Core series: Difference between revisions

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{{move|Main series}}
In addition to the six [[generation]]s currently revealed, fans have come to expect '''future generations''' of the Pokémon franchise, extending the series and bringing about new concepts, new areas to explore, and most importantly, new Pokémon. Despite over 650 Pokémon currently being known to the public, it has been indicated both in-universe and by the creators of the series that not every Pokémon has yet been discovered and not every region has been explored.
[[File:RedTitle.png|thumb|The title screen of the English {{game3|Red and Blue|Pokémon Red Version|s}}]]
A '''version''' of the Pokémon games is a {{pkmn|games|game}}, up to present, always released on a [[Nintendo]] handheld system and developed by [[Game Freak]], which follows the now-standard model of a {{player}}'s journey through a specific [[region]] to collect all of the species of Pokémon there. Collectively, the twenty games (twenty-one in Japan and twelve in South Korea) released with the label ''Version'' after the game's title are known by fans as the '''main series''' of Pokémon games. In Japan, this series of games is officially named '''Pocket Monsters Series''' (Japanese: '''{{tt|ポケットモンスターシリーズ|Poketto Monsutā Shirīzu}}''').<ref>[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ Official Japanese Pokémon site section]</ref>


==Main series model==
==Fan speculation==
===Content model===
{{fan speculation}}
While there are no strict rules that make a game a main series game, and previously assumed rules are continuously broken, the games generally have a similar plot and mechanics.
The five currently released generations have established and maintained a series of patterns that hint towards what a new generation may entail. Naturally, a new region, new set of Pokémon, new set of moves, and new characters will be introduced. To some extents, these may encompass new concepts, but the standards set down over the past fifteen years will provide the backbone of the game.


The {{player}} begins the game in a small town or city, having no {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of their own. Through a course of events, he {{tt|or she|Crystal onwards}} will receive a [[starter Pokémon]] from the region's [[Pokémon Professor]]; the starter Pokémon is always a choice of three, a {{t|Grass}} type, {{t|Fire}} type, 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 {{v2|Yellow}}, in which the player starts with {{p|Pikachu}} and the rival starts with {{p|Eevee}}, and {{2v2|Black|White}}, where one of the player's rivals, [[Bianca]], starts with the Pokémon whose type is [[Damage modification#Not very effective|not very effective]] against the player's.
===General===
The player will start his or her journey with one of three [[starter Pokémon]], which will be of the {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, or {{t|Water}} types. Eight [[Gym]]s must be challenged before the player can take on the [[Pokémon League]]; a villainous team must be stopped along the way. After the League has been defeated, a range of special areas will become accessible.


It is at this point where the storyline of all these {{pkmn|games}} diverge. The player is allowed to journey across the entire [[region]], 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]].
It can be assumed that the games will be released initially as a pair, with a [[third version]] (or paired sequels, like [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2]]) following a couple of years later. The third version will expand on the plot. [[Remake]]s of previous games may follow, to be released around significant anniversaries.


After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated, the player can enter the [[Pokémon League]], where the [[Elite Four]] and {{pkmn|Champion}} await challengers.
Just as {{game|Red and Green|s}} and {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} have been remade, it is possible that {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} will be remade in the future. However, as [[Generation V]] has already been completed, the previous pattern (of releasing remakes two generations after the original games) has been broken.


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. 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 another for completing the [[National Pokédex]] (only one diploma is awarded in games with only one Pokédex). Starting in [[Generation III]], a new task is added in order to fully complete the game: obtaining all {{ga|Trainer Card}} [[Trainer stars|stars]].
The games will be accompanied by new [[Pokémon manga]], {{pkmn|anime}} episodes, and [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|TCG cards]].


===Mascots===
====Third version====
{{main|Version mascot}}
The third version will expand on the plot, and may contain new designs for existing places, new places, new Gym Leaders and characters in general, new Pokémon forms, more Pokémon from previous generations will become available and more special features. The two mascot Pokémon of the previous pair-games will both be available, usually after the player finishes the main plot.
The boxart for each game features one Pokémon as a mascot, always introduced during the [[generation]] that game is a part of, or the generation that the original game was a part of in the case of [[remake]]s. This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a [[version mascot]], and beginning in [[Generation II]], has always (with the exception of {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}, remakes of the Japanese {{2v2|Red|Green}} from [[Generation I]]) been the [[legendary Pokémon]] available in that game at the climax of the storyline.


===Release model===
Every generation prior to [[Generation V]] followed this pattern, where it was broken with a pair of story sequels, [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2 and White 2]], as opposed to a single enhanced third title.
While releases continue to break patterns, there is overall a model that the release of new main series games follows.


