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I got the Black version of Pokémon this morning, and I’ve played it for a couple of hours. I have to say, I like it.

As a game that has been around for quite a few years already, this version is very introductory. It’s more of a “beginner’s version” than some of the other ones, and I think I’d have felt more comfortable having this particular version of the game than the very first, because of it’s informative style (although, I must say I’m quite in love still with Yellow). The game lets you get into the action right away with an immediate battle between your friends, and also (unlike the HeartGold/SoulSilver versions) gives you pokéballs right away, too.

A couple things I’m not too excited about is, again unlike the previous HeartGold/SoulSilver versions, the game cannot be played with just one hand, and if you’re used to this, I’m sorry — I know exactly how frustrated you are. You must use the right hand to play the game with the letter buttons; not only is this a change from previous versions, but the bottom touch screen is only active when you are in battle, or when you have the menu pulled up. Most regrettably, and somewhat curiously, the menu cannot be activated by the touchscreen to begin with. ** I will say that this may change once more pokédevices are received (like in Diamond/Pearl/Crystal when you got the watch), since I’ve only been playing it for a little while, but I’ll post more information when it comes around.

A big change in the game is the union of the pokémart with the pokémon center. I found this both  useful and also a bit saddening, since for as long as the game has been around, the two places were separate (I’ve played at least one version of almost every release, and I feel pretty confident about this statement).

Finally, everyone notices that the graphics have been enhanced. The game looks entirely different. The battles are more active, and no longer just wiggling pictures. The camera tilts when you go into side-doors on buildings which used to only have a door on the south side. As far as I know there is no camera control, but it can be expected, since this is a cartridge with limited space (though the new port of the Ocarina of Time is coming up this summer, and I’m wondering how that will work out — just how far can we push these cartridges??). The battle intro seems a little slow, but you forget to notice it soon enough. I think it has something to do with the amount of graphical processing the system is doing and the memory the game and system have now, but like I said, it’s just a small blip.

I’m going to keep playing, (and yes I’m going to “catch ‘em all!”) and I’ll let you guys know what I think again later on — I know you’re dying to hear it!!

See you, Trainers!