The Pokemon franchise has thrived for over 25 years by continuously delivering distinctive gameplay experiences. Whether through the evolution of its mainline games or its numerous spin-offs, Pokemon has consistently achieved a remarkable balance of quantity and quality that many franchises aspire to. Periodically, Pokemon revisits its classic mainline games and presents remakes that enhance and modernize the experience. This has proven to be one of the franchise's most powerful tools, not only allowing long-time fans to revisit cherished childhood memories, but also providing younger gamers with an accessible way to explore Pokemon's history.
In 2021, Pokemon enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the release of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, possibly the most highly anticipated remakes in franchise history. While BDSP may not have fulfilled all fans' expectations, it marked the revival of the series' remake ventures after a dormant period of seven years. As a result, many Pokemon fans now eagerly anticipate a remake of the fifth-generation entries, Pokemon Black and White. This particular generation divided fans with its bold new directions, presenting unique challenges not encountered in previous remakes.
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 Could Complicate Pokemon Black and White Remakes
Gen 5 marked an experimental phase for Pokemon, characterized by a larger scale, numerous new Pokemon, and a shift towards greater focus on the new creatures rather than those from previous generations. However, the most notable experimentation in Gen 5 was the introduction of the first true sequel in the mainline Pokemon series. Instead of simply expanding upon Black and White like previous iterations such as Pokemon Emerald and Crystal, Game Freak decided to create Pokemon Black 2 and White 2.
These sequels caught many fans by surprise and are often remembered more favorably than the original Black and White games. Black 2 and White 2 enriched the narrative of Gen 5, allowing players to further explore the Unova region and introducing a multitude of familiar Pokemon that were absent from the initial games. For many fans, Black 2 and White 2 are essential components of the Gen 5 experience, which poses a challenge when considering the development of a remake of Black and White.
How Game Freak Could Factor Black 2 and White 2 Into Pokemon Black and White Remakes
If Game Freak wants to incorporate any elements from Black 2 and White 2 into a Black and White remake, there are several ways they could achieve this. One option is to include Unova's western region and populate it with the same Pokemon found in the sequels. However, creating a cohesive narrative might be a challenge since the sequel takes place two years after the original games. Game Freak could possibly incorporate a post-story epilogue similar to the Delta Episode in Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, but this would likely result in significant changes to the original story.
Remakes are an important aspect of the Pokemon franchise, as they offer an enhanced experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. Although it may be a while before a remake of Pokemon Black and White is released, hopefully the wait won't be as long as the gap between the Gen 3 and 4 remakes. The inclusion of elements from Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 in a Gen 5 remake seems necessary, as standalone remakes for those entries are unlikely. Only time will reveal if these beloved Pokemon sequels receive the recognition that many believe they deserve.