When a [[generation]] of Pokémon games begins, a pair of games, seen as counterparts to one another, has always been released. These paired versions feature the virtually the same storyline as each other, but the [[Version-exclusive Pokémon|Pokémon available]] differ, and usually other mechanics are slightly different. This is marketed as a way to encourage [[trade|trading]] by requiring it in order to complete the [[Pokédex]].
===Pokémon===
Some Pokémon may evolve into or from previously released Pokémon.


A later third game, usually to conclude the generation, is later released with several minor storyline tweaks, but with the same basic plot and taking place in the same [[region]]. Like the first two games, it will always be lacking some of the Pokémon present in one or both of the other games, but will also contain some of those missing from one of the them; thus, players of this third version must link together with the original pair to complete their Pokédex as well.
[[Legendary Pokémon]] with myths specific to the region are expected. Recent games feature these Pokémon in roles important to the driving plot. These Pokémon often appear in [[Legendary duo|duos]] and [[legendary trio|trios]].


[[Generation III]] was the first generation to involve the release of two sets of paired versions: first {{2v2|Ruby|Sapphire}} and then {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}. It was also the first generation that did not contain a third version for one of its pairs: Ruby and Sapphire were later joined by {{v2|Emerald}}, but the FireRed and LeafGreen did not receive a third version because they were [[remake]]s. This was later mimicked in [[Generation IV]], except with the third version, {{v2|Platinum}}, being released before the remakes, {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.
The remainder of the Pokémon may be encountered once the milestone of defeating the Pokémon League is accomplished.


[[Generation V]] is still currently in progress and has had two sets of paired versions, {{2v2|Black|White}} and {{2v2|Black|White|2}}.
Before the release of Generations II, III, IV, and V, new Pokémon have been used to promote the new games through the anime. {{p|Ho-Oh}}, {{p|Togepi}}, {{p|Snubbull}}, {{p|Marill}}, {{p|Donphan}}, {{p|Kecleon}}, {{p|Blaziken}}, {{p|Munchlax}}, {{p|Electivire}}, {{p|Chatot}}, [[Buizel]], {{p|Bonsly}}, {{p|Mime Jr.}}, {{p|Lucario}}, {{p|Weavile}}, {{p|Manaphy}}, {{p|Zoroark}} and {{p|Zorua}} are a few of the Pokémon that debuted before their generation.


[[Generation VI]] will start in October 2013 with the release of [[Pokémon X and Y]].
===Characters===
The first five generations have introduced some stock characters. Two [[player character]] options (one male, one female) live in a small town with their [[mom|mother]]. A previously unknown [[Pokémon Professor]] named after a type of tree will set the player's journey in motion. Eight [[Gym Leader]]s stand in the player's way to the [[Elite Four]] and the {{pkmn|Champion}}, as does the player's [[rival]](s).


==List of main series games==
Many other characters will exist in various manners: [[non-player character]]s to aid the player, [[Pokémon Trainer]]s to defeat on the road, a [[villainous team]], and perhaps familiar faces.
{| class="roundy" align="center" style="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
|-
! 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}}
|- align="center"
| 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}}}}
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}}}
|-
! colspan="3" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|International}}
|- align="center"
| 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: #{{yellow color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}}}
|- align="center"
! 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: #{{crystal color light}};" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{crystal color}}|{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|Crystal}}}}
|- align="center"
! 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: #{{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}}}}
|- align="center"
| 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: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|- align="center"
! 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}}}}
|- align="center"
| 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;
|- align="center"
! 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;
|- align="center"
| 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;
|- align="center"
! 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;
|}


==Trivia==
The Champion of the region most of the time tends to be introduced early in the game, and may help the player as he/she continues his/her adventure. The Champion will be available to challenge in a battle usually after the main story quests, including the Elite Four, have been completed.
* Only the international versions of {{2v2|Red|Blue}} and all versions of {{2v2|Ruby|Sapphire}}, {{2v2|Diamond|Pearl}}, {{2v2|Black|White}}, and {{pkmn|X and Y}} use their mascot's original [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork for their box art. All other games use specially made artwork.


==References==
===Geography===
<references/>
Within the new region, there will be at least ten cities or towns, connected by [[route]]s. Current trends show that there will be at least one [[water route]], a mountain, [[cave]]s, and a forest. The route leading up to the Pokémon League in each region has thus far been known as [[Victory Road]].


{{Main series}}
In recent games, post-League areas dedicated to battling such as the [[Battle Frontier]] and [[Battle Subway]] have been introduced to provide a new challenge to players late in the game.


