Hmmmmm, after seeing a let's player I'm watching go through this title, I'm reminded of a lot more negatives and nagging flaws I have in regards to this. I'm gonna do another bullet point style one, especially since I'm very confident a lot of this will stay relevant if I ever decide to do a full replay:
- The writing, from the top, is weaker. BW1 are far from the most in-depth RPGs you'll ever play, and anyone trying to exclaim otherwise should take it down some notches, but if there's one thing I can say about them, it's how that duology strives to incorporate every key personnel into its narrative. In fact, I'm pretty sure this was the first big push to do so instead of just utilizing the Rival, Professor, and Champion like before. In some instance, I can understand this such as a few Gym Leaders opting to converse very little and sending you on your way due to having bigger priorities now, but utilizing Cheren and Bianca again despite having their stories already told is a strange decision that could've been better used for newer NPCs, and N's epilogue arcs isn't quite as compelling upon both the game itself, and reflection. It also doesn't help most of the interpersonal drama that are present isn't as compelling this go-around, with Hugh's ""arc"" being so boilerplate and nonsensical it genuinely stunned me from how rival characterization have devolved back to the level of growth displayed by Silver when they’re trying for a Barry.
- On the note of writing, the pacing also took a hit. Pokemon titles have generally had a problem balancing the adventure feel with the story interactions after RBY/FRLG, and while it doesn't get Gen 6 level of poor, I'm honestly sad to say I could make a good argument that it gets pretty close. The flow of route -> city/story event -> badge -> sidegame content -> story event -> repeat gets dulled by how much they elucidate every minute detail without the substance to back them up, and there's also two entire sections from Mistralton to Opelucid then Humilau to the end where it's a barren trek across linear areas upon linear areas that, again, don't have much going on. It's strange to go from two titles that have the strongest sense of increasing scale and conflict, to this one where it struggles to juggle it despite pulling off bold moves of its own.
- Yea I'm gonna say it, I'm not a fan of the Nat Dex mixture in this title. We're not even talking about "ohhhh but the intentional soft reboot vibe" here, I see them Riolus, Magnemites, and Elekids/Magbys amidst all the other strong Unovan natives in the opening hour and I get the feeling I'm playing some weird romhack, not a proper Game Freak title. Pokemon placements are usually dictated not just by the environment and how it affects their habitual nature, but also by how their strengths/weaknesses can affect and influence a player's team composition. We can argue about which game does this better or how this one area fails to invoke that feeling, but regardless I don't think it's surprising that this is the next biggest split fans have amongst BW1 v. BW2 arguments due to how abundant steamroll options have become now, doubly so since it accentuates Unovan Dex's already prevalent flaw of containing a gross number of late-post game evos. A simple handwave of “well, it’s not as bad as Gen 2 and Diamond/Pearl!” shouldn’t be my takeaway when taking all of it into account when the previous game did a much better job of emphasizing and balancing this.
- I appreciate the switch up in regards to gym progression, both in regards to the stages' gimmicks as well as the inclusion of Cheren and Roxie, and I'm all for the idea of Easy and Challenge Mode, but because of their implementation - especially in regards to unlocking them - it meant the general team pool has been weakened even regarding the series' overall standards both at the time and now. I'm not asking for Perfect IV 6-team High Power Move spread here, but I expect more than just rolling into Iris' chamber with an adequate enough team without any finagling of intense training against her own, then swiftly mop the floor with just three members, and my only option for "tougher" rounds is locked behind a completely obtrusive method who's big altercations are a few level increases with maybe some item and/or move additions. At least Alder was able to put up a fight despite containing his own air of ease, so it's a shame that, in regards to League trials, Cynthia, Steven, and heck even Blue's fights have yet to be matched.
