Fans of Pokémon have been waiting with anticipation for an official announcement for the worldwide release of the latest Pokémon title: Black and White. The games have been out in Japan for while now, and hardcore Pokémon trainers have been playing off of illegal ROMS and fan translations of the game, but this is nothing compared to a proper official translation.
It looks like we won’t have to wait much longer, as Nintendo of America has announced the release date of an English translation of the title: March 6. Most fans are already well aware that the title follows previous entries norms of exclusive Pokémon in each version, however these ones include exclusive new areas, the Black City and the White Forest. This DS-exclusive title includes online battles, 3v3 versus, seasonal changes, over 150 new Pokémon (including the elemental starter trio, Snivy, Oshawott, and Tepig), and even an online world where players can send and collect new Pokémon from their computer. Additionally, there’s a brand new storyline, a wholly revamped polygonal world of Unova (designed to look like New York City), and two new protagonists.
There is a lot going on with this one, and fans of the franchise are recommended to pre-order the game. Considering Famitsu gave Pokémon Black and White a perfect score, this may be one of the best games to get next year. Oddly, the 3DS is rumored to release around this time. Too bad there is no 3DS exclusive content, as that would make this game a system seller for sure.
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REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 27, 2010 – Nintendo of America today announced that the Pokémonâ„¢ Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games will launch in North America on March 6, 2011. The games, playable exclusively on the Nintendo DSâ„¢ family of systems, are a completely new adventure that Pokémon fans old and new can embark on. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version introduce more than 150 new Pokémon and a new region to explore.
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram™ can only be caught in Pokémon Black Version, while the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom™ can only be caught in Pokémon White Version. Additionally, the two games feature different areas for the first time in the series, with the game world of Pokémon Black Version featuring a unique metropolitan area called Black City, and a lush, green area named White Forest only found in Pokémon White Version. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version also mark the first time in a Pokémon video game that the seasons will change in the game world. Certain Pokémon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season.
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version let players start with one of three new Starter Pokémon – the Grass-type Snivyâ„¢, the Fire-type Tepigâ„¢ or the Water-type Oshawottâ„¢. Until the main story of the game is complete, every Pokémon that players encounter will have never been seen before in previous Pokémon games. The games also feature original boy and girl trainers who set out on an adventure in the new Unova region.
“Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version represent a generational leap forward for the renowned series, delivering an unprecedented number of new Pokémon to catch, battle and trade,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. “Whether you have played the Pokémon video games before or are just getting interested in them, you won’t want to miss Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version.”
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details.
For more information about Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, visit http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com.