Pokemon - Where to start?

[Megatron]

Hey guys,

So back 15 or 16 years ago Pokemon started to get big.  I was in high school and kinda/sorta got into it.  Had the three original (blue/red/yellow), played them, liked them, etc.  This was back when there was only 150 Pokemon (151 if you count Mew).  I tried some of the other games like Emerald back in 2005, 2006 ish but didn't really get into it.

Well I would like to restart, as I am kind of in the mood for it now (don't ask me why), but there are so many titles and so many %$^ damn Pokemon that i don't know where to begin.

So what game (or games) is a good starting point for a noob to the series?  I did play the originals, but it was so long ago ad things are so different now, that I am practically starting over. 
I have all of the Nintendo handhelds, so console doesn't matter.  And despite having some of the titles way back when, I no longer have them, so it isn't a matter of going to my collection.  I am actually going to have to buy some.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[Jeff]

You could start anywhere, honestly. Heartgold/Soulsilver are my personal favorites, but it's a bit dated by now. Make sure you play the third game if there is one (yellow, crystal, emerald and platinum)

Pokemon isn't a punishing series, so no matter where you start you'll learn from experimentation, and it doesn't expect you to know anything from the start.

I would recommend either X or Y. I haven't played them yet, but I've heard they're good.

[Dr.Agon]

i started out with Gold, so i would personally recommend that, however most of the games up to Black/White play the same anyway, so you could just pick your favourite system/colour and go with that!

[Megatron]

So all of the games have the same Pokemon/overall story?  If that is the case, what is the reason between multiple games release at the same time (such as X and Y simultaneously)?  1 or 2 exclusive pokemon?

[Dr.Agon]

So all of the games have the same Pokemon/overall story?  If that is the case, what is the reason between multiple games release at the same time (such as X and Y simultaneously)?  1 or 2 exclusive pokemon?

not exactly the same, the basic story of "catch pokemon, train pokemon, beat the elite four, become the best pokemon trainer" remains the same throughout, but each game added around 100 more pokemon, added new features and took place in different area's.

the reason for the simultaneous releases was more or less as you say, a few pokemon exclusive to each game, to encourage you to trade with other people.

[palmer6strings]

I'm a big fan of the GBA Pokémon titles.
Also X and Y on the 3DS is really good!

[Jeff]

So all of the games have the same Pokemon/overall story?  If that is the case, what is the reason between multiple games release at the same time (such as X and Y simultaneously)?  1 or 2 exclusive pokemon?

Yeah, exclusive pokemon are pretty much the only difference between the twin games, but it's more like 10-20+. They've been trying to add differences to each game since ruby and sapphire, but it's nothing to make one better than the other.

[sLpFhaWK]

When I was also a teenager I had only bought yellow and didn't really understand or get into it back then because I had other things on my priority list, get a girlfriend, see boobs get laid etc lol but what teen isn't trying to accomplish those goals?

well many years later, roughly 3 years ago I played White 2 as my 1st real pokemon experience. Gen 5 was pretty good, it had alot of pokes to get in the wild, it had the gts so u could trade, had union room to trade locally even had a mini game to move pokes from Gen 4. I currently own all the main games in the pokemon library *handhelds only* so I have access al all 718 of them.

But in all seriousness I'd start with X or Y now it's so good, you can't go wrong. I currently have what is called a "living dex" which means i have all 718 pokemon in my bank =) so i can help you out breeding a poke if you want something unique. like gen 2,3,4 and 5 starters even 6 if you want the 2 you don't have access too till later in the game.

It's hard picking a team tho that was my problem.

[Megatron]

Wow.  That's a lot of info.  Thanks guys!  A lot to absorb there.  Gen 5?  lol  wow. 

Anyway, I looked at what people were saying and heard the GBA titles, White/Black and X/Y seem to be the places to start.
Looking on Craigslist, I just happened to find a listing for this:

- Nintendo 3DS, slate in box
- Starter kit, including...
-- Wall and car chargers
-- 2 retractable styluses (way better than the ones that come with it)
-- 2 screen cloths
-- 2 cases, one small and one large
- Pokemon LeafGreen and Ruby for GBA loose
- Pokemon Platinum, HeartGold, White, Black (vers 2) for DS loose
- Pokemon Y for 3DS in box
- Pokemon X/Y game guide, and the Pokedex/Post-game guide (includes the maps)

All for $200.  I couldn't pass it up, and I pick it up at 7:30 tonight.  I will post pics when I get home.  I think I'll try one on each system to see which control/graphics combo I prefer and go from there.

So thanks everybody!  And keep suggestions coming.  It looks like I will be (once again) trying to catch 'em all.  Granted I don't even know how many there are now...is Bulbasaur still in it?  He was my favorite.  lol

[palmer6strings]

Bulbasaur is in X and Y yes. You'll actually get him pretty close to the beginning.

[KMSoulja]

The game boy advance games so you can take your pokemon with you through 4 generations

[shenske]

I would say HeartGold or SoulSilver.

Only playing red/blue/yellow this is the logical next step. I think you would enjoy the remakes more than the originals if you don't have the nostalgic connection.

[Megatron]

I would say HeartGold or SoulSilver.

Only playing red/blue/yellow this is the logical next step. I think you would enjoy the remakes more than the originals if you don't have the nostalgic connection.

I didn't realize that these two were remakes.  Interesting.  And I just picked up Heartgold, so this works out well.

[Megatron]

So here is my pickup for the day:





7 Pokemon games:

Ruby
Leaf Green
Heart Gold
Platinum
White
Black V2
Y (Complete)
..and Animal Crossing  Wild World (...score?)









The bundle also included the Official Pokemon X & Pokemon Y game guide
as well as the official Pokedex of X and Y, complete with map, chart and screen wipe

I think I have a bit to keep me busy for a little while   

[Thom Grayson]

It looks like you're starting in 7 places at once then