5 Pokemon That Are Still Masterpieces 10/10

2026 means thirty years Pokemon franchise, a cash cow that will seemingly never end for both Nintendo and Game Freak. FROM Pokemon red and Green on the upcoming The winds and Wavesthe main franchise has changed a lot. The Pokemon The spinoff output was also incredibly well handled, with some truly great games shining through the generation gaps.

With each new entry in the main line, past games can be overshadowed in terms of new features, which raises a few questions. They may like the games Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen still be fun next to modern games Legends: ZA? Let's look at five examples and find out.

Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen

The originals are back and better than ever

Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen were remakes of the first two Pokemon games, red and green, made using the same engine as Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. More than those generational GBA games, these remakes are what fans loved most about the system. It was the perfect nostalgia, updated with new features, Pokemon and of course graphics. These games have also just been re-released on the Switch, allowing players to test their nostalgia in real time.

Compared to newer game like Pokemon Legends: ZA, FireRed and LeafGreen they are of course archaic in some respects. Pokemon leveling, detours, submission moves, and battle speed have improved over the past decade. That said, the path itself is incredibly well defined. The base lineup of Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur is a trio that will never be outdone. Blue stinks of an opponent, Guy Leaders are tough, and Team Rocket is an incredibly iconic organization. Nostalgic power Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen is still incredible.

Pokemon Platinum

Transition to interdimensionality

Pokemon Platinum was the updated third game that most Pokemon generations receive after success Pokemon Diamond and Pearl for the first round of DS games. It added Giratina as a legendary, one of the best in the entire franchise, for several reasons. His size is huge and he can change into different forms like a dragon spirit which is just a great idea. There is also a related dungeon within the main story that takes the player to an alternate dimension.

This little detail is exactly why this game holds up better than the original two games of this generation. Sometimes a third entry can just be a way to add one more Pokemon to the game and be done with it, but Pokemon Platinum he defied expectations and mattered greatly to Giratina. The core of the game from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl it was still intact, with a decent campaign and Pokemon triggers. Anyone who likes the dark legendary Pokemon must try this game.

Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

Nothing can top the Johto league

Pokemon baby and Silver they will forever be the best games in the main line because no other generation has been as ambitious in terms of what they have done. From new features like the phone system to new Pokemon to the second campaign, these games have been amazing. They were made even better during the DS generation Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. They came up with a device called the Pokewalker, a sort of digital pet that allows players to take their Pokemon on trips to level them up by walking around in real life.

It was a gimmick and not the reason to buy these games, but it was still memorable. Completing the Johto League and then going back to Kanto to try their hand at that league as well as being able to challenge Red is what really made these games special. Game Freak did all this without charging DLC ​​money to get this expansion. It will be a surprising day if they ever do this idea again, and that's why Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are two very special remakes within the franchise that are hard to come by.

Pokemon Black/White

Catching monsters in “America”

Pokemon black and White it ended the DS era with a bang as the big improvements ended Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. While the first two games, incl Platinum it looked like better GBA games anyway, sprites Pokemon black and White they were incredible, looking a bit 3D from the top down view. These games also had some of the strongest Pokemon lineups since Pokemon baby and Silver with Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott. While Pokémon still appeared in the tall grass, the rarer breeds shook in the tall grass, giving players a new way to interact with random encounters.

The Unova area was also special for North American players as the area was themed around New York overall. This was also the first generation to feature direct sequels instead of an updated third entry, setting a new precedent for the franchise moving forward in both good and bad ways. The game version of Team Rocket, named Team Plasma, had an interesting angle that wasn't just a rehash of old organizations, and N, the mysterious rival, was a compelling force in the narrative. Overall, Pokemon black and White was a complete package that offered players great gameplay, amazing music, and a solid story, which isn't much Pokemon games bother.

Pokemon X/Y

Mega Evolving 3DS

Pokemon X and Y were the first two games of the 3DS era and were a big departure for the series. While the camera could not be fully controlled, these were the first games to go from a top-down perspective, giving fans a more 3D view. Upgrade between Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 was stunning, but that's not the only thing that defined these games. Pokemon X and Y were the first games to feature Mega Evolutions, temporary power-ups for certain Pokemon.

Some classic examples included Mega Charizard and Mega Gengar, giving them new creative forms. The campaign hasn't changed much as players still start in a small town and set out on a quest against Gym Leaders. Still, this new perspective gave the franchise a new zest for life, almost like it was at the beginning and Pokemon restart. Unlike all the top-down examples, there aren't many ways Pokemon X and Y they feel just as archaic because they still play incredibly well on the 3DS.