Main Series Game Guides & Analysis Reviews Every Pokémon Core Game

Ready to dive deep into the world of Pokémon? For over two decades, the main series games have captivated millions, inviting trainers to explore vibrant regions, catch fascinating creatures, and become champions. This isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's the ultimate resource for comprehensive Main Series Game Guides & Analysis, breaking down every core RPG entry from Kanto to Galar and beyond. Whether you're a veteran trainer looking to revisit old favorites, a new player trying to figure out where to begin, or simply curious about the evolution of one of gaming's biggest franchises, you've landed in the right place.
We’re not just listing games; we’re dissecting them—exploring what made each title iconic, what innovations it brought, and how it shaped the future of Pokémon.

At a Glance: Your Main Series Journey

The Foundation: Understand the original mechanics established in Red and Blue, from type advantages to trading.
Evolution of Gameplay: Discover how features like breeding, Shiny Pokémon, day/night cycles, and physical/special attack splits emerged and refined the experience.
Remakes and Reinvention: See how older regions were brought to life with new mechanics and expanded stories.
Key Innovations: Learn about Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamaxing, and the leap to full 3D graphics and open-world areas.
Narrative Deep Dives: Explore how the stories evolved, introducing compelling characters and ethical dilemmas.
Choosing Your Adventure: Get insights to help you decide which games to play based on your preferences.

The Genesis of a Phenomenon: Generation I (Red, Blue, Yellow)

It all began in 1998 (for Western audiences), with Pokémon Red and Blue hitting the Game Boy. These weren't just games; they were a cultural reset. You, as a budding trainer, ventured through the Kanto region, choosing one of three starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. The core loop was instantly addictive: encounter wild Pokémon, weaken them, throw a Poké Ball, and catch 'em all!
The genius of Generation I lay in its simple yet profound mechanics. Type advantages (Water beats Fire, Fire beats Grass, etc.) were easy to grasp but offered strategic depth. Evolution transformed your companions into stronger forms. Trading with friends was essential to "complete" your Pokédex, fostering a social element that defined the brand. Battling other trainers, and eventually challenging the Elite Four and the Champion, provided a clear, satisfying goal.
Pokémon Yellow (1999) followed, offering an anime-inspired twist. Your starter was a Pikachu that walked behind you, reflecting a friendship mechanic that would recur in future titles. While charming, its pacing often felt slower, and its visuals, even for the time, were quickly outpaced by subsequent remakes. Still, it proved Pokémon's willingness to experiment with its formula.

Expanding the Universe: Generation II (Gold, Silver, Crystal)

Just two years later, Pokémon Gold and Silver (2000) arrived, not just as sequels, but as a monumental leap forward. Set in the new Johto region, they offered a semi-sequel narrative, building directly on the events of Kanto. The biggest surprise? After conquering Johto, you could travel back to Kanto, effectively offering two regions in one game. This unprecedented scope left players awestruck.
Generation II introduced game-changing mechanics:

Breeding: Allowing trainers to hatch new Pokémon from eggs, often with desirable stats or moves. This was foundational for competitive play.
Shiny Pokémon: Rare, alternately colored Pokémon that sparked a global hunt for these elusive variants.
Hold Items: Giving Pokémon items to carry in battle, adding a new layer of strategy.
Day/Night Cycle & Weather: These visual touches weren't just aesthetic; certain Pokémon only appeared at specific times, and weather affected battles.
New Types: Dark and Steel types were added, balancing the type chart and introducing new strategic possibilities.
These games were celebrated for their depth and scale, though the increased number of Pokémon and two regions meant leveling could feel like a grind. Pokémon Crystal (2001) built on this, adding animated sprites, the first female player character option, and the enduring Battle Tower challenge, further solidifying Johto's legacy. While its differences from Gold and Silver were minimal, the quality-of-life improvements made it the definitive Gen II experience for many.

