There is only one good Gen. II starter
The last Pokemon game I played was Ruby version and the GBA. After that, I didn't really have any interest to "catch them all" again in the new Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (also, the pocket monsters on the box looked really dumb). But due to a friend's constant bickering, I promised him that I would pick up a copy of Soul Silver. And, thankfully, it's not as monotonous as I had imagined.
For one, this game serves as great nostalgia, while adding in new features that work well. One of the selling points for me was the two-games-in-one approach to revisit all the first AND second gen gym leaders, which means I get to see Misty again (even though she has some kinda wonky haircut going on)! And on top of that, you can ask for rematches against any of the leaders, a very neat change from the GBA versions. There are many good add-ons to the game, like the Pokewalker. Super neat idea, very helpful in catching some more hard-to-find monsters (FEEBAS). Wi-Fi club, carrying planted berries with you, having pokemon walk behind you, all fun things. But the one that I have had the most fun with, and this is going to sound weird, is the improved Dowsing Machine. I can't remember ever having this much fun running around looking for hidden items. I don't think I need to talk about the battle system much (it's the same, just FYI).
Overall, a fun game for new players and has enough changes for returning players.
Oh, and if you didn't pick Totodile.. what is wrong with you?
