Core series: Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
mNo edit summary
(48 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:Black2Title.png|thumb|The title screen of {{game3|Black and White|Pokémon Black 2|s 2}}]]
{{Move|Core games}}
The '''core series'''<ref>[https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/pokemonxy/0/1 Iwata Asks : Pokémon X & Pokémon Y : Pokémon Born Anew]</ref> (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターシリーズ'''<ref>[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ ゲーム ポケットモンスターシリーズ | ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref> ''Pocket Monsters Series'') of the [[Pokémon games]], often referred to by fans as the '''main series''', is the game series that is always released on a [[Nintendo]] {{wp|Handheld game console|handheld system}} and developed by [[Game Freak]], which follow the now-standard model of a {{player}}'s journey through a specific [[region]] to catch and raise {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, battle {{pkmn|Trainer}}s, earn [[Badge]]s from [[Gym Leader]]s, and defeat the [[Pokémon League]] to enter the [[Hall of Fame]] there.
The '''core series'''<ref>[https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/pokemonxy/0/1 Iwata Asks : Pokémon X & Pokémon Y : Pokémon Born Anew]</ref><ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/16/pokemons-master-speaks Pokemon's Master Speaks - IGN]</ref> of the [[Pokémon games]] or '''core games'''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131008075239/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/vg_pokemonxy_gf_interview-2013-10-04/ Inside the Minds behind Pokémon! | News | Pokemon.com]</ref>, commonly referred to as the '''main series''' or '''mainline games''' by fans, is the game series that is always released on a [[Nintendo]] {{wp|Handheld game console|handheld system}} and developed by [[Game Freak]], which follow the now-standard model of a {{player}}'s journey through a specific [[region]] to catch and raise {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, battle {{pkmn|Trainer}}s, earn [[Badge]]s from [[Gym Leader]]s, and defeat the [[Pokémon League]] to enter the [[Hall of Fame]] there.


There are currently 22 games in the series internationally, 23 in Japan (due to having four games in [[Generation I]] instead of three), and 13 in {{pmin|South Korea}} (since only {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} were released there prior to {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}). These figures will each increase by two following the release of {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} in November 2014, giving 24 international games, 25 Japanese games, and 15 Korean games.
Counting each game individually, there are currently 24 games in the series internationally, 25 in Japan, and 15 in {{pmin|South Korea}}. Counting paired individual games as a single release, there are currently 14 games in the series internationally, 15 in Japan, and 8 in South Korea.


Most games in the core series have the label ''Version'' in their English title, although this has been dropped from the [[Generation VI|latest releases]]. In Japanese, the series is called the ''Pocket Monsters Series'', as core series games all contain ''Pocket Monsters'' (ポケットモンスター) in their title, whereas side series and [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]] use ''Pokémon'' (ポケモン) instead.
Prior to [[Generation VI]], it was standard for the Western releases of the core series games to include the label ''Version'' in their title, although this was seldom used by the Japanese releases. In Japanese and Korean, the series is called the '''''Pocket Monsters Series''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターシリーズ'''<ref>[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ ゲーム ポケットモンスターシリーズ | ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>, Korean: '''포켓몬스터 시리즈'''<ref>[http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=game-game_list&GameGroup=P 포켓몬 공식 사이트]</ref>), as core series games all contain the full name ''Pocket Monsters'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター, Korean: 포켓몬스터) in their title, whereas side series and [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]] use the abbreviation ''Pokémon'' (Japanese: ポケモン, Korean: 포켓몬) in the title instead; however, the Japanese releases of the [[Pokémon Stadium series]] use ''Pocket Monsters'' in English subtitles, despite the titles using ''Pokémon'' in {{wp|kana}}.


==Classification==
==Classification==
Line 23: Line 23:
While releases continue to break patterns, there is an overall model that the release of new core series games follows.
While releases continue to break patterns, there is an overall model that the release of new core series games follows.


When a [[generation]] of [[Pokémon games]] begins, a pair of games is always released. These paired versions feature virtually the same storyline as each other, but each [[version-exclusive Pokémon]] differ, and some other elements are usually slightly different. This encourages [[Trade|trading]], as it is required in order to complete the [[Pokédex]].
When a [[generation]] of [[Pokémon games]] begins, a pair of games is always released. These paired versions feature virtually the same storyline as each other, but the [[Game-exclusive Pokémon|available Pokémon]] differ, and some other elements are usually slightly different. This encourages [[Trade|trading]], as it is required in order to complete the [[Pokédex]].


