Gaming Target - Game Boy: Pokemon Crystal

Written by Matt Swider on August 07, 2001

Review: Not actually made of crystal, but worth so much more!

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, or perhaps a very large Geodude, you've surely heard of Pokemon and its phenomenon that has swept Japan, invaded the U.S., and doesn't show signs of slowing down. Though Game Boy Advance may have hit the market claiming a good share of the attention already, it hasn't stopped Nintendo from releasing a final Pokemon title for all the Game Boy Color owners yet toЕadvance.

While every Pokemon fan is sure to pick up and enjoy this sixth version without hesitation, many others will likely question how much of an upgrade Crystal provides in comparision to its preceding titles. Crystal contains the same engine and interface as all previous games, and like Pokemon Yellow was to Red/Blue, this version offers an update for Gold and Silver. For this reason Gold and Silver owners may see little interest in Pokemon Crystal as it only provides mere improvements rather than a whole new epic adventure to indulge in. However, for the few who have yet to play, or those yet to purchase another Pokemon game other than Red, Blue, or Yellow, it is safe to say, Crystal is your best bet for entertainment.

Although the journey begins once again as a rookie trainer, this time from New Bark Town, on the way to become a Pokemon master, the option to play as a female character is available; something not offered in past Pokemon games. Though all those generic videogame boys have to now worry about koodies, it's about time to welcome the girls into the world of Pokemon. After the first Pokemon is picked from the latest lineup of Cyndaqil, Totodile, or Chikorita, the quest to travel the many towns, seeking to collect all 251 Pocket Monsters begins. Despite the fact that every Pokemon is contained in the Crystal version, trading still remains a key importance to mastering the game, as choices in playing will determine which Pokemon you are able to capture.

The core setup of collecting, battling, and trading Pokemon remains the same in the Crystal version, however it's the small aspects and modifications that place this game ahead of its original counterparts. Besides the addition of a female character, small additions while playing are noticeable, like the inclusion of battle tower, new Pokemon animations, and the chance to catch the rare Suicune Pokemon.

Like Gold and Silver, Crystal boasts the same features that are not contained within Red, Blue, or Yellow. The most appealing happens to be the internal clock, which is set during initial menus of a new game, enabling the land of Pokemon to follow the outside world in complete real-time fashion. In doing this, certain Pokemon will be available at night that can't be seen during the morning, and vice-versa. To complete your Pokedex and take advantage of special events, the game must be played during both the day, and the night. Also, another use for the wise feature is in helping gamers keep account of the time and day of the week in life, as we are known to lose track of it when playing games like Pokemon.

Another innovative inclusion that's part of the newest versions of Pokemon is the use of the PokeGear. It still offers an easier map, and includes additions like a phone and radio, which are utilized as communication tools to serve as helpful guides and hints. No worries about the phone's calling-plan; no roaming charges occurred even while cruising on the bicycle, but you're only limited to holding ten numbers at a time. While on the subject, the main intention of Pokemon Crystal was not to milk the series, however provide an innovative use of Nintendo's Mobile Adapter in Japan. Though, as you might suspect, the feature was lifted when brought overseas, but hopes for its existence in future U.S. Pokemon titles is still high.

Cosmetically, Pokemon Crystal is very much like the Gold and Silver, aside from some new animations from Pokemon during battles. Being a Game Boy Color title, everything seems to have an overall bright appearance on the system. Quality of the tunes and other sound effects found in the original Pokemon game see little improvement, but remains classic in itself.