A lot of my problems come purely from how downscaled they are when compared to the first game, which in my eyes is still the peak of the mainline titles' bold swings and feverish ideals regarding personal growth and frictional stances. As I said, despite making sense in some regard, most of them are watered-down retreads instead of doing something new to accentuate the timeskip. Let it be known though that the sequel does have some moments that I enjoyed:
+ One common critique I see of BW1's story is how we never get to see enough members of Team Plasma that actively struggle against their actual goal and what Ghetsis, himself, actually wants. BW2 mends this to a noticeable degree by not only its nature of a sequel to show how much the inhabitants have altered their lifestyle, but also making sure to put emphasis on the type of activities ex-Plasma members have been up to since then. I'm willing to concede the idea not going far enough within the meat of the plot simply because chatting up with the folks and how their views of these things have affected them, exploring a few new regions that have opened up, the Memory Link feature, as well as seeing more of Ghetsis' aggressive manners and especially Colress do more than enough to fill that particular aspect.
+ I still very much maintain that their introduction should've been handled much better, and I'll admit to never caring that much about Pokemon's post game reaps, but if you're someone that does this is one of, if not the most bang-to-back deal I've experienced in the series (note: I have yet to play Gens 7, 8, and 9). Though it sucks some of these are locked behind now-offline services, the sheer volume of things to do that are still available is nothing to scoff at, to the point I can see this being a whole year project if you put your mind to it.
+ Presentation wise, this is about as good as its last outing, which is no big surprise. Same with the music, just as good as last time and there's no real negative feeling I have for how they do things here.
+ Again, I'm still not hugely in favor with how the Mons are plopped around, but there's enough sensibility going around that trying to make a team has been a delight to fuss and ruminate over for future runs, be it casual or challenge-based. The stuff done to parts that involve move tutoring have also largely helped in this regard, even if again things are just a bit too easy for my liking (though ya know, if I want a difficult experience, I wouldn't be playing Pokemon to begin with).
One view I've gleaned over the years is how deciding whether BW1 or BW2 is the better entry largely comes down to whether you're the narrative or mechanical believer of their core. I should also mention I played BW2 years after BW1, which meant I was more aware and perceived numerous other wrinkles in comparison. The first game's writing and atmosphere is the apex of what I look forward to in the franchise with only one exception, so I will always continue to prefer that title over this one, but all things considered, BW2's a rather great followup that I can't quite get too mad that there are those that choose it instead.
- The writing, from the top, is weaker. BW1 are far from the most in-depth RPGs you'll ever play, and anyone trying to exclaim otherwise should take it down some notches, but if there's one thing I can say about them, it's how that duology strives to incorporate every key personnel into its narrative. In fact, I'm pretty sure this was the first big push to do so instead of just utilizing the Rival, Professor, and Champion like before. In some instance, I can understand this such as a few Gym Leaders opting to converse very little and sending you on your way due to having bigger priorities now, but utilizing Cheren and Bianca again despite having their stories already told is a strange decision that could've been better used for newer NPCs, and N's epilogue arcs isn't quite as compelling upon both the game itself, and reflection. It also doesn't help most of the interpersonal drama that are present isn't as compelling this go-around, with Hugh's ""arc"" being so boilerplate and nonsensical it genuinely stunned me from how rival characterization have devolved back to the level of growth displayed by Silver when they’re trying for a Barry.
- On the note of writing, the pacing also took a hit. Pokemon titles have generally had a problem balancing the adventure feel with the story interactions after RBY/FRLG, and while it doesn't get Gen 6 level of poor, I'm honestly sad to say I could make a good argument that it gets pretty close. The flow of route -> city/story event -> badge -> sidegame content -> story event -> repeat gets dulled by how much they elucidate every minute detail without the substance to back them up, and there's also two entire sections from Mistralton to Opelucid then Humilau to the end where it's a barren trek across linear areas upon linear areas that, again, don't have much going on. It's strange to go from two titles that have the strongest sense of increasing scale and conflict, to this one where it struggles to juggle it despite pulling off bold moves of its own.
