ThePokemonfranchise has persisted for over 25 years by delivering one unique gameplay experience after another. From the evolution of its mainline entries to the franchise’s many spin-off titles,Pokemonhas frequently mastered a blend of quantity and quality in a way many franchises can only hope to achieve. There comes a time every so often, however, whenPokemonwill venture back to a classic mainline entry and deliver a remake that enhances and modernizes the experience. It’s proven to be one ofPokemon’s strongest tools, as not only does it give longtime fans a chance to rediscover a beloved part of their childhood, but it gives younger gamers an accessible means to explore a part ofPokemonhistory.
2021 saw the release of possibly the most anticipatedPokemonremakes in franchise history,Pokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl. AlthoughBDSPmay not have been all that some fans hopedit would be, it moved the series' remakes forward after seven years of dormancy. Now, manyPokemonfans are looking forward to a remake of the franchise’s fifth-generation entries,Pokemon BlackandWhite. A divisive generation for many fans,BlackandWhitetookPokemonin some bold new directions, one of which creates a unique challenge that previous remakes haven’t encountered before.
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Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 Could Complicate Pokemon Black and White Remakes
Gen 5 was an experimental time forPokemonfor many reasons. The franchise began to take on a greater sense of scale, introduced a litany of new Pokemon, and made those new Pokemon the most prevalent instead of those in previous generations. Perhaps the most experimental aspect of Gen 5, though, was the fact that it introduced the first true sequel to the mainlinePokemonseries. Instead of releasing an expansion ofBlackandWhitelike whatPokemonEmeraldandCrystalaccomplished, developer Game Freak instead opted to createPokemon Black 2andWhite 2.
These sequels turned out to be a surprise hit for the series, as many fans remember them more fondly than the originalBlackandWhite. Black 2andWhite 2expanded the narrative of Gen 5, allowed players to explore more ofthe Unova region, and introduced hundreds of familiar Pokemon that were absent from the first games. For many fans,Black 2andWhite2are essential parts of the Gen 5 experience, and it’s that aspect of the generation that could make developing a remake ofBlackandWhiteso challenging.
How Game Freak Could Factor Black 2 and White 2 Into Pokemon Black and White Remakes
If Game Freak wants to factor any aspects ofBlack 2andWhite 2into aBlackandWhiteremake, there are a few ways it could accomplish that. One of the more simple things it could do is feature Unova’s western region, filling it with the same Pokemon featured in the sequels. The most challenging aspect would come from the narrative, as the sequel is set two years after the first games. Game Freak could attempt to incorporate an epilogue similar toAlpha SapphireandOmega Ruby’s Delta Episode, but it would likely change more about the original story than it keeps.
Pokemon’s remakes are an integral part of the franchise, expanding on the original experience in a way longtime fans and newcomers alike can enjoy. In the case ofPokemon BlackandWhite, it will likely be a very long time until a remake comes to light, but hopefully not as long as the gap between the Gen 3 and 4 remakes. Part of that delay could come from efforts to implement aspects ofPokemon Black 2andWhite 2, as lone remakes for those entries seems unlikely, and some form of inclusion in a Gen 5 remake feels essential. Time will tell if these belovedPokemonsequels get the representation many feel they deserve.
