In addition to recent hits like Pokémon franchise has produced eight generations so far, each taking place in a new region and introducing a slew of new Pokémon. The recent announcement of Generation IX let fans know that the venerable series isn't going anywhere any time soon.
None of the main series games' plots are overly ambitious or groundbreaking; indeed, one of Pokémon's main criticisms is its willingness to play it safe. However, some entries stand out because of their risks and more polished and layered plots, in stark contrast to other games, which seem content doing the bare minimum story-wise.
Generation II
The Johto games are a rehash of what came before. They reuse the same bad guys, bringing back Team Rocket and Giovanni to antagonize another region. True, Team Rocket is one of the evilest teams in Pokémon, but their presence feels overly safe and predictable.
Furthermore, Johto lacks the lore and intricacy of other regions, making for a rather straightforward and somewhat uninspired playthrough. The lack of new Pokémon further contributes to making the Gen II games feel like Kanto 2.0. The post-game remains one of the best in the franchise, but only because players can travel to Kanto, which only makes Johto seem poorer in comparison.
Generation I
The Gen I games are the ones that started the franchise, so they will always have a special place in fans' hearts. However, with the befit of hindsight, it's easy to see there's not much there in of plot. It's understandable, considering the game had to introduce the vast world of Pokémon to a generation of gamers not familiar with the concept. However, the plot is overly simplistic; even Team Rocket's plans seem boring.
The original 150 Pokémon elevate the Generation I games and their remakes, rescuing them from simplicity. The plots aren't bad per se, but they're unbearably simple and safe. Players can still find joy playing the Gen I games, but the whole thing will feel somewhat anti-climactic.
Generation VIII
Generation VIII feels so disappointing because, twenty years into the franchise, Pokémon still felt stuck in the past. The game felt like the equivalent of a by-the-numbers painting, with a story that hit every major plot point expected of a Pokémon game without trying to subvert or adapt it to its current time.
The Galar games feel like a wasted opportunity, especially because of the rich history of its real-life inspiration, England. Sword & Shield introduced some unique Pokémon and had a superficially engaging story but wasted it by not going deep enough into its own lore. Eternatus and its backstory would've been enough to an entire game, so why keep it in the background until the end?
Generation III
Hoenn made several improvements over its two predecessors. The region felt richer and more inviting, and the Pokémon were original and arguably more inventive than before. Hoenn also had some incredible towns and cities that actively participated in the game's plot, making Ruby, Saphire, and Emerald the first truly cohesive games in the franchise.
Their story took more risks but remained safely rooted in the linear style that would characterize Pokémon. Team Magma and Aqua aren't particularly powerful or menacing, but the game's connection to the past makes Generation III the first time the franchise explored its own lore, opening the door for everything that would come next.
Generation VI
For all its flaws in gameplay, Generation VI actually took some risks when it came to the plot. The formula remains the same, and Team Flare is an awful evil team, but the twists during the game's third act are refreshing and add an element of surprise, especially for veteran players.
X & Y still felt somewhat like a disappointment, considering they followed the groundbreaking Generation V. Still, elements like the Ultimate Weapon and the presence of the mysterious AZ add an extra touch to the otherwise familiar plot. Lysandre is one of the worst villains in Pokémon, but the games' third act at least tries something new, separating them from other disappointing entries in the franchise.
Generation IV
Sinnoh was the culmination of the first stage of Pokémon games. The series became a bit more ambitious with each new entry without ever stepping outside its comfort box, and Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum are the perfect representations of Pokémon at its best without ever becoming too experimental.
The Generation IV games featured a villain willing to destroy the universe to get his way and the god of all Pokémon, Arceus, introducing more complexity to the series' lore than ever before. Sinnoh cemented its status as a gamechanger by being the setting of one of the best Pokémon games, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Generation VII
Generation VII is somewhat divisive. Some fans appreciate its willingness to change the gym system that ruled over previous generations. Others felt like it was too much of a deviation from Pokémon's successful formula. Still, Gen VII introduced substantial changes to the franchise, delivering a plot that seemed like a genuinely new chapter in Pokémon history.
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon took things to the next level by introducing the idea of parallel dimensions, represented by the mysterious Ultra Space. Blending elements of mystery and adventure, coupled with the classic Pokémon journey, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon felt like breaths of fresh air. The games also gave players a real challenge, especially after the overly simple Gen VI.
Generation V
Without a doubt, Generation V gave fans the absolute best plot of any game in the franchise outside of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Indeed, Black & White delivered masterful storytelling that introduced a slew of new and thought-provoking themes to a franchise famous for avoiding them. The games also gave fans the second-best villain in the show, Ghetsis, and the first-ever antihero, the mysterious but charming N.
Black 2 & White 2 can't quite compare to the originality of their predecessors, but they continue complementing the story, turning Unova into a region of new possibilities. Generation V wasn't immediately popular when it first came out, but time has been kind to it, and many fans now consider it the most original in the main series. It makes sense; any player, new or old, could play Black & White today, and they would find a lot to love about them.