- Yea I'm gonna say it, I'm not a fan of the Nat Dex mixture in this title. We're not even talking about "ohhhh but the intentional soft reboot vibe" here, I see them Riolus, Magnemites, and Elekids/Magbys amidst all the other strong Unovan natives in the opening hour and I get the feeling I'm playing some weird romhack, not a proper Game Freak title. Pokemon placements are usually dictated not just by the environment and how it affects their habitual nature, but also by how their strengths/weaknesses can affect and influence a player's team composition. We can argue about which game does this better or how this one area fails to invoke that feeling, but regardless I don't think it's surprising that this is the next biggest split fans have amongst BW1 v. BW2 arguments due to how abundant steamroll options have become now, doubly so since it accentuates Unovan Dex's already prevalent flaw of containing a gross number of late-post game evos. A simple handwave of “well, it’s not as bad as Gen 2 and Diamond/Pearl!” shouldn’t be my takeaway when taking all of it into account when the previous game did a much better job of emphasizing and balancing this.
- I appreciate the switch up in regards to gym progression, both in regards to the stages' gimmicks as well as the inclusion of Cheren and Roxie, and I'm all for the idea of Easy and Challenge Mode, but because of their implementation - especially in regards to unlocking them - it meant the general team pool has been weakened even regarding the series' overall standards both at the time and now. I'm not asking for Perfect IV 6-team High Power Move spread here, but I expect more than just rolling into Iris' chamber with an adequate enough team without any finagling of intense training against her own, then swiftly mop the floor with just three members, and my only option for "tougher" rounds is locked behind a completely obtrusive method who's big altercations are a few level increases with maybe some item and/or move additions. At least Alder was able to put up a fight despite containing his own air of ease, so it's a shame that, in regards to League trials, Cynthia, Steven, and heck even Blue's fights have yet to be matched.
A lot of my problems come purely from how downscaled they are when compared to the first game, which in my eyes is still the peak of the mainline titles' bold swings and feverish ideals regarding personal growth and frictional stances. As I said, despite making sense in some regard, most of them are watered-down retreads instead of doing something new to accentuate the timeskip. Let it be known though that the sequel does have some moments that I enjoyed:
+ One common critique I see of BW1's story is how we never get to see enough members of Team Plasma that actively struggle against their actual goal and what Ghetsis, himself, actually wants. BW2 mends this to a noticeable degree by not only its nature of a sequel to show how much the inhabitants have altered their lifestyle, but also making sure to put emphasis on the type of activities ex-Plasma members have been up to since then. I'm willing to concede the idea not going far enough within the meat of the plot simply because chatting up with the folks and how their views of these things have affected them, exploring a few new regions that have opened up, the Memory Link feature, as well as seeing more of Ghetsis' aggressive manners and especially Colress do more than enough to fill that particular aspect.
+ I still very much maintain that their introduction should've been handled much better, and I'll admit to never caring that much about Pokemon's post game reaps, but if you're someone that does this is one of, if not the most bang-to-back deal I've experienced in the series (note: I have yet to play Gens 7, 8, and 9). Though it sucks some of these are locked behind now-offline services, the sheer volume of things to do that are still available is nothing to scoff at, to the point I can see this being a whole year project if you put your mind to it.
+ Presentation wise, this is about as good as its last outing, which is no big surprise. Same with the music, just as good as last time and there's no real negative feeling I have for how they do things here.
+ Again, I'm still not hugely in favor with how the Mons are plopped around, but there's enough sensibility going around that trying to make a team has been a delight to fuss and ruminate over for future runs, be it casual or challenge-based. The stuff done to parts that involve move tutoring have also largely helped in this regard, even if again things are just a bit too easy for my liking (though ya know, if I want a difficult experience, I wouldn't be playing Pokemon to begin with).
One view I've gleaned over the years is how deciding whether BW1 or BW2 is the better entry largely comes down to whether you're the narrative or mechanical believer of their core. I should also mention I played BW2 years after BW1, which meant I was more aware and perceived numerous other wrinkles in comparison. The first game's writing and atmosphere is the apex of what I look forward to in the franchise with only one exception, so I will always continue to prefer that title over this one, but all things considered, BW2's a rather great followup that I can't quite get too mad that there are those that choose it instead.