A solitary version is later released with several minor storyline tweaks, but taking place in the same [[region]] and following the same basic storyline. Like the paired versions before it, it will always lack some of the {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} but will also contain some of those [[species]] missing from either of them; thus, a {{player}} of the solitary version must link together with the paired versions to complete the Pokédex as well.
A solitary version is later released with several minor storyline tweaks, but taking place in the same [[region]] and following the same basic storyline. Like the paired versions before it, it will always lack some of the {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} but will also contain some of those species missing from either of them; thus, a {{player}} of the solitary version must link together with the paired versions to complete the Pokédex as well.


Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions may be released. These paired versions are usually [[remake]]s of earlier titles and are not accompanied by a solitary version, since the latter's additions and changes are taken into consideration. [[Generation V]] broke with tradition by releasing {{game3|Black and White|a second pair of games|s 2}} as a sequel to the {{game3|Black and White|primary paired versions|s}} instead of a remake.
Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions may be released. These paired versions are usually [[remake]]s of earlier titles and are not accompanied by a solitary version, since the latter's additions and changes are taken into consideration. [[Generation V]] broke with tradition by releasing {{game3|Black and White|a second pair of games|s 2}} as a sequel to the {{game3|Black and White|primary paired versions|s}} instead of a remake.
Line 39: Line 39:


===Box art===
===Box art===
The box art for each game features one {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} which was introduced in that [[generation]] (or, in the case of [[remake]]s, the generation of the original games). This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a [[version mascot]], and with the exception of [[Generation I]] and its {{game3|FireRed and LeafGreen|remakes|s}}, it is always the [[Legendary Pokémon]] available in that game at the climax of the storyline.
The box art for each game features one {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} which was introduced in that [[generation]] (or, in the case of [[remake]]s, the generation of the original games). This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a [[game mascot]], and with the exception of [[Generation I]] and its {{game3|FireRed and LeafGreen|remakes|s}}, it is always the [[Legendary Pokémon]] available in that game at the climax of the storyline.


In terms of the artwork itself, the international {{game|Red and Blue|s}} and all releases of {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, {{game|Black and White|s}}, and {{g|X and Y}} use their version mascot's original [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork for their box art, whereas all other core series games use specially made artwork.
In terms of the artwork itself, the international {{game|Red and Blue|s}} and all releases of {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, {{game|Black and White|s}}, and {{g|X and Y}} use their game mascot's original [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork for their box art, whereas all other core series games use specially made artwork.


