Pokémon Black and White Versions: Difference between revisions

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(Undo revision 2141068 by Tiddlywinks (talk) Look again before jumping to conclusions.)
m (Much of the stuff under trivia is there for good reason; some of that does *not* warrant mention in the main body of the article. And readding uncompensated points.)
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In the international versions, Pokémon names are no longer displayed in all capital letters, following the trend set in [[Generation IV]] of no longer displaying the names of characters, items and locations in all capital letters. Pokémon transferred from Generation IV will keep an all-caps species name unless they are evolved in Generation V, considering that they can evolve.
In the international versions, Pokémon names are no longer displayed in all capital letters, following the trend set in [[Generation IV]] of no longer displaying the names of characters, items and locations in all capital letters. Pokémon transferred from Generation IV will keep an all-caps species name unless they are evolved in Generation V, considering that they can evolve.
The credits of the Japanese versions are shown in English if character mode is set to kanji.
Pokémon Black and White are the first core series games to require the version mascot to be specifically ''caught''; if the battle ends by any other means (such as causing {{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/5|B}} or {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/5|W}} to faint), the story will not proceed, and the player will have to try again. If the player is unable to catch their mascot because of a full [[party]] and [[PC]] boxes, the story will proceed anyway, and the Pokémon will be waiting for them at [[Dragonspiral Tower]] later.


===C-Gear===
===C-Gear===
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===Word filter===
===Word filter===
Pokémon Black and White are the first [[core series]] games to [[List of censored words in Generation V|censor certain words]].
Pokémon Black and White implemented a [[List of censored words in Generation V|a blacklist]] on name inputs. They are the first [[core series]] games with this feature.


===Gyms===
===Gyms===
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Black and White also have the ability to connect to the Internet, accessing the [[Pokémon Dream World]]; Pokémon acquired in this manner are obtained in the [[Entralink|Entree Forest]]. Although the game cartridges contain infrared technology similar to that used in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Black and White are unable to connect with the [[Pokéwalker]].
Black and White also have the ability to connect to the Internet, accessing the [[Pokémon Dream World]]; Pokémon acquired in this manner are obtained in the [[Entralink|Entree Forest]]. Although the game cartridges contain infrared technology similar to that used in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Black and White are unable to connect with the [[Pokéwalker]].


These games are the first to take advantage of the [[Nintendo DSi]]'s and [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]]'s capability to recognize and connect to {{wp|Router (computing)|router}}s with {{wp|Wi-Fi Protected Access|WPA}} connections. If the cartridge is used on an original [[Nintendo DS]] or a [[Nintendo DS Lite]], this functionality is disabled. When played on a [[Nintendo DSi]], [[Nintendo DSi XL|DSi XL]], [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]], [[Nintendo 3DS XL|3DS XL]], or [[Nintendo 2DS|2DS]], the [[Poké Ball]] on the game's icon will wiggle.
These games are the first to take advantage of the [[Nintendo DSi]]'s and [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]]'s capability to recognize and connect to {{wp|Router (computing)|router}}s with {{wp|Wi-Fi Protected Access|WPA}} connections. If the cartridge is used on an original [[Nintendo DS]] or a [[Nintendo DS Lite]], this functionality is disabled.


