Maxim's 100 Questions About HeartGold/SoulSilver

[Maxim Posthumus]

I first thought to post it on my blog but the entry was rejected because it was deemed too long. So, I decided that this would deserve its own thread. If I anger mods, then please merge it with the main speculation thread. But I hope this doesn't hurt.

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver games were officially revealed, the grand hype is beginning, fans is speculating. As I mentioned before, I'm going to unleash the MAJOR speculation material regarding HGSS. Those are 100 questions about different aspects some game (some aren't directly connected to the game). Some of them are crucial, some are less important, some are so minor that I seem to be the only person who cares about them. But those questions are a basic thing that every HGSS-speculator want to ask about.

In those question, I assume that HGSS WILL NOT get rid of the Kanto part of it and that it will be actually a remake of GS, rather than a new game set in Johto. I also assume that those games will not bring too revolutionary or generation-overriding changes. So, also don't expect question like "Will a New Pokemon be added in HGSS"?

Some of them will be answered during the pre-release coverage of the games in the CoroCoro. Some will be answered upon the game's release, some will be after the game's release.

So, here are Maxim's 100 Questions About Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver with my speculative answers for them:

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• 1. Will the world (maps, etc.) be intensely expanded to make it feel more DPPt-ish?

My speculation: I am expecting mape expansions in order to fit the DS capabilities. But it won't be something which will affect the gameplay much. Just some more space between buildings.

• 2. What will be done with non-DP Items (Kurt's Balls, Apricorns, Berserk Gene etc.)?

My speculation: I have various ideas to solve this problem. They could make the items which have no purpose when hold simply unholdable. But then, what's with Berserk Gene? Hope they don't discard it. I would like to see it.

• 3. Will Johto's GTS-like place be located in Goldenrod?

My speculation: That's the perfect place for it. They OUGHT TO place it in Goldenrod. However, they should call it Pokemon Communication Center, for the sake of tradition.

• 4. If I catch a Pokemon in one of Kurt's Pokeballs and send it to DPPt, what will happen?

My speculation: I think that Game Freak should do EVERYTHING to maintain Kurt's Balls. What about changing to a normal Pokeball upon trading?

• 5. What will be done with the Time Machine? Removed? Replaced with something else? Kept and upgraded?

My speculation: They could always change it to something Pal Park-like. But doing that would be DSi-discrimination. So, the chances are that they'll delete it and change Bill into the inventor of the new Wi-Fi System...

• 6. Will there be a bigger Battle facility? What about Crystal's Battle Tower or a new Johto Battle Frontier in its place?

My speculation: Hope that they'll place the new Battle Tower (or Battle Tower-like thing) in the old place from Crystal. That's a perfect place after all... So, either old Battle Tower (but under new, Gen. IV's rules, of course) or a new Battle Frontier. Well, of course a new, full-fledged Stadium-like spin-off game would be more awesome... But that's unlikely.

• 7. Will HGSS incorporate some Crystal-only elements (like Buena's Passwords, Dragon Den Quiz, Egg Ticket, Celebi)

My speculation: Hope they do it. Girl character is a sure thing (and I hope she's Crystal). The other things are one big question. Celebi event would be awesome, I also hope for Buena's Passwords, as I would love to see her sprite and/or artwork. Extremespeed Dratini would be welcome to return. I also have my thumbs up for Egg Ticket and its debut outside Japan!

• 8. If Celebi is included, will it be catchable in a remake of his Crystal event or something completely different?

My speculation: It would make much more sense to me if they remake the Celebi event from Crystal, with all its Mobile Adapter elements to be replaced with Wi-Fi. Or they could make that able to simply get the GS Ball offline.

• 9. Will there be more Legendaries caught in in-game events than in G/S/C?

My speculation: All Hoenn Legendaries are not available to be obtained in DPPt (without using Pal Park, of course). So, they might invent some way to catch them. As for Mewtwo... well... I think that bringing his Cerulean Cave back would be a fail. They should make a new plot for him, if they want to include him.

• 10. Will Ruins of Alph legend be somewhat expanded (or rather, given more explanation)?

My speculation: Oh, that's the one that Unown Lord was talking about very much. That mysterious statue Pokemon is indeed a strange thing. What will they do with it? Time will show... I have no idea myself.

• 11. Will certain places and buildings look similar to their anime/manga versions?

My speculation: I have some imagination on how should the buildings look like. This vision is influenced by anime and mangas, indeed. But the different canons seem to be sometimes contradictive in their Johto visions. However, it's imaginable how will the Ecruteak Towers look like. The Radio Tower, however, is less imaginable... And also, the Olivine Lighthouse is supposed to be much taller and bigger than Vista Lighthouse. OMG... seeing how the old buildings look like is really one of the main purposes of the game!

• 12. Will there be new form(e)s of Pokemon?

My speculation: It has been theorized that the cover Pokemon would be Lugia's and Ho-oh's new Formes. But isn't it too late for new Formes?

• 13. Will Notched-Ear Pichu be somewhat involved?

My speculation: Everyone seems to be thinking she will... Expect her to be a real gimmick!

• 14. Will some Pokemon movesets be revised?

My speculation: All previous games made some changes in Pokemon movesets... This ones will probably, too. Hope the changes will affect the game well.

• 15. What will be done with old TMs? A new set of TMs or a group of Move Tutors?

My speculation: The TM sets are a rather generational change than an inter-game thing, so there will probably be DPPt set of TMs in HGSS. Though I personally doubt that all 92 TMs will be obtainable. Just some of them. Also, Flash will probably be buy-able (in addition to being obtained from Sprout Tower Elder). Headbutt should be made a multiple-chance Move Tutor (considering that Headbutt trees are going to be included). Other significant moves from old TM set would be changed into normal Move Tutors.

• 16. What will be done with HMs? Whirlpool is needed!