==List of core series games==
==List of core series games==
In {{pmin|South Korea}}, only {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} were released prior to the foundation of Nintendo of Korea and Pokémon Korea in 2006. The first core series game release after this was {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} in 2008.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background: #a0a0c4; border: 3px solid #ccf;" width="80%"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background: #a0a0c4; border: 3px solid #ccf;" width="80%"
|-  
|-
!
!
! colspan="2" width="60%" height="30px" style="background: #ddf; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Paired versions
! colspan="2" width="60%" height="30px" style="background: #ddf; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Paired versions
! width="30%" height="30px" style="background: #ddf; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Solitary versions
! width="30%" height="30px" style="background: #ddf; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Solitary versions
|-  
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background: #{{kanto color}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Generation I|Generation&nbsp;I}}
! rowspan="5" style="background: #{{kanto color}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Generation I|Generation&nbsp;I}}
! colspan="3" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|Japan}}
! colspan="3" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|Japan}}
|-  
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background: #{{red color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Red}}}}
| rowspan="2" style="background: #{{red color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Red}}}}
| rowspan="2" style="background: #{{green color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{green color}}|{{color2|{{green color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Green}}}}
| rowspan="2" style="background: #{{green color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{green color}}|{{color2|{{green color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Green}}}}
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}}}
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}}}
|-  
|-
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}}}
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Pikachu}}}}
|-  
|-
! colspan="3" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|International}}
! colspan="3" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|International}}
|-  
|-
| style="background: #{{red color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Red}}}}
| style="background: #{{red color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Red}}}}
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Blue}}}}
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Blue}}}}
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}}}
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}}}
|-  
|-
! style="background: #{{johto color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II|Generation&nbsp;II}}
! style="background: #{{johto color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II|Generation&nbsp;II}}
| style="background: #{{gold color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{gold color}}|{{color2|{{gold color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold}}}}
| style="background: #{{gold color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{gold color}}|{{color2|{{gold color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold}}}}
| style="background: #{{silver color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{silver color}}|{{color2|{{silver color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Silver}}}}
| style="background: #{{silver color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{silver color}}|{{color2|{{silver color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Silver}}}}
| style="background: #{{crystal color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{crystal color}}|{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|Crystal}}}}
| style="background: #{{crystal color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{crystal color}}|{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|Crystal}}}}
|-  
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{hoenn color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Generation III|Generation&nbsp;III}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{hoenn color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Generation III|Generation&nbsp;III}}
| style="background: #{{ruby color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{ruby color}}|{{color2|{{ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby}}}}
| style="background: #{{ruby color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{ruby color}}|{{color2|{{ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby}}}}
| style="background: #{{sapphire color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{sapphire color}}|{{color2|{{sapphire color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Sapphire}}}}
| style="background: #{{sapphire color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{sapphire color}}|{{color2|{{sapphire color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Sapphire}}}}
| style="background: #{{emerald color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{emerald color}}|{{color2|{{emerald color dark}}|Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald}}}}  
| style="background: #{{emerald color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{emerald color}}|{{color2|{{emerald color dark}}|Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald}}}}
|-  
|-
| style="background: #{{firered color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{firered color}}|{{color2|{{firered color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed}}}}
| style="background: #{{firered color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{firered color}}|{{color2|{{firered color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed}}}}
| style="background: #{{leafgreen color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{leafgreen color}}|{{color2|{{leafgreen color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|LeafGreen}}}}
| style="background: #{{leafgreen color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{leafgreen color}}|{{color2|{{leafgreen color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|LeafGreen}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-  
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{sinnoh color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Generation IV|Generation&nbsp;IV}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{sinnoh color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Generation IV|Generation&nbsp;IV}}
| style="background: #{{diamond color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{diamond color}}|{{color2|{{diamond color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond}}}}
| style="background: #{{diamond color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{diamond color}}|{{color2|{{diamond color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond}}}}
| style="background: #{{pearl color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{pearl color}}|{{color2|{{pearl color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pearl}}}}
| style="background: #{{pearl color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{pearl color}}|{{color2|{{pearl color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pearl}}}}
| style="background: #{{platinum color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{platinum color}}|{{color2|{{platinum color dark}}|Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum}}}}
