Classic Games

Pokemon

Gotta catch 'em all

Pokemon created a global phenomenon through monster collection, strategic battling, and social trading that transcended gaming into multimedia dominance.

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Overview

Pokemon turned creature collection into a worldwide obsession. Satoshi Tajiri’s vision of catching, training, and trading monsters captured imaginations across generations. The games required social interaction: trading was necessary to complete the collection, and battling friends proved your training. From Game Boy to global franchise, Pokemon became the highest-grossing media property in history.

Fast facts

  • Creator: Satoshi Tajiri.
  • Developer: Game Freak.
  • Publisher: Nintendo (with The Pokemon Company).
  • First release: Japan (1996), West (1998).
  • Franchise revenue: 100+ billion USD (largest media franchise).

Core gameplay loop

ActivityPurpose
CatchExpand collection
TrainLevel up, evolve
BattleProve strength
TradeComplete Pokedex
Gym challengeProgress story

Version differences

Strategic decision:

  • Two versions released simultaneously.
  • Each has exclusive Pokemon.
  • Completing Pokedex requires trading.
  • Drives social gameplay and sales.
GenerationVersions
IRed/Blue (Green in Japan)
IIGold/Silver
IIIRuby/Sapphire
IVDiamond/Pearl
VBlack/White
VIX/Y
VIISun/Moon
VIIISword/Shield
IXScarlet/Violet

Battle system depth

Simple surface, strategic depth:

  • Type effectiveness (rock-paper-scissors expanded).
  • Four moves per Pokemon.
  • Team building (six Pokemon).
  • Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs).
  • Competitive metagame.

Original design genius:

  • Game Boy Link Cable for trading.
  • Face-to-face interaction required.
  • Playground culture.
  • Trust and negotiation.

Later: wireless, internet, but social core remained.

Multimedia expansion

Beyond games:

  • Anime series (1997-present).
  • Trading card game (massive market).
  • Films (animated and live-action).
  • Merchandise (toys, clothing, everything).
  • Pokemon GO (2016 mobile phenomenon).

Development origins

Satoshi Tajiri’s inspiration:

  • Childhood insect collecting.
  • Link Cable potential for creature exchange.
  • Six years of development.
  • Game Freak nearly bankrupted.
  • Nintendo supported the vision.

Cultural impact

Pokemon influenced:

  • Monster collection genre.
  • Handheld gaming viability.
  • Transmedia franchise strategy.
  • Childhood worldwide.

Competitive scene

Pokemon as esport:

  • Video Game Championships (VGC).
  • Trading Card Game tournaments.
  • Strategy guides and communities.
  • Breeding and training optimisation.

Enduring appeal

Why Pokemon persists:

  • Accessible to children.
  • Deep enough for adults.
  • Nostalgia across generations.
  • Constant new creatures.
  • Social interaction core.

See also