The Korean versions, unlike all Korean Generation IV games, can communicate with international versions without any issues.
The Korean versions, unlike all Korean Generation IV games, can communicate with international versions without any issues.
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* In Australia, {{wp|JB Hi-Fi}} offered a Nintendo DS case featuring Reshiram and Zekrom to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
* In Australia, {{wp|JB Hi-Fi}} offered a Nintendo DS case featuring Reshiram and Zekrom to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
* In Mexico, {{wp|Gameplanet (Mexico)|Gameplanet}} offered a white T-shirt featuring {{p|Zekrom}} for pre-ordering Pokémon White and a black T-shirt featuring {{p|Reshiram}} for pre-ordering Pokémon Black. Each T-shirt had their corresponding version logos, the [[Nintendo DS]] logo and the Gameplanet store logo. The event {{p|Celebi}} for [[Generation IV]] games was also promoted as a pre-order exclusive, but in reality it could be obtained by anyone with a Generation IV game in the store.
* In Mexico, {{wp|Gameplanet (Mexico)|Gameplanet}} offered a white T-shirt featuring {{p|Zekrom}} for pre-ordering Pokémon White and a black T-shirt featuring {{p|Reshiram}} for pre-ordering Pokémon Black. Each T-shirt had their corresponding version logos, the [[Nintendo DS]] logo and the Gameplanet store logo. The event {{p|Celebi}} for [[Generation IV]] games was also promoted as a pre-order exclusive, but in reality it could be obtained by anyone with a Generation IV game in the store.
==Trivia==
* The credits of the Japanese versions are shown in English if character mode is set to kanji.
* Pokémon Black and White are the first core series games to require the version mascot to be specifically ''caught''; if the battle ends by any other means (such as causing {{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/5|B}} or {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/5|W}} to faint), the story will not proceed, and the player will have to try again. If the player is unable to catch their mascot because of a full [[party]] and [[PC]] boxes, the story will proceed anyway, and the Pokémon will be waiting for them at [[Dragonspiral Tower]] later.
* When played on a [[Nintendo DSi]], [[Nintendo DSi XL|DSi XL]], [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]], [[Nintendo 3DS XL|3DS XL]], or [[Nintendo 2DS|2DS]], the [[Poké Ball]] on the game's icon will wiggle.
* Pokémon Black and White each have a [[Tao trio|mascot]] of the color of their counterpart version.
* The font used in the text of dialogues by the Japanese versions is the same one seen in [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl beta|pre-release media]] of the Japanese versions of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}.
* When the games were advertised or reported on [[Pokémon Sunday]], the song ''{{wp|Black or White}}'' by {{wp|Michael Jackson}} was played multiple times as a reference to the titles of the games.
* These games are the only [[core series]] {{pkmn|games}} to be available in Europe before the United States, being released 2 days earlier. However, these are not the only Pokémon titles, as this was also the case with the spin-off games [[Pokémon Dash]] and [[PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure]].
* The slogan used in the commercials for these games is "Start From a New Beginning".
* Black and White are the only core series games in which the region's {{pkmn|Champion}} is not the final boss before the [[credits]].
* Due to the DS cartridges being black, Pokémon Black is technically the first Pokémon game since Emerald to have its cartridge match the color of the game.
* Both the English/European language and Japanese logos of Black and White feature white and black borders, respectively, to represent {{p|Reshiram}} and {{p|Zekrom}} (who are the opposite color from the game they are featured in). The sequels' logos feature black and white borders matching the game version, the legendary mascot ([[Form differences#Kyurem|Black]] or [[Form differences#Kyurem|White]] {{p|Kyurem}}), and the rest of the logo.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==

Revision as of 16:37, 5 July 2014

Pokémon Black Version
ポケットモンスター ブラック
Black EN boxart.png
Pokémon Black Version's boxart, featuring Reshiram.
Pokémon White Version
ポケットモンスター ホワイト
White EN boxart.png
Pokémon White Version's boxart, featuring Zekrom.
Basic info
Platform: Nintendo DS*
Category: RPG
Players: 1-4 players simultaneous
Connectivity: DS Wireless, Wi-Fi, IR
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
The Pokémon Company
Part of: Generation V core series
Ratings
CERO: A
ESRB: E
ACB: G
OFLC: G
PEGI: 3
GRAC: ALL
GSRR: N/A
Release dates
Japan: September 18, 2010[1]
North America: March 6, 2011[2]
Australia: March 10, 2011[3][4]
Europe: March 4, 2011[5]
South Korea: April 21, 2011[6]
Hong Kong: N/A
Taiwan: N/A
Websites
Japanese: Pokémon.co.jp
Nintendo.co.jp
Official site
English: Pokémon.com
Nintendo.com (Black)
Nintendo.com (White)
Official site
Japanese boxart
Black JP boxart.png
Boxart of Pocket Monsters Black
White JP boxart.png
Boxart of Pocket Monsters White
Bulbanews
Bulbanews has multiple articles related to this subject:
StrategyWiki
StrategyWiki has more about this subject:

Pokémon Black Version (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ブラック Pocket Monsters Black) and Pokémon White Version (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ホワイト Pocket Monsters White) are the primary paired versions of Generation V.

Black and White follow the trends set up by previous games in the series. Two player characters (one male and one female) travel a new region, Unova, on their Pokémon journeys. This region is inhabited by various Pokémon, and unlike before, none of those available prior to Generation V can be obtained before entering the Hall of Fame.

The games' names were revealed on the official Japanese Pokémon website on April 9, 2010, and scans from the subsequent issue of the magazine leaked the following day, April 10.

