The Best Monster Taming Games of All Time

Survey scores · avg 4.4/5

Story4.3

Gameplay4.6

Graphics4.2

Music4.6

Character4.6

Pokemon Emerald is the third in the trilogy for the initial Game Boy Advance Pokemon games, combining Ruby and Sapphire's Hoenn adventure with a new, combined story. It also has an endgame challenge in the Battle Frontier, giving players a better experience outside of the story. Due to the complete Hoenn journey involving both villain teams and an expanded postgame, it is the recommended version for Pokemon's Generation III Hoenn games.

Survey voice

Lucas / 20s / Male
Whlie Sapphire was my first Pokemon game, it was a bootleg version that corrupted itself later on. I was given a copy of Emerald one Christmas and it was the first Pokemon game I finished. It set the bar high for what I would want a Pokemon game to be. That game helped me make friends, improve as an artist, and appreciate video games even more. Truly a timeless entry in the series.

Zam / 20s / Male
Another perfect game for me. I don't think there's much to say about this game that hasn't been echoed repeatedly. One fun fact though is that I caught all the Legendaries in this game with regular Pokeballs.

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26 votes

2

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

Game Boy Advance

Survey scores · avg 4.3/5

Story3.9

Gameplay4.7

Graphics3.8

Music4.7

Character4.3

Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire introduced the beloved Gen III, hailing from the tropical Hoenn region. This game paved the way for a new era of competitive play, with new abilities and combat styles that people know and enjoy today. For players who want a classic Pokémon adventure with the thrill of modern battles, Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire is a good entry into the long-standing series.

Survey voice

Ronald / 20s / Male
Pokémon Sapphire was the first Pokemon game I have ever played. I would play it on my cousin's Game Boy. I eventually bought my own copy of Pokémon Emerald. I have beaten this game multiple times, and even until today I still clearly remember how to finish it.

Pat / Female
This was my very first Pokemon game ever. That's what makes it so special to me. Also my favorite town music is Verdanturf Town. When I was a kid, there were times where I just plug the GBA to a charger, go to Verdanturf, and just sleep with its music.

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RPG Monster Taming Turn-Based Multiplayer

26 votes

3

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Nintendo Switch 2

Survey scores · avg 3.9/5

Story4.2

Gameplay4.0

Graphics3.4

Music4.1

Character4.0

Pokemon SV features an open world where players can tackle gyms in any order, explore every area as they please, and catch any accessible Pokemon regardless of restrictions. It also features the flashy Terastalization mechanic; a generational gimmick that appeals greatly to competitive players due to its flexibility in manipulating their Pokemon's typing.

Survey voice

Lucas / 20s / Male
There were a lot of things riding on this game following Legends Arceus, and in a way it didn't really match that game but Scarlet and Violet did deliver in introducing some really cool concepts and lots of fun new Pokemon additions. In an unexpected twist, it handled its story and characters better than most of the games that came out after Black and White, and I will always commend it for daring to tell a story I don't think was ever done to this level in the series.

ひも
Because it's open world, at first I explored without advancing the story at all, and before I knew it I was on a snowy mountain. When I figured it was about time to beat a Gym Leader and went to a nearby Gym, I got wrecked, and my whole party ended up strung out on healing items.
Show original (日本語)
オープンワールドのため、最初は一切ストーリーを進めず探索していたら、気付いたら雪山にいました。そろそろジムリーダーを倒そうと近くのジムに行ったらボコボコにされ、手持ちのポケモンが全員薬漬けになりました。

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View on Nintendo Switch 2 →

25 votes

4

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

Game Boy Advance

Survey scores · avg 4.4/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.6

Graphics4.5

Music4.6

Character4.7

Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen is a faithful remake of the original Red/Green games, with additional content that expands upon its predecessor. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen expands on the Kanto region experience by giving players the quality of life features introduced in Generations 2 and 3, without changing what made the original games iconic. Pokemon FR/LG also expands well into the Post-Game, giving players access to the Sevii Islands, allowing them to catch new Pokemon, new Legendaries, as well as provide more Lore for the late-game characters such as the Elite Four.