6 Comments
@DeemonAndGames Thank you! I enjoy reading passionate lovers of the game such as your recent review, but similarly with KOTOR1 vs KOTOR2 I'm irritated by how many sought for absolution as to which aspect is better than the other, when their appeal and vision couldn't be more different and should be treated as unique entities because of it. This is more of an innate issue with sequels containing distinct (enough) qualities and how the general audience perceive those, yet regardless it still means the discourse, especially with Pokemon who's roots are intertwined with nostalgia and/or game design cadences, gets annoying that I try my best to steer clear lest I also become the thing I despise. Obviously, comparing/contrasting these two (or past/future releases as a whole) is fine and warranted, but I'd rather all the specific details be presented more as personal preferences than argumentative rights/wrongs.
Speaking of, I'd be more willing to accept the interspersed placements of non-Unovian monsters if they were more conserved in giving you all the popular and/or strong picks instead of it being immediate. I understand the two-year gap could mean either migration or new discoveries in these areas now, and there's great moments like that such as having a Mareep in Floccesy Ranch with Sunkern on its outskirts, but again it sort of irks my team-building philosophy by having a Magnemite - who's line is one of my all time favorites, mind you - right in Virbank Complex despite there being a perfectly viable and more appropriate Gear-centered Unovian monster and for some reason two fire types in the form of Magby and Growlithe - who are again, two lines that I'm a fan of - when there's already enough picks at that point to satisfy anyone. I'd say a good amount of them should've been pushed towards around mid game or so, right at the heels of Nimbasa and Driftveil, but that's just a gut feeling and not one born of dedicated theorizing. I'm not that in-the-know in this regard.
I'm unsure if I'd say its overall writing is on par with or slightly better than Gen 3's mainline titles, though overall it's very much around that bar - which is to say, "good yet unfortunately held back for one reason or another". To reiterate, I love seeing what people take away from Gen 5's story even if some get pretty close to Spongebob and Patrick's Roller Cowards moment, and your point about BW2 opting to focus more as a timegap of a united hope and togetherness, in combination with two people's overzealous dream of incorporating the past's history for their "agenda" (self-fulfillment) in either pragmatism or self-gratification means, is an amazing analysis that I'm surprised not many have elaborated upon. I do, on this note, want to stress that my demeaning of Hugh is less so of actual hostility and more of bitter disappointment, since I understand his arc's intention but wow he's probably a lil too headstrong and simple-minded in a series with multiple characters already like that. It's why I made the Silver and Barry point: all three have a similar starting point and flaw, just that two of them emphasize the headstrong stubbornness to a negative degree than to a gradual, reflecting change like the other. Then again, I could very much be rose-tinted about Barry since Gen 4 was when I really got into the series.
Speaking of, I'd be more willing to accept the interspersed placements of non-Unovian monsters if they were more conserved in giving you all the popular and/or strong picks instead of it being immediate. I understand the two-year gap could mean either migration or new discoveries in these areas now, and there's great moments like that such as having a Mareep in Floccesy Ranch with Sunkern on its outskirts, but again it sort of irks my team-building philosophy by having a Magnemite - who's line is one of my all time favorites, mind you - right in Virbank Complex despite there being a perfectly viable and more appropriate Gear-centered Unovian monster and for some reason two fire types in the form of Magby and Growlithe - who are again, two lines that I'm a fan of - when there's already enough picks at that point to satisfy anyone. I'd say a good amount of them should've been pushed towards around mid game or so, right at the heels of Nimbasa and Driftveil, but that's just a gut feeling and not one born of dedicated theorizing. I'm not that in-the-know in this regard.
I'm unsure if I'd say its overall writing is on par with or slightly better than Gen 3's mainline titles, though overall it's very much around that bar - which is to say, "good yet unfortunately held back for one reason or another". To reiterate, I love seeing what people take away from Gen 5's story even if some get pretty close to Spongebob and Patrick's Roller Cowards moment, and your point about BW2 opting to focus more as a timegap of a united hope and togetherness, in combination with two people's overzealous dream of incorporating the past's history for their "agenda" (self-fulfillment) in either pragmatism or self-gratification means, is an amazing analysis that I'm surprised not many have elaborated upon. I do, on this note, want to stress that my demeaning of Hugh is less so of actual hostility and more of bitter disappointment, since I understand his arc's intention but wow he's probably a lil too headstrong and simple-minded in a series with multiple characters already like that. It's why I made the Silver and Barry point: all three have a similar starting point and flaw, just that two of them emphasize the headstrong stubbornness to a negative degree than to a gradual, reflecting change like the other. Then again, I could very much be rose-tinted about Barry since Gen 4 was when I really got into the series.