Pokémon Black and White are followed by two sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, which are set two years after the events of Black and White and are the second and final paired versions of Generation V.

The developers included antiwar ideas in Pokémon Black and White.[7] Game Freak also spent about a year and a half developing the story and characters.[8]

The European versions of Black and White were translated directly from the original Japanese version, rather than being translated from the American version like with previous games.[9]

Plot

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

The game starts in Nuvema Town in the player's room with Cheren, a childhood friend. Professor Juniper has left a gift box for the two and Bianca, another one of the player's friends, who arrives a little later. The box contains three Pokémon that the player can choose from. After the selection, Bianca will request a battle. When the battle is over, the room becomes cluttered due to the battle. Cheren heals both the player's and Bianca's Pokémon, and begins a battle with the player as well. If the player loses to Cheren, he will gloat about his victory. The three then go downstairs, and Cheren and Bianca will leave the house while the player's mother will heal the Pokémon.

The player visits Bianca's house, where she and her father are having an argument about her going on a Pokémon journey. Bianca storms out of the house, and the player follows her to Professor Juniper's lab, where Cheren has been waiting. In the lab, Professor Juniper will give the player a chance to nickname the selected starter Pokémon, and give each of the three a Pokédex. Upon leaving the lab, they will be greeted by the player's mother, who will hand everyone a Town Map.

From then on, the player will set off on adventures through the Unova region. Along the way, the player, Cheren, and Bianca will battle eight Gym Leaders, while trying to complete the Pokédex. After managing to obtain all eight Badges, the player will head to the Pokémon League to battle the Elite Four and the Champion. Cheren decides to pursue strength and Bianca realizes that she cannot match the skills of the player or Cheren.

However, the adventure does not go as smoothly as expected, as the evil Team Plasma will be encountered along the way to the Pokémon League. Team Plasma's goal is to separate Pokémon from people; claiming that humans are only hindrances to the lives and interests of Pokémon. The player will occasionally encounter N, the mysterious leader of the organization. Ghetsis, a co-founding member of the Seven Sages, has a secret, different goal from N's. The player must learn of and thwart their plans in order to save the relationship between Pokémon and their Trainers.

However, unlike previous games, the player will not be battling the Champion of the Unova region after first defeating the Elite Four. Once the player enters the Champion's room, N is seen triumphantly boasting over Alder, and proceeds to summon his castle to ambush and attach to the Pokémon League. The player traverses through the castle to find N and his legendary dragon, who claims to be the hero. However, the Light StoneB/Dark StoneW in the player's Bag is released and summons the second dragon hero, ReshiramB/ZekromW, which the player captures and uses to battle and defeat N.

Once defeated, Ghetsis angrily intervenes, revealing his intentions of creating Team Plasma for his own interests of power, and how N and the idea of Pokémon liberation were merely his tools. In a rage, he battles the player in an attempt to eliminate any witnesses of the truth. His actions are futile, however, and N reconsiders his actions and ideas.

After defeating N and Ghetsis, however, the game is not over, as there are further activities to be done. After beating the game, the player will return to their house and see his/her mother next to Looker, who will be disguised as the player's mother temporarily. He explains that he needs help rounding up the Seven Sages of Team Plasma that are hidden across Unova. Also, Route 11 and Marvelous Bridge open up, allowing access to Black City or White Forest, Undella Town, and Lacunosa Town. The player may also access Giant Chasm, within which Kyurem may be battled and captured. The routes surrounding these areas contain many Pokémon native to the other four regions. Alder himself may also be battled in proper Champion fashion.

Pokémon outbreaks will now occur across Unova's routes as well. Additionally, a series of strong windstormsB/thunderstormsW will occur across routes, indicating the presence of a roaming TornadusB/ThundurusW, which can be battled and caught. In Caitlin's villa in Undella Town, the player will encounter Cynthia, the Champion of the Sinnoh region. She will battle the player, remarking about the striking similarities the player shares with another young Trainer from Sinnoh.

Blurb

A new world filled with never-before-seen Pokémon!
What are the true motives of Team Plasma and the mysterious N? What is the secret of the Legendary Pokémon? Adventure across the Unova region and discover all-new Pokémon!

Features

Black and White returns features present in previous generations, such as day, time, Abilities and the split between Physical and Special moves. Certain ones, however, such as Pokémon following their Trainers and the Battle Frontier, have been left out. Black and White also features a great deal of general graphical enhancements over previous generations, such as a higher level of 3D graphics and creative camera angles.