My speculation: In the case of HMs... Well, I think that the useless Defog should be changed into Whirpool. HM08 would not be used at all. And the problem's solved! HM's are untradeable, so there's no problem here.

• 17. Will there be Headbutt trees as in the original? Or maybe Honey again?

My speculation: I'm hoping for Headbutt trees. It was way more amusing than Honey. Also, the Headbutt-able trees were always a part of the Johto image in my head! Notice that they're Johto-only! GSC's Kanto ain't got them (except for Routes 26 and 27, which have Johto tilesets and generally appear more Johto-esque.)

• 18. Will some of Kanto attractions, which were gone in GS, be restored?

My speculation: Oh, this is the object of a heated debate in the fandom. Well, Safari Zone has a fair chance to be re-opened after completing some quest. I also hope that Radio Tower could be reopened at some point of the game, as I would like to see what's inside it (they might put lots of cool things into it) and to make it feel that it was not a rushed replacement of Ghosy Tower... Silph Co. and Pewter Museum have no purpose anymore, so I think not. And last but not least, I hope that Cinnabar is NOT brought back. Pretending that the volcano eruption didn't happen would be just a pointless kick in Pokemon timeline consistency. Also, there is NOTHING on the island that could play any useful role in HGSS (no fossils, no Rockets and Mewtwo). So, getting an island just for the sake of getting an island would be pointless, especially when considering a MAJOR punch in Pokemon plot which it would cause.

• 19. Or maybe, will there be some brand new addition to Kanto and/or Johto?

My speculation: Some additions wouldn't hurt, indeed. But not too major!

• 20. Will there be a big tileset difference between Kanto and Johto (e.g. Kanto and Johto Pokecenters and Gyms looking different) as in the original?

My speculation: The tileset difference in the original was very, very clear. The trees were different, the buildings were different... It really felt like you're exploring two different regions. I hope they keep that. Kanto should look as it looked in FR/LG, Johto would consist of completely new tiles. Routes 26 and 27, however, should have typical Johto landscape, despite the fact that they're located in Kanto. The landscape difference between Kanto and Johto is CRUCIAL in my opinion.

• 21. Will Kanto's tilesets look similar to those in FR/LG (but in DS graphics) or will HGSS refurbish it completely?

My speculation: I think that Kanto's landscape should be based strongly on the landscape from FR/LG. Just like GSC's Kanto was a continuation of RGBY Kanto, HGSS's Kanto should be a continuation of FRLG Kanto. Also, FRLG tilesets are now a part of fans' image of Kanto. It would suck if they ruined that by giving Kanto completely new tilesets.

• 22. Will the Shaymin's stone in Kanto (mentioned in DPPt) be somewhat referenced/involved?

My speculation: This alternation from the original should be made, in my opinion. They mentioned it in DPPt and now they would ignore it? It would be a stupid move...

• 23. What will be done to Trainer's House in Viridian, as there is no IR-DA anymore?

My speculation: I'm pretty sure they'll maintain the house. It's a brand new attraction in Viridian (it's so famous that even a guy in Saffron mentioned it). In the original, the Viridian House made use of GBC's IR-DA port. Now, there is no IR-DA. So, the first thing that comes into mind is Wi-Fi. But... in the original the house was a perfect place to increase your Pokemon Levels. Wi-Fi battles don't allow that, so it would kill the house's old purpose. My idea is, that you would battle a clone of your last Wi-Fi opponent. If you never used Wi-Fi, you would battle Cal, as in the original. Also, the other possibility is to make there two rooms in Viridian House - one would be an NPC battle (with Cal), the other one would be a Wi-Fi battle... Both possibilities are okay, as they don't eliminate the House's old purpose and both include good ole' Cal.

• 24. If Cal from Viridian House is involved, will he look like his Stadium 2 self or rather like the player's shadow?

My speculation: Oh, yeah. This is one of the questions that only I seem to care about... Well, I believe that the fact that Cal had Gold's sprite was a technical limitation (caused by the fact that the Viridian House was a place destined for battle with fellow players who looked like "Golds"). Now, they can make Viridian House hold many different sprites for trainers, so there should be no problem with giving Cal his own sprite. I just hope they DO remember that they already gave Cal his own design in Stadium 2 and that they'll reuse it!

• 25. Will Kanto's simplified dungeons be expanded? If yes, strongly?

My speculation: Rock Tunnel doesn't play any role in GSC anymore. It's just a little cute optional dungeon with all the trainers gone and no plot value. It's there mainly because of tradition, so no need to remap it. So is Mt. Moon. Now it's just a place where you battle with Rival and a gate to Mt. Moon Square. Also, no one forces you to enter it. So, would there be a point to remap it and make the access to Mt. Moon Square harder? We don't want dungeons just for the sake of having dungeons. The Kanto cave which I can see remapped is the Victory Road. I just hope they don't do it THAT frustrating as it was in FR/LG... Also, expect Diglett's Cave to be lengthened to its FR/LG size.

• 26. Will there be a full-fledged Kanto map artwork available (in GSC there was one but it's EXTREMELY ELUSIVE. You can find only tiny versions in the net.)

My speculation: Hope yes. I would really love to see a Kanto Map with GSC's changes. Sugimori indeed DID draw a Kanto Map in GSC times but it's way to elusive. All I've got is the tiny version from Pokemon Garden. I want a full (and widely available) HGSS Kanto Map artwork and more Kanto artworks. It also needs some love....

• 27. Will Sugimori give Kanto some love (in GSC times, he didn't...), that means full Kanto Gym Leaders artworks and such.

My speculation: Yeah. GSC Kanto lacked any kind of artworks. Kanto's Gym Leaders and some characters want their artworks. Same with the map. Sugimori, you have two regions to cover now. Quit lazing around!

• 28. Will Gym Leaders' Teams be revised?