@BlazingWaters Funnily enough I recently touched upon the point you make about sequels in my last review, and I fully agree with you in that, and while I think comparing BW1 and BW2's themes and ideas is pretty much inevitable considering how one is a direct continuation of the other, they both go for pretty different things at the end of the day, and the two should be seen overall as more separate identities rather than how most fans do.
Concerning the dex, again, I will also die on the hill that the original BW only Unovan dex resulted in an overall much more balanced and interesting bestiary, but I personally cannot see the new additions to BW2 and how they are implemented as anything but a success. I think the amount of mons given at your disposal comes from the fact this is a sequel, and maybe they wanted to give old fans old options and show new players creatures that they may have never used before, and I think the reason many of these old faces show up so early is because these are cities and routes we didn't get to explore in the original, and mons like Klink already have a place in Unova (even if I kinda agree with the notion that Klink would fit better in the Virbank Complex and Magnemite in Chargestone Cave, even if the last one is already related to that place in-game because that's where it evolves). Aside from that example tho, and this absolutely comes to personal preference and I completely understand with everything you've said, I find the placements of these ''legacy'' mons super cool and even natural; I personally don't mind when popular mons share early or were two monsters share a type and show up in the same route, so a lot of my opinion may be influenced by that, but I just think is a really fun dex and many of the routes come to mind because of the varierity at play.
And honestly, it may be me who sees Hugh through tinted lenses; I was exposed to him before Silver and other rivals, and as such, back when I first played the game his story-line felt pretty compelling to me, and it still does every time I come back to the game. I just love how at his core he has a really moral and understandable motivator; getting his sister's Pokémon back, and from there goes on a journey and improves as a person, but then again, I may just be having a Spongebob and Patrick's Roller Cowards moment xD. Again, and I can't stress this enough, you've made a phenomenal job at showcasing your points and analyzing the game, and your take on the pacing and structure is on point. And I'm really glad you liked my ''analysis'' on the story, I've honestly not seen many people making that connection and focusing on the passage of time, except for maybe when talking about Iris' character.
Also, glad to see another Barry enjoyer, he's not my personal favorite, but I love the guy and his arc.
Concerning the dex, again, I will also die on the hill that the original BW only Unovan dex resulted in an overall much more balanced and interesting bestiary, but I personally cannot see the new additions to BW2 and how they are implemented as anything but a success. I think the amount of mons given at your disposal comes from the fact this is a sequel, and maybe they wanted to give old fans old options and show new players creatures that they may have never used before, and I think the reason many of these old faces show up so early is because these are cities and routes we didn't get to explore in the original, and mons like Klink already have a place in Unova (even if I kinda agree with the notion that Klink would fit better in the Virbank Complex and Magnemite in Chargestone Cave, even if the last one is already related to that place in-game because that's where it evolves). Aside from that example tho, and this absolutely comes to personal preference and I completely understand with everything you've said, I find the placements of these ''legacy'' mons super cool and even natural; I personally don't mind when popular mons share early or were two monsters share a type and show up in the same route, so a lot of my opinion may be influenced by that, but I just think is a really fun dex and many of the routes come to mind because of the varierity at play.
And honestly, it may be me who sees Hugh through tinted lenses; I was exposed to him before Silver and other rivals, and as such, back when I first played the game his story-line felt pretty compelling to me, and it still does every time I come back to the game. I just love how at his core he has a really moral and understandable motivator; getting his sister's Pokémon back, and from there goes on a journey and improves as a person, but then again, I may just be having a Spongebob and Patrick's Roller Cowards moment xD. Again, and I can't stress this enough, you've made a phenomenal job at showcasing your points and analyzing the game, and your take on the pacing and structure is on point. And I'm really glad you liked my ''analysis'' on the story, I've honestly not seen many people making that connection and focusing on the passage of time, except for maybe when talking about Iris' character.