Survey voice

Isa / 20s / Female
Pokemon Fire Red was my introduction to the Pokemon series. Maybe looking back on it from the perspective of an adult and experience of other games, I'd have a different opinion of it, but as a child, it holds a very special place for me.

Yuri / 20s / Male
Pokémon FireRed is a great game and one of my favorite experiences on the Game Boy Advance. I don't have too many memories with the system itself since I never owned one and would usually borrow it from my cousins.

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24 votes

5

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.4/5

Story4.4

Gameplay4.6

Graphics4.0

Music4.7

Character4.7

Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum is the mainline games for the series' Fourth Generation, and features one of the most overarching plotlines that can take up to 50 hours to complete the main story and post-game. Pokemon D/P/PT's main appeal is that it breathed new life into Pokemon from previous generations by giving them new evolutions, on top of its iconic new Pokemon like Garchomp and Lucario. Pokemon Platinum also has one of the longest Post-Game content, giving players a whopping total of 15 Post-Game Legendaries to catch, along with trainer rematches which features one of, if not the hardest Trainer Battle against Champion Cynthia.

Survey voice

あっきー / 30代 / 男性
A Pokémon title for the DS, where the DS's signature touch pen was used for gimmicks like underground exploration and systems like the Pokétch, nostalgic. It's a work where many Pokémon that are still popular today appeared, like "Garchomp," "Lucario," "Leafeon," and "Glaceon," and the designs were good overall. Many of the Legendary Pokémon are based on mythology with grand backgrounds, and including urban legends, it remains a highly popular work even now.
Show original (日本語)
DS用のポケモンタイトルであり、DSの特徴であるタッチペンを使ったギミックが活かされた地下の探索やポケッチ等のシステムが懐かしい。今も人気が高いポケモンである「カブリアス」「ルカリオ」「リーフィア」「グレイシア」など数多くのポケモンが登場した作品であり、全体的に見てもデザインが良かった。伝説のポケモンも神話をモチーフに壮大な背景を持つポケモンが多く、都市伝説等を含め今でも人気が高い作品となっている。

Ozzy / 20s / Male
My top Pokemon mainline game. The lore feels rich and something you can sink into. The Pokemon designs during this generation are so inspired and the post game content they added make it feel more expansive. Also best Champion ever Cynthia. Music is also really immersive.

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View on Nintendo Switch 2 →

20 votes

6

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Nintendo Switch 2

RPG Monster Taming

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story3.9

Gameplay4.4

Graphics4.0

Music4.6

Character4.4

Pokemon Legends: Z-A breaks the conventional mold of exploring and turn-based battling of the other mainline Pokemon games and switches it up with real-time battles in the confines of the beautiful Lumiose City! Join Team M-Z and uncover the secrets of Mega Evolution while climbing the Ranks of the Z-A Royale. With its colorful cast of characters and entertaining missions, Legends Z-A is an easy game to pick upp for newcomers and hardcore fans alike.

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Lucas / 20s / Male
Much like Legends Arceus, Legends Z-A tried a new approach to Pokemon and it was a fun time learning how to get around the battle system and exploring Pokemon's first attempt at a massive city map. This was also the first Pokemon game I got to play early at a demo in PAX Australia last year.

P-san
A story set in the future of Pokémon X and Y. Creating a character like Canari can only be called genius. Getting to see what became of Emma and AZ afterward moved me deeply.
Show original (日本語)
ポケモンXYの未来の話。カナリィというキャラクターを生み出したのは天才としか言えない。マチエールやAZのその後の姿を見れて感無量でした。

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19 votes

7

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.6/5

Story4.4

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.4

Music4.6

Character4.7

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire returns to the Hoenn region with improved visuals, an expanded roster of Pokemon, and the Mega Evolution system giving it a refreshing change from the originals. It still provides enough nostalgia for veterans of the original Ruby and Sapphire while having enough changes to make it different on its own. Recommended for fans of the Hoenn region and players who prefer Mega Evolution over the other released gimmicks of modern Pokemon games.

