Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Pokémon franchise has captivated millions of fans worldwide with its adventures of catching, training, and battling unique creatures.
Since its debut, the series has continued to innovate, bringing new experiences to players across Nintendo platforms.
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The quality of each title is often measured through critical reviews, one example being the Metacritic score aggregator, an important benchmark for assessing a game's reception among critics and players.
Based on data from this platform, several Pokémon titles have stood out with high scores, demonstrating consistent quality and valued innovation.
From adventures in the French-inspired Kalos region to the revitalization of the Johto region, let's dive into what makes these games so special and why they remain fan favorites today.
Pokémon Y (2013)
Pokémon Y tops this list with a Metacritic score of 88, making it one of the most acclaimed Pokémon games.
Released on October 12, 2013, for the Nintendo 3DS, the game was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo.
This positive reception reflects the game's success in introducing a variety of fresh new elements to the franchise.
The game ushered in a visual revolution with fully polygonal 3D graphics, a significant departure from previous generations of sprites.
The transition to 3D graphics and the integration of online play received universal acclaim.
Furthermore, Pokémon Y introduced 72 new Pokémon species, expanding the roster of creatures that can be captured and trained.
The character customization feature also allowed players to personalize their avatars, adding a deeper layer of immersion.
One of the most notable innovations was the Mega Evolution mechanic, which allows certain Pokémon to evolve temporarily in battle, increasing their stats and changing their appearance.
All of these elements contributed to a rich and modern gaming experience, setting a new standard for the Pokémon series.
Pokémon X (2013)
Sharing the same release date as its sibling, Pokémon X also achieved an excellent Metacritic score of 87.
This game, along with Pokémon Y, is often cited as the best entry in the Pokémon franchise by many fans and critics.
Players begin their journey in the Kalos region, an area whose aesthetic is inspired by the beauty of France.
Pokémon X offers many of the same innovative features as Pokémon Y. This includes the introduction of the new Fairy type, which adds a new strategic dimension to battles.
Character customization is also present, giving players more freedom to express themselves through their avatars in their Pokémon adventures.
The revolutionary Mega Evolution mechanic is also an integral part of Pokémon X, allowing some Pokémon to temporarily achieve more powerful forms.
The transition to full 3D graphics is also a major highlight, giving the Pokémon world a more vibrant and dynamic look.
This combination of features ensures an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience for trainers.
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (2010)
With a Metacritic score of 87, Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver proves that remakes can exceed expectations.
Released on March 14, 2010, for the Nintendo DS, the game is a modern take on the classic second-generation titles, Gold and Silver.
Many fans still consider it one of the best in the main Pokémon series.
The remake was praised for successfully updating the original titles with a smooth interface and sharp graphics, without losing the essence that made Gold and Silver so beloved.
The game retains all the content that made the originals great, while adding exciting new features like Pokéwalkers.
The game also features two complete regions, Johto and Kanto, providing players with an incredible amount of content.
One of the main attractions of Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver is the ability to explore two complete regions: Johto and Kanto.
Pokémon Black & White (2011)
Pokémon Black & White, with a Metacritic score of 87, marked a new era for the Pokémon franchise with a bolder approach to narrative.
Released on March 6, 2011, for the Nintendo DS, the game introduced new Pokémon for players to catch, train, and battle.
The game was often praised for its meaningful storyline and engaging characters.
Many critics consider Pokémon Black & White a successful reboot, significantly improving on the strengths of the previous games. The focus on deeper narrative and character development provides a richer emotional dimension.
The compelling music also contributes to the game's immersive experience.One unique aspect of Pokémon Black & White is the availability of exclusive Pokémon in each version, encouraging players to interact and trade to complete their Pokédex.
Innovations in Pokémon design and battle mechanics also ensure the game remains fresh and challenging for both old and new fans.
Pokémon Sun & Moon (2016)
Rounding out the list of the best Pokémon games is Pokémon Sun & Moon, which earned a Metacritic score of 87 for the Sun version.
Released on November 18, 2016, for the Nintendo 3DS, the game takes players to the Hawaii-inspired Alola region.
The game introduces a new approach to story progression through "Island Challenges."
Instead of traditional Gym Leaders, players must complete a series of unique trials on each island, culminating in a battle against a powerful Totem Pokémon.
This mechanism provides a refreshing twist on the familiar Pokémon formula, offering a different and challenging experience. New Pokémon designs inspired by the tropical fauna and flora of Alola are also a highlight.
Pokémon Sun & Moon also introduces Z-Moves, super powerful attacks that can only be used once per battle, adding a new layer of strategy.