My speculation: Well. It indeed sucked that Falkner had Pidgey and Pidgeotto... So, some revisions would not hurt. But I hope that they don't change the teams drastically and give them Gen III/IV Pokemon all of sudden. For rematches, however, it is pretty welcome.

• 29. Will there be Gym/E4 replacements?

My speculation: Some people have been screaming that Bruno should be replaced by a Ground-type member in order to have all 16 types represented in Gym/E4 teams. Myself, I don't feel the neccessity. I want to see old, familiar characters. A new leader is not what I really want to see. They could simply put in some strong Ground-type trainer to fill that spot.

• 30. Will the Gym Leaders and E4 be strongly redesigned?

My speculation: Seeing that the main characters didn't get strong redesigns, I think that Sugimori will not be messing with character designs too much. However, minor redressings are always possible. I also hope that HGSS's Kanto Leaders will be similar to their GSC versions (rather than FRLG versions). I really prefer Misty's GSC hairstyle...

• 31. Will there be an important new character?

My speculation: A new character would always be good. However, I hope that he's not just a new rival (I've got enough of them in Fan Remakes) but something more original. Also, the best place for him would be in Sevii (a new sub-region?).

• 32. Will boy character meet his girl counterpart at some point of the game?

My speculation: Hope yes. That would be a way to find out the main characters' names. Maybe their names aren't Gold and Crystal at all... Anyway, meeting opposite-character player would be pretty awesome.

• 33. Will HGSS shed some light on Silver and his family (or rather, Giovanni and his family)?

My speculation: What they mentioned in FR/LG can't be now just discarded out of sudden... Of course, they may always pretend that it wasn't about Silver but that would suck. We've got enough of unresolved plots!

• 34. Will we meet some other game protagonist, not counting Red & Blue (e.g. Leaf, Brendan, May)?

My speculation: I hope for Leaf (or whatever you call her). Just for the sake of seeing her and finding out her name. Also, we have Red and Blue already, so she fits.

• 35. Will Rocket Executives be more distinct in HGSS (given names or at least somewhat distinguished)?

My speculation: I generally think that Rocket plot should be more worked. In GSC, the Rockets haven't shown us anything interesting. All of them were bland characters, even the Executives (we even don't know how many Executives were there). That's why I think the Executives should be given names and made more distinct characters. Also, I hope for Executives artwork!

• 36. What will be done to PokeGear (maybe put on the lower screen, in similar manner to Poketch)?

My speculation: I think that putting the PokeGear on the lower screen is not a bad idea. We really need that thing! Hope that it'll be awesomely redesigned (and given an artwork) and actually MORE USEFUL than the Poketch (which really felt like a gimmick sometimes). Also, I think that the PokeGear should have a colored screen (because of the map). Also a colored screen would make this able to show the trainer sprites in the phone (in similar manner to Emerald's Match Call) which would be intensely awesome!

• 37. Will Poketch be given new functions?

My speculation: Of course it would be cool if it was. PokeGear has to be refreshed. I just hope that PokeGear's feature will be different from Poketch's ones (it would be boring if it made it too Poketch-like). Also, I preferred Itemfinder as an item.

• 38. How will the HGSS Pokedex look like? Will it have something cool?

My speculation: Every new Pokedex version had something cool to it. What will be this HGSS cool Pokedex feature? No idea. There's nothing on the top of my head at the moment.

• 39. What Pokemon will the Johto Pokedex include?

My speculation: I think that the HGSS's Johto Pokedex will not be to different from GSC's one. The numbering and order will be similar. Just some of the Pokemon like Kanto Legendaries (and Kanto Starters possibly too) will possibly be taken out.

• 40. At what point in the game will the National Pokedex be given?

My speculation: This is a fair question, too... If Kanto Starters aren't included in Johto Pokedex, then I think that the National Pokedex will be given as early as the player goes to Kanto. If they are, however, I think that we'll have to wait for the new sub-region (Sevii?) quest for that.

• 41. Will Generation III (and IV) Pokemon be catchable? If yes, where?

My speculation: In Sevii (or whatever we'll be getting), I believe. There's no place for them in Kanto. Also, since the new Sevii quest will probably take place before Red (Red should be the ultimate challenge after all, otherwise the trainers in Sevii should have 80+ Level Pokemon), so the Route 28 and Mt. Silver could also be a home to Gen. III Pokemon. As for Gen. IV Pokemon... We have DPPt for them. So, I guess only the evolutions will be obtainable.

• 42. Will Kanto and/or Hoenn starters be available at some point (as in Emerald)?

My speculation: I can see Oak giving one of the Kanto starters to the player after he gets National Pokedex (or completes Johto Dex).

• 43. Will there be a new, useful item?

My speculation: Yeah! We got some of them in FR/LG (like Vs. Seeker, Fame Checker). So, HGSS should utilize some new item, too. What will it be? That's the mystery!

• 44. Will Fame Checker from FR/LG make its return?

My speculation: Hope yes! It was a very, very, very awesome thing (for plot-nerds like me) in FR/LG as it made it able to get some extra information about certain characters. Also, I can easily see this item in a DS game, as it would be browsed more easily using the touch screen. Fame Checker, you are welcome!

• 45. Where will they put all these new items (which weren't there in GSC yet)? RSE and DPPt added a whole lot of them, mainly hold items.

My speculation: Yeah, there's a whole lot of new items. Well, if the game doesn't utilize Contests, then we're done with Contest items. The rest of items (mainly hold ones for battle) would be available somewhere (like in the grounds of Johto and Kanto, from various NPCs, mainly from Sevii). Also, there's no neccessity to make ALL the DPPt's items obtainable. Some could just be discarded, available only by trading.

• 46. What Wi-Fi attractions will be in HGSS?

My speculation: They will possibly put in some minigames, like those in Platinum... Certainly, they will give us something new and cool for Wi-Fi. I just hope they don't Wi-Fi-ise everything.

• 47. Will the game utilise some awesome 3D animations?

