This expanded role-playing adventure invites players to the vibrant Kanto region, a land teeming with 151 unique Pokémon species. Released in 1998, this title offers a familiar yet distinct journey for those seeking to become the ultimate Pokémon Master. The core objective remains to explore, discover, and train a diverse collection of creatures, engaging in strategic turn-based battles to overcome challenges and rivals. The game is playable on the Game Boy Color, Game Boy, and Nintendo 3DS platforms, providing accessibility across generations of hardware.

Embarking on the Kanto Journey

The narrative unfolds in the Kanto region, a sprawling landscape dotted with various habitats where 151 distinct Pokémon reside. Players are tasked with a singular, overarching goal: to catch them all and ascend to the title of Pokémon Master. This quest involves exploring diverse environments, encountering wild Pokémon, and strategically building a team capable of facing formidable opponents.

What makes this game unique?

A Special Beginning and Anime Influence

A key distinction of this version is the unique starting experience. Instead of choosing from a selection of starter Pokémon, players begin their adventure with a Pikachu that follows them directly on screen. This companion Pokémon also exhibits a personality mirroring its portrayal in the popular anime series, notably refusing to evolve. The game's storyline and character designs draw heavily from the anime, featuring familiar faces like Jessie, James, Meowth, Nurse Joy, and Officer Jenny, enhancing the connection to the animated world.

Acquiring Additional Starters

While Pikachu is your initial partner, the opportunity to obtain the other original starter Pokémon is presented through encounters with strangers throughout the region, adding another layer to team-building and exploration.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

At its heart, the gameplay revolves around exploration, discovery, and strategic combat. Players navigate the Kanto region, encountering wild Pokémon that can be captured using Poké Balls. These captured Pokémon can then be trained and leveled up, learning new moves and becoming stronger. Battles are turn-based, requiring players to consider type advantages, move sets, and the overall composition of their team to defeat Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and the antagonistic Team Rocket, a group intent on exploiting Pokémon for their own power.

The Role of Pokémon Companions

The presence of a walking Pikachu companion adds an interactive element to the journey, offering a visual representation of the player's bond with their Pokémon. This feature, inspired by the anime, enhances the sense of partnership and adventure.

Game Information

Type: Expanded Game

As an expanded game, this title builds upon the foundation of its predecessors, offering enhancements and unique features that differentiate it from the original releases. The core experience is refined, with additions that provide a fresh perspective on the established world and mechanics.

Release Year: 1998

Platforms: Game Boy Color, Game Boy, Nintendo 3DS

Additional Content

This game does not feature any downloadable content (DLC) or expansions. The content is self-contained within the original release.