Pokemon's Golden Standard
There are games that are forgettable, and games that are OK. Then there are those that are in a complete class of their own. Pokemon Crystal is one of those games. Even to this day, I still lament that I've lost the game card from a trip to Japan. It's not just the basics done right in Crystal, but it's also the other little things that helped to set the standards for other Pokemon games to come.
Crystal is a remake of Pokemon: Gold/Silver version. Like in Gold/Silver, you move around, battle and collect pokemon and use your squad of cuties and grunts to win against gym leaders and other elitists en route to become the best trainer of all time. But there are some notable changes. Most notably, you would notice that there is an option for choosing your gender, pokemon also do delightful taunts before squaring off, and there's a battle tower where you fight against the best of the best. With these upgrades, you feel that the game is more complete and lively. You feel like you are living in a real, breathing world.
Aside from the new things, the previous additions are still intact. You still can attend bug-catching contests, be involved in the Unown/ Legendary Pokemon subplots (the latter more revealed), equip items to pokemon, go to a gaming corner etc. Of course, these are things you see from the Gold/Silver version, but what do you expect from a remake? These old things easily blend to the new to create a wonderful experience outside of battle.
What more could I say? This is a great evolution of an already strong formula. Over 200 Pokemon to collect and train, lots of trainers to battle, a large world to explore, a great battle system with alot of experimentation, and a game that would give you over 50 hours of gametime. It's still Pokemon in a handheld.
So why am I singling out Crystal as the cornerstone? Well, think of these questions: Why does Pokemon Ruby+Sapphire have a Boy-Girl option, have a subplot involving legendary pokemon? Crystal version. How does the Emerald version have character animation? Crystal version. The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that Pokemon: Crystal Version is a colorful, fun game with a big world with many possibilities to explore, but it sets the golden standard for future Pokemon games. Anybody who loves Pokemon, casual gamers and RPG fans should pick this one up without reservation. If you don't have a Gameboy Advance or a Gameboy Color, don't worry, we might see a remake in the NDS version soon.
Breakdown:
Story: 3/5
Nothing special, but there are more interesting subplots here than in any other Pokemon installment before it.
Gameplay: 5/5
An evolution to a winner, with so much possibilities and room for experimentation. There are many activities to do outside of battle too.
Presentation: 5/5
Obviously looks weak nowadays, but back was then one of the most colorful and bright games around. Sound is also great for a GB Color
Bonuses, Alternatives, Replay Value: 5/5
I mean, come on, over 200 pokemon, a large world, suitable minigames, over 50 hours before mostly beating the game. You have a lot going on behind the scenes.
Overall: 18/20 (4.5 stars)
People that SHOULDN'T BUY IT are sworn Pokemon haters, guys who already have Gold/Silver version. Other than that, buy it NOW!