where to start

[konnorjames]

I've been playing Pokemon for years and I grew up with the older ones like yellow red and blue I do play all the way up too the gba versions sapphire ruby and emerald and have up to this point refused to play any ds or newer gens. Which brings me to my question where should I start my journey into the new age which ds game should I start with?

 

[DoctorWhy]

Personally, I'd go to the 3DS and get ORAS. Would also highly consider BW/B2W2 on DS. HGSS are also fantastic.

So, either one of those 3/4, or holding out for the next main series release in 2016.

 

[Esserise]

You have got a few options. X and Y or Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are obviously the most current, up-to-date games (the latter more so), and as such, they feature all of the most recent mechanics (Mega Evolution, the Fairy type, 3D graphics, Pokémon-Amie, Super Training, streamlined IVs, yadda-yadda) and are the quickest option if you want to get involved in the competitive scene (well, really, they're about the only option now). X and Y take a bit more time to introduce the new features and everything and offer a HUGE selection of Pokémon in-game, so they are very beginner-friendly. However, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are a fine starting point as well, and are probably a more appealing choice if you are very nostalgically-oriented and want to see Hoenn on modern technology, it is just that you will have to try out some of the newer features for yourself in order to see how they work (or you could always look it up online).

That would probably be my recommendation, even though I personally prefer the Black and White games by a wide margin.

If at some point you *can* check out the DS games, you definitely should. They all have very much to offer, and will give you more opportunities to try out some of the newer Pokémon that were introduced while you were gone.

Black and White, and their sequel games, Black 2 and White 2, put a considerably heavier emphasis on the storyline, which is something that many people enjoyed about them. Additionally, Black and White only allow you to use Pokémon from Generation 5 (until you complete the main storyline), which is another unique aspect that some fans really appreciated (although others were not so keen on the idea). Black 2 and White 2 have a much wider selection, which includes more Pokémon from previous generations. (And note: You do not necessarily have to have played Black and White in order to play Black 2 and White 2 - obviously, it is preferred that you *do* play them first, but any references to the first games are explained in the sequels, so you shouldn't be too lost if you do choose to go that route.)

HeartGold and SoulSilver are, like Black 2 and White 2, very content-packed, and also include a lot in the way of fanservice for the nostalgic types. They are very faithful remakes of the Gold and Silver games, with some elements from Crystal thrown in. You do get to visit the Kanto region in the post-game, which I know is a big selling point for many people.

Platinum is a pretty great game as well. In my opinion, it is the only Sinnoh game worth playing, due to the mechanical faults and, frankly, piss-poor selection of Pokémon in Diamond and Pearl. And Sinnoh is fun because it is a very culturally-rich region, with lots of myths and stories. As such, there is a somewhat stronger emphasis on the storyline, though not as much as in the Black and White games. The region is also probably the most non-linear one thus far aside from Kanto and Johto, so if you enjoy exploring and backtracking and not just driving straight through, then it may be a good one for you.

 

[dragon_nataku]

Having played through most everything cept B2/W2 at this point, I'd recommend Platinum (just be prepared for getting a super-long save time "Saving lots of data" every time you fill a page in the pokedex). I think you'd like ORAS just to see the updated version of R/S/E. I also really enjoyed SS/HG but maybe that's just cause SS was the first one I ever played through. I really liked the custom pokeballs in SS/HG too, and the (albeit really simple) puzzles in the Ruins of Alph. I do not, however, like the fact that spiky-eared Pichu has to be abandoned forever in that game since you can't port her forward but since that's like event-linked I guess it's kinda irrelevant. Still bothers me though ^<__<^;;

 

[zoroarctic]

When I got back into the series, I started with the most recent games and worked my way backwards.

 

[Arceus the Dragon]

For DS system, Platinum and Heartgold/Soulsilver
For 3DS, XY and/or ORAS.

 

[sc190191]

I would say play HG/SS first and get used to gen 4 with a game you recognize, bc its a lot different, and then go on to the newer stories. I had also not played any games since gen 3 until a couple years ago and I started with Soul Silver and then played Platinum and I really enjoyed it that way. I then got into Unova, but I wouldn't suggest starting with it (especially not Black 1/White 1) because you may not recognize any of the Pokemon. The Gen 6 games would be okay to start also bc they have a lot of old Pokemon, but the game dynamics changed a lot, so if you want to play all of them I would go up 1 generation at a time.

 

[Mitchman]

Go hunt down BW and its sequels, whichever one you chose go for that ie Black and Black 2 cause from what I rememer memory link still works with local wireless and it makes things pretty awesome with its bonuses. , its an amazing experience and a great jump on point. Just take it slow, space out the games about a week or two, B2W2 is new as hell for the firdt two and last 2 badges, but has a mostly copy paste middle with new gym puzzles, so i can burn you out if not careful. Then skip XY, and go straight for. Its a pre gen 5 game through and through, with modern gameplay sensibilities. You'll adore Hoenn even if you have no nostalgic ties, its the closest thing six gens in to the original games.

Don't go for gen 4 games until you grow a spine to handle Pokemon again, that shit will burn your soul if you have no patience to wait things out when it comes to battles.