Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 Review

While it is just a sequel to the original fifth generation Pokemon games, Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 feature enough differences to warrant a revisit to the Unova region.

Story
As in every main iteration of Pokemon games, Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 present you as a new trainer from a small town, about to begin your journey as a Pokemon Trainer. In Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, you start in Aspertia City, rather than Nuvema Town like in the original Black and White.

These are the two characters you can pick to play as.

As always you are able to pick from the water, fire, or grass starter that veterans to the series will be familiar with. Just like in the original Black and White, Unova trainers are able to pick from Tepig, Snivy, and Oshawatt.

From there you begin your journey to collect all eight gym badges and become the Pokemon League Champion. Along the way you'll face off with a villainous team known as Team Plasma, who made their introductions in the original Pokemon Black and White. They were introduced as Pokemon freedom fighters, wanting to separate Pokemon from human captivity. N was the king of Team Plasma who felt that he was right, and even captured the dragon type Pokemon Zekrom, or Reshiram to help him achieve his goal. It was revealed however, that the true leader of Team Plasma was Ghetsis whose main goal was to put all Pokemon under Team Plasma's control so that he could rule the Unova Region, using N as a cover. In Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, Ghetsis  makes a reappearance to once again conquer the Unova Region through the use of the Dragon-Ice Type Pokemon, Kyurem.

While the story of Pokemon Black and White is continued in their sequels, it is possible to pick up the game as a new player and enjoy  the game without confusion.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 remains largely unchanged from their predecessors. Pokemon battles remain turn based, with Pokemon types giving you advantages and disadvantages. 

Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 introduce the Pokemon World Tournament, a way to battle past gym leaders, and a way to measure your strength against others. It offers a new way to play, and is appealing to some older players' nostalgia.

The Pokemon World Tournament allows you to battle past gym leaders such as the Kanto Region Gym Leaders.

The PokeStar Studios is also introduced as a new interesting gimmick. It's the Pokemon World's take on Hollywood. In PokeStar Studios you pick a Pokemon and then you basically follow the skit given to you, and when you are finished with the skit, then you've successfully completed a movie which you can then watch. It's an interesting gimmick which definitely wastes time, and presents a degree of fun not found in the Pokemon Musicals.

Music

Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 primarily features the same music from their predecessors, albeit remixed slightly. They music is catchy just as it was two years ago, and the new music for the new locations in the game fit perfectly and show off the creativity the composers at Game Freak have.

Overall Impressions

Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 are more of the same, which isn't a bad thing. If you like the Pokemon series, then it's definitely a must buy, and if you want a game to start in the Pokemon series, this is one that is easy to pick up and enjoy. Everything that was great about Black and White has been put in this game, along with new additions that add to the fun factor.

8.5/10