entries in the series. Scarlet and Violet are not the most conventional choices when it comes to trying out Pokemon for the first time, but they are certainly as legitimate as any of the other games.
For those who own a Nintendo Switch, it might be worth trying outLet’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eeveebefore trying any other Pokemon games. These titles are remakes of the 1998 release Pokemon Yellow, of course, updated with contemporary graphics, some new mechanics, and other quality-of-life changes.
Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee included the controversial change of taking away wild Pokemon battles in lieu of a more streamlined catching mechanic, but some found that it helped reduce the “grindy” feeling that the games often possess, especially in the early and mid-game. For those who don’t want to deal with dated gameplay, or the Switch is simply the easiest way to play games, Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee is an excellent choice.
Game Boy
Sometimes, the best place to start is simply at the beginning.Pokemon Blue and Redare the first entries in the now legendary franchise and make for the perfect entry point for a player who wants to get the authentic Pokemon experience.
These games will likely feel dated to contemporary players — they laid down the foundation of the game’s signature fighting style and mechanics, but they don’t have any of the quality-of-life changes of later entries that make certain tasks less of a headache. Red and Blue also originated the series’ formula of having two variations of the game for each generation, each coming with its own exclusive Pokemon and other features.
iOS, Android
While it’s true thatPokemon Godoesn’t necessarily capture the classic core of Pokemon gameplay, it’s a great entry in the series for veteran and beginner players alike. For one, it simply introduces some of the series’ staple mechanics, such as catching Pokemon, visiting Pokestops, and a modified version of the usual Pokemon battles.
Pokemon Go’s greatest benefit, however, is that it gets players up and moving as they walk around finding Pokemon to catch. The game’s AR elements allow players to become immersed in what it would feel like to actually run around town catching pocket monsters, in addition to promoting movement and social interaction.
Pokemon Yellow is an incredibly similar game to Pokemon Red/Blue, as it was an improved version of those games that was released a few years later. While Yellow features the same graphics and mechanics as its predecessors, it has some new Pokemon and a unique story to keep things fresh.
Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue are considered the true first entries in the series, but Yellow is right there with them as a first-generation game. Players don’t actually have a choice of which starter Pokemon they receive in Yellow, as they are simply given a Pikachu and set loose in the world. This title does feature a now-iconic Surfing Pikachu mini-game, which makes it worth playing in and of itself.
Game Boy Advance
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen are not only widely considered the best games to start the series with, but the best games in the series period. These games are remakes of Pokemon Red and Blue, released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. With the new versions, the games got a gorgeous graphical update, a new save game feature, and the ability to play with friends using the Game Boy Advance Link Cable.
Most players today considerFireRed and LeafGreen to be the best balanceof retro mechanics and newer additions that make the games more visually appealing and easier to play. These titles are some of the most sought-after on the retro market, and if players can manage to get their hands on a retro console like a Game Boy Advance or Nintendo DS, FireRed and LeafGreen are well worth the investment.
NEXT:The Most Powerful Pokemon Of Every Type, Ranked According To Strength