In addition to the improved graphics, a number of aesthetic changes have been made from previous generations, including an altered battle scene containing fully animated Pokémon battle sprites as well as a dynamic camera that changes focus to highlight specific parts of the battle. Also, when talking to people, speech balloons for dialog will appear over people's heads, rather than a simple dialog box.

In the international versions, Pokémon names are no longer displayed in all capital letters, following the trend set in Generation IV of no longer displaying the names of characters, items and locations in all capital letters. Pokémon transferred from Generation IV will keep an all-caps species name unless they are evolved in Generation V, considering that they can evolve.

C-Gear

Main article: C-Gear

The C-Gear allows players to use certain multiplayer functions while anywhere in the game world. These functions vary with the type of communication used: wireless, Wi-Fi and infrared. The C-Gear is similar to the Pokétch in that it fills the bottom screen, but its applications are much different.

On the C-Gear, as well as in battle, the current time is displayed in 12-hour format, however, at the hours of 12:00 AM and PM, the hour displays as 0, rather than 12, as a 24-hour clock, such as that on the DS and in the Generation IV games, would display midnight.

Pokémon Global Link

Main article: Pokémon Global Link

The Pokémon Global Link is a multiplayer feature that makes use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and is the equivalent of the fourth generation GTS. In addition to providing the features of the GTS, it allows players to upload their save files to the Pokémon Global Link website to access the Pokémon Dream World. Players can also go to the Pokémon Center to enter Random Matchup where they can battle a random person also connected to Random Matchup. The Global Link is also the place where players can download exclusive content including C-Gear and Pokédex skins and additional Pokémon Musical songs.

Pokémon Dream World

Main article: Pokémon Dream World

The Pokémon Dream World is a special feature of the Generation V games which is operated via the website Pokémon-GL.com. The Dream World allows players to send a Pokémon to the Internet to obtain items and meet other Pokémon, making the website in a way such that it is a Generation V analog to the Pokéwalker.

Many Pokémon that are found here are not found in the Unova region, and would otherwise have to be migrated from a Generation IV game to be used. All of the Pokémon available here have their Hidden Abilities, which can only be obtained via special means.

As of January 14, 2014, the Dream World has been closed and is no longer available.

Entralink

Main article: Entralink

The Entralink is a new feature in Pokémon Black and White which allows contact with other players over local wireless. It is a multiplayer area in central Unova; Pokémon obtained in the Pokémon Dream World can be caught here. In combination with the C-Gear, it is possible to travel through Unova with other players and battle, trade and perform various multiplayer sidequests.

Pokémon Musical

Main article: Pokémon Musical

Pokémon Contests, which have been present since Generation III, are replaced by the Pokémon Musicals. Similar to the Super Contests in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, Trainers have to dress up their Pokémon with different accessories. The Pokémon will then compete by dancing on the theater stage with the other entrants. They are held in Nimbasa City.

Seasons

Main article: Seasons

Much like Generation II introduced a system of time, Generation V features a system of seasons. Seasons change every month, thus completing three cycles per year. With it comes aesthetic changes in the region, as well as some changes with the Pokémon found in the wild. It also reflects real life in affecting the time each part of the day is; for example, in winter, night from is 19:00 to 6:59, but in summer it is from 21:00 to 3:59. Additionally, Deerling and its evolution Sawsbuck change forms every season. Some areas can only be accessed in certain seasons.

Sprite animations

While already featured in previous games, Pokémon sprites in Black and White remain animated throughout the battle. Additionally, full back sprites are now present in the games. Some, but not all, Pokémon use animated versions of their Generation IV sprites, occasionally with minor modifications to the original Generation IV sprites. All Trainers, on the other hand, with the exception of Bianca, Cheren and N, return to sprites with no animations.

Changing music

Whereas in previous games, the music was the same during entire battles (other than when the player's Pokémon has less than ¼ health remaining), in Generation V, things such as battle music may change with the situation. For example, when battling a Gym Leader's last Pokémon, the music changes to a remix of the main theme. The warning sound heard when a Pokémon has less than ¼ of its maximum HP remaining has also been remixed into its own music. "Rare" Pokémon also get their own theme. Although this isn't technically new, the seasons change the music in certain places as well, though these changes are mostly the instruments heard. This is similar to the day/night cycle in Generation IV.

