The Pokémon franchise has been around for decades now, with dozens of different mainline games. With so many games in the series, it can be difficult to figure out where to start your Pokémon journey. There are nine generations of games to choose from, but out of all of them, there’s one clear choice.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver should be your next Pokémon game, without a doubt. There are so many reasons why you should make HeartGold and SoulSilver your next purchase, but we’ve narrowed it down to five. Today, we’re going to show you why HeartGold and SoulSilver will be the most fun you’ve ever had with a Pokémon game.
Better Than the Originals
Both HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of the original Generation II games, Pokémon Gold and Silver. These games were first released on the Game Boy back in 1999. Gold and Silver were some of the first entries in the brand-new Pokémon franchise.
The HeartGold and SoulSilver brought Generation II into the Nintendo DS era and improved everything about the games. The entire game was overhauled with new and better-quality sprite designs. Many of the game’s questlines and NPCs were expanded on. An example is the Kimono Girls having a larger role in the story. New events involving the game’s mascot legendries, Ho-Oh and Lugia, were added as well.
HeartGold and SoulSilver are the definitive versions of Generation II. The remakes make the older generation feel more modern and vibrant than ever. Every update and expansion feels like a significant improvement. There’s no better way to experience the Johto region.
Two Games in One
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver have the most content out of any of the mainline games. Once players beat all eight Gym Leaders and defeat the Elite Four, the game doesn’t end. There is an extensive post-game to explore too.
The Johto region is right next door to Generation I’s Kanto region. When players have conquered the Johto region, they can hop on a ship to take on the Kanto region. From there, players can challenge Kanto’s eight Gym Leaders. As an extra bonus, at the very end of the Kanto region, players battle against the region’s champion and the protagonist from Generation I, Red.
HeartGold and SoulSilver truly feel like two games in one. Not only do players get to explore two full regions, but they also get to test their skills against sixteen Gym Leaders and two Pokémon Champions. There are few Pokémon games that match that level of content.
Following Pokémon
Part of the appeal of Pokémon is the ability to form deep bonds with your companions as you travel and grow together. Being able to see your Pokémon walk with you through the forests and cities helps strengthen that bond. Sadly, having your Pokémon follow you around in the overworld has been a feature sporadically implemented in the games.
In the previous generations, only Pokémon Yellow allowed your starter Pikachu to follow you. In HeartGold and SoulSilver, that feature is expanded massively. Now, every single Pokémon in the game is able to follow around the trainer.
The following Pokémon even retain their shiny coloring and special forms. Players can also interact with the following Pokémon to check on their mood while traveling. HeartGold and SoulSilver do a lot to make sure that your Pokémon feel like your actual friends.
Four Generations of Pokémon
Even though HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of Generation II, the games include many more Pokémon than those native to Johto. Pokémon from the first four generations, Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, can be caught in HeartGold and SoulSilver. A whopping total of 493 Pokémon are available in the game through one means or another.
Players can even obtain one of Sinnoh’s legendary Pokémon through a special event involving the infamous champion, Cynthia. After completing the event, players will have a level 1 Dialga, Palkia, or Giratina. HeartGold and SoulSilver merge together four generations of games.
The Best Pokémon Game
Pokémon is one of the greatest series to ever exist. Almost every one of the games in the series is well-received and does well in sales. To be considered the best game in such a popular franchise is a high honor. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver is the game that holds that title.
A quick look online will bring up hundreds of articles ranking Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver as the number one Pokémon game. The remakes are welcoming for both newcomers to the franchise and veterans who are looking for something refreshing. If you’re looking for one of the highest quality Pokémon games out there, then Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver is the game for you.