Also, glad to see another Barry enjoyer, he's not my personal favorite, but I love the guy and his arc.
I've been thinking a bit about your criticisms for BW2, and while I think I like this a little bit more than you do, I basically agree with you in regards to almost everything you brought up. BW2 has the issue of being the first (and so far, only) canon sequel to a game already pre-established in a region, so the plot more or less is some form of experiencing the repercussions of BW (and sometimes cleaning up the mess left over) and really requires you to have played the original if you want to get everything out of the lore. Granted, I tend to approach Pokemon games as "do everything as quickly as possible" and BW2 gave me a lot of leeway with the extra Nat Dex/non-Unovan species since there was a part of me that saw most of the Unovan species as meme-mons (i.e. dog, ice cream, gears, Stunfisk, poop genie, etc), and like you said, I probably overlooked a lot of the writing and pacing issues due to the sheer amount of content. God only knows how much time I spent with the Wi-Fi functionality, the Dream World via web browser, and filming movies to farm nuggets with that one secret ending. Granted, it's been many years since I last played this, but I think BW2 ultimately comes down to internal player motivation: if you really like raising and battling Pokemon and squeezing as many hours as possible out of a single game, then I think this is still one of the best games in the franchise to get that experience. But like you said, if you're looking for a distinctly well-written and fleshed-out experience, then it becomes pretty easy to spot the cracks in the armor and the cohesion isn't quite there.
@DeemonAndGames As I said in my last point, while I do think it could be better, the placements when taken everything into account does make for one of the most rewarding and thought creations for a run in the series up to this point. While I did continuously say it it negatively, I would've never gotten the chance to use the Magby line this early in a title, or think about how and what to use the fully catchable Eevee in Castelia's Park as, or take advantage of the N's Pokemon feature to pick up a better-trained Scraggy, and a few more that I missed out! That's worth commemorating!
I'm not one of those guys that think the rivals should be mean, but I do wish they had some sort of stuff going on. Like, Wally's a rather good kid but he has social and confidence issues, for one example. I'm still in the dark about Gens 7-9 Rivals, but I doubt they're as vapidly uninteresting as the Gen 6 group like others seem to make them out to be. I appreciate Hugh more in a vacuum and in some aspects, but I'm just like, really hung up over how they justify his grudge lol. I know it's supposed to be him being super stubborn and passionate about wanting to do right, but man, it's been 2 years! Why didn't he think something would happen during that time! Now I'm sounding like one of those people that complain about how kid characters are written 💀. And yea I've always been a Barry Advocate, if Bianca was about figuring out her strengths through passive support, his was about realizing his strength within the heat of the moments regarding Galactic and finding a way to best utilize it in another force, which resonated a little with me.
@Drax I'm very much someone that goes through things in a "one-and-done" sort of manner, since there's just so much stuff I want to go through that makes it rare to do deep-dive extras and NG+-style immediate replays, which means it kind of bites me in the ass when recollecting over something and noticing the flaws much, much more potently. Well, Nintendo games in general also has this sort of dilemma to begin with, but it's with Pokemon where this first playthrough gratification really colors the feelings until then. Nothing wrong with that and obviously I can still love something despite the flaws - Gen 4 Appreciator here 🙋♂️ - but yea, for me BW2 got hit with this super hard unfortunately. But, as established, it's a pretty kick-ass game for those that focus more on the gameplay than the writing and story, which is fair enough esp. since BW2 still has its moments of glory (I had to hold back from talking about Colress despite him being one of my all time favorite characters and battle theme in the series since others like Deemon have done so for me!). I was actually kind of struggling on settling on a 7 or 8 rating for this one - I don't believe in decimal scores anymore, they're pretty tacky and contribute to my dilemma of rating scores being an abstraction of overall thoughts, but it was a tough deciding regardless.