Survey voice

Lucas / 20s / Male
Pokemon Sapphire was my first Pokemon game, so this remake was highly anticipated. I can remember being excited to go through the world again and trying to predict and anticipate which Pokemon were getting Mega Evolutions this time. I'm skeptical of remakes in general, but I could confidently say Omega Ruby was a good one.

Jet / 30s / Male
I had to have a Pokemon Title on here. Going with ORAS because of how well it remade RSE. Welcome inclusions such as the PokeNav Plus, the Soar Mechanic, and then mechanics that have been series staples already such as EXP Share, Fairy Type, reusable TMs, Phys/Special Split and of course Mega Evolution.

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18 votes

8

Pokémon Black and White

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story4.2

Gameplay4.2

Graphics3.9

Music4.1

Character4.0

Pokémon Black and White, the mainline entries of the franchise's Generation 5, surprised fans by featuring a regional dex filled exclusively with new Pokémon. Alongside setting the events in the Unova region, inspired by New York City rather than Japan as in previous games, the storyline, complementing the games’ unprecedented nature, is a fan favorite that questions the morality of Pokémon: the servitude of Pokémon and the stripping of their agency. Regarded by many as the height of Pokémon's 2D pixel charm, Black and White chart Hilda/Hilbert's journey through Unova, where they collect gym badges and challenge the Pokémon League while confronting Team Plasma's radical crusade against the exploitative bond between humans and Pokémon. Legendary Pokémon Reshiram (White) and Zekrom (Black) serve as the games’ central figures, embodying the contrasting concepts of truth and ideals, respectively.

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葉桜
The first Pokémon I played on release day. Made under the theme "giving Red/Green players who've become adults a fresh experience like Red/Green all over again," almost all information was cut off until the game's release. The Pokémon that appear were completely renewed, and until you reach the ending, there wasn't a single returning Pokémon from past titles. That excitement of not knowing what would jump out of the grass was, I think, an experience only those who played it in real time could get.
Show original (日本語)
初めて発売日に遊んだポケモンです。「大人になってしまった赤緑プレイヤーに、もう一度赤緑と同じ新鮮な体験を」というテーマで作られた本作はゲーム発売までほとんどの情報が遮断されていました。出現ポケモンも一新され、エンディングを迎えるまで過去作からの続投ポケモンは一切ありませんでした。草むらから何が飛び出してくるのか分からないあのワクワク感はリアルタイムで遊んだ人にしか得られない体験だったと思います。

Kevin
For me, rather than Diamond/Pearl, this is the DS-era Pokémon masterpiece. The story is subtly dark, and N's words, hero or villain, ambiguous, make you wonder, "Is training Pokémon really a good thing?" With the bold premise that every Pokémon is new, many people dislike the new designs, but I think the ice-cream Pokémon and the garbage Pokémon are more Pokémon-like than the Digimon-ish Lucario. It's plenty fun as is, so a remake is OK not to make.
Show original (日本語)
私の中でダイパよりこちらはポケモンのDS時代名作。ストーリーが微妙に暗くて、ヒーローか悪者か曖昧なNの言葉で、ポケモントレーナーは本当に良い存在なの？と考えさせられる。全てのポケモンが新しいという大胆な設定で、新デザインが嫌いな人は多いが、デジモンっぽいルカリオより、アイスのポケモンやゴミのポケモンの方がポケモンらしいと私は思う。このまま十分面白いので、リメイクはしなくてもOK。

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18 votes

9

Pokémon Red and Blue

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

The Pokemon game that started it all. The Generation I titles, namely Pokemon Red, Green, and Blue, kicked off the global phenomenon with their turn-based combat and monster-catching mechanics on the Game Boy. Play as the series' original protagonist, now widely known as Red, as you collect all eight Gym Badges, challenge the Pokemon League, and complete the original Pokedex.