| style="background: #{{platinum color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{platinum color}}|{{color2|{{platinum color dark}}|Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum}}}}
|-  
|-
| style="background: #{{heartgold color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{heartgold color}}|{{color2|{{heartgold color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold}}}}
| style="background: #{{heartgold color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{heartgold color}}|{{color2|{{heartgold color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold}}}}
| style="background: #{{soulsilver color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{soulsilver color}}|{{color2|{{soulsilver color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|SoulSilver}}}}
| style="background: #{{soulsilver color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{soulsilver color}}|{{color2|{{soulsilver color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|SoulSilver}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-  
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{unova color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Generation V|Generation&nbsp;V}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{unova color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Generation V|Generation&nbsp;V}}
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black color}}|{{color2|{{black color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions|Black}}}}
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black color}}|{{color2|{{black color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions|Black}}}}
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white color}}|{{color2|{{white color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions |White}}}}
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white color}}|{{color2|{{white color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions |White}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-  
|-
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black 2 color}}|{{color2|{{black 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2}}}}
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black 2 color}}|{{color2|{{black 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2}}}}
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white 2 color}}|{{color2|{{white 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|White 2}}}}
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white 2 color}}|{{color2|{{white 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|White 2}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{kalos color}}; {{roundybl|5px}} padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Generation VI|Generation&nbsp;VI}}
| style="background: #{{x color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{x color}}|{{color2|{{x color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|X}}}}
| style="background: #{{y color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{y color}}|{{color2|{{y color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|Y}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-
|-
| style="background: #{{omega ruby color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{omega ruby color}}|{{color2|{{omega ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby}}}}
| style="background: #{{alpha sapphire color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{alpha sapphire  color}}|{{color2|{{alpha sapphire  color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Alpha Sapphire}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|}
===South Korea===
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background: #a0a0c4; border: 3px solid #ccf;" width="80%"
|-
!
! colspan="2" width="60%" height="30px" style="background: #ddf; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Paired versions
! width="30%" height="30px" style="background: #ddf; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Solitary versions
|-
! style="background: #{{johto color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II|Generation&nbsp;II}}
| style="background: #{{gold color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{gold color}}|{{color2|{{gold color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold}}}}
| style="background: #{{silver color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{silver color}}|{{color2|{{silver color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Silver}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{sinnoh color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Generation IV|Generation&nbsp;IV}}
| style="background: #{{diamond color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{diamond color}}|{{color2|{{diamond color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond}}}}
| style="background: #{{pearl color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{pearl color}}|{{color2|{{pearl color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pearl}}}}
| style="background: #{{platinum color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{platinum color}}|{{color2|{{platinum color dark}}|Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum}}}}
|-
| style="background: #{{heartgold color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{heartgold color}}|{{color2|{{heartgold color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold}}}}
| style="background: #{{soulsilver color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{soulsilver color}}|{{color2|{{soulsilver color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|SoulSilver}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{unova color}}; padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Generation V|Generation&nbsp;V}}
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black color}}|{{color2|{{black color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions|Black}}}}
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white color}}|{{color2|{{white color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions |White}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black 2 color}}|{{color2|{{black 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2}}}}
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white 2 color}}|{{color2|{{white 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|White 2}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{kalos color}}; {{roundybl|5px}} padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Generation VI|Generation&nbsp;VI}}
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{kalos color}}; {{roundybl|5px}} padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Generation VI|Generation&nbsp;VI}}
| style="background: #{{x color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{x color}}|{{color2|{{x color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|X}}}}
| style="background: #{{x color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{x color}}|{{color2|{{x color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|X}}}}
Line 143: Line 105:
|-
|-
| style="background: #{{omega ruby color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{omega ruby color}}|{{color2|{{omega ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby}}}}
| style="background: #{{omega ruby color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{omega ruby color}}|{{color2|{{omega ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby}}}}
| style="background: #{{alpha sapphire color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{alpha sapphire color}}|{{color2|{{alpha sapphire color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Alpha Sapphire}}}}
| style="background: #{{alpha sapphire color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{alpha sapphire color}}|{{color2|{{alpha sapphire color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Alpha Sapphire}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|}
|}