A New Era: Generation III (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen)

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2003) brought the series to the Game Boy Advance, but not without controversy. They notably lacked backward compatibility, meaning you couldn't transfer your beloved Pokémon from older games. Despite this, they forged ahead with significant innovations in the Hoenn region:

Double Battles: A new combat format requiring different strategies.
Version Differences: More pronounced variations between the two versions, encouraging trading.
Pokémon Contests: A non-battle avenue for your Pokémon to shine, focusing on aesthetics and performance.
Secret Bases: Allowing you to customize your own hidden hideaway.
Special Abilities: Unique passive effects for each Pokémon, fundamentally changing how battles were approached.
The region itself was infamous for its extensive water-based navigation, leading to some frustration, but the new mechanics proved incredibly influential.
Then came the remakes. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004) revitalized the Kanto region, bringing it up to Gen III standards. They expanded the original maps with the Sevii Islands, incorporated features like breeding and running from later generations, and introduced the Vs. Seeker for easy trainer rematches. These remakes were widely lauded as superior to the originals, fixing bugs, expanding content, and improving gameplay flow. Crucially, alongside Ruby and Sapphire, they established the National Pokédex, a comprehensive listing of all Pokémon across generations.
Pokémon Emerald (2005) served as the definitive Gen III experience. It combined and expanded the storylines of Ruby and Sapphire, featuring both Team Aqua and Team Magma, and allowing you to catch the trio of Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza in a single game. Its crowning jewel, however, was the Battle Frontier, a sprawling post-game challenge offering diverse combat facilities. Emerald is often cited as the gold standard for "third versions" in the series.

The Dawn of 3D: Generation IV (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver)

The Nintendo DS era began with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2007), pushing the series into limited 3D environments and leveraging the DS's dual screens for mapping and menus. These games were ambitious, introducing:

Global Trade System (GTS): Revolutionizing online trading and battling, allowing players worldwide to connect.
Physical/Special Split: A fundamental overhaul of the battle system, where moves were categorized as physical or special based on their effect, not just type, creating unprecedented strategic depth.
New Lore: The Sinnoh region introduced deep, cosmic lore surrounding its legendary Pokémon, shaping the understanding of the Pokémon world's creation.
While celebrated for their multiplayer focus and battle system revamp, Diamond and Pearl faced criticism for slow pacing, a somewhat limited regional Pokédex, and various glitches in their initial release.
Pokémon Platinum (2009) arrived to address these concerns, much like Emerald before it. It featured significant improvements to multiplayer, revamped Gyms that felt more like mini-dungeons, and an expanded story that introduced the surreal Distortion World. More Pokémon were made available, and the pacing was tightened, making Platinum a significant and often preferred upgrade over its predecessors.
Following this, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2010) delivered what many consider to be among the greatest remakes in gaming history. Retelling the Gen II story, they incorporated elements from Crystal and expanded upon Yellow's "following Pokémon" mechanic to allow any Pokémon to walk behind you. The inclusion of the Pokéwalker peripheral offered a unique real-world integration. These games refined an already beloved adventure, though some players found the end-game grinding repetitive after two regions of challenges.

Unova's Bold New Vision: Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2)

Pokémon Black and White (2011) marked a daring departure. Set in the Unova region, inspired by New York City, these games introduced an entirely new set of 150+ Pokémon, with no previous generation Pokémon available until the post-game. This forced players to engage with a fresh roster, mimicking the feeling of Gen I.
Generation V put a strong emphasis on narrative and characterization. It presented a more nuanced story about the relationship between humans and Pokémon, with an antagonist, N, who genuinely challenged the ethics of Pokémon confinement and battling. New wireless features like the C-Gear, Entralink, and Dream World also expanded connectivity. While some Pokémon designs were controversial, the ambitious storytelling and fresh Pokédex made Black and White a standout.
In a franchise first, instead of a "third version," we received direct sequels: Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012). These games continued the Unova story two years later, featuring new areas, Gym Leaders, and a significantly expanded Pokédex from the start. They introduced a difficulty setting and an achievement system, offering more replayability. While appreciated for their continuity, some felt they lacked the ground-breaking ambition of the original Black and White or previous "third" versions.

The Leap to Full 3D: Generation VI (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire)

Pokémon X and Y (2013) were watershed moments, bringing the main series to the Nintendo 3DS with full 3D graphics and fluid, non-grid-based movement for the first time. The Kalos region felt vibrant and alive, and these games introduced some of the most impactful mechanics since Gen I:

Mega Evolution: A temporary, powerful transformation for specific Pokémon during battle, adding a dramatic strategic layer.
Fairy Type: The 18th Pokémon type, introduced to balance the metagame, particularly against the historically dominant Dragon type.
Pokémon-Amie: A mini-game that allowed players to bond with their Pokémon through petting and feeding, providing in-game benefits.
Player Customization: The ability to change your character's clothing and appearance, a feature eagerly requested by fans.
Rideable Pokémon: Certain Pokémon could be ridden in the overworld, offering quick traversal.
Despite these innovations and a beautiful new region, X and Y were criticized for introducing fewer new Pokémon (around 70) and for an underwhelming story and evil team.
The following year saw the release of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014), stunning remakes of the Gen III titles. They seamlessly incorporated Gen VI's new features like Mega Evolution and full 3D graphics. These remakes also introduced the "multiverse" concept, subtly implying parallel worlds in the Pokémon canon. With improved story elements and enhanced post-game content (like the Delta Episode featuring Zinnia), ORAS delivered a definitive Hoenn experience, though the water traversal remained extensive.

