Pokémon Yellow

Ok, now that Pokémon Yellow is announced,

I suppose I’d better get a review out the door. I have played it, by the way. Although it was all in Japanese… oh, well. Anyway, let me just tell you that if you’re looking for a brand new Pokémon game for Game Boy, well then, this isn’t the place. Pokémon Yellow is basically a rehashed version of the previous games, with a bunch of neat little features added. For instance, this game is based mostly around the Pokémon anime, with all the characters and such.

Since this game revolves around Pikachu, everyone’s (‘cept me) favorite Pokémon. When you start up the game, everything is seemingly the same.

Your first thought would be that nothing’s changed. But, once you walk out in the tall grass, things start getting interesting. Prof. Oak stops you, as usual. Then, a battle scene pops up, and Prof. Oak catches a nice little Pikachu. But the first thing you’ll probably notice is that Pikachu’s artwork changed! In fact, all the Pokémon’s artwork has changed. Some of them look really stupid though… but still, it’s a refreshing experience.

ANYWAYS, he then he takes you back to his lab. What’s this? There’s only ONE Pokémon to choose from on his table? An Eevee? Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander are gone! But wait, then Gary rushes over and snatches up the Eevee! Luckily,

Prof. Oak decides to let you have Pikachu. You battle Gary and then everything seems to be the same, except that Pikachu actually walks around, onscreen with you, just like in the anime! The more times he battles, and according to how his HP is at the moment, he will become happier, kind of like a built in virtual pet.

You may be thinking, if you get Pikachu from the beginning, then do you have to trade to get a Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander? Nope! You

actually win them from their trainers, also like the anime. Some of the new characters include Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy, Chanseys in Pokémon centers, Jesse and James, and a bunch of others but I’m too lazy to think of them right now. Oh, and all the Pokémon actually have their own icon, so you can tell what they are without going up to talk to them (during regular walk-around mode.) Neat!

Oh, and I hear that it actually includes two new (secret) Pokemon! Ok, so they are in the anime, but they are new to the games Theres Togepy, that little egg guy that appears in episode 50 from the egg Ash finds. Then theres Houou (or something like that… like I said, I’m to lazy…er, busy to check) that golden bird guy from the first episode…

Also, using this game with Pokemon Stadium opens up three new modes. Although they do sound kinda stupid. Downright boring, actually. Heres a description of them: In Nintendo Cup - Use 3 different types of PokeMon who's

levels are from 50 -55. The total levels of the 3 PokeMons that you choose must be equal to or less than level 155. Myu however cannot be used.

In Yellow Cup - Use 3 different types of PokeMon who's levels are from 15 - 20. The total levels of the 3 PokeMons that you choose must be equal to or less than level 50. Myu also cannot be used.

In Fancy Cup - Use 3 different types of PokeMon who's levels are from 25 - 30. The total levels of the 3 PokeMons that you choose must be equal to or less than level 80.

The height of the PokeMons chosen must be equal to or less than 2 meters. And the weight must be equal to or less than 20 Kg. PokeMons must also not be Fire Creatures. And Myu cannot be used. See what I mean?

The graphics have’nt really been improved. A few new textures and stuff. Items are in different places, and so are are the Pokemon, obviously. The writing on signs is different. Another interesting point is that the gym

leaders personalitys are based more on their T.V. counterparts, and Brock and Misty are wearing what they wear in the show.

Ok, so if you’re still wondering if this game is really worth getting, even if you already have the red or blue version, well, I say go for it! This game has enough interesting little quirks and new additions that it’s definitely a good buy. Once it finally comes out here, which I’m assuming will be sometime in mid-99, it’ll definitely be a hit. Get this game!