[[Category:Pokémon meta]]
===Speculation against future generations===
Naturally, there are fans who do not see future generations as a possibility, and feel that the Pokémon franchise has done its dash.
 
New generations are typically marketed and announced about every three to four years.
 
==See also==
* [[History of Pokémon]]
* [[Generation I]]
* [[Generation II]]
* [[Generation III]]
* [[Generation IV]]
* [[Generation V]]
* [[Generation VI]]
 
{{Project Fandom notice}}
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Games]]


[[it:Serie principale]]
[[ja:第五世代]]

Revision as of 17:19, 25 May 2013

In addition to the six generations currently revealed, fans have come to expect future generations of the Pokémon franchise, extending the series and bringing about new concepts, new areas to explore, and most importantly, new Pokémon. Despite over 650 Pokémon currently being known to the public, it has been indicated both in-universe and by the creators of the series that not every Pokémon has yet been discovered and not every region has been explored.

Fan speculation

175Togepi.png This article contains fan speculation.
There is no solid evidence for or against some parts of this article.

The five currently released generations have established and maintained a series of patterns that hint towards what a new generation may entail. Naturally, a new region, new set of Pokémon, new set of moves, and new characters will be introduced. To some extents, these may encompass new concepts, but the standards set down over the past fifteen years will provide the backbone of the game.

General

The player will start his or her journey with one of three starter Pokémon, which will be of the Grass, Fire, or Water types. Eight Gyms must be challenged before the player can take on the Pokémon League; a villainous team must be stopped along the way. After the League has been defeated, a range of special areas will become accessible.

It can be assumed that the games will be released initially as a pair, with a third version (or paired sequels, like Pokémon Black 2 and White 2) following a couple of years later. The third version will expand on the plot. Remakes of previous games may follow, to be released around significant anniversaries.

Just as Pokémon Red and Green and Pokémon Gold and Silver have been remade, it is possible that Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire will be remade in the future. However, as Generation V has already been completed, the previous pattern (of releasing remakes two generations after the original games) has been broken.

The games will be accompanied by new Pokémon manga, anime episodes, and TCG cards.

Third version

The third version will expand on the plot, and may contain new designs for existing places, new places, new Gym Leaders and characters in general, new Pokémon forms, more Pokémon from previous generations will become available and more special features. The two mascot Pokémon of the previous pair-games will both be available, usually after the player finishes the main plot.

Every generation prior to Generation V followed this pattern, where it was broken with a pair of story sequels, Black 2 and White 2, as opposed to a single enhanced third title.

Pokémon

Some Pokémon may evolve into or from previously released Pokémon.

Legendary Pokémon with myths specific to the region are expected. Recent games feature these Pokémon in roles important to the driving plot. These Pokémon often appear in duos and trios.

The remainder of the Pokémon may be encountered once the milestone of defeating the Pokémon League is accomplished.

Before the release of Generations II, III, IV, and V, new Pokémon have been used to promote the new games through the anime. Ho-Oh, Togepi, Snubbull, Marill, Donphan, Kecleon, Blaziken, Munchlax, Electivire, Chatot, Buizel, Bonsly, Mime Jr., Lucario, Weavile, Manaphy, Zoroark and Zorua are a few of the Pokémon that debuted before their generation.

Characters

The first five generations have introduced some stock characters. Two player character options (one male, one female) live in a small town with their mother. A previously unknown Pokémon Professor named after a type of tree will set the player's journey in motion. Eight Gym Leaders stand in the player's way to the Elite Four and the Champion, as does the player's rival(s).

Many other characters will exist in various manners: non-player characters to aid the player, Pokémon Trainers to defeat on the road, a villainous team, and perhaps familiar faces.

The Champion of the region most of the time tends to be introduced early in the game, and may help the player as he/she continues his/her adventure. The Champion will be available to challenge in a battle usually after the main story quests, including the Elite Four, have been completed.

Geography

Within the new region, there will be at least ten cities or towns, connected by routes. Current trends show that there will be at least one water route, a mountain, caves, and a forest. The route leading up to the Pokémon League in each region has thus far been known as Victory Road.

In recent games, post-League areas dedicated to battling such as the Battle Frontier and Battle Subway have been introduced to provide a new challenge to players late in the game.

Speculation against future generations

Naturally, there are fans who do not see future generations as a possibility, and feel that the Pokémon franchise has done its dash.

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

See also

Project Fandom logo.png This article is a part of Project Fandom, a Bulbapedia Project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every aspect of the Pokémon Fandom.