Weather conditions

Unlike previous generations, the weather is shown only once, during the first turn. Instead of showing it again every turn until the condition ends, there will be an icon on the touch screen showing current weather (or no icon if there's no weather currently). However, unused text exists in the game for hail and sandstorm.

Triple Battles

Main article: Triple Battle

In a Triple Battle, three Pokémon on each side are sent out at once. There are restrictions as to which Pokémon can attack which opponent. The Pokémon in the middle can attack all three on the other side, but the ones on either side cannot attack the Pokémon on the far side of the opposite end. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, through the use of moves such as Pluck or Aura Sphere. The Pokémon Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour were introduced to showcase this new feature. The position of each Pokémon can be changed during the battle; however, a turn will be used up.

Rotation Battles

Main article: Rotation Battle

Rotation Battles are similar to Triple Battles in that three Pokémon in each team are sent onto each side; however, they are sent out onto a circular platform. The platform can be rotated a third of the way around without wasting a turn. The Pokémon which is in the third of the circle facing the opponent is the one currently active. Strategy revolves around predicting which Pokémon the opponent will switch to and switching to the appropriate Pokémon on the player's side.

Word filter

Pokémon Black and White implemented a a blacklist on name inputs. They are the first core series games with this feature.

Gyms

Pokémon Black and White brings back the traditional eight Gyms, but with it a total of eleven Gym Leaders. They are Cilan, Chili, and Cress (Grass, Fire, and Water, respectively), Lenora (Normal), Burgh (Bug), Elesa (Electric), Clay (Ground), Skyla (Flying), Brycen (Ice), and Drayden and Iris (Dragon). Cilan, Chili, or Cress are battled if the player has chosen the Water-type, Grass-type, or Fire-type starter Pokémon, respectively. Drayden is battled in Pokémon Black while Iris is battled in Pokémon White.

Elite Four and Champion

Unlike previous games, the Elite Four can be battled in any order. After battling all four, a path to the Champion is unlocked. The Elite Four members are Shauntal (Ghost), Grimsley (Dark), Caitlin (Psychic), and Marshal (Fighting). However, the player is not able to battle the Champion before defeating Team Plasma. Later, after defeating the Elite Four in a rematch, the player will face Champion Alder, who uses a variety of types. Caitlin is the same person present in the Battle Castle who was alongside her butler Darach in Generation IV.

Technical Machines

There are now 95 Technical Machines, and, unlike in previous generations, they now have infinite uses, much like Hidden Machines. Due to this major change, only a few TMs can be bought, and now the current PP of the replaced move remains when a new move is taught.

New Pokémon

See Category:Generation V Pokémon

Black and White bring a total of 156 new Pokémon, higher than any other generation, bringing the overall total to 649 from the 493 present in Generation IV. While some new Pokémon may have similarities to previously introduced Pokémon, none of the new Pokémon are related by evolution to any of the 493 introduced previously.

The first Pokémon to be revealed were Zoroark and Zorua on February 10, 2010, who were both featured in Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Following that, the starter Pokémon Snivy, Oshawott, and Tepig were revealed in the May 2010 issue of CoroCoro. Unlike previous generations, no other new Pokémon were featured in the main anime prior to the games' Japanese release.

Version-exclusive Pokémon

Black
0013 Weedle Weedle
Bug Poison
0014 Kakuna Kakuna
Bug Poison
0015 Beedrill Beedrill
Bug Poison
0198 Murkrow Murkrow
Dark Flying
0228 Houndour Houndour
Dark Fire
0229 Houndoom Houndoom
Dark Fire
0285 Shroomish Shroomish
Grass
0286 Breloom Breloom
Grass Fighting
0311 Plusle Plusle
Electric
0430 Honchkrow Honchkrow
Dark Flying
0574 Gothita Gothita
Psychic
0575 Gothorita Gothorita
Psychic
0576 Gothitelle Gothitelle
Psychic
0629 Vullaby Vullaby
Dark Flying
0630 Mandibuzz Mandibuzz
Dark Flying
0641 Tornadus Tornadus
Flying
0643 Reshiram Reshiram
Dragon Fire
White
0010 Caterpie Caterpie
Bug
0011 Metapod Metapod
Bug
0012 Butterfree Butterfree
Bug Flying
0046 Paras Paras
Bug Grass
0047 Parasect Parasect
Bug Grass
0200 Misdreavus Misdreavus
Ghost
0261 Poochyena Poochyena
Dark
0262 Mightyena Mightyena
Dark
0312 Minun Minun
Electric
0429 Mismagius Mismagius
Ghost
0577 Solosis Solosis
Psychic
0578 Duosion Duosion
Psychic
0579 Reuniclus Reuniclus
Psychic
0627 Rufflet Rufflet
Normal Flying
0628 Braviary Braviary
Normal Flying
0642 Thundurus Thundurus
Electric Flying
0644 Zekrom Zekrom
Dragon Electric