Alola's Island Trials: Generation VII (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go!)

Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016) reimagined the Pokémon formula in the Hawaiian-inspired Alola region. They dramatically departed from the traditional Gym challenge, replacing it with diverse "Island Trials" that involved puzzles, battles against Totem Pokémon, and unique challenges. This refresh was largely praised for revitalizing the core loop.
Other significant changes included:

Removal of HMs: Hidden Machines were replaced by rideable Pokémon (Poké Ride), streamlining exploration and inventory.
Regional Forms: Classic Kanto Pokémon received new forms and types tailored to Alola's environment, offering fresh takes on familiar faces.
Z-Moves: Powerful, one-time-use attacks per battle that added another layer of tactical decision-making.
Pokémon Pelago: An island system where Pokémon stored in your PC could go on missions, collect items, or train.
Sun and Moon were lauded for their fully fleshed-out Alolan culture, vibrant characters, and a surprisingly thoughtful story featuring the memorable Team Skull. They offered a genuine evolution of the series.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017) followed, aiming to be a grand celebration of the franchise. While they featured an expanded story, new Ultra Beasts, and many legendary Pokémon from previous games, they faced criticism for being too similar to the original Sun and Moon. Many players felt they lacked the innovation seen in other "third" versions, and certain story changes were controversial.
Then came a surprising entry: Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee (2018). These games, the first main series RPGs on the Nintendo Switch, offered a nostalgic return to Kanto, blending elements of Red/Blue, Yellow, and the massively popular Pokémon GO. They featured:
Simplified Capture System: Wild Pokémon encounters and captures were based on Pokémon GO's mechanics, using motion controls or button presses to throw Poké Balls.
Visible Wild Pokémon: Random encounters were removed; Pokémon appeared on the overworld, allowing players to choose their battles.
Two-Player Simultaneous Play: A unique co-op mode for shared adventures.
Following Pokémon: Reinstated for all Pokémon, adding charm.
While praised for their visual overhaul and accessibility, hardcore fans criticized Let's Go for being too easy and for its simplified battle and capture mechanics, which felt a departure from the traditional RPG experience.

Into the Wild Area: Generation VIII (Sword, Shield, Expansions, BDSP, Legends: Arceus)

Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) heralded Generation VIII and the first new main series titles on the Nintendo Switch. Set in the UK-inspired Galar region, they brought significant graphical improvements and introduced the groundbreaking Wild Area, a semi-open-world zone where players could freely explore and encounter visibly roaming Pokémon.
Key features included:

Dynamaxing/Gigantamaxing: A temporary, colossal size and power boost for Pokémon, central to Gym battles and Max Raid Battles.
Max Raid Battles: Co-operative boss battles against Dynamaxed Pokémon, offering unique challenges and rewards.
Pokémon Camp: A feature to interact with your Pokémon, cook curry, and boost friendship.
Sword and Shield faced significant controversy for the removal of the National Pokédex, meaning not all Pokémon from previous generations could be brought into the games. This "Dexit" decision sparked heated debate among fans. Despite mixed reception for graphics and the Pokédex cut, the games were praised for their intense Gym battles, memorable characters, and the compelling Wild Area concept.
In a bold move for the series, instead of a third version, Sword and Shield received paid downloadable content: The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra (2020). These expansions added two new open-world frontiers, over 200 Pokémon from previous generations (partially addressing the Dexit concerns), new legendary Pokémon, and robust story arcs. The Dynamax Adventures in The Crown Tundra offered a fresh take on Max Raid Battles, ensuring new legendary Pokémon encounters.
Then came a new wave of remakes and a completely new style of game. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021), developed by ILCA, were faithful remakes of the Gen IV originals. They adopted a "chibi" visual style for the overworld, reverting to more proportional models during battles. Quality-of-life improvements like auto-save and HMs no longer needing to be taught were welcome. The Underground was revamped into the Grand Underground with visible Pokémon encounters, and Ramanas Park offered post-game legendary encounters. However, they were largely criticized for being too faithful to the originals, inheriting glitches, slow pacing, and not incorporating the widely praised elements from Pokémon Platinum.
Closing out Generation VIII, Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) offered the most radical departure in the main series' history. Set in the ancient Hisui region (a past version of Sinnoh), it focused on completing the first-ever Pokédex through field research. It featured:
Vast, Adjacent Open-World Areas: Streamlined exploration with visible Pokémon that reacted to your presence.
Seamless Battle/Capture Mechanics: Players could throw Poké Balls at wild Pokémon directly from the overworld or initiate battles seamlessly.
Item Crafting: A new system for creating Poké Balls and other essential items.
New Moveset Operations: Agile and Strong Style moves that altered turn order, adding tactical depth.
Legends: Arceus was universally praised for its innovative gameplay, which fundamentally evolved the relationship between people and Pokémon, despite some criticism for its graphics. It represented a bold new direction for the franchise, proving that the core formula could still be reinvented.

