Even for those that aren't interested in the whole "Pokemon" franchise, it's hard to argue with its success. Game Freak is currently on its fifth generation of Pokemon, and still going strong. Some may contend that, by this time, they've long since oversaturated their series, but hey, if it's not broke don't fix it. It's hard to believe that the current population of 493 different Pokemon began with a mere 151, with the Red, Blue, and Yellow Pokemon games.
As with most Pokemon games, you play a young boy who has just become old enough to start his own adventure. He is given a starter character and sent off into the vast region known as Kanto. Pokemon Yellow takes the basic role-playing game fighting format and give it a breath of fresh air. You have a team of six Pokemon. Throughout your journey you run into multiple random encounters with other trainers. You'll need to win these battles to level up your Pokemon and make them stronger.
There are also Gym leaders, which are strong trainers that are out to defeat you. During battles, you can have one Pokemon out at a time. Turns are then taken in which each player tries to "faint" the other player's character. What makes the Pokemon series interesting, however, is that each attack moe has a certain elemental trait. As luck would have it, each character is vulnerable to one elemental trait. For instance, a grass type Pokemon won't hold up against a fire type attack. This leads to some exciting and surprisingly stregic battles.
Though one could argue Yellow version is basically the same exact thing as Red and Blue, there are technically a few differences. Instead of choosing between Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, you are simply given Pikachu. Yes, Pikachu!
In an attempt to make the Yellow version more like the animated TV show, Game Freak decided players would want to use the same character that Ash uses. Sadly, this Pikachu isn't any stronger than the wild Pikachus that popular the Red and Blue versions of the game. Disappointing.
At least we get to evolve into a Raichu when the time comes, right? Nope! Your Pikachu refuses to evolve, no matter how many thunderstones you offer it. Game Freak seemed to realize that not too many people would be keen about only getting a Pikachu, so they made it possible to receive all three original starters as you progress through the main story.
For those familiar with the Pokemon series, you'll know already whether you want to play this Yellow version or not. For those of you who aren't too familiar with the series, I would recommend starting with either Blue or Red. Despite having upgraded graphics, the ability to get all three starters, and other minor upgrades, Yellow isn't as fun as the first two. It feels very gimmicky.
For those that already played Red and Blue, the changes are so subtle that you feel as if you're just playing the same game over again, except you start with a small yellow mouse. I'm not saying Pokemon Yellow is a bad game, it just doesn't shine as much as it should have when compared to the other installments in the long running series.