The following Pokémon can only be found in White Forest, which is exclusive to Pokémon White. All of these Pokémon are found at level 5 and cannot be avoided through the use of Repel or similar means:

White Forest only
0016 Pidgey Pidgey
Normal Flying
0029 Nidoran♀ Nidoran♀
Poison
0032 Nidoran♂ Nidoran♂
Poison
0043 Oddish Oddish
Grass Poison
0063 Abra Abra
Psychic
0066 Machop Machop
Fighting
0069 Bellsprout Bellsprout
Grass Poison
0081 Magnemite Magnemite
Electric Steel
0092 Gastly Gastly
Ghost Poison
0111 Rhyhorn Rhyhorn
Ground Rock
0137 Porygon Porygon
Normal
0175 Togepi Togepi
Normal
0179 Mareep Mareep
Electric
0187 Hoppip Hoppip
Grass Flying
0194 Wooper Wooper
Water Ground
0239 Elekid Elekid
Electric
0240 Magby Magby
Fire
0265 Wurmple Wurmple
Bug
0270 Lotad Lotad
Water Grass
0273 Seedot Seedot
Grass
0280 Ralts Ralts
Psychic
0283 Surskit Surskit
Bug Water
0287 Slakoth Slakoth
Normal
0293 Whismur Whismur
Normal
0298 Azurill Azurill
Normal
0304 Aron Aron
Steel Rock
0328 Trapinch Trapinch
Ground
0341 Corphish Corphish
Water
0371 Bagon Bagon
Dragon
0396 Starly Starly
Normal Flying
0403 Shinx Shinx
Electric
0406 Budew Budew
Grass Poison
0440 Happiny Happiny
Normal
  • When Genesect is holding a Drive, the light on its back changes color. The Burn and Shock Drives are exclusive to Black, while the Douse and Chill Drives are exclusive to White.
  • While Cottonee and Petilil are only available in the wild in Black and White respectively, there is an in-game trade in Nacrene City for the Pokémon which is exclusive to the other game. By extension, this also allows Whimsicott and Lilligant to be obtained in the versions they are otherwise unobtainable in.
  • While Volbeat and Illumise are only available in the wild in Black and White respectively, Illumise can breed with any male Pokémon in the Bug Egg Group, Human-Like Egg Group or Ditto to produce Eggs that have an 50% chance of hatching into Volbeat. Likewise, breeding Volbeat with Ditto may produce Illumise Eggs.
  • Wild Huntail are exclusive to Black, while wild Gorebyss are exclusive to White, but Clamperl can be found and evolved in both games.
  • Several version-exclusive Pokémon can also be obtained via the Pokémon Dream World.

Compatibility

Black and White are able to connect with all fourth generation core series games, as well as their sequels Black 2 and White 2. Pokémon from Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver are able to be sent to these games using the Poké Transfer. Like the transfer available in Pal Park, Pokémon sent to Black and White from Generation IV games cannot be returned to their original games. Some event Pokémon released in Generation IV have the ability to unlock more events in Generation V: Raikou, Entei, Suicune and Celebi, transferable via an exclusive method called the Relocator, unlock Zorua and Zoroark. Likewise, the Lock Capsule transferred from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver yields TM95 (Snarl), but this event has yet to take place and can only be obtained through use of cheating devices.

Black and White also have the ability to connect to the Internet, accessing the Pokémon Dream World; Pokémon acquired in this manner are obtained in the Entree Forest. Although the game cartridges contain infrared technology similar to that used in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Black and White are unable to connect with the Pokéwalker.

These games are the first to take advantage of the Nintendo DSi's and 3DS's capability to recognize and connect to routers with WPA connections. If the cartridge is used on an original Nintendo DS or a Nintendo DS Lite, this functionality is disabled.

The Korean versions, unlike all Korean Generation IV games, can communicate with international versions without any issues.

