by A.J. Focht
Pokémon, America’s all time best-selling computer game series, is still going strong 15-years on. The two newest editions, Pokémon Black and Pokémon White, are renewing the call to trainers everywhere. Released in the US simultaneously on Sunday March 6, Black and White’s combined sales totaled over one million copies on the first day, besting the 780,000 units sold on the day of release for 2007’s Diamond and Pearl by a considerable margin.
Black and White introduce a new region to the Pokémon world, Unova. The architecture is based on New York City, and it includes over 150 new Pokémon (bring the full Pokédex to 646). There are several other changes that separate Black and White from previous releases too. The experience system has been revamped, to help ease the relentless grinding. And, in an attempt to make the new releases stand out, the games also boast an abundance of aesthetic and minor game play updates.
And it worked.
Pokéfans everywhere have spent the last few days collecting gym badges and catching all the new Pokémon. The new region is creating an authentic experience for past Pokémon Masters. Unlike previous versions (save Fire Red and Leaf Green), Black and White only allows the trainer to catch new region exclusive Pokémon until they beat the game. This means that no matter how versed you are in other areas of the Pokémon world, Black and White are bound to provide a unique experience.
Also, go ahead and check out the video for Grammy-nominated Presidents of the USA’s updated version of the Pokémon theme song, which was inspired by, and features, all the new Unova Pokémon.