I'm not one of those guys that think the rivals should be mean, but I do wish they had some sort of stuff going on. Like, Wally's a rather good kid but he has social and confidence issues, for one example. I'm still in the dark about Gens 7-9 Rivals, but I doubt they're as vapidly uninteresting as the Gen 6 group like others seem to make them out to be. I appreciate Hugh more in a vacuum and in some aspects, but I'm just like, really hung up over how they justify his grudge lol. I know it's supposed to be him being super stubborn and passionate about wanting to do right, but man, it's been 2 years! Why didn't he think something would happen during that time! Now I'm sounding like one of those people that complain about how kid characters are written 💀. And yea I've always been a Barry Advocate, if Bianca was about figuring out her strengths through passive support, his was about realizing his strength within the heat of the moments regarding Galactic and finding a way to best utilize it in another force, which resonated a little with me.
@Drax I'm very much someone that goes through things in a "one-and-done" sort of manner, since there's just so much stuff I want to go through that makes it rare to do deep-dive extras and NG+-style immediate replays, which means it kind of bites me in the ass when recollecting over something and noticing the flaws much, much more potently. Well, Nintendo games in general also has this sort of dilemma to begin with, but it's with Pokemon where this first playthrough gratification really colors the feelings until then. Nothing wrong with that and obviously I can still love something despite the flaws - Gen 4 Appreciator here 🙋♂️ - but yea, for me BW2 got hit with this super hard unfortunately. But, as established, it's a pretty kick-ass game for those that focus more on the gameplay than the writing and story, which is fair enough esp. since BW2 still has its moments of glory (I had to hold back from talking about Colress despite him being one of my all time favorite characters and battle theme in the series since others like Deemon have done so for me!). I was actually kind of struggling on settling on a 7 or 8 rating for this one - I don't believe in decimal scores anymore, they're pretty tacky and contribute to my dilemma of rating scores being an abstraction of overall thoughts, but it was a tough deciding regardless.
The review of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (BW2) presents a nuanced perspective on the game, emphasizing both its strengths and weaknesses. The reviewer's analysis delves into various aspects of the game, including its narrative, pacing, Pokémon placements, gym progression, post-game content, presentation, and music. Here's a breakdown of the key points raised in the review and a response to each:
Writing and Narrative Continuity:
The review criticizes BW2's writing, especially in comparison to its predecessors, noting weaker character arcs and interpersonal drama. The use of returning characters like Cheren and Bianca is deemed questionable, and the narrative pacing is considered a step down from previous titles.
Response: Writing in Pokémon games has often been criticized for being simplistic, but the strength of the franchise lies in its world-building and the sense of adventure it provides. While BW2 might not reach the narrative heights of its predecessors, the introduction of new characters and the exploration of post-game scenarios add depth to the overall story.
Pokémon Placements and Team Composition:
The review expresses dissatisfaction with the inclusion of Pokémon from previous generations in Unova, leading to perceived imbalance in team composition. The presence of certain Pokémon early in the game diminishes the challenge and disrupts the balance, according to the reviewer.
Response: Pokémon placements can indeed influence gameplay experience, and different players have varied preferences in this regard. The inclusion of older Pokémon might aim to provide a sense of familiarity, but it can impact the challenge level. Striking a balance between nostalgia and strategic gameplay is crucial, and player feedback plays a role in shaping future titles.
Gym Progression and Challenge Modes:
The review appreciates the changes in gym progression, including new gym leaders like Roxie and the introduction of Easy and Challenge Modes. However, the implementation of these modes, especially the process of unlocking them, is criticized for limiting player choice and team diversity.
Response: Gym progression is a fundamental aspect of Pokémon games, and changes in leadership and difficulty modes can enhance the gameplay experience. Fine-tuning the accessibility of Challenge Modes while ensuring a fair challenge is vital. Providing optional difficulty levels allows players to tailor their experience, striking a balance between accessibility for newcomers and challenge for veterans.
