Pokemon Yellow... Basically Red/Blue with a Pikachu.

Alright guys! I just beat Pokémon Yellow again and thought I should post a basic review. Here you go!

 

POKEMON YELLOW SPECIAL PIKACHU EDITION

 

The enhanced version of Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Yellow was based on the popular anime. These babies came along with the special Pikachu Game Boy Color. While it was intended to be a follow-up to Red and Blue, this game was merely a time-buyer for Game Freak to develop the state-of-the-art (for its time) Generation II. However, this game had some interesting differences that made it all the more fun to play.

(Contains minimum spoilers)

 

You start out as a trainer from Pallet, like Pokémon Red and Blue, your default name being Yellow. Professor Oak stops you from leaving town, and offers you a Pokémon at his Lab. However, the Pokémon you are supposed to receive is snatched by your rival, Gary. To make up for it, Professor Oak gives you a Pikachu. Here's where the fun mechanic kicks in.

 

 

The Pikachu you receive hates being in Pokeballs, and must walk around, following your every step. You can talk to your Pikachu to see how it feels, shown below:

 

A Happy Pikachu

 

Aside from this, players of Red and Blue wouldn't be in for anything new. Nothing changes storywise. The player travels to the different cities of Kanto to get the eight gym badges, battle Team Rocket, and eventually defeat the Elite Four to become the Champion, all while walking slow as heck (the Bicycle is a blessing). However, fans of the anime will soon recognize two of Team Rockets most well-known members. Jesse and James, although they are referred to as normal Rocket Grunts, make quite a few appearances in Giovanni's plot, replacing some of the Rocket grunts that were in Pokémon Red and Blue. A nice twist, however, is that although you're starter Pokémon is Pikachu by default, you can get all three starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, And Squirtle) in one game, from various in-game people. This makes the game a must-have if you're trying to fill up a Generation II Pokedex, or just want that Ash Ketchum feel.

 

All in all, if you've never played Red and Blue, or if you'd like an easy way to get the Generation I starters, this game is for you. However, if you've already played Red and Blue, and somehow already have the starters, just skip out on this one, and play a Generation II game! (Pokémon Crystal review coming soon!)