Survey voice

ポン酢 / 30代 / 女性
- The text is extremely well done. The pacing is good too - Resolving the impassable obstacles like the Saffron City gates and Snorlax is a big point of this game. Ultimately you need to collect all the Gym Badges, but the process stops being an easy-to-follow straight line from the midgame, which personally I rate highly - There are few detours and it's almost all battles, so it gets boring easily. Without nostalgia bias, playing it now might be rough
Show original (日本語)
・テキストが非常に秀逸。テンポも良い・ヤマブキシティのゲートやカビゴンなどの通行不可要素の解決が本作の大きなポイント。最終的にはすべてのジムバッジを集める必要があるが、その過程は中盤からはわかりやすい一本道ではなくなるのが個人的には高評価・寄り道要素が少なくほとんど戦闘ばかりなので飽きやすい。思い出補正なしだと今プレイするのは厳しいかも

Noel / 30s / Male
The one that started it all. Gen one brought me into RPGs and the Pokemon IP. The soundtrack stayed in my mind long after playing, and the adventure was quite unforgettable. The Pokemon fights were a good and simple challenge for my child brain

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16 votes

10

Pokémon Gold and Silver

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Survey scores · avg 4.0/5

The second generation of Pokemon games, Pokemon Gold and Silver introduces the Johto region. With a hundred new Pokemon, new Gym Leaders, and new gameplay innovations, players embark on an adventure to catch, train, and battle Pokemon while collecting Gym Badges and striving to become the Pokemon League Champion. The game also introduces features such as real-time day-and-night system, Pokemon Breeding, and held items, adding greater depth to exploration and team-building. Players can also revisit the Kanto region after completing the main story, offering an expansive post-game adventure that greatly extends the experience.

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よねさん / 30代 / 男性
The first Pokémon series I ever touched. At the time I played on my parent's save data, so I still don't know the story. I only grinded levels endlessly on Mt. Silver, but it was fun.
Show original (日本語)
初めて触ったポケモンシリーズ。当時は親のデータで遊んでたのでストーリーはいまだに知らない。シロガネ山でひらすらレベルを上げることしかしてなかったが面白かった。

Stu / 30s / Male
It still amazed me how they were able to expand on the original Pokemon Red/Blue with these games. Played them on the Game Boy Color so seeing with actual colors was so amazing.

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15 votes

11

Pokémon X and Y

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.4/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.7

Graphics4.5

Music4.3

Character4.7

Pokemon X/Y introduces the Mega Evolution system and improved 3D graphics that fit the 3DS system, drawing in droves of newcomers and veterans alike. Featuring a region based on France, a beginner-friendly adventure, and a modern look compared to older Pokemon games, X/Y is a good, accessible start for new players to the franchise.

Survey voice

Lucas / 20s / Male
I can remember keeping myself up to date with new Pokemon news from Japan and waiting for all of it to get translated to English. I also remember watching Japan get the latest release first then waiting a year for its international release. I'll never forget when they announced it would all change with X and Y. I remember being in line with my brother waiting to get it when they trailer showed on screen and everyone cheered. I remember finding a shiny Pokemon 20 minutes into the game. Pokemon Y was flawed but a really fun entry that dared to start introducing new mechanics to really change how battles are fought.