Post-Game Content and Presentation:
The review praises BW2 for addressing the lack of insight into Team Plasma members' struggles and incorporating post-game activities. Presentation and music are commended for maintaining the high standards set by the series.
Response: Post-game content enriches the Pokémon experience, and exploring the aftermath of the main story can provide closure and depth to the game's world. Quality presentation and music are crucial for immersing players in the Pokémon universe, creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay.
Preference and Comparisons:
The review acknowledges the subjective nature of comparing BW1 and BW2, highlighting that the choice between the two often depends on players' preferences for narrative depth or mechanical improvements.
Response: Pokémon fans' preferences vary widely, with some valuing story and continuity, while others prioritize gameplay mechanics and post-game activities. The franchise's strength lies in its ability to cater to diverse player preferences, offering a wide range of experiences across different generations and titles.
In summary, the review provides valuable insights into Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, addressing various aspects of the game's design and execution. While criticisms are noted, the strengths of the game, such as its expanded post-game content and the introduction of new characters, contribute to the overall positive reception among players. Pokémon games continue to evolve, incorporating player feedback and new ideas to create engaging experiences for fans of all ages.
Writing and Narrative Continuity:
The review criticizes BW2's writing, especially in comparison to its predecessors, noting weaker character arcs and interpersonal drama. The use of returning characters like Cheren and Bianca is deemed questionable, and the narrative pacing is considered a step down from previous titles.
Response: Writing in Pokémon games has often been criticized for being simplistic, but the strength of the franchise lies in its world-building and the sense of adventure it provides. While BW2 might not reach the narrative heights of its predecessors, the introduction of new characters and the exploration of post-game scenarios add depth to the overall story.
Pokémon Placements and Team Composition:
The review expresses dissatisfaction with the inclusion of Pokémon from previous generations in Unova, leading to perceived imbalance in team composition. The presence of certain Pokémon early in the game diminishes the challenge and disrupts the balance, according to the reviewer.
Response: Pokémon placements can indeed influence gameplay experience, and different players have varied preferences in this regard. The inclusion of older Pokémon might aim to provide a sense of familiarity, but it can impact the challenge level. Striking a balance between nostalgia and strategic gameplay is crucial, and player feedback plays a role in shaping future titles.
Gym Progression and Challenge Modes:
The review appreciates the changes in gym progression, including new gym leaders like Roxie and the introduction of Easy and Challenge Modes. However, the implementation of these modes, especially the process of unlocking them, is criticized for limiting player choice and team diversity.
Response: Gym progression is a fundamental aspect of Pokémon games, and changes in leadership and difficulty modes can enhance the gameplay experience. Fine-tuning the accessibility of Challenge Modes while ensuring a fair challenge is vital. Providing optional difficulty levels allows players to tailor their experience, striking a balance between accessibility for newcomers and challenge for veterans.
Post-Game Content and Presentation:
The review praises BW2 for addressing the lack of insight into Team Plasma members' struggles and incorporating post-game activities. Presentation and music are commended for maintaining the high standards set by the series.
Response: Post-game content enriches the Pokémon experience, and exploring the aftermath of the main story can provide closure and depth to the game's world. Quality presentation and music are crucial for immersing players in the Pokémon universe, creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay.
Preference and Comparisons:
The review acknowledges the subjective nature of comparing BW1 and BW2, highlighting that the choice between the two often depends on players' preferences for narrative depth or mechanical improvements.
Response: Pokémon fans' preferences vary widely, with some valuing story and continuity, while others prioritize gameplay mechanics and post-game activities. The franchise's strength lies in its ability to cater to diverse player preferences, offering a wide range of experiences across different generations and titles.
In summary, the review provides valuable insights into Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, addressing various aspects of the game's design and execution. While criticisms are noted, the strengths of the game, such as its expanded post-game content and the introduction of new characters, contribute to the overall positive reception among players. Pokémon games continue to evolve, incorporating player feedback and new ideas to create engaging experiences for fans of all ages.
DeemonAndGames
8 months ago
Also, your reflection on the story and the characters' arcs is really interesting, and I should re-play the post game to refresh myself on some stuff