Game Reviews

Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver is not in any way a new game. This latest from Nintendo is simply a re-release of the classic Game Boy game, Pokémon Gold/Silver; a port with shiny new graphics and all of the new Wi-Fi and multiplayer trappings of Diamond/Pearl. But any Pokémon collector knows that if you're still not playing these games, you're missing out on one of the most addictive RPGs available. HeartGold/SoulSilver doesn't do much new, but it does make the familiar formula feel polished to perfection.

For full disclosure, I did not completely finish this game. I cleared the first area, Johto, but barely scratched the surface of Kanto. The sheer scope of the game is one of the things that made it so terrific back in 2000 and that makes it equally great today. You not only have one massive world to explore, with a full set of trainers and eight badges, but when you beat them, you also open up the entire world from the original game (or the FireRed/LeafGreen world, for those whose memory doesn't stretch back quite so far).

Beyond the enhancements brought over from the previous DS Pokémon games, HeartGold/SoulSilver adds several additional boosts to the already familiar "level up and battle" gameplay. You can finally toggle running (no more holding any buttons down). You can set more than one item to your quick-use list (though only one is set to a button; you have to tap the screen to use your second item). And like Pokémon Yellow, you get to see your lead creature trailing along behind you in the game. It doesn't really "add" anything, but it's nice to be able to interact with these creatures that you put so much time and effort into.

But HeartGold/SoulSilver's biggest addition takes place outside the game entirely: The Pokéwalker. This simple pedometer packaged with the game lets you take one of the game's creatures, store them in a Pokéball-styled container, and go out walking together. The more steps you take, the more Watts you earn, a currency used to search for Pokémon and items out in the wild through simple minigames. Or you can save up your Watts to unlock new routes for you and your pal. Like the game itself, it's such a simple concept -- one that requires so little effort from you, that it's almost instantly endearing. You can even hook up with other trainers who might also be toting along their Pokéwalkers. And when you import your pet back into the game, you get a cute summary of all the things they've done. If you don't find the appeal in seeing that your Pokémon is "tugging at your shirt and seems to want to play some more," this is not in any way the game for you.