My speculation: Oh yeah! Hope yes! Some 3D cutscenes would be awesome. Also, the FPVs from FR/LG could return (in 3D this time). That would be totally awesome!

• 48. Will there be new music tracks? If yes, will they be for new places only or for old places too?

My speculation: First of all, I hope they DON'T put new tracks in old places. I know that there was little variety in Johto's town themes, but I DO NOT want it to be "fixed". It would kill the old feel of Johto. I want old music in old places (since the melodies playing in each place are a very important part of their images, IMO) For new places however, new tracks are perfectly okay... I'm not sure what would they do with Sevii, since it has Johto themes...

• 49. Will Kanto tracks be rather GSC-like or FRLG-like?

My speculation: I hope for GSC-based tracks for Kanto places. I really prefer shortened Kanto Route theme from GSC to its FRLG version. Also, GSC Cerulean has Viridian theme (not its own theme from RGBY) and they SHALL NOT change it! In other words, I want HGSS Kanto themes to be the updated versions of GSC themes, not FRLG ones!

• 50. Will Sevii Islands make their return in HGSS?

My speculation: Oh yes, I wanted this question to be at a nice number. I already talked about this a lot. Well, as many people, I think that HGSS adventure should not be limited to just Kanto and Johto. This calls for a new sub-region HGSS. "New" means that it wasn't in GSC. Does it mean that it has to be brand new? No!!! I think that the "new" sub-region in HGSS should be Sevii. It's just a perfect candidate for that, since it's a familliar place (which fits the remake idea) which deserves to be visited as well. It probably changed after these three years as well. And maybe, unlike Kanto, the Sevii Archipelago became MORE EXCITING place than it was in FR/LG. This calls for changes! I want to see Sevii after three years, with a brand new adventures and attractions. It's also the perfect place to put all Game Freak's new ideas without touching Johto and Kanto too strongly...

• 51. If they don't, will there be a new sub-region at all?

My speculation: Do I want a brand new region in HGSS? Well, not quite. I want it to consist of all familliar places, with only minor additions. That's why I want Sevii to be there. Hoenn or Sinnoh? Keep dreaming. The cartridge will not have enough room for that. Of course, a brand new miniregion would also be likeable if it was full of cool features. But they already have Sevii which is perfect for this role, so why not?!

• 52. If yes, at what point of the game will it be accessible?

My speculation: I think that would be after beating 8 Kanto Leaders (or maybe after beating Blaine, for nostalgia?). The hero would obtain a National Dex and be lifted to the Islands. After completing the Sevii quest, he/she would be given the permission to battle Red (having the quest after beating Red would suck, as it would require the trainers to have 80+ Level Pokes).

• 53. Will we see a familiar face in the new sub-region, if it appears (if that's Sevii, how about Lorelei)?

My speculation: I hope for Lorelei in Sevii. It would be awesome if her absence from Elite Four was explained. Also, I would like to see Agatha and Bertha next to each other, with the explanation of their relation.

• 54. How will the player's Trainer Card be made to fit both Johto and Kanto Badges?

My speculation: In GSC the Kanto Badges weren't viewable at all... However, I hope that they will be viewable (and polishable ^_^) in HGSS. I think that a two-sided badge case could solve this problem.

• 55. Will there be pre-battle sprites of Gym Leaders/E4 like those in Platinum?

My speculation: I hope for those awesome face artworks from Platinum. I really prefer them to stretched versions of their battle sprites. Seeing Will and Karen's face before battle will be especially awesome!

• 56. Will Pokemon backsprites move, like in Platinum?

My speculation: This is the feature that I can see Game Freak giving it up, for the sake of inclusion of some cooler graphical feature. Though I admit that it gave battles a more dynamic feel.

• 57. Will there be some animated Trainer sprites, as in Platinum?

My speculation: Hope yes! Moving trainer sprites is what I want. It would be particularly cool if it wasn't restricted to Leaders, E4 and such. But I could live with it if it was...

• 58. Will HGSS commence some new tradition in Pokemon games? (I mean, some element which would be used in all [or most] future main games)

My speculation: This is a question that I find very hard to answer. It will be much easier to answer after the game's released and we know all of its new features, so we can judge which ones might return and which ones might not.

• 59. Will HGSS's new battling additions affect the metagame strongly?

My speculation: Oh, don't care about this one too much. I'm not a competitive battler! My Pokemon's movesets are for NPC-sweeping and they would lose instantly in any competitive match. However, every game brings something new to the metagaming, so anything's possible. Especially if new Formes are featured.

• 60. Will NoA follow their error from FR/LG and call Janine "Charine"?

My speculation: Hope not. She'll always be Janine for that. NoA should not rename her just because of some little cute cameo that they misnamed long, long ago. That was an easy-to-miss error anyway, so I don't see the neccessity of maintaining it.

• 61. Will NoA now call Blue "Green" because of Leaf Green?

My speculation: I don't feel the neccessity of retconning the name. Also, Leaf Green is not a Generation IV game, so I don't think it would make much sense. Consistency in translation is way more important than that!

• 62. Will there be references to RSE and DPPt in HGSS? Lots of them?

My speculation: Don't feel the neccessity but they'd always be nice...

• 63. Will the Gym Leaders be rematchable?

My speculation: I think they should but in a rather Pt-like manner (not Emerald-like). They should be rematchable in some cafe (or something like that) in Sevii Islands. Going to their respective Gyms for the second times would not work (there's no time for it. The player has to explore Johto, Kanto and Sevii fully). So, I think a cafe on Sevii would be a better thing. Should it, however, be limited to Johto Leaders only? Or maybe the Kanto ones should be rematchable as well? Anyway, I think it's a perfect chance to give them new Pokemon.

• 64. Will Elite Four get an upgrade, like in FR/LG?