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
Toshinobu Matsumiya from [[Game Freak]] has officially revealed the timeline of the core series games on [http://archive.today/D9iPz a tweet] that has since been deleted.
{{main|History of the Pokémon world}}
Several pieces of content in the core series Pokémon games depend on the games having a timeline, but a complete timeline cannot be drawn from the games themselves. In May 2014, [[Game Freak]] employee [[Toshinobu Matsumiya]] posted a timeline of the core series Pokémon games on Twitter.<ref>[http://archive.today/D9iPz archive.today] (archived from [https://twitter.com/matsumiyan/status/464052839870787584 the original])</ref> However, the tweet has since been deleted.
 
The plot of {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} and {{game|Red and Green|s}} are contemporaneous. They are then followed by the equally contemporaneous plot of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} and {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, which are set three years later. {{game|Black and White|s}} are set an unspecified amount of time after those games. [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2]] are set two years after those games, and are contemporaneous with {{g|X and Y}}.
 
It is unknown if the aforementioned timeline also applies to all solitary versions and [[remake]]s. Furthermore, [[Zinnia]] suggests that there are {{wp|Multiverse|alternate universes}}.


The plot of the [[Generation I]] and {{gen|III}} games is contemporaneous, being followed by the equally contemporaneous plot of the [[Generation II]] and {{gen|IV}} games that is set three years later. The plot of {{game|Black and White|s}} is set an undetermined amount of time after the events of Generations II and IV. {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}} are sequels to Pokémon Black and White, with its plot set two years later. {{g|X and Y}} are contemporaneous with Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.
==Unused trademarks==
[[Nintendo]], [[Creatures]], and [[Game Freak]] have trademarked several titles in the {{wp|Japan Patent Office}} which have not currently been used but which fit the naming scheme of the core series games. The following information comes from the Japan Platform for Patent Information ([https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/web/all/top/BTmTopPage Japanese], [https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/web/all/top/BTmTopEnglishPage English]):
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Topaz''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスタートパーズ''') [application number 2002-063587, registration number 4677891]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Tourmaline''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスタートルマリン''') [application number 2002-063588, registration number 4684698]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Moonstone''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスタームーンストーン''') [application number 2002-063590, registration number 4684699]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Brown''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|茶|ちゃ}}''') [application number 2008-093270, registration number 5222905]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Grey''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|灰|はい}}''') [application number 2008-093272, registration number 5222907]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Vermilion''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt||しゅ}}''') [application number 2008-093273, registration number 5222908]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Purple''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|紫|むらさき}}''') [application number 2008-093274, registration number 5222909]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Crimson''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt||くれない}}''') [application number 2008-093275, registration number 5222910]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Scarlet''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|緋|}}''') [application number 2008-093276, registration number 5222911]
* '''''Delta Emerald'''''<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/29/pokemon-delta-emerald-trademark-surfaces Pokemon Delta Emerald Trademark Surfaces - IGN]</ref> (Japanese: '''デルタエメラルド''') [application number 2014-035118, registration number 5701924]


==In other languages==
{{wp|Topaz}}, {{wp|tourmaline}}, and {{wp|Moonstone (gemstone)|moonstone}} are all names of minerals, while the rest are names of colors. Additionally, {{wp|vermilion}}, {{wp|crimson}}, and {{wp|Scarlet (color)|scarlet}} are all shades of red.
{{langtable|color={{Pokémon color}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color dark}}
 
|ko=포켓몬스터 시리즈<ref>[http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/game/game_list.asp?GameGroup=P 포켓몬 공식 사이트]</ref> ''Pocket Monsters Series''
Contrary to popular belief, the name '''WaterBlue''' was not trademarked. According to the Japan Platform for Patent Information, '''ウォーターブルー''' and '''WATER BLUE''' (application number 2010-060625, registration number 5386853) are trademarks of {{wp|Meiji Seika}}, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. However, [[Game Freak]]'s [[Junichi Masuda]] did mention "WaterBlue" in 2004 on a blog post explaining the company's choice of {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|"FireRed" and "LeafGreen"}} as both Japanese and international titles for the remakes of {{2v2|Red|Green}}.<ref>[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir/?p=109 増田部長のめざめるパワー]</ref><ref>[http://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/?p=25 HIDDEN POWER of masuda]</ref>
}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
{{reflist}}
 
==External links==
* [http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ The Pokémon Company website section] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/title/ Full product list] <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=game-game_list&GameGroup=P Pokémon Korea website section] <small>(Korean)</small>
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/all-pokemon-games/ The Pokémon Company International website all-games section]
* [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/ Nintendo subsite for Pokémon games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/software/ Current games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/history/ Old games] <small>(Japanese)</small>


{{Core series}}
{{Core series}}
Line 164: Line 150:
{{Project Games notice}}
{{Project Games notice}}


[[Category:Pokémon meta]]
[[Category:Game series]]
[[Category:Games]]


[[de:Hauptreihe]]
[[de:Hauptreihe]]
[[fr:Septième génération]]
[[it:Serie principale]]
[[it:Serie principale]]
[[zh:主系列游戏]]

Revision as of 00:56, 8 October 2015

018Pidgeot.png It has been suggested that this article be moved to Core games.
Please discuss whether or not to move it on its talk page.

The core series[1][2] of the Pokémon games or core games[3], commonly referred to as the main series or mainline games by fans, is the game series that is always released on a Nintendo handheld system and developed by Game Freak, which follow the now-standard model of a player's journey through a specific region to catch and raise Pokémon, battle Trainers, earn Badges from Gym Leaders, and defeat the Pokémon League to enter the Hall of Fame there.

Counting each game individually, there are currently 24 games in the series internationally, 25 in Japan, and 15 in South Korea. Counting paired individual games as a single release, there are currently 14 games in the series internationally, 15 in Japan, and 8 in South Korea.