Yui / 20s / Prefer not to say
Ik people dunk on this for being the weakest 3DS Pokemon game, but the fashion was always fashioning, I spent more hours dressing up my MC than actually playing the main story lmao. And because of this game, I wanted to be a Pokemon Trainer who lives in a Berry Farm (or at least make my OC as such)

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15 votes

12

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Nintendo Switch

View on Nintendo Switch →

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story3.2

Gameplay4.7

Graphics4.1

Music4.3

Character4.7

Pokemon Sword and Shield takes the beloved monster collecting and battling format and takes them to the biggest stages in the Galar Region. Featuring massive stadiums that house thousands of viewers, as well as the generational gimmick in Dynamax that turns your Pokemon into multi-storey behemoths, it is perhaps the franchise's most overwhelming entry in terms of pure audiovisual spectacle. Gameplay-wise, Pokemon Sword and Shield also features a semi-open world that players can freely explore as they unlock them, as well as a more guided take on the narrative so that their next steps are never in question.

Survey voice

ちゃんしぃ
The Pokémon series is consistently fun overall, but Sword and Shield made a good impression because its open-world-like experience and ease of training made it easy even for casual players to try their hand at battling and multiplayer. For the hardcore crowd I think it was a system where it was hard to create a skill gap, but taken broadly, it struck a good balance for enjoying Pokémon.
Show original (日本語)
ポケモンシリーズ全般的に安定して面白いが、剣盾はオープンワールドのような体験と育成のしやすさからカジュアル層でも対戦やマルチに手を出しやすかったのが好印象。ガチ勢的には差ができにくいシステムだったと思うが、広めに見るとポケモンを楽しむのにバランスよかったなと。

Ronald / 20s / Male
I enjoyed the gym battles in this game since it really felt like a real match, with a lot of people watching your fight and either cheering or booing you. Hearing the BGM before the fight starts always hypes me up.

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13 votes

13

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Nintendo Switch

RPG Monster TamingExploration

Survey scores · avg 4.4/5

Story4.2

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.1

Music4.4

Character4.5

Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes you back in time to the land of Hisui where you must learn to survive in the wilds with only your wits and the items nature provides. Gone are the electronic Poke Balls and Pokedexes and replaced with Apricorns and paper. Insteasd of the usual 8 badges, the goal is to catch many Pokemon and fill out your Pokedex all while you uncover the secrets if the myths of Sinnoh.

Survey voice

Jet / 30s / Male
Sword and Shield was Game Freak's commitment to make the transition from handheld into console games, but it still followed the same formula of the gym journey that was arguably getting stale at that point. The release of the Legends games represented Game Freak trying something truly new and it reassured long-time fans like myself that this franchise is just starting to explore what it can do with the newfound power of home consoles. The satisfaction of surveying Pokemon and completing research tasks was unexpectedly fun and refreshing. While there has been a second Legends game since with Z-A, Arceus still wins for me as someone who was never really big into the battles of Pokemon and much prefers catching them all.

Lucas / 20s / Male
I could remember when this game was announced and thinking it was nothing like any previous Pokemon game. It was mysterious and full of wonder, and that made it my most enjoyable Pokemon experience since maybe Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. It took bold new moves with its storytelling and world, and even altering the core Pokemon gameplay to keep it fresh. It encouraged exploration, I'll never forget taking turns with my brother to play it then comparing notes about which Pokemon we found in what area over pizza dinner. This game was about its finer details and became a foundation for what Pokemon could be moving forward, despite being set in its past.

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8 votes

14

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.7/5

Story4.4

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.8

Music5.0

Character4.6

A sequel to the original Pokemon Black and White, these games are the first and only games in the series that aren't just remasters oif the original, but builds upon the Unova Region after two years have passed. Keeping the QoL and adding even more from the base games, Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 adds more to its beastiary with the inclusion of the older Pokemon in the Regional Dex, making feel fuller and caters to both new and old fans alike!

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Sicat / 20s / Male
Best game in the series aside from Emerald, also has some of my favorite character designs in the series. Was also the last time that I enjoyed a Pokemon game immensely before Pokemon XY disappointed me lol. They say that a sequel is rarely better than the first one but this is one of those games imo

Stu / 30s / Male
This is my favorite Pokemon game of all time (played Black 2 specifically). I was impressed by how much they were able to fit in a DS game, so there's always something to do. I still revisited it while Pokemon X and Y were already out.

