Pokémon Gold and Silver

Pokémon GS
File:Pokemongold.jpg Box cover for the Gold version of Pokémon GS.
Developer(s)	Game Freak
Publisher(s)	Nintendo
Designer(s)	Satoshi Tajiri
Released	Template:Japan November 21, 1999 Template:NA October 14, 2000 Template:Europe April 6, 2001
Genre(s)	Handheld role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer
Ratings	ESRB: E
Platform(s)	Game Boy Color

Pokémon GS (Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions), also commonly referred to individually as Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, and Pokémon Crystal, and collectively as Pokémon Gold and Silver, is an RPG released for Game Boy Color in 2000. It is the second installment in the Pokémon series and sequel to the original Pokémon game. It was later rereleased as Soulsiver and Heartgold (respectivly) for the DS.

Gameplay

When starting the game, the player must set an in-game clock. After this, the player names the character. In the Gold and Silver versions the player is restricted to playing as a male character like in the previous game. However, in the Crystal version, the player is able to choose a gender.

The button system is the same from the previous title, except that items can now be 'registered' to the 'SELECT' button for quick use. Another advantage is that more items can be held with a new system that divides the player's 'Pack' into separate parts, for Balls, Key Items, and others. One downside is that Key Items cannot be stored in the PC, but it does allow space to be saved on the PC.

Plot

Much like in the previous Pokémon installment, the player takes the role of an eleven year-old boy (or girl in the Crystal version) and meets his (or her) town's local Pokémon researcher, in this installment Professor Elm, who gives the player a choice of one of three Pokémon to take along and train while setting out into the world to catch other monsters to train on a quest to become "Pokémon Master". This adventure begins three years after the events of the first installment and in a new region called Johto, home to 100 new monster species not found in the neighboring region of Kanto in which the previous game took place. One can also capture the original 151, making 251 Pokemon total. During this adventure the player encounters a new rival who stole one of the remaining two Pokémon from Prof. Elm, whom the player the occasionally battle throughout the quest. The player must also battle a newly resurrected Team Rocket, as well as collect the eight badges and take on the Elite Four before going on to the ultimate challenge of going against the reigning Pokémon Master, Red (the hero of the first installment). The games each feature two new legendary bird Pokémon, Ho-oh and Lugia, the representative legendaries of Gold and Silver game versions respectively. The Crystal version featured Suicune, a new water-type legendary Pokemon.

In the Super Smash Bros. series

Many Pokémon that debuted from Gold and Silver appear out of Poké Balls in Melee and Brawl, from the game mascots Ho-oh, Lugia and Suicune to more common ones such as Chikorita and Wobbuffet.

Pichu, a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Melee, also made its debut in this game.