My speculation: I think it should get one, at some point. I also think that all the members should get full 6 Pokemon teams, with the missing spot to be filled by Hoenn Pokemon. Also, Lance would get rid of two of his Dragonites.

• 65. Will we get some awesome 3D Magnet Train animated cutscene?

My speculation: Yeah! Seeing how the Train passes various parts of Johto and Kanto would be awesome! I want a totally awesome cutscene here!

• 66. Will there be many additional Trainers (who weren't there in GSC)?

My speculation: I think they should put all of the Crystal's additional Trainers (there wasn't many of them, just a few). They should also add some Double Battle Trainers, as they did in FR/LG.

• 67. Will the Day/Night system be simple (as in GSC) or more complex (as in DPPt)?

My speculation: I'm hoping for DPPt's day system. However, it'll be hard to associate it with old features. But anything is possible. That'll certainly make the game more fresh.

• 68. Will there be PokeRadar and more swarms?

My speculation: PokeRadar... why not? I don't understand this item fully but... why not? More swarms - yeah! We have phone for that!

• 69. Will the gatehouses be more hall-like (as in GSC) or rather house-like (as in DPPt) (I mean their inside look, of course)?

My speculation: I was annoyed by the fact that gatehouse interiors looked like normal houses in DPPt (there wasn't even a guard in them). In GSC, however, they were more strict and looked more like halls, which was cool. The preview from Pokemon Sunday showed us that HGSS's tilesets are based on DPPt closely. However, I still hope that we'll be getting hall-like GSC gatehouses, rather than those bland DPPt ones. The DPPt exteriors of gatehouses, however, are perfectly fine. That's how I imagine them.

• 70. Will the female Rocket Grunt look similar to Cassidy from the anime (as in the original)?

My speculation: I'm hoping for a Cassidy-like Grunt! I loved that design!

• 71. Are we getting Cooltrainers or Ace Trainers and Officers or Policemen in the translation?

My speculation: I hate the name "Ace Trainer"! I hope that they'll give us Cooltrainers, as in the original. As for Policemen, I could care less. What about a compromise and calling them Guards?

• 72. Will the Game Corner games be the same as in the original (Slots and Card Flip)?

My speculation: Slots are a certain thing (hope they'll be Vileplume themed, as in GSC). I also have my thumbs up that they'll maintain Card Flip. As for other games, adding something new and fresh would be nice.

• 73. How will HGSS affect the anime and the mangas?

My speculation: There will certainly be a new Pokemon Special Saga and some new Pokemon Manga title based on the games entirely (maybe Muneo Saito will realize that he didn't finish Golden Boys? Though it's unlikely...). As for anime, I don't know. Going back to Johto would be nice, as long as they convey the adventures of HGSS, instead of turning it into another fillerose.

• 74. Will there be a full-fledged spinoff game dedicated to HGSS?

My speculation: A new Stadium-like game which would serve as HGSS's Battle Frontier would be totally awesome. And, unlike PBR, it would be STRONGLY connected to HGSS's plot and would feature such old features like Gym Leader's Castle, Cup Tournaments and Mini-Games! Such game would be a very good move, as it would be an awesome extension for HGSS and it would be countless times better than PBR!

• 75. Will there be more gender differences?

My speculation: I personally doubt that Notched-Ear Pichu is a new gender difference. However, it doesn't change the fact that they should give old Pokemon some new gender differences in HGSS.

• 76. Will there be interesting cameos (like Rebecca, Butler and Dyan in DPPt [not caught by translators])?

My speculation: Well, rather than anime cameos, I'd rather there too be some cross-generational cameos. What about Agatha and Bertha? Or maybe someone from Hoenn?

• 77. What will the in-game trades be? Those from GS? Those from Crystal? Or maybe completely new ones?

My speculation: Out of all in-game trades, only the one with Aerodactyl was useful. So, I don't know... What about the Crystal ones?

• 78. Will the Bag be unlimited as in DPPt? Or they'd rather make it limited as in original?

My speculation: DPPt's unlimited bag was sometimes annoying. The PC item storage is more traditional and more practical. It should be there.

• 79. Will the new evolutions of old Pokemon be a part of Johto Dex or will they be available after obtaining National Dex? Also, how will the Pokemon which evolve only at specific spots be obtained (e.g. Probopass, Leafeon)?

My speculation: I think that the new evolutions should not be a part of Johto Dex. Catching them early in the game would spoil the old feel. They should be available after the National Dex, IMHO. I'm also somewhat afraid that the specific-spot evolutions will be obtainable only by trading from DPPt. But who knows. Maybe they'll do something about it...

• 80. Will respective Unowns be given their own artworks?

My speculation: Hope yes. Kenny Sugimori never bothered to draw 'em all.

• 81. Will the games be released in Korean?

My speculation: Huh. Let them release Platinum first. They haven't even announced it. Also, Korea seems to be pretty obsessed with Mystery Dungeon series, so I'm afraid they would give up the release of HGSS for MD Sky. But who knows... I hope that both Platinum and HGSS are released in Korean. They deserve them.

• 82. Will there be Pokemon Contest in the game?

My speculation: Hope not. Putting all those Contest stuff in the game... Too much of a change... Johto and Contests don't fit (in the games, in the anime they could).

• 83. With the current system of Berries, will there be more berry plants spread over Johto and Kanto (as there is more variety in Berries now)?

My speculation: They'll certainly update the Berries system to the Gen IV one. But I'm sure that they won't find the place to include all the Berries. Some of them will probably be unobtainable (unless by trading).

• 84. Will player's decorative room return with new decoration items?

My speculation: Platinum had that Villa thing, so why not? I also hope that all old decorations are maintained, with some new ones being added.

• 85. Will some of the Gyms get redesigns?

My speculation: GSC Gyms weren't too puzzling (except Pryce's one) but to be honest, I don't want them to be remapped. But if they do remap them, I just hope they don't re-add that freakin' doorlock to Viridian Gym.