What Defines a "Main Series" Pokémon Game Today?

After more than two decades, the definition of a "main series" Pokémon game has evolved. While the core elements remain—catching, battling, evolving, and trading—the series has consistently pushed boundaries, balancing tradition with innovation.
A main series game typically:

Introduces a New Region and Generation of Pokémon: Or significantly reworks an existing one (as with remakes).
Follows an RPG Structure: With a narrative, progression, and usually a League challenge or similar goal.
Features Core Mechanics: Type advantages, evolution, items, and team building are always present.
Emphasizes Social Interaction: Through trading, battling, or cooperative play.
Innovates on Gameplay: Each generation typically brings a new mechanic (e.g., breeding, Mega Evolution, Dynamaxing, trials) or a significant quality-of-life improvement.
The journey from Red and Blue's 8-bit sprites to Arceus's open-world exploration demonstrates a continuous effort to keep the franchise fresh while respecting its roots. This ongoing evolution is what keeps trainers returning to each All About New Pokémon Generations with excitement.

Navigating the Generations: Which Pokémon Adventure is Right for You?

With so many games, where do you start? Or if you're returning, which one offers the experience you crave?

For the New Trainer:

Pokémon X & Y / Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (3DS): Excellent entry points for their smooth 3D graphics, streamlined mechanics, and clear tutorials. X/Y introduce Mega Evolution, while ORAS offer a classic story with modern flair.
Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu & Eevee (Switch): If you're coming from Pokémon GO or prefer a more relaxed, accessible experience with simplified mechanics, these Kanto remakes are perfect.
Pokémon Sword & Shield (Switch): A modern entry with a vibrant world, the Wild Area, and engaging Dynamax battles. Offers a good balance of traditional and new.

For the Returning Veteran:

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (DS): Widely considered peak Pokémon. Offers two regions, endless content, and incredible quality-of-life features. If you missed these, prioritize them.
Pokémon Platinum (DS): The definitive Gen IV experience, fixing issues from Diamond/Pearl and offering robust post-game content.
Pokémon Emerald (GBA): Another classic "third version," known for its expanded story and challenging Battle Frontier.
Pokémon Black & White / Black 2 & White 2 (DS): If you crave a more mature, plot-driven narrative and enjoy an entirely new Pokédex experience, Unova offers a deep and rewarding journey.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Switch): For a radical new take on the Pokémon experience, Arceus reinvents the core loop in a truly refreshing way. It’s different, but in the best possible sense.

For the Competitive Player:

Pokémon X & Y / Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (3DS): Introduced Mega Evolution and the Fairy type, which fundamentally shifted the metagame.
Pokémon Sword & Shield (Switch): The home of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, which dominated competitive play in its era. Its expansions greatly diversified the competitive landscape.

Your Next Pokémon Adventure Awaits

From the humble beginnings of Kanto to the vast, untamed lands of Hisui, the Pokémon main series has consistently delivered engaging, evolving, and deeply personal adventures. Each game in this storied franchise offers something unique, whether it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a bold new vision for the future of Pokémon.
We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated the rich history and diverse experiences awaiting you across every generation. The beauty of the main series is its ability to constantly reinvent itself while staying true to the spirit of discovery and companionship. No matter which game you choose to embark on next, know that a world of wonder, challenge, and unforgettable Pokémon moments is waiting for you. Go forth, trainer, and make your legend!