Just gonna preface this one by saying that this review comes from someone who both grew up with Pokemon and still enjoys it currently, as an adult. Pokemon Black was my first mainline game in the series, and is the only one I feel holds through the flaws of its genre and presents a unique and worthwhile experience when compared to the progenitor games, Red and Blue. I cannot deny that gameplay is almost completely unchanged from the GameBoy titles, it's a formula I enjoy, however for the purposes of this review I will not be covering it as a positive. I feel the originality of this game lies in its visuals, music, and story (shockingly). As a game on the DS, "graphics" could easily be a detractor. 3d models were finally usable in handheld games, but instead of falling into the trap of making the game primarily 3d, they instead use it in deliberate and small ways that more enhance the locations around you. Large, endless skyscrapers in the games equivalent of NYC help to establish scale and draw connections to its inspiration. A loooong bridge above an active interstate, again drawing parallels to the US in ways that pixels just wouldn't allow for. Said pixels, however, are also used in deliberate ways. DS 3d has an issue with showing much detail, which is where the sprite work comes in. All of the characters and Pokemon are depicted using pixels, which allow for more detail and freedom of expression. The story, while made for kids (of course), is at the very least in its most interesting and cared for. The villains are not comically evil mobsters, climate warriors, or astronauts. They're essentially Pokemon PETA, existing in their mission to separate people and Pokemon from each other, as they view their captivity and use as battlers as inhumane. This, while basic, is the first time Pokemon has attempted actual commentary the likes of which could be seen, and in some ways are seen, in society then and now. There's more I could say but this is already getting too long.