As a role-playing game series, Pokémon is story-intensive. It spread like wildfire in the late 90s and is one of video games’ most prominent franchises. Games like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid have switched to voice actors while Pokémon still has written dialogue. However, with a proven formula, there are examples of Pokémon generations that contain genuinely intriguing stories.
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The introduction of an open-world location, the Wild Area, to the eighth generation shows that The Pokémon Company is willing to innovate. Does every game need to pay homage to the originals, or can Pokémon benefit from a unique story? By studying the past, we can find inspiration for the future. Spoiler warning! This section contains detailed information about Pokémon games. This is every Pokémon generation ranked by their stories.
8 Generation III
Generation three of the Pokémon series was considered a letdown at its release, but looking back, it contained many new elements in Pokémon today. Notably, the generation included the longest endgame in history, as well as introduced Double Battles.
It was a controversial move to break the storyline and start over in the Hoenn region for Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. The adventure starts in Littleroot Town, where the player chooses between three Pokémon from Professor Birch. This too familiar plot takes few chances, despite taking place in a unique setting. It’s like a parallel universe to the first generation, but ultimately this plot falls flat.
7 Generation VI
It’s worth noting that Pokémon X and Y introduced 3D graphics to the main series. Historically, Pokémon has had three evolutions at the most, but X and Y flipped the script by adding Mega Evolutions. Was it a good idea to add Mega Evolutions? It shifted gameplay and influenced the story. In Shalour City, players learn to use Mega Evolutions from a Mega Evolution guru.
This game’s story was much like a reboot for the series. It taught players about Gym Leaders and the world of Pokémon. The Kalos region, a place heavily inspired by France, served as Pokémon X and Y‘s setting. Overall, the plot was relatively thin in comparison to other Pokémon generations. It’s about Mega Evolutions and is reminiscent of the first generation of the Pokémon games.
6 Generation IV
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl headlined the fourth generation of the Pokémon games, featuring another story like the first generation’s. Do we need a unique story to pique our interest? It could be argued that Pokémon Diamond and Pearl is another generation that played it safe.
The beginning starts with the protagonist in his hometown. He and his friend see a television report about a Red Gyarados, which was spotted swimming at Faraway Lake. After Professor Rowan accidentally leaves a briefcase containing three Pokémon at the lake, the protagonist is attacked and takes a Pokémon. Right away, players are intrigued by this beginning. Later in the game, we are introduced to the god of Pokémon and the creator of the universe, Arceus. Overall, it’s an engaging plot, even if it pays homage to the original story.
5 Generation VIII
Pokémon Sword and Shield is perhaps the most divisive generation in the mainline Pokémon games. This story has parallels to the original story but is profound on many levels. The protagonist’s best friend, Hop, is someone you either loved or hated. He acted as a guide, but it was like Hop held your hand throughout every instance of the game.
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Set in the Galar region, which is based on the United Kingdom, Pokémon Sword and Shield tells the story of a trainer who sets out to be the greatest. The beginning shows the Pokémon Champion Leon, who happens to be Hop’s brother, Dynamaxing in a battle. This foreshadowing is Pokémon‘s creativity near its best. The story continues long after the game is over. Perhaps the story could have been less linear, although the plotline about artifacts and ancient Galarian kings was fascinating.
4 Generation V
The fifth generation of the Pokémon main series games featured games like Pokémon Black and White. This linear story involves the anti-hero N, who happens to be the leader of Team Plasma. Team Plasma sets out to take Pokémon from humans to liberate them from their masters. In reality, N’s adoptive father, Ghetsis, uses his son as a pawn to take over the Unova region.
This generation had one of the longest stories, filled with twists and turns. It stands out for a lengthy endgame, in which players can battle the Seven Sages, scattered throughout the Unova region. Black 2 and White 2 may have shifted the narrative, but there’s something special to take away from these games’ stories. Ultimately, the characters keep you on your heels. One can criticize the region’s bland design, but it’s hard not to appreciate the story.
3 Generation II
Each new generation doesn’t have to feature a new story, but it can pick up the torch where things left off. Generation two of the Pokémon games was an instant masterpiece when it was released. It built upon the original games’ story by introducing a new region, Pokémon, and plot lines. The story begins with Slowpoke tails being stolen by Team Rocket. The generation also contains an elusive rival who breaks into a lab to steal a Pokémon. Most of the characters from the first game return, but new ones are introduced as well.
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The epic conclusion of the Elite Four leaves you wanting more—and that’s what happens. Generation two has an endgame where you explore Mt. Silver and face Trainer Red, the protagonist from the first generation.
2 Generation VII
Pokémon Sun and Moon were widely acclaimed at release. These two games’ stories have a unique plot that is set in the Alola region. The Alola region is Pokémon’s version of Hawaii. The story is about Ultra Beasts, Pokémon that originated from Ultra Space. With interdimensional and extradimensional traveling, the plot is possibly the most confusing in the series. Team Skull plays a part as they kidnap Nebby, to use its Ultra Beasts summoning powers. We never knew that the Pokémon Company could create a story that is from science-fiction. In the end, this story comes together, providing one of Pokémon’s most thrilling adventures.
1 Generation I
In some cases, it’s hard to beat the original. The first generation of the mainline Pokémon series is a polished masterpiece. You can delve deeper into its story by reading journals, such as the ones found in Cinnabar Island’s Pokémon Mansion. The Pokémon Mansion’s journals mention a mysterious Pokémon found deep in the jungle. “We christened the newly discovered POKéMON, Mew.” In this version, Mew gives birth to an all-powerful Pokémon named Mewtwo. “MEWTWO is far too powerful. We have failed to curb its vicious tendencies…” The plot thickens as you eventually encounter Mewtwo deep in the Cerulean Cave. It may have been the dark undertones that kept us intrigued.
There have been multiple remakes of this generation because of its captivating story. Team Rocket, along with leader Giovanni, is the antagonistic force fueling the game’s plot. You make friends along the way, battle villains, and become a Pokémon Champion in every Pokémon game. Is it time to change the never-ending cycle? Games like Sun and Moon prove a Pokémon game can pay homage to the original story and have depth. Generations like Sun and Moon indicate that Pokémon is still relevant eight generations later.