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.

Mower County

Dazzling holiday: Mayor King helps judge decorating contest at Comforcare

News

Law enforcement identify man killed in landslide at Minnesota state park

News

OxyContin maker’s bankruptcy deal goes before the Supreme Court, with billions of dollars at stake

News

Israel orders evacuations as it widens offensive but Palestinians are running out of places to go

News

Bowling Green to take on Minnesota in Quick Lane Bowl, Gophers seek seventh consecutive bowl win

News

‘Pick it up’: New Minnesota law aims to curb litter left on ice

News

Jackson leads Blue Devils to a win over Mesabi Range

Mower County

A home for women: Bright Life House will be a sober house filling a need in Austin

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

News

Climate contradictions key at UN talks. Less future warming projected, yet there’s more current pain

Mower County

Caution paramount as ice season gets underway

Mower County

First United Methodist to host organ concerts

News

House expels New York Rep. George Santos. It’s just the sixth expulsion in the chamber’s history

News

Standoff with armed man outside Rochester shopping complex ends in self-inflicted gunshot

Mower County

Merry & Bright Night returns for holiday fun

News

A house explodes and bursts into flames in Minnesota, killing at least 1 person, fire chief says

Mower County

Riverland Shines a ‘Spotlight’ on theater students

News

DFL lawmakers eye big boost in child care spending

News

Henry Kissinger, secretary of state under Presidents Nixon and Ford, dies at 100

Mower County

Senate Capital Investment Committee gets a look at tomorrow in visit to the Hormel Institute

Mower County

Christmas in the County to be held Dec. 9

Mower County

Austin Living: Jane Taylor Academy of Dance brings 22nd annual ‘Nutcracker’ performance to Paramount Theatre

Mower County

Flower Basket Program kicks off 29th year

Mower County

Recycling Center addition progressing to spring completion