• 86. Will Red's story be better explained? Will his Sevii Islands quest be mentioned and will the reason why he's at Mt. Silver be revealed?

My speculation: Hope yes... I want to know what's going on with Red!

• 87. Will there be many non-Pokemon artworks? Some items, "forgotten" characters (like Day Siblings) and badges (both Johto and Kanto) would be nice.

My speculation: Well, aside from redrawing all Johto Pokemon (which is a sure thing) I want there to be: all Gym Leaders and E4 artwork, some notable characters artworks, Badge artworks (at least Johto ones), all the "new" Balls, some items and some building interiors/exteriors (like those from Platinum's Battle Frontier). Stop lazing around, Kenny! We want many awesome artworks for HGSS!

• 88. Will (unneccessary) items from DPPt like Journal or Vs. Recorder be included?

My speculation: I don't feel the neccessity myself... That whole Journal thing was a gimmick.

• 89. Will Johto (and Kanto?) get an Underground, like the one in Sinnoh (and fossils)?

My speculation: We have Fossils in DPPt. So, I don't feel the neccessity of having them in HGSS. Adding Underground would be too revolutionary and unneccessary. I think there'll be enough Wi-Fi things in HGSS to bear without the Underground.

• 90. Will the towers look different, or will Tin Tower be merely higher Sprout Tower?

My speculation: I want the towers to look different. Well, Burned Tower will not be problem since it's burnt... But Tin and Sprout Towers should use different tiles, so we could feel the variety between them.

• 91. Will Burned Tower map be arranged as in GS or as in Crystal?

My speculation: All Crystal's Suicune subplots will likely be omitted, which points to GS's Burned Tower. But who knows? Maybe they'll use the Crystal map but with GS plot?

• 92. Will Red and Blue wear their FR/LG clothes?

My speculation: I think that HGSS's Kanto should continue FRLG's one. So, why not? Also, new artworks for those guys! In GSC, Sugimori didn't bother...

• 93. Will binoculars on the Goldenrod Dept. rooftop have a 3D view?

My speculation: That would be totally awesome! In DPPt we had those awesome binoculars in Vista Lighthouse. The binoculars in Goldenrod scream for the same thing!

• 94. Will Pink Bow and Polkadot Bow be replaced with Silk Scarf?

My speculation: Huh... Guess yes. That way, they could get rid of a troublesome item by replacing it with same-working one. Though, a part of me wants to see Pink Bow's and Polkadot Bow's sprite...

• 95. What with the items which could be obtained only by sending a Pokemon through Time Machine? Will they be included (in different place) or not?

My speculation: Well... Those troublesome ones (like Gold and Silver Leaves) could easily be discarded, as they aren't neccessary and don't have any unique qualities (though I wish they would be included in the game's code as unused data, so we can extract their sprites). Also, the trophy-holding Boxes (Normal and Gorgeous Box) which were obtainable by transporting a Pokemon from Stadium 2 would be given with promotional giveaway Pokemon. I want those trophies very much!

• 96. Is Dragon's Den a cave or rather an outdoor place hidden beside a cave (G/S/C tileset was ambiguous)?

My speculation: Huh. The Dragon's Den tileset will certainly clear this up.

• 97. Will Karate Master's name be changed into Takenori (JP) and Koichi (US) because of the naming error in FR/LG?

My speculation: I don't know... Maybe they would be better if they changed his name to Takenori/Koichi just to ensure that he's the same person as FR/LG's Karate Master. But then, what will be done with a Blackbelt named Takenori (he's one of the Phone Trainers, his English name is Kenji)?

• 98. Will Kanto Routes be re-lengthened to their FR/LG size?

My speculation: I think yes, seeing that the shortening of Kanto routes was merely a way to save rom data. So, I would place my bets on Kanto Routes being expanded as there is no such need anymore.

• 99. Will the water inside Cinnabar Volcano be replaced with awesomely-animated lava?

My speculation: Hope yes. I'm hoping for something Platinum-like here (Stark Mountain lava in Platinum was great). Cinnabar is irretrievably gone, so at least they could give us a little eye-candy?

• 100. Will the fans be whining about HGSS after it's released?

My speculation: YES, THEY WILL!

-----------------------------------------------------------

Discuss! Feel free to post your own speculative answers to some (or all) of the questions. It's ULTIMATE speculative material!

 

[Delete This Account]

I'm also somewhat afraid that the specific-spot evolutions will be obtainable only by trading from DPPt. But who knows. Maybe they'll do something about it...

Perhaps Mount Silver could have the same effect as Mount Coronet?

 

[Shinx3000]

OK, a big list, so here my few responses (In random orders):

7. Will HGSS incorporate some Crystal-only elements (like Buena's Passwords, Dragon Den Quiz, Egg Ticket, Celebi)

Given the reasonable assumption that crystal won't be remade, elements it added to GS would be added.

47. Will the game utilise some awesome 3D animations?

3D I assume you mean like Wiwi plaza and things like this in Platinum? Don't expect much more than what Platinum had in terms of 3D stuff, the creators said it would never be fully 3D anyway.

17. Will there be Headbutt trees as in the original? Or maybe Honey again?

Hopefully headbutting w'd all prefer it.

58. Will HGSS commence some new tradition in Pokemon games? (I mean, some element which would be used in all [or most] future main games)

These games are apparently going to add something not seen in pokemon games before, so to that question, yes.

68. Will there be PokeRadar and more swarms?

Most likely yes, I don't see why'd these would disappear.

82. Will there be Pokemon Contest in the game?

Probably, since berries would need to be used for something, unless pokemon don't have a sheen in these games.

Will there be new music tracks? If yes, will they be for new places only or for old places too?

Hopefully just updated ones. I'd love to hear how route 1 music would sound now. I liked the "Setting off" music at the time and its nostalgic for me.

