The 2nd generation of Pokémon games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal) is widely regarded as the best; it brought gamers two new types, a brand new set of varied moves, breeding, and is the only Pokémon generation to date to sport two regions, totalling 16 badges to earn. In many ways, the 2nd generation brought innovations well before its time, and Game Freak hadn't trumped or matched that success... until HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Make no mistake; HeartGold and SoulSilver are the pinnacle of Pokémon games. Even with the 5th generation Black and White versions on the horizon, I am convinced that Game Freak will not surpass what they have achieved with HeartGold and SoulSilver. If you played the original Gold, Silver, or Crystal, then you owe it to yourself to get HeartGold or SoulSilver. If you preferred the 3rd or 4th generation... you may not enjoy the heavy Japanese influence and classic-but-new feel. Above all, this game will devour your gaming time like a Snorlax goes through food.

Warning: Mild spoilers ahead, for those who haven't played the originals.

Graphics

The first thing veterans of the 2nd generation will notice is that the graphics are greatly enhanced. No longer is the game system limited to 2 layers of 8-bit graphics. Instead, we're treated to a half-3D, half-2D game that brings out the charm that Gold and Silver were known for. As someone who prefers 2-D over 3-D, I still enjoy the graphics of HeartGold and SoulSilver.

The biggest graphical improvement compared to the originals is in-battle. Pokémon look much better than they did back in 2nd generation, sporting sprites with upwards of 16 colors instead of a paltry four (though to be specific, one color is always used for transparency). Backgrounds in-battle reflect the lighting conditions and time of day, and moves are flashier than ever. Every 2-D graphic is well made and smooth looking, from the item and battle menus to the overworld sprites and touch screen buttons.

Needless to say, the graphics are a large leap above what we had back in the GameBoy Color days.

Music

The original Gold and Silver sported many memorable tunes and fun remixes for Kanto. HeartGold and SoulSilver are no different, bringing us a wide variety of remixed music. The Japanese influence is evident in Professor Elm's Lab, Ecruteak City, and the Bell Tower, while most other tracks are the same peppy, light-hearted music we've come to expect from the Pokémon series. Other tracks that stand out are the gym leader battle themes, the wild Pokémon battle themes, and the music that accompanies Lugia and Ho-oh in-battle.

Moreso than any other Pokémon game, the music is pleasant and doesn't annoy at any point. As an added bonus, you can unlock the original sounds after you get all 16 badges. While not being 100% identical to the original music, it's close enough to feel classic, and that's the point.

I put the music up there with the graphics in terms of quality. I've never once wanted to turn my DS's volume down because of the music.

Difficulty

I have one word for you: Gyarados. I don't know what they did to him, but he became MEAN. Hyperbole aside, many monsters have been improved as a result of being in the 4th generation battle system. Monsters such as Yanma, Beedrill, and Sneasel who used to be limited by their lack of good moves or bad typing are now formidable monsters that can hold their own. My Beedrill was able to take down Sabrina's Alakazam after eating a Psychic attack and downed him with Twineedle, for instance. There's no way Beedrill could've eaten a Psychic back in 2nd generation.

That said, the difficulty is slightly increased. Thanks to being in the 4th generation battle system, the game has taken on a more offensive approach, with status inflictions being used before sweeping and a stronger focus on specializing. Also, the levels for gym leaders, the Elite 4, and Red have risen, offering veteran trainers more challenge. As if that wasn't enough, the Elite 4 have a round two, where levels max at 75 or so. Now you'll think twice before challenging the Elite 4 a second time.

Overall, the difficulty is on par with that of Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Perhaps a little higher. Due to the nature of being an RPG, however, even newbie gamers can overcome the difficulty just by grinding.

Gameplay

Wow... where do I begin? Many, many changes have been made compared to the original games. For starters, the 4th gen battle system means that every type of move has physical and special moves, which adds much more variety to the battle system and makes certain Pokémon more effective.

Gone are the cell phone and item limitations; you can store every trainer's cell number in your PokéGear and can hold as many items as you need to. Also gone are the swarm-specific phone calls; you can listen in on Professor Oak's Pokémon Talk to learn about swarming Pokémon now. The Goldenrod City Department Store now has a daily lottery for special items, and the Goldenrod Radio Tower changes its lottery number every day as well.

Adding to this, there is a complete Battle Frontier just north of Route 40, where the Battle Tower used to be in Crystal. Also present is the Safari Zone, located west of Cianwood City, past two brand new routes. As if that wasn't enough, there's a brand new Pokéathlon Dome just west of the Johto National Park, where you can enter your Pokémon in Pokémon Stadium-like mini-games and earn points to purchase prizes.

You may also get the phone numbers of gym leaders and challenge them again under the right conditions. When you rebattle them, their lineups change and their levels are higher, so they are truly challenging even after you've earned every badge. Another great improvement is the Berry Pots item, which allows you to grow berries on the go without ever needing to revisit a bunch of soil spots.

The sheer number of improvements in HeartGold and SoulSilver is incredible, and veterans of the originals will no-doubt be pleased by all the new content.

I have one complaint, however; as a result of some sort of censorship, the Game Corners no longer sport slot machines. You cannot buy coins anymore, either. Instead, you must play a game called "Voltorb Flip" — a strange mix of minesweeper and picross — to earn coins. That, combined with the insanely priced Flamethrower, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt TMs (10,000 coins) means that the Game Corner is no longer a reliable means to get those moves. You're better off breeding.

Considering all of the great additions in spite of this gripe, however, I cannot say in good-faith that this game has nothing short of awesome gameplay. The variety of things you can do in the game is mind-boggling; if you're bored, it's your own fault.

Story

It's Pokémon.

...Okay, fine. You play as a young person aiming to explore the world with Pokémon and complete a computerized encyclopedia known as a Pokédex. Along the way, you will face up to bullies, bring down a terrorist syndicate, help a sick Pokémon, and learn about the legends surrounding Lugia, Ho-oh, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. After you prove your worth to the Champion, you are granted access to Kanto, where you can prove that Johto produces awesome trainers as well. At the climax of your journey, you will face off against Red -- the kid who brought down Team Rocket the first time -- in an epic battle set atop a large mountain in the middle of a snowstorm. Only there can you prove if you have what it takes to be a Pokémon Master.

Final Verdict

Just in case you couldn't tell, I like this game. I think it's worth every cent I paid for it and worthy of being called a remake. Game Freak outdid themselves for the second time; so much so that I doubt they will produce another game quite this good. If you played through the original Gold and Silver and hate what they did to the franchise in 3rd and 4th generation, buy HeartGold or SoulSilver; they are a prime example of what modern Pokémon should be like, and should be the standard in which all future generations are compared to.

Metadata

Platform: Nintendo DS
Release date (US): 2010-03-14
Genre: RPG
Developer: Game Freak, Inc.
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone