After nearly 15 years and four generations, many people felt they knew the Pokémon formula inside and out. In response, Game Freak decided to take a huge risk with the fifth generation. Pokémon Black & White, released in 2010, served as a bold ‘soft reboot’ designed to make the world of Pokémon feel new again.
🆕 A Completely New Roster
The most daring change was the decision to only feature brand-new Pokémon until the main story was completed. That’s right—no familiar faces like Zubat, Geodude, or Pikachu. This meant that for the first time since the original games, every player, whether a veteran or a newcomer, started on a level playing field. You had to learn the strengths and weaknesses of 156 entirely new creatures, making the journey feel fresh and unpredictable.
🏙️ A New World, A Deeper Story
This generation also moved away from regions inspired by Japan. The Unova region was based on New York City, giving it a unique, metropolitan feel. The story was also more ambitious and mature, focusing on the conflict between the player and Team Plasma, a group questioning the very ethics of catching and battling Pokémon. It was the first time the series had explored such complex themes.
Furthermore, Black & White were the first games in the series to receive direct, numbered sequels (Black 2 & White 2), which continued the story two years later. This bold move to reinvent the experience paid off, and these games are now fondly remembered for their confidence and for daring to shake up a beloved formula.
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The Story of Pokémon. 9th ed., Future PLC, 2025.
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