Pokémon: Yellow Version
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| Pokémon: Yellow Version | |
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| System | Gameboy |
| Release Date | JP: September 12, 1998 US: October 25, 1998 EU: June 15, 2000 |
| Rating | ESRB: E |
Pokémon: Yellow Version was the fourth and final version of tthe "first generation" Pokémon games - following Pokémon: Red, Green and Blue Versions. Unlike the previous versions (where the main differences between each version were the types of Pokémon that could be caught and graphical differences), the Yellow version made several actual changes in the game - most of which were based on the Pokémon anime series.
Plot
The game follows the story of Red (or whatever name the player chooses) to become a Pokémon master. To do so Red must defeat eight Pokémon gym leaders and collect their badges in order to reach the Pokémon League Headquarters in Indigo Plateau, where he could face the Elite Four. Along the way Red had to compete with his rival Blue Oak, foil the nefarious plans of Team Rocket and catch as many of the 151 Pokémon hidden througout the land.
Gameplay
The gameplay scheme is identical to that of the previous versions, as is the connectivity.
Version Differences
In the Yellow version, several changes were made to the game, mostly story-related, which usually incorporated elements from the Pokémon anime series. Most noticeably, the game features Pikachu as the only starter Pokémon. The Pikachu is also rebellious and will follow the trainer around instead of staying in its Pokéball, and will refuse to evolve into a Raichu - all taken from the personality of the anime's Pikachu. Blue's starter Pokémon is an Eevee which evolves into either a Flareon, Jolteon or Vaporeon depending on how wll Red fares against him in battle.
Some might be disappointed in the absence of the three starter Pokémon from the previous games (Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle). However, it is possible to gain all three at early points in the game, as they are practically given away by trainers in scenarios remeniscient of how Ash Ketchum gained them in the Pokémon anime. There are also several characters from the Pokémon anime present - most notably the bumbling Team Rocket agents Jessie and James. The rosters of several Pokémon trainers are altered to match their Pokémon used in the anime.
However, there are also several differences that arise from the anime series. One is the addition of a special minigame that can be played using a Pikachu that knows the "Surf" maneuver. Also the graphics of each Pokémon are again redesigned, and the movesets of various Pokémon have been altered, with some Pokémon learning new attacks or learning attacks at different levels.
Legacy
Yellow Version started a Pokémon tradition: after each new generation begins with two or three versions, another version would be released with basically the same structure but some alterations and new content. Similar games include Pokémon: Crystal Version and Pokémon: Emerald Version.
Sequels
The first generation games were followed up by the second generation games, which started with Pokémon: Gold and Silver Versions. This game expanded the world of Pokémon and added one hundred new creatures while also revisiting the characters and locations from the Red/Green/Blue/Yellow games (including Red himself). In a nod to the Yellow Version, the first Pokémon Red used in battle in these games was an unevolved Pikachu.
Remakes/Rereleases
The first generation games were later remade as Pokémon: FireRed and LeafGreen Versions for the Gameboy Advance. However, not much influence from the Yellow Version made it into these versions, as they were based on the first games.