Who hasn’t played a Pokemon game? It’s one of the most profitable and popular video game IPs of all time. It’s a classic series that has been around since the 1990s. And that’s for good reason. It’s a timeless series for a reason. Not only has it had multiple main series entries, but spin-offs too. These spin-offs take quite a great deviation from the main series but are still popular. Remakes are another way Pokemon has stood the test of time. 

A really popular game in the main series happens to be Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of the second main series entries, Gold and Silver. These original games were great, but the remakes really bump it up a notch. What’s so impressive about these games is how they were released 15 years ago. After all that time, HeartGold and SoulSilver are still incredible.

HeartGold and SoulSilver’s Charm

When I think of HeartGold and SoulSilver, I immediately think of the heart and charm. These games possess such a great charm and vibe. They’re so nostalgic as well. The pixel art aesthetic is just perfect. This game visually looks timeless even all these years later. I love the simple yet colorful design of the overworld, and how the sprites look. HeartGold and SoulSilver are the best a Pokemon game has ever visually appeared.

One of the best features of this game is such a simple one: Follower Pokemon. This was first introduced in Pokemon Yellow back on the Gameboy. Back then, Pikachu was the only Pokemon who could follow the player. Now, in this game, it’s all up to the first Pokemon in your lineup. HeartGold and SoulSilver introduced this, and it is such a small feature, but it really adds up to the feel of the game. It also makes this particular entry a monumental one for the franchise. 

HeartGold and SoulSilver’s Challenge

Pokemon games are quite inconsistent with challenge and difficulty. Many of the games in recent memory have been so mind-numbingly easy, it feels like the game is just playing itself. This has unfortunately been a consistent trope in many games in many genres as of late. This is perhaps due to the nature of Pokemon being targeted at a younger audience, but still. Some of the older games were made for kids, and they weren’t easy.

I wouldn’t say HeartGold and SoulSilver are insanely hard games. This isn’t Eldin Ring. But HeartGold and SoulSilver have a lot of challenging moments in it. The infamous gym Miltank is one of many challenging Pokemon the player must go up against and defeat or die trying. Also, the later portions of the game, as well as the endgame are quite challenging. The Elite Four in particular are great examples of good challenges for gamers. 

HeartGold and SoulSilver Get It

Speaking of that endgame, it’s incredible. This is always a big deal for Pokemon games. They usually have content planned for the player once the main game is over. Generally, it is composed of things like battle arenas and tournaments with high level caps. HeartGold and SoulSilver are no different. These games have the best endgame in any Pokemon game. That makes them endlessly replayable no matter if you’ve beaten it or not. 

What’s the content here? An entirely different region. You can explore the original region from the first game, Kanto. You can also challenge the gyms, as well as the Elite Four. Is Kanto as long as the main campaign? No, of course not, but it still is such a great treat for the player. Again, this endgame is challenging, but also quite fun. That’s these games in a nutshell. There’s so much love and admiration for the series. They still hold up phenomenally well, give them a try if you love the series! Though you should know, they’re among the most expensive games to find in this series. They are not cheap or easy to locate secondhand. 

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