maguc : Thank you.

Intro: Crystal Blue Persuasion

After the release of Pokemon Red and Blue for the Game Boy, Nintendo had a smash hit on their hands. The games spawned a hit anime, manga, t shirts, board games, backpacks, and pretty much anything under the sun. They knew they had to follow up with a sequel and they did with Pokemon Gold and Silver. With 100 new Pokemon, a new setting, and updates to the game, they had another hit. They then decided to continue a past trend with Pokemon Red and Blue: releasing a "sister" game, or a third game with minor adjustments. In Pokemon Yellow, the plot followed more closely to the anime and manga, with Pikachu being your starter. This sister game was called Pokemon Crystal, which followed the same plot as Gold and Silver but made some adjustments including new Pokemon locations, animated sprites, and other new features. Today I'm gonna be reviewing Pokemon Crystal for the Nintendo Game Boy Color.


Difficulty: 8

This game isn't that hard to be perfectly honest. Trainers are mere grunts but some Johto gym leaders may put up a fight. Their Pokemon are tougher than their Kanto counterparts *cough* Whitney and her Miltank *cough*. The Kanto gyms were a major disappointment considering the fact that some of them were weaker that the Elite Four Champion. The only gym leader who gave a challenge was the last Kanto gym leader Blue. You know you're a tough gym leader if people fear your pink cow more than an ex-Elite Four Champion. The game still puts up a challenge though.


Depth: 9

This game will take some time to beat as you have to grind for some of the tougher fights. The Elite Four Champion Lance and his dragon armada will need you to take some time to grind. But when you're not grinding, you're wandering the Pokemon world with it's caves, oceans, and forests.


Story: 8

Generally speaking, Pokemon isn't known for it's story and in depth plot. But the game makes you want to go on and fight with your Pokemon to become champion. The plot isn't perfect, but is far from bad, I like it enough though.


Addictiveness: 10

I will certainly be playing this game again one day. You want to keep repeating this journey over and over because you can change your team and the way you play so much. Even if you use the same team, the soundtrack and enjoyment from playing this game will keep your fingers on the buttons.


Sound: 10

The game's soundtrack is amazing and probably one of the best in video game history. The catchy tunes ranging from the final battle of the game to your battle vs. Lance will certainly be rhythms you'll be humming for a long time.


Graphics: 9

The graphics aren't horrible, but considering this is an early 2000s era GBC game, it's not amazing by any standards. Still, they capture the Pokemon in battle well enough. When has 8 bit ever looked like a Mona Lisa?


Overall: 9.8

Simply put, this is one of the best handheld games of all time. It has an amazing soundtrack and it's addicting nature will make you want to pick it up again and again. If you have a friend with this game and link cable, you'll have fun fighting and competing against each other. I will love this game till the day I die and you make like it too. Give it a shot. Have a nice day.