Regardless of your age and your residential city in the world, you would have played Pokemon at least once if you are a big fan of video games. Pokemon games belong to the role-based, adventurous, and turn-playing genres. They are appealing to those who love immersive story lines and earnest expeditions.
Although having plenty of action, these games are not for those who seek fast-paced plays or risky battles. However, for those who love RPGs, this post lists the most exciting Pokémon games in order of their release.
A Brief about the Dynamic Pokémon Journey
The Pokémon franchise has evolved from a small realm to an unbelievably huge empire since its debut in 1996. It started for the Game Boy by designing a plain RPG. Today, after 23 years, it is like a big kingdom offering several role-playing and best-selling titles for almost all Nintendo consoles and handhelds. Further, there are innumerable other game series under development.
New Pokémon games were released rapidly since the late 90s. Gamers were astonished by new regions, Pokémon avatars, and features. Certainly, the series contributed to the golden age of Nintendo RPGs.
There are more than 120 Pokémon releases but we have chosen the most remarkable titles. This list is a testimony to the franchise’s power. It is for those seeking a nostalgic dose or intending to know about the gaming history.
Top Pokemon Games in Order of Release
Those enchanting pocket giants have something special due to which even today, gamers love to play with them. Are you one such gamer? Well, for you, here are the iconic titles of Pokémon games in order of release and by generation.
Generation I for Game Boy from 1996 to 1999
Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue
Released in 1996 and in Japan, the red and green giants represented the first generation of game play along with the Blue version that was added in some time. Yes, this series was only introduced in Japan. This series featured a distinct premise wherein you capture, fight, train, and trade these small creatures.
You start by selecting a pocket monster and proceed by travelling with him across the world to fight with other trainers. On your way, you gather more Pokémon and contend with all eight mini bosses or gyms. The journey ends in a heroic battle against the big Elite 4.
Red and Blue are almost similar; the chief difference being in terms of Pokémon that were exclusive to one of them. Due to great success in Japan, the series attracted many other gamers from across the globe. This is why Pokémon Blue was released.
Two years later, in 1998, the huge success of the first series in Japan resulted in the release of Pokémon Red and Green as Pokémon Red and Blue in North America. As the original Green version was not taken outside Japan, Pokémon Blue acted as its improved version.
After one month of release, both Pokémon Red and Blue were introduced in Australia and New Zealand. These versions changed the way video games were played, as people of all ages had started playing them. Earlier, only youngsters were interested in video games.
Pokémon Yellow: The Special Edition of Pikachu
Designed to imitate the Pokémon anime presentation that was famous at that time, the Yellow version was released in 1999 wherein trainers have to travel the region of Kanto with a Pikachu, the most remarkable Pokémon until now.
You cannot trade or make Pikachu evolve. However, you can expect his generous assistance in the battle. It was for the first time that a Pokémon followed you outside the battleground. At the same time, it was also one of the culminating titles for Game Boy.
It is true that the Blue version as the third version is technically the first Nintendo instance, Yellow is tagged as the official commencement of the release series.
Generation II for Game Boy Color (GBC) from 2000 to 2001
Pokémon Gold and Silver
The Pokémon kingdom changed significantly after four years of its three titles released. In 2000, the Gold and Silver marked the second fanatical wave by offering a bigger selection of collectibles such as 100 new Pokémon, trainers, gyms, and movements than that of the first generation.
The credit goes to the GBC’s hardware capabilities, which also allowed this title to use a more varied color palette. The players explored a novel Johor region after finishing the main story and confront the standard gyms. The title also introduced the Dark and Steel character for the first time along with the breeding ability.
As these versions are bigger than the former Pokémon games in order, players end up spending a lot of time in gathering badges as well as all Pokémon. Still, it is worth giving this much time if you are a Pokémon fan.
Pokémon Crystal
Released in 2001, this revolutionary game was the first Pokémon title to allow selecting the trainer’s gender, giving an innovative touch of customization. This may not appear so exciting but at that time, it was definitely so. Pokémon Crystal was also the first game to show animated Pokémon sprites.
The beautiful animations happening upon spotting a Pokémon made this title better than Pokémon Yellow. There is no dearth of special experiences that you can get from this title.
Generation III for Game Boy Advance (GBA) from 2002 to 2005
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Released in 2002, these titles marked the beginning of the third generation but were the first Pokémon games in order for the GBA platform. They offered more than 100 new pocket monsters that are adorable even today. With them, you explore the more detailed surroundings than those of the former games.
To increase the excitement somewhat more, the versions came with more creative features such as novel 2v2 battles, stat-based natures of Pokémon, and contests.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
Released in 2004, these Pokémon games were the improved remakes of the Red and Blue titles. They were the first remake series. They featured noteworthy map expansions and the National Pokédex. For the first time, gamers could learn how to play the game.