Prior to Generation VI, it was standard for the Western releases of the core series games to include the label Version in their title, although this was seldom used by the Japanese releases. In Japanese and Korean, the series is called the Pocket Monsters Series (Japanese: ポケットモンスターシリーズ[4], Korean: 포켓몬스터 시리즈[5]), as core series games all contain the full name Pocket Monsters (Japanese: ポケットモンスター, Korean: 포켓몬스터) in their title, whereas side series and spin-off games use the abbreviation Pokémon (Japanese: ポケモン, Korean: 포켓몬) in the title instead; however, the Japanese releases of the Pokémon Stadium series use Pocket Monsters in English subtitles, despite the titles using Pokémon in kana.

Classification

Content model

While there are no strict rules that make a game a core series game, and previously assumed rules are continuously broken, the games generally have a similar plot and mechanics.

The player begins the game in a small town or city of a given region, having no Pokémon of their own. Through a course of events, the player will receive a starter Pokémon from the region's Pokémon Professor; the starter Pokémon is always a choice of three, a Grass, Fire, or Water type, and the character who will become the player's rival will choose (or already have) the Pokémon whose type is super effective against that of the player's choice. (The exceptions to this are Pokémon Yellow, in which the player starts with Pikachu and the rival starts with Eevee, and Pokémon Black and White, in which the player has two rivals, who each choose one of the starter Pokémon not picked by the player.)

After this point, the player begins to journey across the entire region (each with their own cities and towns, themselves connected by routes), capturing any wild Pokémon he or she chooses to, and using a party he or she assembles to take on the eight Gym Leaders of the region. Alongside encounters with both other Trainers and repeated interactions with their rival, the player must also stop the plans of a villainous team, whose plans often involve the manipulation of Legendary Pokémon.

After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated, the player can enter the Pokémon League, where the Elite Four and Champion await challengers. The Champion of the region is often introduced prior to the player's Pokémon League challenge, and may aid the player as he or she continues his or her adventure.

Though the game can be considered over as soon as the player has defeated the Champion, there is still post-game content. Often there is a post-game plotline and locations and facilities that could not be previously accessed. Since Pokémon Crystal, there is usually at least one facility specifically dedicated to battling. The overarching goal is the completion of the Pokédex; after this has been done, the player will receive a diploma for completing the regional Pokédex and, starting in Generation III, another for completing the National Pokédex. Another task was added in Generation III in order to fully complete the game: obtaining all Trainer Card stars.

Another element that characterizes a core series game is that the geography of regions includes at least one water route, a mountain, several caves, a forest, as well as a final route leading up to the Pokémon League called Victory Road.

Release model

While releases continue to break patterns, there is an overall model that the release of new core series games follows.

When a generation of Pokémon games begins, a pair of games is always released. These paired versions feature virtually the same storyline as each other, but the available Pokémon differ, and some other elements are usually slightly different. This encourages trading, as it is required in order to complete the Pokédex.

A solitary version is later released with several minor storyline tweaks, but taking place in the same region and following the same basic storyline. Like the paired versions before it, it will always lack some of the Pokémon but will also contain some of those species missing from either of them; thus, a player of the solitary version must link together with the paired versions to complete the Pokédex as well.

Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions may be released. These paired versions are usually remakes of earlier titles and are not accompanied by a solitary version, since the latter's additions and changes are taken into consideration. Generation V broke with tradition by releasing a second pair of games as a sequel to the primary paired versions instead of a remake.

New generations are typically announced and marketed every three to four years.

Pokémon

Most generations introduce Pokémon that evolve into or from previously released Pokémon. Legendary Pokémon with myths specific to the region are almost always included, and frequently appear in duos and trios.

In all generations, there are some Pokémon that cannot be encountered until after the player enters the Hall of Fame. These may be legendary Pokémon, such as Mewtwo, or simply Pokémon that are not part of the game's regional Pokédex.

Before the release of a new generation, new Pokémon are often used to promote the new games by including them in the anime or in spin-off games.

Box art

The box art for each game features one Pokémon which was introduced in that generation (or, in the case of remakes, the generation of the original games). This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a game mascot, and with the exception of Generation I and its remakes, it is always the Legendary Pokémon available in that game at the climax of the storyline.

