Pokemonis easily one of the most iconic and popular franchises published by Nintendo. Successful all around the globe,Pokemoninstantly became a pop culture phenomenon with the release ofPokemon Red and Blue versions, originally calledRedandGreenin Japan.
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While nearly every main seriesPokemongame is popular to some extent, there have been several games in the series that have not garnered the attention they deserve. So today, we’re going to examine some of the lesser appreciated sleeper hits of thePokemonfranchise!
10Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire - Gameboy Advance
In 1999,Pokemon Pinballwas released, serving as a somewhat simplistic pinball game withPokemoncharm and elements such as the ability to catch Pokemon.Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphirewas the successor to this game, released for the Gameboy Advance, building upon the already solid foundation of its predecessor while including Pokemon from the most recent generation of the time
9Pokemon Trading Card Game - Gameboy Color
Released for the Gameboy Color, the Pokemon Trading Card game for the Gameboy Color was a fully fleshed out RPG that featured authentic gameplay of thePokemon Trading Card Game. With a similar structure to traditionalPokemongames, the player is able to challenge Gym equivalents called clubs that each focus on different types of Pokemon.
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With a solid tutorial, the means of growing one’s virtual collection, and the ability to customize one’s deck, this game was a stellar means of learning the rules of the physical card game.
8Pokemon Collosseum - Gamecube
Pokemon Colosseumwas released for the Gamecube in 2003 and is perhaps the least formulaic Pokemon game released that still uses the core Pokemon gameplay system. Rather than select from three starter Pokemon, the player assumes the role of a former member of the villainous Team Snagem, starting with an already evolved Umbreon and Espeon. With no wild Pokemon encounters, all battles in the game are double battles fought against trainers. Additionally, rather than catching one’s own Pokemon in the wild, players are able to “snag” corrupted Shadow Pokemon.
7Pokken Tournament - Wii U
Pokken Tournamentis proof that the Pokemon franchise can function in nearly any video game genre. A 3D fighting game developed byTekkendeveloper, Namco. With several similarities toTekken,the game has well-defined fighting game gameplay with a variety of play styles each available in the form of various Pokemon.
RELATED:10 Pokémon From The Original Red & Blue Games That Go Overlooked
While the game was originally released for the Wii U in 2015, an updated version of the game calledPokken Tournament DXwas released for the Switch in 2017, adding several new playable characters including Decidueye and Blastoise.
6Pokemon Stadium 2 - N64
The originalPokemon Stadiumwas released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, containing several multiplayer mini-games while offering players the ability to use a transfer pack to experience battles in 3D. The game’s sequel,Pokemon Stadium 2was released in North America in 2001, improving in nearly every area. With additional mini-games, more modes, and all of the Pokemon of the second generation, the game even featured plenty of resources that weren’t as easily available to players at the time of the game’s release in the form of “Earl’s Pokemon Academy.”
5Pokemon Ranger - DS
While the corePokemonfranchise has always been made up of RPGs,Pokemon Rangeris a game that utilizes action RPG gameplay rather than the turn-based combat that the series is known for. With players assuming the role of a ranger, rather than permanently capturing Pokemon, players use the DS’s touch screen to temporarily gain control of wild Pokemon, using their unique abilities to solve various types of puzzles and reach new areas that would be inaccessible otherwise.
4Pokemon Crystal Version - Gameboy Color
The third second-generation game in the core series,Pokemon Crystal Versionwas released shortly afterPokemonGoldandSilverversions. While each second-generation game improved greatly upon the gameplay of the first generation games,Crystalhad several noteworthy updates that have since become staples of the series. Most notably,Crystalwas the first-everPokemongame that allowed players to chose between playing as a male or female trainer, while also including animations for Pokemon in battles.
3Pokemon Black And White 2 - DS
Pokemon Black 2andWhite 2are two of the most frequently overlooked entries in the corePokemonfranchise despite being some of the most content-heavy games the series has seen. Direct continuations of the stories ofPokemon BlackandWhite, players were able to link the save data of the preceding game in order to keep things consistent for a single player. On top of increasing the size of the Unova Region, the game had a heavy emphasis on its story while including a plethora of modes including a returning “Battle Subway” and Tournaments that could feature any Gym Leader or Champion from a prior entry.
2Pokemon Picross - 3DS
Picrossgames are far from the most popular puzzle games on the market, often beat out by flashier and faster-paced titles. However,Pokemon Picrossis far from a terrible game, having players uncover illustrations of various Pokemon as they solve puzzles. ForPokemonfans looking for a laid-back puzzle-gaming experience,Pokemon Picrossis likely a perfect fit.
1Pokemon Conquest - DS
Pokemon Conquestis easily the most criminally underratedPokemongame of all time. Rather than taking place in a traditionalPokemonsetting or using the series' standard turn-based combat,PokemonConquestis a tactical RPG with gameplay similar toFinal Fantasy Tactics, blendingPokemontogether with the samurai flavor ofNobunaga’s Ambition.