Pokémon Emerald
This has been a familiar title for all those who had played the former Pokémon games in order. Released in 2005, the Emerald features the new Battle Frontier, a terrain visible post game, where gamers could fight with other brave trainers for collecting battle points. Through these points, gamers could easily buy special rewards.
Generation IV for Nintendo DS from 2007 to 2009
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
These were the first titles to use the DS and its interesting dual screens in 2007. Designed for a new platform, they took much time to release, thus, resulting in a fair gap between the two generations.
However, the wait was rewarded with 107 new Pokémon. This included the most legendary one, Arceus, who is known to make the cosmos in Pokémon folklore. Above all, these were the first Pokémon titles that gamers could play online.
Pokémon Platinum
Designed to show the storyline in an alternate dimension and released in 2009 as a stronger form of Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum did not have any significant changes. However, the changes that were introduced were refreshing. It made the players go to the Sinnoh region to find the legendary Pokémon Giratina. You will like this title for its legendary forms.
Generation V for Nintendo DS from 2011 to 2012
Pokémon Black and White
These titles marked the beginning of the fifth generation of Pokémon games in 2011 and came with better graphics than those of the previous Pokémon games in order. They were deeply adorable in those days for introducing 156 new monsters, which was more than any titles released until 2011.
They also featured a few novel battle styles namely, Triple and Rotation, which were not seen in future games. The players had to go to the Unova region for defeating all gym heads prior to facing the Elite 4.
These games were among the most exciting Pokémon titles due to more than 600 Pokémon included for collection. Another fascinating feature was the Dream World, an exclusive area wherein you can support Pokémon with distinct skills, which were otherwise unavailable in previous games.
Interestingly, this area is accessible only through the website of Pokémon Global Link where a Pokémon Trainer Club account is necessary.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Yes, as the names indicate, Black 2 and White 2 are sequels released in 2012. So, what was new here? Well, these two versions were made better for the 3DS and DSi platforms.
The players had to go back to Unova where all mechanisms and strategies remained intact. However, players enjoyed new areas to explore along with a new storyline as well as 300 novel characters.
Generation VI for Nintendo 3DS in 2013
Pokémon X and Y
These titles moved the Pokémon series to work on the latest Nintendo handheld console in 2013, the 3DS. Designed to play in the Kalos region, both X and Y came with more settings to customize the look of your trainer, such as changing the skin color, outfit, and the hairstyle.
Above all, these titles were the first mainline games featuring comprehensive 3D graphics for Pokémon, other characters, and the environments. They came with 72 new Pokémon characters.
Made for the 3DS, these sixth-generation games took complete benefit of the distinct hardware. They came with the first of its kind, a fairy-like Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, both of which fully changed the battling mechanism.
Lastly, the inclusion of Super Training and Pokémon-Amie gave more chances to develop a friendlier relationship with different Pokémon characters as well as enhance their stats.
Generation VII for Nintendo 3DS from 2016 to 2017
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Released in 2016, Pokémon Sun and Moon retained the former generation’s 3D display in the Hawaii-inspired new Alola region. They came with 81 new Pokémon characters, a few of which were known as Alola Forms or the regional alternatives having native appearance.
In these titles, the map was divided into four tropical isles as the abode of several characters and striking surroundings. Exploring them gave players a fanatical experience of an epic adventure.
Mega-Evolutions came back and robust Z-moves were introduced for the first time for one-time use per battle by Pokémon with a special article. The only complaint here was the compulsory trials required to complete before actually going on an island.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
As the names suggest, these two were the sequels released in 2017. Both were designed with the same setup of the Alola region. However, what was unique was the introduction of new characters along with the new forms and species of pocket monsters for you to collect.
Generation VIII for Nintendo Switch from 2019
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Released in the latter half of 2019, Sword and Shield marked the eight generation of Pokémon. These titles also are the initial main Pokémon games in order for the Nintendo Switch. You meet 81 new Pokémon amidst the improved 3D scenes and in the open-world areas.
Reflecting the typical England scene, the new Galar region seems to be an industrial area where adventures await you. A few Pokémon are likely to Gigantamax for reflecting a novel appearance along with a robust collection of G-Max moves. You can select your apparel and give a new hairstyle while discovering both old and new pocket monsters.
Conclusion
These are the most famous Pokémon games in order. There is no doubt that the Pokémon series is an integral facet of the gaming arena; it has stirred many game titles that are prominent today.
Thus, our expectations from the current, evolving generation of Pokémon will be high. So, what do you now expect? Is it something more adventurous or is it a bit funny? Can you share it? Do also share your best Pokémon fan games you have played and loved until now.
