Summary
ThePokemonseries is, by design, meant to be highly accessible. That being said, there are now a lot of games to choose from, and every Pokefan across the world will have their own opinion on which game is the best. Since most games are set in entirely different regions, there should be few concerns about where to start story-wise. However, a few elements make some titles stand out as better candidates than others.
A notable aspect ofPokemongames is that the titles tend to come in pairs (e.g.,BlueandRed). The gameplay offered between the two versions of any pair is almost identical, except forthe availability of certain tamable Pokemonout in the wild. On the subject of availability, since olderPokemongames are no longer available to purchase from Nintendo, second-hand copies can be costly. Thankfully, there are still many viable options for budding new Pokemon trainers, no matter the budget or preference.
The first-time player option that perfectly intersects modern graphics, quality of life, availability, and traditional gameplay isSword & Shield. Although it isn’t the latestPokemongame on the Switch, it iswidely regarded as one of the beston the platform. Some fans have criticized it for its meek difficulty curve, but this is an easy advantage for those looking to gently ease themselves into the series.
Sword & Shieldintroduced some new mechanics into the mix, but they are hardly overwhelming. WhileSwordandShieldintroduced more Pokemon,as every generation has, it also kept the total catchable pocket monsters down to a reasonable number. As such, this is a safe option for players looking for a seamless and user-friendly experience (from purchase to gameplay) but not so much of a time commitment.
Many long-term fans will proudly proclaim thatHeartGoldandSoulSilver, both remakes of the second-generation gamesGoldandSilver, are some of the finest in the series. While this may be true, they may not be the best candidate for newcomers. For one, second-hand copies of either version on the Nintendo DStend to come with hefty price tags. AlthoughGoldandSilverare brand new adventures, they are still sequels to the original games, Red and Blue.
As such, they contain story elements, especially near the endgame, that might only pay off for players who have played the first games. That said, there is absolutely no danger in DS owners snapping up either one at an affordable price and then starting theirPokemonadventure in Johto. Although there are a fair few game mechanics to get a handle on and some surprises that players of the very first game may appreciate, newcomers will still find it to be a rewarding first-time experience.
For those who missed the hype train in the second half of the 2010s,Pokemon Gois a mobile game that involves players physically walking around their town or city in search of collectiblePokemon. While it isn’t considered a mainline game, it does involve throwing Pokeballs, catching, and battling Pokemon.Gomay be a mobile game, but it manages to perfectly capture the “collectible ‘mons” spirit of the mainline series.
As a mobile spin-off, there are no two versions to pick between, and even better, the app is free (but does contain in-app purchases). While taking a Switch out in public is a viable option, most peoplenow have a game-ready smartphone, and downloading it is as easy as opening an app store. It may not be a “pure"Pokemonexperience, but it is still a great first-time option for those on a strict or non-existent budget and a good way to promote outdoor exercise.
This one might be the best choice for newcomers to gaming in general.Let’s Go, PikachuandLet’s Go, Eevee!are known for their easy difficulties and stripped-back mechanics. Either would be a perfect transition for those who have already found themselves caught up in thePokemon Gocraze and are looking for a game with a similar attitude to Pokemon collecting. As one of the more recentPokemongames, Nintendo has made an effort to make the experience for newcomers as smooth as possible.
For example, unlike other games, Pokemon trainers cannot battle wild Pokemon to grind for experience points. One of the biggest perks is that they are remakes ofPokemon Yellow, a game from the first generation of games. This means newcomers will be able to catch up on all the gaming culture they missed out on from the beginning and experience the very firstPokemonadventure with a fresh coat of paint, orgaming parents can introduce their kidsto Pokemon in the gentlest possible way.
They may not be the easiest to find, mainly because they require a GameBoy Advance or Nintendo DS (but not a 3DS) to play. However, assuming they can be purchased without breaking the bank, there is no better introduction to the series than these two.LeafGreenandFireRedare remakes of the original games and, as such, are packed withthe most recognizable Pokemonand characters but with none of the rough edges.
The region features inRedandBluemay not be as expansive as later titles, but in many ways, this original adventure across Kanto cracked the formula perfectly. After eight years of experience in Pokemon development, Gamefreak’s graphical and mechanical refinements for the remakes make the original adventures truly shine. After completing either one (and without spoiling it), those willing to shell out on the sequels,HeartGoldorSoulSilver,will get a bigger bang for their buck.
