The world of Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary! The very first games, Pokémon Red and Green, were released in Japan for the Game Boy back in 1996. Many people who grew up then probably played a Pokémon game, but it’s just as understandable if someone never got into the series.
With the franchise celebrating a big anniversary and showing no signs of slowing down, now might be the perfect time for anyone who’s been hesitant to try a Pokemon game. Whether you’re interested in the main series, like Pokemon Legends: Z-A, or something a little different, such as Detective Pikachu, there’s a Pokemon game out there for everyone.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
A Good Modern Game
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the newest core Pokémon game, letting players customize their character and pick from three different Pokémon as their first partner. Throughout the game, you’ll explore the city of Lumiose, which grows and changes as the story unfolds. At night, you’ll battle other trainers to improve your rank and unlock bigger challenges that drive the narrative forward.
The game features natural areas where you can capture or battle wild Pokémon to gain experience. Battles happen in turns, but with some fast-paced action mixed in. Legends: Z-A is a great, focused Pokémon game set in a single city, making it a perfect introduction to the series for new players.
Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver
A Top-Down Classic
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are updated versions of the classic Generation 2 games, originally released on the DS. While they can be hard to find and play today, they’re great choices for anyone wanting to experience a beloved Pokémon adventure. Like other Pokémon games, you start in a small town and journey across the Johto region, catching Pokémon, battling trainers, and earning badges by defeating Gym Leaders in each city.
After catching all eight of these special Pokémon, players can battle the Elite Four and become the region’s champion. But the adventure doesn’t end there! The game then takes you back to Kanto, the very first region from the original Pokémon games, essentially giving you two games in one. This, along with a smaller selection of Pokémon to collect, makes Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver fantastic choices for fans of turn-based RPGs.
TopMob Quiz
—
Results
—
Pokemon Pokopia
A Cozy Life-Sim
Pokemon Pokopia is a unique and unusual game that blends life simulation with the creative freedom of Minecraft. You customize a Ditto Pokemon, which transforms into a human character, and explore a desolate, ruined version of the Kanto region. The world is eerily empty, as all humans have vanished, leaving only a handful of Pokemon behind.
In Pokemon Pokopia, players create homes and environments using gathered materials, attracting Pokémon to the area. These Pokémon then assist in expanding these spaces and teaching Ditto new skills, such as using water to nurture plants or learning to glide. Despite its somewhat somber setting, Pokemon Pokopia is a relaxing and charming life simulation game that’s easy for anyone to enjoy, even if they aren’t familiar with the Pokémon series.
Pokemon Conquest
Uniting Japan
Pokemon Conquest is a strategy RPG designed for players looking for a challenge beyond typical Pokemon games. It’s not the most difficult strategy game available, but it requires careful planning to succeed. The game combines the world of Pokemon with elements from the Nobunaga’s Ambition series, placing players in feudal Japan.
In this game, you play as a hero who builds a team of Pokémon and battles famous Japanese warlords like Oda Nobunaga and Akechi Mitsuhide, with the goal of conquering the country. Honestly, Pokémon Conquest is a really underrated RPG on the DS. If you’re already digging up copies of HeartGold or SoulSilver, you should seriously consider adding this one to your collection too – it’s a blast!
Detective Pikachu
Who Wants Some Coffee?
If you’re curious about Pokémon but prefer more relaxed games, even simple life simulations might not grab your attention. However, if you enjoy story-driven adventure games like Ace Attorney or titles from Telltale Games, Detective Pikachu on the 3DS could be a good fit. The game offers a unique look at the world of Pokémon and their trainers in a city setting, but centers around Tim Goodman, who travels to Ryme City to search for his missing detective father.
Tim unexpectedly teams up with a talking Pikachu—who surprisingly has a sophisticated voice and a strong coffee addiction! Together, they’ll investigate small mysteries, all while Tim searches for his missing father. Detective Pikachu is a fun and easygoing game that will introduce adventure game players to the world of Pokémon.
Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
Bouncing Pokeballs
If you’re a pinball fan, you’ll likely love Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire. It’s more than just a typical video game. You select a pinball table based on either the Ruby or Sapphire Pokemon world, and play pinball by bouncing a Pokeball around. Earning bonuses allows you to summon Pokemon onto the table, where you can catch them and continue playing on the same table for a new round.
The game includes some mini-games where you’ll go to different locations to battle Pokémon, including Kecleon. While a new Pokémon pinball game is being developed, it’s likely cheaper to find an older copy of Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire for the Game Boy Advance.
Pokken Tournament DX
Tekken’s Hidden Spinoff
If you enjoy fighting games, Pokken Tournament DX is worth a look, particularly if Super Smash Bros. Ultimate left you wanting more Pokémon-focused battles. The gameplay is pretty typical for the genre – you pick a Pokémon and fight – but you can also select another Pokémon to provide a helpful assist during matches.
Although many Pokémon in Pokken Tournament DX are Fighting-types, the game features a diverse roster including popular characters like Mewtwo, Pikachu, Lucario, and Machamp. Pokémon battle in 3D arenas, each with a range of moves and combo possibilities. Developed by the team behind Tekken at Bandai Namco, this Pokémon spin-off offers a surprisingly authentic fighting game experience.
New Pokemon Snap
An On-Rails Passive Adventure
New Pokémon Snap offers a relaxed gameplay experience and is only the second installment in the series since the original on Nintendo 64. Players become Pokémon explorers, traveling through new areas on a guided rail cart through Pokémon habitats. The main gameplay involves simply moving the camera and taking pictures of the Pokémon you encounter.
Getting good photos earns you points, unlocking new locations and rewards. If you’re a video game fan looking for a simple way to experience the world of Pokemon, this game is a great choice. New Pokemon Snap is also a fun way to learn the names of different Pokemon.
Read More
- All Skyblazer Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- One Piece Chapter 1180 Release Date And Where To Read
- How to Get the Sunset Reed Armor Set and Hollow Visage Sword in Crimson Desert
- All Shadow Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- All Golden Greed Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- How to Beat Stonewalker Antiquum at the Gate of Truth in Crimson Desert
- Cassius Morten Armor Set Locations in Crimson Desert
- Grime 2 Map Unlock Guide: Find Seals & Fast Travel
- Marni Laser Helm Location & Upgrade in Crimson Desert
- USD RUB PREDICTION
2026-04-12 07:35