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Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team

7 votes

15

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team

Game Boy Advance

RPG Monster Taming

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story4.6

Gameplay4.4

Graphics3.7

Music4.3

Character4.4

It's far from the traditional Pokemon gameplay and is closer to a roguelite sort of tactics game with a Pokemon skin on it. It has an interesting and heartfelt amnesiac plot so you don't need any prior Pokemon knowledge. The game is unforgivingly difficult with its classic dungeon crawling style of climbing or descending down multiple floors.

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Ronald / 20s / Male
This game was a present from my aunt. It’s the first Pokemon spin-off I have ever played, and I was really addicted to it. I kept playing it and almost recruited every single Legendary in the game.

Jessey / 20s / Male
Really enjoyed playing this game, and actually made me sad/cry as well.

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7 votes

16

Pokémon Sun and Moon

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.1

Graphics3.7

Music4.7

Character4.4

Pokemon Sun and Moon is the 7th generation of the Pokemon series, set in the tropical Alola region. Travel across different islands as you take on the Island Challenge, encounter new Pokemon, and uncover the mystery surrounding the legendary Pokemon Solgaleo and Lunala. The game also introduces unique Alolan forms of classic Pokemon, giving some of the Pokemon new appearances.

Survey voice

Isa / 20s / Female
Many people have different opinions of Sun and Moon, but Pokemon Sun and Moon holds a place in my heart as my favorite 3DS era of Pokemon games. It was fun to customize make character, and I loved the characters and antagonist in this game. It was the first time in a while that a Pokemon game made me feel the same that I did playing Pokemon for the first time.

Lucas / 20s / Male
As the 20th anniversary title for the franchise, Pokemon Moon introduced some fresh concepts and even some of my favorite Pokemon to date. Changing the gym system was refreshing and playing this game with friends got me through college.

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6 votes

17

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.3/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.5

Graphics4.3

Music4.5

Character4.5

A remake of the original Gold and Silver, these games keep the spirit of the original while building upon it with all the bells and whistles that come in the fourth generation opf Pokemon. The game is more of an experience as the game pushed interactivity to a different level, like with the included Pokewalker. letting you braing a Pokemon with you and rewards you for doing so! Not to mention the Pokeathlon and the Johto Safari Zone, new additions that bring more to the table than just battling and training!

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Yuri / 20s / Male
Pokémon SoulSilver on the DS is probably my favorite Pokémon game of all time. To this day, I consider it the most beautiful sprite-based game in the series.

Yui / 20s / Prefer not to say
I absolutely love how your Pokemon's world sprite can follow you here. It makes my heart melt every time!

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6 votes

18

Pokémon Yellow

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Survey scores · avg 3.7/5

Pokemon Yellow is an updated version of the original games on the Game Boy to keep in line with the hit anime. The most notable difference in Yellow is that instead of choosing your starter Pokemon, you begin your adventure with a Pikachu. Much like in the anime, this Pikachu prefers to walk alongside you as you explore Kanto instead of staying inside of a pokeball. If your entry into the franchise was the original anime, Pokemon Yellow has the best chance of living up to your expectations!

Survey voice

Walter / 20s / Male
Having no choice but to get Pikachu is the best. Also doesn't wanna evolve and follows you out of the ball everywhere. The best.

Warren / 30s / Male
A special one for me since I was addicted to the anime and this game made me live out being Ash.

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5 votes

19

Pokémon Colosseum

Nintendo GameCube

View on Nintendo GameCube →

Survey scores · avg 4.0/5

Story3.8

Gameplay3.6

Graphics3.6

Music4.8

Character4.2

The edgy black sheep of the series, Pokemon Colosseum introduces the concept of Shadow Pokemon. These Pokemon have been treated so badly that they have closed their hearts off, turning them into soulless fighting machines, and it is up to Wes and Ruii to snag them all and purify them! A more story-focused game, Pokemon Colloseum is also Generation 3's equivalent to a battle simulator, but only limited to local battles.

