Gosh does this game bring back memories. I recently had played through Crystal, which is why I decided to review it now. This game is all the greatness that is Gold/Silver and throws in Suicune and Unown. Yes please. Unfortunately, this makes getting Ho-Oh and Lugia tougher, but it is no matter, as this game is fantastic the way it is. I'm going to go straight into the review rather than droning on about it for 15 lines... Here we go!

Graphics-
Is there any better opening sequence than Crystal? The graphics are GBA quality during that sequence! The image of Suicune running, the Unown, and Crystal being spelled out by Unown! It was all fantastic then and now. Crystal also started something that is one of my favorite parts of a Pokemon game. Sprite animations. There is nothing like entering a battle and seeing the opposing move around like a real live animal would. While the animations are only a couple frames, they're magical and add some much to the game. They are a big reason I gave this game 10 for graphics. I really do think this game is beautiful for its time period. Some of the move animations were really great, and the maps were wonderful. I think this game looks amazing.

Sound-
Sound. Considering the player is h=given a radio early into the game, its hard to imagine a low sound score especially when one considers the creepy Ruins of Alph music. Unfortunately, despite the awesome battle music and route themes, the Pokemon cries are still flat. I just expect so much more from Game Freak. I just wish my Cyndaquil would say "Quil!" at the beginning of every battle, rather than the weird scratchy beeps that are apparently the sounds Pokemon make. Cries always disappoint me, just not enough to give a low score.

Addictiveness-
If you've read some of my other reviews, you know my policy. Pokemon games get 10 addictiveness, always. These game suck you in, and once you become engrossed in the series, you're pretty much never gonna think about anything else. Pokemon games are addicting because they're fun. They're fun because there are so many ways to play the game. Some people will pick a Pokemon and level it up to 80 before even facing the Elite 4. Some will pick 2-3 Pokemon that can hit a lot of other types for good damage. Some will get a whole team of high-leveled evolved Pokemon of different types. Some will Nuzlocke. Some will... Ok, I can't list all the ways to play Crystal because, the truth is, you play the way YOU want to.

Story-
I'm sorry but Pokemon games just don't have good stories. I do wish the Unown had been included as part of the story though, rather than a simple side-quest, but whatever. While the quest to chase down Suicune might have been a little better than Gold/Silver's plot was, it still isn't a good story. That's alright though, because frankly Pokemon runs off addictiveness and depth, so I don't mind a poor story, as long as the game is fun. If you want your game to be as twisting and plot-filled as a book, go play Earthbound or Kingdom Hearts or something.

Depth-
Just like Gold and Silver, Crystal has amazing depth. I'll tell you why. With most Pokemon games, you beat the Elite 4 and pretty much all that's left is catch some Pokes for your Dex, do the Battle Froniter/Tower. With Pokemon Crystal you beat the Elite 4... then you head to another region, get 8 MORE BADGES, and get a chance to face the toughest trainer in the world. Plenty to do, especially with the inclusion of the Battle Tower, adding another facet of Pokemon that would become a staple of every game. Breeding is also fun. Breeding Pokemon to get good IV's, special egg moves, and Pokemon got only through breeding was another great part of Pokemon Crystal.

Difficulty-
Meh, not a tough game for any experienced Pokemon player, however it depends on how you decide to play the game. I always pick Cyndaquil for the easiest time through, but whoever you decide to pick is fine. The best advice I can give you is to try and go with a balanced team, so you don't have one opponent causing you trouble.

Overall, many fans will praise this as the best Pokemon game, and call this the "end of the golden age of Pokemon". While this is an amazing game, it isn't the end of the golden age, as Pokemon will only continue to get better.

Oh and if you're playing right now, good luck against Whitney.

Pokémon Crystal was a good game,but Whitney was so annoying because of her Miltank !!!!Good review tj