79. Will the new evolutions of old Pokemon be a part of Johto Dex or will they be available after obtaining National Dex? Also, how will the Pokemon which evolve only at specific spots be obtained (e.g. Probopass, Leafeon)?

88. Will (unneccessary) items from DPPt like Journal or Vs. Recorder be included?

I liked the Journal, it should return, or at least do what they did in FR/LG and show you what you did last visually. The Vs. Recorder, idk, but seeing battles does help sometimes if your needing help with battling.

I'll guess since Nosepass or Probopass is not a Gen II or Gen I pokemon, it will be only national dex. And the Leafeon/Glaceon will only be there via trading since they evolve in Sinnoh and from what May did, came to Sinnoh to evolve her eevee, I guess you'd need D/P/Pt or a GTS to obtain them.

 

[Evil Raichu]

In response to the Notched Ear Pichu question...

If I remember correctly, you get two pokemon eggs in GSC. One from Professor Elm, and one the first time you meet the daycare couple south of Goldenrod.

The egg you receive from Elm will probably still be Togepi, but perhaps the egg you recieve from the Daycare couple will be special this time, and hatch into the Notched Ear Pichu?

-
In response to the TR Grunt sprite question...

I was wondering as well if they're going to keep the Cassidy design for the female grunts. My speculation was that they probably have redesigned the grunts to look more generic, a la FRLG, but I wouldn't be surprised if they gave a Cassidy-and-Butch-esque design to the two admins who are looking for Giovanni (even though I know in the anime they aren't executives, etc. It's just speculation!)

 

[The Outrage]

The Dacare couple egg was special last time aswell. Apparantly had a 50/50 chance of being shiny.

Probably, since berries would need to be used for something, unless pokemon don't have a sheen in these games.

So completely ignoring what berries were used for when they were first introduced in Gold and Silver?

My guess is that the only berries that will grow naturally in that game are the Gen III versions of the Gen II berries. I really hope that they don't make things the Watmel berries into a replacement Apricorn berry.

 

[d.aisuke]

.....You want GS on the DS, not even a true remake.
If you really want to play the Same old GSC, you're better off going and getting the rom an an emulator.


I'd personally rather have a new game set in Jouto, or GSC-minus all it's shitty-ness.
However, so far that doesn't seem to be the case.

The original GSC was a rushed sequel to RBY, and I want that rectified with HGSS. I think GHGSS needs to be its own game, and use the original GSC as inspiration, but not completely duplicate it.

 

[Shinx3000]

So completely ignoring what berries were used for when they were first introduced in Gold and Silver?

My guess is that the only berries that will grow naturally in that game are the Gen III versions of the Gen II berries. I really hope that they don't make things the Watmel berries into a replacement Apricorn berry.

I never said that, but some berries are only good for using as making poffin/pokeblock like things for contests.

If this game is important, they will keep berries for various uses, ones like they were used for in Gen II, held items for battles and ones to heighten a pokemon sheen for contests most likley as these games are meant to be the main ones over D/P/Pt now and since new berries appeared since Gen II, they need a purpose besides those used as held items and since you most likley can trade them over to this game, they'd want to do that.

The apicon berries won't be replaced by any other berries.

Now if you want things the way they were in GSC days, do you like the idea of the things shown in the clip of the game being possibly vents for an underground? Although right now the things you see outisde Elms Lab make me think they are lights that come on at night, until something else is proven otherwise as they don't 100% look like vents in D/P/Pt

In response to the Notched Ear Pichu question...

I'd say to obtain it, you need the PCP from the event, as it holds an everstone for a reason not to evolve it and since its proven in anime to be linked to NEP, its rival, its likely this will let you obtain the NEP in GS remake, via the PCP being transferred to the game. Either this or the NEP will not be obtainable in game, or if it is, its unique in some way, maybe the notched ear.

12. Will there be new form(e)s of Pokemon?
My speculation: It has been theorized that the cover Pokemon would be Lugia's and Ho-oh's new Formes. But isn't it too late for new Formes?

I think its too late for new formes, next gen is the time to add new formes if they so wish, with the way breeding is going to work from what has been said, the hatched pokemon showing traits from its parents, more reason not to have or even need new formes and besides, if Ho-oh and Lugia got new formes, don't you think the box art would have their new formes on them? But when will we see box art anyway?

 

[hurristat]

Maxim- In response to your question about the Underground, Mitchman Is already pointed out (on a different thread, but nonetheless) that there appear to be underground vents by Professor Elm's workshop in the screenshot...

 

[1337R34P3R]

tl;dr

i'm still surprised that they used heart and soul as names..

 

[The Jean Genie]

I'm not going to berate any of your questions, I just have to admire your time and devotion to typing and answering them.

 

[Nekusagi]

 

[Tim]

In the vein of one of the earlier questions pertaining to updated movelists, isn't it time to see baby Fire-types learn other Grass moves, besides SolarBeam and Hidden Power Grass?

How about Ponyta/Growlithe with Power Whip? Or Flareon with Power Whip?

Also, specifically about Red Gyarados, why not update its movelist into:

Hydro Pump
Flamethrower
Ice Beam
Thunderbolt

...while they're at it?

 

[Shinx3000]

In the vein of one of the earlier questions pertaining to updated movelists, isn't it time to see baby Fire-types learn other Grass moves, besides SolarBeam and Hidden Power Grass?

How about Ponyta/Growlithe with Power Whip? Or Flareon with Power Whip?

Eh, fire and Grass are two completely different types and the grass moves the fire types do know are fine. Say a magby used Grass Knot, wouldn't the grass not burn? (Granted this is more an anime idea)

i'm still surprised that they used heart and soul as names..

Don't think anyone saw that coming, guess they are just pandering to the nostalgia and that they are such loved games back in the day, even with their problems then.

 

[Felly]

The person who typed this must have a lot of time on their ass.