Survey voice

サイダー
A crazy work (as a compliment) where the protagonist has quite a rugged look & the story starts with the protagonist's theft. At the time I remember mistaking the motorcycle the protagonist rides for the Heavy Star from Kirby Air Ride.
Show original (日本語)
主人公がかなりイカツイ見た目をしている＆物語が主人公の窃盗から始まるいかれた作品（褒め言葉）。当時の自分は主人公が乗っているバイクをカービィのエアライドに出てくるヘビースターと勘違いしていた記憶がある。

ひも
Leveling up is only through battles with Trainers, making it the Pokémon work I personally struggled with the most. I couldn't clear it in elementary school and finally cleared it once I became a college student.
Show original (日本語)
レベル上げがトレーナーとの戦闘のみで、ポケモン作品の中でも一番個人的に苦戦したゲームです。小学生の時にはクリアできず、大学生になってようやくクリアできました。

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5 votes

20

Pokémon Stadium 2

Nintendo 64

Survey scores · avg 3.4/5

Story1.2

Gameplay4.0

Graphics4.4

Music3.8

Character4.2

Pokemon Stadium 2 is the sequel of the original Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo 64, being the Generation 2 counterpart and upgrade from the first game. Like the original, it is also a battle-oriented Pokemon game, catering towards the tournament-oriented crowd of the series. This makes it one of the main games used for official old-generation formats from way back in the 2000s, due to its more stringent, combat-focused gameplay. Being one of the first 3D Pokemon games that came out around this time, it has a very crafty aesthetic with its Pokemon designs, garnering praise with how well-made the new dimension feels of the Pokemon are and how soulful they look. All of these qualities would catapult Stadium 2 into one of the niche, but also well-known classics for its console, eventually allowing it to be re-released for the Nintendo Switch platform.

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しろあん / 20代 / 男性
The abundance of fun elements in battle, the lessons where you can learn Pokémon battle techniques, and the volume and fun of the party games that carry over from 2. A masterpiece that accommodates any way of playing.
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バトルでの遊び要素の多さ、ポケモンバトルのテクニックを学べる講座、2から引き続きあるパーティゲームのボリュームと面白さ。どんな遊び方にも対応した名作です。

ひも
Whenever friends came to my house, we'd play these minigames the whole time. When I heard it got ported, I played it for the first time in a while, and the fun of the minigames was abnormal.
Show original (日本語)
友人が家に来たらずっとこのミニゲームで遊んでいました。移植されたと聞いて久しぶりにプレイしましたが、ミニゲームの楽しさが異常でした。

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View on Nintendo 64 →

Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland

5 votes

21

Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Survey scores · avg 3.3/5

Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland is a monster-collecting RPG spin-off from Dragon Quest, first released in 1998 for Game Boy Color and later remade for 3DS in 2012. It follows Terry, pulled into a mysterious realm called the Great Tree, where he tames and breeds monsters to build a team, similar in spirit to Pokémon but with DQ's own humor and style. It's also the game that launched the entire Dragon Quest Monsters spin-off franchise, which continued with titles like Joker and The Dark Prince.

