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{{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><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.
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.


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.
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.


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}}.
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>[https://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==
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The {{player}} begins the game in a small town or city of a given [[region]], having no {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} 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 {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, or {{t|Water}} type, and the character who will become the player's [[rival]] will choose (or already have) the Pokémon whose [[type]] is {{DL|Damage modification|super effective}} against that of the player's choice. (The exceptions to this are {{game|Yellow}}, in which the player starts with {{p|Pikachu}} and the rival starts with {{p|Eevee}}, and {{game|Black and White|s}}, in which the player has two rivals, who each choose one of the starter Pokémon not picked by the player.)
The {{player}} begins the game in a small town or city of a given [[region]], having no {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} 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 {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, or {{t|Water}} type, and the character who will become the player's [[rival]] will choose (or already have) the Pokémon whose [[type]] is {{DL|Damage modification|super effective}} against that of the player's choice. (The exceptions to this are {{game|Yellow}}, in which the player starts with {{p|Pikachu}} and the rival starts with {{p|Eevee}}, and {{game|Black and White|s}}, 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 [[route]]s), {{pkmn2|caught|capturing}} any [[wild Pokémon]] he or she chooses to, and using a [[party]] he or she assembles to take on the eight [[Gym Leader]]s of the region. Alongside encounters with both other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s and repeated interactions with their rival, the player must also stop the plans of a [[Villainous teams|villainous team]], whose plans often involve the manipulation of [[Legendary Pokémon]].
After this point, the player begins to journey across the entire region (each with their own cities and towns, themselves connected by [[route]]s), {{pkmn2|caught|capturing}} any [[wild Pokémon]] he or she chooses to, and using a [[party]] he or she assembles to take on the eight [[Gym Leader]]s of the region. Alongside encounters with both other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s and repeated interactions with their rival, the player must also stop the plans of a [[Villainous teams|villainous team]], which 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 {{pkmn|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.
After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated, the player can enter the [[Pokémon League]], where the [[Elite Four]] and {{pkmn|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.
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===Release model===
===Release model===
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, the release of new core series games tends to follow a pattern.


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 follow-up game or games is later released that takes place in the same [[region]]. Like the original paired versions before it, it will lack certain {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} but will also contain some of those species missing from the original pair; thus, a {{player}} of a follow-up must link together with the original pair to complete the Pokédex as well. Historically, the follow-up has been a solitary game that roughly follows the same storyline with some relatively minor tweaks, but [[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}}, while [[Generation VI]] was the first to entirely forego any follow-up to the original pair.


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 that are [[remake]]s of earlier titles may also be released.


New generations are typically announced and marketed every three to four years.
New generations are typically announced and marketed every three to four years.
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===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==
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{| 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|Pikachu}}}}
| 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;
| 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}}; 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}}}}
| style="background: #{{y color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{y color}}|{{color2|{{y color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|Y}}}}
| style="background: #{{y color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{y color}}|{{color2|{{y color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|Y}}}}
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|-
|-
| 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;
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background: #{{Pokémon color}}; {{roundybl|5px}} padding:5px;" | {{color2|{{Pokémon color dark}}|Generation VII|Generation&nbsp;VII}}
| style="background: #{{sun color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{sun color}}|{{color2|{{sun color dark}}|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun}}}}
| style="background: #{{moon color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{moon color}}|{{color2|{{moon color dark}}|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Moon}}}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|}
|}
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==Timeline==
==Timeline==
{{main|History of the Pokémon world}}
{{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.
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>[https://archive.is/D9iPz archive.is] (archived from [https://twitter.com/matsumiyan/status/464052839870787584 the original])</ref> the tweet, however, 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}}.
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}}.
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* '''''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]
* '''''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]


{{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.
{{wp|Topaz}}, {{wp|tourmaline}}, {{wp|Moonstone (gemstone)|moonstone}}, and {{wp|emerald}} (by virtue of Delta Emerald) 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.


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. [[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>
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>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir/?p=109 増田部長のめざめるパワー]</ref><ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/?p=25 HIDDEN POWER of masuda]</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ The Pokémon Company website section] <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [https://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>
** [https://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://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.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>
* [https://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>
** [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/software/ Current games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/history/ Old games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/history/ Old games] <small>(Japanese)</small>


{{Core series}}
{{Core series}}

Revision as of 11:21, 27 February 2016

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, which 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, the release of new core series games tends to follow a pattern.

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 follow-up game or games is later released that takes place in the same region. Like the original paired versions before it, it will lack certain Pokémon but will also contain some of those species missing from the original pair; thus, a player of a follow-up must link together with the original pair to complete the Pokédex as well. Historically, the follow-up has been a solitary game that roughly follows the same storyline with some relatively minor tweaks, but Generation V broke with tradition by releasing a second pair of games as a sequel to the primary paired versions, while Generation VI was the first to entirely forego any follow-up to the original pair.

Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions that are remakes of earlier titles may also be released.

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
 
 
Generation VII
 

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] the tweet, however, 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, moonstone, and emerald (by virtue of Delta Emerald) 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.