Unlike Pokémon Yellow, which was really just a remake of the original Pokémon Blue and Red, Pokémon Gold and Silver are going to be true sequels, with new Pokémon, new gameplay features, and all-new graphics. In fact, Pokémon Gold and Silver are going to require the GBC in order to play, so that means they should take full advantage of the GBC's graphical abilities. The new gameplay elements should allow for a brand new Pokémon experience. The most interesting of the new features is the ability to "breed" Pokémon. Okay, cut out that snickering. Apparently, each Pokémon caught in the game will have gender. If you happen to catch both a male and a female of a certain species, they'll be able to breed them in order to create new Pokémon. While it is currently unclear how this aspect will fit into the game strategically, it is crystal clear than a lot of parents are going to have to have a "certain talk" with their children. Other than the sex-crazed Pokémon, the coolest feature about Gold and Silver will be its real-time elements. The game pak will include a battery-operated clock. When players start their game, they will have to set the clock, and from then on the game keeps up with how much time has been spent playing the game. This clock will be integrated into the gameplay, since certain Pokémon will only be active at night, and some tasks will have to be completed before a certain amount of time passes. Very cool. Given the current popularity of Pokémon, Gold and Silver should sell millions of copies and be insanely popular. Whether the attention will be warranted remains to be seen. Stay tuned for more info.
|