In terms of the artwork itself, the international Pokémon Red and Blue and all releases of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Black and White, and Pokémon X and Y use their game mascot's original Ken Sugimori artwork for their box art, whereas all other core series games use specially made artwork.

List of core series games

In South Korea, only Pokémon Gold and Silver were released prior to the foundation of Nintendo of Korea and Pokémon Korea in 2006. The first core series game release after this was Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in 2008.

Paired versions Solitary versions
Generation I Japan
International
Generation II
Generation III
 
Generation IV
 
Generation V  
 
Generation VI
 
 

Timeline

Main article: History of the Pokémon world

Several pieces of content in the core series Pokémon games depend on the games having a timeline, but a complete timeline cannot be drawn from the games themselves. In May 2014, Game Freak employee Toshinobu Matsumiya posted a timeline of the core series Pokémon games on Twitter.[6] However, the tweet has since been deleted.

The plot of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon Red and Green are contemporaneous. They are then followed by the equally contemporaneous plot of Pokémon Gold and Silver and Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, which are set three years later. Pokémon Black and White are set an unspecified amount of time after those games. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are set two years after those games, and are contemporaneous with Pokémon X and Y.

It is unknown if the aforementioned timeline also applies to all solitary versions and remakes. Furthermore, Zinnia suggests that there are alternate universes.

Unused trademarks

Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak have trademarked several titles in the Japan Patent Office which have not currently been used but which fit the naming scheme of the core series games. The following information comes from the Japan Platform for Patent Information (Japanese, English):

  • Pocket Monsters: Topaz (Japanese: ポケットモンスタートパーズ) [application number 2002-063587, registration number 4677891]
  • Pocket Monsters: Tourmaline (Japanese: ポケットモンスタートルマリン) [application number 2002-063588, registration number 4684698]
  • Pocket Monsters: Moonstone (Japanese: ポケットモンスタームーンストーン) [application number 2002-063590, registration number 4684699]
  • Pocket Monsters: Brown (Japanese: ポケットモンスター) [application number 2008-093270, registration number 5222905]
  • Pocket Monsters: Grey (Japanese: ポケットモンスター) [application number 2008-093272, registration number 5222907]
  • Pocket Monsters: Vermilion (Japanese: ポケットモンスター) [application number 2008-093273, registration number 5222908]
  • Pocket Monsters: Purple (Japanese: ポケットモンスター) [application number 2008-093274, registration number 5222909]
  • Pocket Monsters: Crimson (Japanese: ポケットモンスター) [application number 2008-093275, registration number 5222910]
  • Pocket Monsters: Scarlet (Japanese: ポケットモンスター) [application number 2008-093276, registration number 5222911]
  • Delta Emerald[7] (Japanese: デルタエメラルド) [application number 2014-035118, registration number 5701924]

Topaz, tourmaline, and moonstone are all names of minerals, while the rest are names of colors. Additionally, vermilion, crimson, and scarlet are all shades of red.

Contrary to popular belief, the name WaterBlue was not trademarked. According to the Japan Platform for Patent Information, ウォーターブルー and WATER BLUE (application number 2010-060625, registration number 5386853) are trademarks of Meiji Seika, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. However, Game Freak's Junichi Masuda did mention "WaterBlue" in 2004 on a blog post explaining the company's choice of "FireRed" and "LeafGreen" as both Japanese and international titles for the remakes of Red and Green.[8][9]

References

External links


Generation I: Red & GreenBlue (JP)Red & BlueYellow
Generation II: Gold & SilverCrystal
Generation III: Ruby & SapphireFireRed & LeafGreenEmerald
Generation IV: Diamond & PearlPlatinumHeartGold & SoulSilver
Generation V: Black & WhiteBlack 2 & White 2
Generation VI: X & YOmega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII: Sun & MoonUltra Sun & Ultra Moon
Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!‎
Generation VIII: Sword & Shield (The Isle of Armor / The Crown Tundra)
Brilliant Diamond & Shining PearlLegends: Arceus
Generation IX: Scarlet & Violet (The Teal Mask / The Indigo Disk)
Legends: Z-A
Pokémon game templates


Project Games logo.png This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.