Brief Summary
This YouTube video is a comprehensive retrospective on the main series Pokémon games, from Generation 1 to Generation 9. The author discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each generation, focusing on gameplay, story, and characters, while also addressing common criticisms and fan opinions. The author also shares personal experiences and preferences, offering a unique perspective on how the games hold up today.
- The author ranks each generation from worst to best, providing detailed explanations for their choices.
- The video explores the evolution of Pokémon games, from the open-ended adventures of early generations to the more linear, story-driven experiences of later installments.
- The author critiques various aspects of the games, including the quality of writing, the design of villains, and the implementation of new features.
Introduction
The video introduces the premise of a complete retrospective on the main series Pokémon games, spanning 38 games in less than 30 years. The author aims to assess how well these games hold up today, moving beyond nostalgia and focusing on gameplay and storyline. The author questions whether the games can still be enjoyed without the features that no longer work or the competitive scene.
Gen 1 - Kanto
The author discusses the original Pokémon games, acknowledging their glitches and simplistic nature but praising their open-world exploration and freedom. The summary covers the beginning of the game, including naming the rival, choosing a starter Pokémon (Bulbasaur), and receiving the Pokédex from Professor Oak. The author also touches on the optional catching tutorial and the version-exclusive Pokémon. The author describes the journey through Viridian Forest, battling Brock in Pewter City, navigating Mount Moon, and facing the rival in Cerulean City. The summary continues with the SS Anne, Vermilion City, the Rock Tunnel, Lavender Town, Celadon City, Fuchsia City, Saffron City, and Cinnabar Island. The author finishes with the Elite Four and Champion battles, and ultimately concludes that Gen 1 still holds up due to its freedom and openness, despite its uneven pacing and padded mid-game.
Gen 2 - Johto
The author discusses the introduction of forced tutorials and the longer introduction compared to Generation 1. The author shares their choice of Chikorita as the starter and their thoughts on the rival, Silver, whom they find uninteresting. The summary covers Sprout Tower, Violet City's gym, Union Cave, Azalea Town, Bugsy, Kyle Ron, Goldenrod City, Whitney, Ecruteak City, Morty, Olivine City, Chuck, Mahogany Town, Pryce, Blackthorn City, and Clair. The author criticizes the level curve, the limited availability of Johto Pokémon, and the overabundance of Team Rocket battles. The author concludes that Gen 2 does not eclipse its predecessor due to its restrictive Pokémon selection and uneven level curve.
Gen 3 - Hoenn
The author expresses their fondness for Generation 3, highlighting its characters, story, and locales. The summary covers the elongated opening sequence, choosing Treecko as the starter, meeting Brendan, and rescuing Professor Birch. The author also discusses Petalburg City, Wally, Team Aqua, Rustboro City, Roxanne, Mr. Briney, Dewford Town, Slateport City, and Wattson. The author describes the journey through Route 110, Mauville City, Verdanturf Town, Fallarbor Town, Lavaridge Town, and the Fiery Path. The summary continues with the Weather Institute, Fortree City, Winona, Mount Pyre, Lilycove City, Team Magma Hideout, and Mossdeep City. The author also touches on the level curve and the availability of Pokémon. The author concludes that Generation 3 holds up extremely well due to its engaging story, cartoonishly stupid villains, smooth game engine, and well-spaced areas.
Gen 4 - Sinnoh
The author discusses the move to the Nintendo DS and the shift to 3D graphics, which they find detrimental to the game's performance and visual appeal. The summary covers naming the rival (Chat), choosing a starter Pokémon (Ralts), and meeting Rowan and Lucas. The author also describes Jubilife City, Oreburgh City, Roark, Eterna City, Gardenia, Team Galactic, Hearthome City, Fantina, Veilstone City, Maylene, Pastoria City, Crasher Wake, Celestic Town, and Canalave City. The author criticizes the slow pace of the game, the excessive dialogue, and the handholding. The author also touches on the psychic types and the Elite Four. The author concludes that Generation 4 is not terrible but is hampered by its slow pace and excessive dialogue.
Gen 5 - Unova
The author expresses their strong dislike for Generation 5, criticizing its Pokémon designs, forced linearity, and pretentious story. The summary covers the opening sequence, choosing a starter Pokémon (Ralts), meeting Cheren and Bianca, and receiving the Pokédex from Professor Juniper. The author also describes Accumula Town, Striaton City, Cilan, Chili, and Cress, Nacrene City, Lenora, Pinwheel Forest, Castelia City, Burgh, Nimbasa City, Elesa, Driftveil City, Clay, and the Cold Storage. The author criticizes the level curve, the abundance of rocket fights, and the character of N. The author also touches on the ice path and the Elite Four. The author concludes that Generation 5 is needlessly restrictive and features a flat level curve.
Gen 6 - Kalos
The author discusses the move to full 3D and the character customization options, which they find limited. The summary covers meeting the friends, choosing a starter Pokémon (Ralts), and receiving the Pokédex from Professor Sycamore. The author also describes Santalune City, Viola, Cyllage City, Grant, Couriway Town, Shalour City, Korrina, Geosenge Town, and Laverre City. The author praises the game's fast pace and the absence of HM slaves. The author also touches on Mega Evolution and the Elite Four. The author concludes that Generation 6 is a return to form for the series, with a good balance of story and gameplay.
Gen 7 - Alola
The author discusses the Alola region and the trial system, which they find to be a weak substitute for gyms. The summary covers arriving in Alola, meeting Lillie and Hau, and receiving a starter Pokémon from Hala. The author also describes Iki Town, Hau'oli City, Lillie, Team Skull, Verdant Cavern, Lana, Paniola Town, Mallow, Brooklet Hill, and Hano Grand Resort. The author criticizes the excessive dialogue, the constant interruptions, and the lack of meaningful choices. The author also touches on the Z-moves and the Elite Four. The author concludes that Generation 7 is a step back for the series, with a tedious story and uninspired gameplay.
Gen 8 - Galar
The author discusses the move to the Nintendo Switch and the removal of the National Dex, which they find to be a major flaw. The summary covers arriving in Galar, meeting Hop and Leon, and choosing a starter Pokémon (Grookey). The author also describes Postwick, Wedgehurst, the Slumbering Weald, Motostoke, Milo, Turffield, Hulbury, Nessa, Glimwood Tangle, and Stow-on-Side. The author criticizes the lack of exploration, the linear story, and the uninspired characters. The author also touches on Dynamax and the Elite Four. The author concludes that Generation 8 is a lazy and uninspired entry in the series, with a minimum viable product and a focus on profits over quality.
Gen 9 - Paldea
The author discusses the open-world design of Scarlet and Violet, which they find to be hampered by technical issues and a lack of level scaling. The summary covers arriving in Paldea, meeting Nemona, and choosing a starter Pokémon (Sprigatito). The author also describes Cortondo, Katy, Artazon, Brassius, the Path of Legends, the Stony Cliff Titan, the Open Sky Titan, and the Starfall Street. The author praises the character of Nemona but criticizes the game's performance and the uninspired story. The author also touches on terastallizing and the Elite Four. The author concludes that Generation 9 has potential but is held back by its technical issues and uneven gameplay.
Final Thoughts/Rankings
The author summarizes their thoughts on each generation and presents their final ranking from worst to best:
- Sword and Shield
- Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- Black and White (and Black 2 and White 2)
- Scarlet and Violet
- Sun and Moon
- Gold, Silver, and Crystal
- Red, Blue, and Yellow
- X and Y
- Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
The author emphasizes the importance of personal connection and enjoyment when evaluating these games, acknowledging that different players will have different preferences.