Reception

Black and White's perfect score

Gaming magazine Famitsu gave Pokémon Black and White Versions perfect scores. The reviewers were highly impressed with the fresh approach that the game has taken, from the graphics to the new features to the diversity of the Pokémon. The reviewers were also impressed by the Wi-Fi and PC features.

Very few games have received a perfect score of 40/40, the first of which was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Game Informer gave the games 8.75 out of 10. Videogamer.com gave the games a 9 out of 10. Nintendo Power gave the games a 9.0 out of 10. Edge gave the games an 8/10. The Official Nintendo Magazine gave the game 95%. IGN gave the games a 9.0 out of 10.

Staff

Main article: Staff of Pokémon Black and White

Music

Main article: Pokémon Black & Pokémon White: Super Music Collection

The soundtrack contains all of the background music from the games, composed by Shota Kageyama, Junichi Masuda, Hitomi Satō, Gō Ichinose, Morikazu Aoki, Minako Adachi, and Satoshi Nohara. The music is arranged by Shota Kageyama, Hitomi Satō, Gō Ichinose, and Minako Adachi.

Beta elements

Main article: Pokémon Black and White beta

Pre-order bonuses

  • In Japan, people could receive a Reshiram sound drop by pre-ordering Pokémon Black and a Zekrom sound drop by pre-ordering Pokémon White.
  • In the USA, Toys "R" Us offered Reshiram and Zekrom wall clings to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
  • In the UK, Gamestation offered three styluses for the DS, each one featuring one of the Unova starter Pokémon to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
  • In the UK, GAME offered an exclusive poster to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
  • In Australia, JB Hi-Fi offered a Nintendo DS case featuring Reshiram and Zekrom to anyone who pre-ordered the game.
  • In Mexico, Gameplanet offered a white T-shirt featuring Zekrom for pre-ordering Pokémon White and a black T-shirt featuring Reshiram for pre-ordering Pokémon Black. Each T-shirt had their corresponding version logos, the Nintendo DS logo and the Gameplanet store logo. The event Celebi for Generation IV games was also promoted as a pre-order exclusive, but in reality it could be obtained by anyone with a Generation IV game in the store.

Trivia

  • The credits of the Japanese versions are shown in English if character mode is set to kanji.
  • Pokémon Black and White are the first core series games to require the version mascot to be specifically caught; if the battle ends by any other means (such as causing ReshiramB or ZekromW to faint), the story will not proceed, and the player will have to try again. If the player is unable to catch their mascot because of a full party and PC boxes, the story will proceed anyway, and the Pokémon will be waiting for them at Dragonspiral Tower later.
  • When played on a Nintendo DSi, DSi XL, 3DS, 3DS XL, or 2DS, the Poké Ball on the game's icon will wiggle.
  • Pokémon Black and White each have a mascot of the color of their counterpart version.
  • The font used in the text of dialogues by the Japanese versions is the same one seen in pre-release media of the Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
  • When the games were advertised or reported on Pokémon Sunday, the song Black or White by Michael Jackson was played multiple times as a reference to the titles of the games.
  • These games are the only core series games to be available in Europe before the United States, being released 2 days earlier. However, these are not the only Pokémon titles, as this was also the case with the spin-off games Pokémon Dash and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure.
  • The slogan used in the commercials for these games is "Start From a New Beginning".
  • Black and White are the only core series games in which the region's Champion is not the final boss before the credits.
  • Due to the DS cartridges being black, Pokémon Black is technically the first Pokémon game since Emerald to have its cartridge match the color of the game.
  • Both the English/European language and Japanese logos of Black and White feature white and black borders, respectively, to represent Reshiram and Zekrom (who are the opposite color from the game they are featured in). The sequels' logos feature black and white borders matching the game version, the legendary mascot (Black or White Kyurem), and the rest of the logo.

In other languages

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese ポケットモンスター ブラック・ホワイト
French Canada Flag.png Canada Pokémon Version Noire et Version Blanche
Pokémon Black Version et White Version*
France Flag.png Europe Pokémon Version Noire et Version Blanche
Germany Flag.png German Pokémon Schwarze Edition und Weiße Edition
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokémon Versione Nera e Versione Bianca
South Korea Flag.png Korean 포켓몬스터 블랙·화이트 Pocket Monsters Black and White
Spain Flag.png European Spanish Pokémon Edición Negra y Edición Blanca

See also

References


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.