Play Pokemon - Black (J) Online

Game Overview

Pokémon Black (J) throws you right into Unova, a region packed with new Pokémon—some look like ice cream cones, others like floating gears, and honestly, I was skeptical at first. But after a few battles, that weird little trash bag Pokémon grew on me.

It’s classic Pokémon at its core—you wander through tall grass, get ambushed by wild creatures, and build a team to take on gym leaders. But the battles feel snappier here, and the animated sprites give the fights way more personality than the older games. Also, the story actually tries something different this time—less "become the champion," more "what’s up with these mysterious guys in black suits?"

If you’ve played other DS Pokémon games, you’ll recognize the touchscreen menus, but the world’s a bit more detailed, with bridges that stretch over cities and seasons that change the scenery. Just watch out for that one gym leader with the sandstorm team—took me three tries to beat her.