 

[Mr. Pokemon]

I picked out these two questions I'd like to add my two cents to:

• 5. What will be done with the Time Machine? Removed? Replaced with something else? Kept and upgraded?

My speculation: They could always change it to something Pal Park-like. But doing that would be DSi-discrimination. So, the chances are that they'll delete it and change Bill into the inventor of the new Wi-Fi System...

I think the Time Machine should be turned into a "Pal Park". Maybe instead of trading like the original, you can enter a virtual world where your Pokemon must be caught. It shouldn't matter if the DSi doesn't have a GBA slot, the majority of sold DS's have GBA slots. Besides, what if there are some people who didn't buy DPPt but have a GBA game? It might not be a popular feature (on second thought, it's probably very popular), but still, it's very useful. And it's not like Nintendo has to do any extra work. They already know how to make it so you can transfer GBA Pokemon to a DS game. Heck, for that "virtual world", they could re-use the Pal Park. I wouldn't mind.

• 9. Will there be more Legendaries caught in in-game events than in G/S/C?

My speculation: All Hoenn Legendaries are not available to be obtained in DPPt (without using Pal Park, of course). So, they might invent some way to catch them. As for Mewtwo... well... I think that bringing his Cerulean Cave back would be a fail. They should make a new plot for him, if they want to include him.

That makes sense, but Mewtwo was already caught by Red (or Blue, or who ever) 3 years earlier. I don't really see how he could return...

 

[Tim]

Eh, fire and Grass are two completely different types and the grass moves the fire types do know are fine. Say a magby used Grass Knot, wouldn't the grass not burn? (Granted this is more an anime idea)

I intentionally brought that up, seeing how Water-types can get learn Ice Beam, as coverage for Grass-types.

While I'm at it, I just hope that Aerodactyl would be able to learn Brave Bird, for the sake of a good, Flying STAB. Brave Bird + Rock Head = Achtung, baby! :sweatlol:

 

[Glitchipedia]

My theory on the Apricorns is that they'll just be made into the new Poké Balls. I can easily see a Black Apricorn becoming a Dusk Ball, or a Pink Apricorn becoming a Heal Ball.

Then again, interaction between HG/SS and D/P/Pt may update the Items list, much the same way that FR/LG updated R/S's Berry program.

 

[Zeta]

My speculation: It has been theorized that the cover Pokemon would be Lugia's and Ho-oh's new Formes. But isn't it too late for new Formes?

Not if it's done by a newly introduced item. Remember Gender Differences were added to Gen IV, so there's always the question of why female Pikachu didn't have notched tales in Generation II or whatever. I think Celebi will definitely have a new Forme, at the least.

* 13. Will Notched-Ear Pichu be somewhat involved?

My speculation: Everyone seems to be thinking she will... Expect her to be a real gimmick!

If the buzz at Neogaf is true, every species will have a variety of "Notched-Ear Formes" based on breeding. Which is a feature I wanted since the original GSC and if true, would be enough to finally sell me on the remakes.

* 24. If Cal from Viridian House is involved, will he look like his Stadium 2 self or rather like the player's shadow?

My speculation: Oh, yeah. This is one of the questions that only I seem to care about... Well, I believe that the fact that Cal had Gold's sprite was a technical limitation (caused by the fact that the Viridian House was a place destined for battle with fellow players who looked like "Golds"). Now, they can make Viridian House hold many different sprites for trainers, so there should be no problem with giving Cal his own sprite. I just hope they DO remember that they already gave Cal his own design in Stadium 2 and that they'll reuse it!

Viridian House would be a very good place to put rematches with major characters.

* 33. Will HGSS shed some light on Silver and his family (or rather, Giovanni and his family)?

My speculation: What they mentioned in FR/LG can't be now just discarded out of sudden... Of course, they may always pretend that it wasn't about Silver but that would suck. We've got enough of unresolved plots!

Yes, please. It would be an epic fail if that setup in the Team Rocket Warehouse was for nothing.

 

[Maxim Posthumus]

Maxim- In response to your question about the Underground, Mitchman Is already pointed out (on a different thread, but nonetheless) that there appear to be underground vents by Professor Elm's workshop in the screenshot...

We can never be sure if those are undeground vents. But it's possible they are...

.....You want GS on the DS, not even a true remake.
If you really want to play the Same old GSC, you're better off going and getting the rom an an emulator (LOL, I got it long time ago actually.).


I'd personally rather have a new game set in Jouto, or GSC-minus all it's shitty-ness.
However, so far that doesn't seem to be the case.

The original GSC was a rushed sequel to RBY, and I want that rectified with HGSS. I think GHGSS needs to be its own game, and use the original GSC as inspiration, but not completely duplicate it.

But it's still just you. Assuming that Game Freak wants to make a new Johto-based name is too risky. The odds are that they're making a GSC remake so all the questions are based on the idea of remake. If I put the "Will the game be a GSC remake, or rather a new Johto-based game?" question at the start, I would have to change ALL the questions and delete most Kanto-related ones. So, I chose the most likely variant - HGSS being GS remakes (as the titles suggest). Of course, it's not like I'm crossing the new game possibility completely but I think of it as a lesser possibility.

Come on, I have a right to be biased Those are my questions after all.

 

[Zeta]

But it's still just you. Assuming that Game Freak wants to make a new Johto-based name is too risky. The odds are that they're making a GSC remake so all the questions are based on the idea of remake. If I put the "Will the game be a GSC remake, or rather a new Johto-based game?" question at the start, I would have to change ALL the questions and delete most Kanto-related ones. So, I chose the most possible variant - HGSS being GS remakes (as the titles suggest).

I don't think we'll return to old regions in anything other remakes until the entire country is mapped out - and there are still at least two more regions to go. But after that, GF will have a whole country to work with, and could finally do a "Quest to be the National Master" storyline for Gen VII, going back and traveling through all the old regions but with new Pokemon (and probably the seven regions will be redesigned with less detail, though).