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だーます
I remember breeding a Dracky that had learned my friend's Magic Burst, and the data getting erased. Thinking about it now, the Monster Grandpa is oddly strong, and the road to Dhuran is way too brutal, definitely impossible for an elementary schooler.
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友達のマダンテを覚えてるドラキーと配合したらデータが消えた思い出。今考えるとモンスターじいさんはやけに強いし、ダークドレアムまでの道のりなんて鬼畜すぎて小学生には絶対無理だよなあ。

おたっち / 20代 / 男性
The first Dragon Quest game I got hooked on!
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初めてハマったドラクエのゲーム！

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4 votes

22

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Nintendo 3DS / DS

Survey scores · avg 4.3/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.2

Music4.2

Character4.2

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are the definitive version of Sun and Moon in many ways, improved UI, new Pokemon frms, the Rainbow Rocket Storyline, and new Totem Pokemon and Trial Captains! The 7th generation of Pokemon was the start of the significant QoL changes that made getting rarer Pokemon much more accessible to players with items like the Bottle Caps, passing down Poke Balls, SOS Chaining, and many more. The story is also a bigger element to the gameplay comapred to past Generations, making these a good starting point for any aspiring Pokermon Trainers!

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Jords / 30s / Male
Best games in the 3DS when it comes to Pokemon.

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4 votes

23

Pokémon Crystal

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Survey scores · avg 3.9/5

The definitve Version of the Generation 2 games, Pokemon Crystal stands out as being the first game with a female playable character. Pokemon Crystal also introduced a lot of mainstays that modern gamers seem to have taken for granted, like custom overworld sprites for Pokemon, the name of the new Area appearing in the top corner of the screen, animated sprites, and trainers giving you items for free when called.

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MJ / 30s / Female
First Pokemon game I owned and I got to play as a girl. Debuts two of my favorite Pokemon too: Marill and Phanpy.

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3 votes

24

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

Nintendo GameCube

View on Nintendo GameCube →

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story4.0

Gameplay4.0

Graphics4.0

Music5.0

Character4.5

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is a spin-off game of the original pokemon games. The true strength of the game is its uniqueness in story, setting, and mechanics. You don't just catch Pokemon. You open the hearts of Shadow Pokemon and purify them. It is also default to double battles, making the battling experience inherently different from the original games. And for many, the music was iconic and memorable that many people still listen to today. It is a Pokemon game that many fans should try at least once.

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Just2n / 20s / Male
A very unique installment in the Pokemon Franchise as its not set in the usual Pokemon regions. It's just a different formula of the Pokemon games. It was also the first time I saw Pokemon in 3D.

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2 votes

25

Monster Hunter Stories 3

Nintendo Switch 2

View on Nintendo Switch 2 →

Survey scores · avg 4.0/5

Story3.5

Gameplay4.5

Graphics4.5

Music3.5

Character3.5

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the third Stories spinoff title of the Monster Hunter franchise that features turn-based combat played in a rock paper scissors format. It centers around an alternate version of the original series' world where monsters of all types are domesticated and tamed for companionship. These range from the commonly-seen Velocidromes to the rare and powerful Astalos or Zinogre. You play as one of these monster riders and battle alongside your monster companions to save the world from an ancient calamity threatening to freeze the world.

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Kevin
It's an RPG with a lot of battles and boss fights, but the battle system is fun and never gets old. There are even puzzle-like boss fights, so battles you thought you'd completely mastered feel fresh again. It's properly challenging even for RPG veterans. The high degree of freedom in customizing monsters is fun, but that also has the downside of watering down each monster's individual traits.
Show original (日本語)
バトルとボス戦が多いRPGだが、バトルシステムが面白くて飽きない。パズルのようなボス戦もあって、慣れ切ったと思ったバトルが新鮮に感じる。RPGの経験者でもちゃんと難しい。モンスターのカスタマイズの自由度が高いところは楽しいが、そのせいでモンスターの特徴が薄れてしまう弱点もある。

Al / 30s / Male
Ambushing monsters at night made me feel like I'm the apex predator

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2 votes

26

Dragon Quest Monsters 2

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

Survey scores · avg 3.8/5

Dragon Quest Monsters 2 further develops the mechanics of this spin-off series and deepens the monster recruitment and breeding system from the first game. Similar to the Pokemon series, this game is divided into two versions and has version-exclusive monsters that players will need to trade for if they want to get every monster in the game.

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