Joystick: A second dose of ‘Pokemon Black and White’

Screenshot of Pokemon Black 2, courtesy of Nintendo

If you’ve never played Pokemon, consider yourself lucky. Or terribly sheltered. The Pokemon games are without a doubt one of the most addictive series known to gamers. They keep hold of you, teasing you, prodding you ever-onward on your neverending quest to “Catch ‘em all,” while Nintendo developers hide smirks. They know that in the real world, Pokemon catches you.

It’s arguable that before “Pokemon Black and White,” the latest entry to the series, the monolithic franchise was growing a bit stale. Travel here, catch that, train this, etc., etc. The games even tried to add fashion contests as a potential hook to keep you in the game — a hook that became incredibly frustrating.

“Black” and “White” marked a big change for the series, which held to its childhood roots with a firm grasp before last year. The new games felt a bit older, more mature, with more interesting sidequests and challenges to achieve. Sure, there were still dopey contests you could take part in if you really wanted, but “Black” and “White” created a sizeable endgame for those who beat the main story and didn’t have much left to do. New ways to battle, new ways to interact with people in ad-hoc and online modes, and a large amount of repeatable trainer battles meant “Black” and “White” are the first games where more people than the simple hardcore gamers had a reason to keep playing.

That’s why, with the arrival of “Pokemon Black 2” and “White 2,” I’m starting to fear those cute pocket monsters. I hear good things about the game, from a whole new section of the Unova region to accessories that make grinding levels and training Pokemon easier. Even the mini-games don’t sound as terrible, as a new movie studio feature reportedly lets you star in your own Pokemon movies. What’s more, apparently you can go off script and get ridiculous with your movie, which will apparently use test viewings to tell you how well you and your Pokemon did.

There’s also more Pokemon to feed your obsessive quest to fill out your Pokedex. Aside from the disheartening fact that you will probably never truly catch them all, having more Pokemon does make the first true Pokemon sequel more interesting.

So get ready for more Pokemadness, as the games are set to release in October. Or, more likely, get ready for the games to catch you this fall.

SportsPlus

Education

PHOTOS: 2nd art exhibit helps raise awareness for food insecurity

Mower County

Early flood drainage report shows options for future prevention

News

Church in Hollandale changes format by streaming services from Twin Cities church, possibly sets new model for other rural churches

Mower County

Riverland Theatre ‘Kicks Off Its Sunday Shoes’ with ‘Footloose the Musical’

Mower County

Council approves Austin Area Arts request to help pay for sidewalk at the Paramount

Mower County

A voice for her ward: Joyce Poshusta looks back at over her time on the council after stepping down

Education

Women’s History Project winners announced

Law Enforcement

In Your Community: APD officers honored with state award

Brownsdale

Brownsdale Study Club holds meeting in April

Mower County

Minnesota families urged to get young children caught up on vaccines

Mower County

Eichorn pleads not guilty to federal solicitation charge

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man charged with murder, manslaughter in drug-related death

Mower County

County honors Harren Gjersvik, say goodbye

Mower County

Application period opens Wednesday to fill Ward Three vacancy

Mower County

PHOTOS: Protesters hold Hands Off Social Security rally Monday night

Mower County

Austin Area Arts names its 2025 Austin ArtWorks Festival featured artist

News

Minnesota lawmakers return for the last leg of session. Here’s what to watch

Business

Austin Utilities recognized for reliable electric service to the community

Education

Speaking of which …

Mower County

Free entrance to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 26

Business

Independent Bookstores Day celebrates its 12th anniversary

Education

Local 4-H’ers compete at 4-H State Project Bowl

Mower County

Volunteers needed for LIFE’s Beer, Bacon & Beignets event

Mower County

Hands Off Social Security rally Monday