Game Statistics

• Collect 151 pokémon.
• Trade with red, blue, and other yellow versions via the game link cable.
• Eight pokémon gym leaders.
• One game save file.
• In-game pikachu follows you around.
• Game Boy Color enhanced.
• Compatible with the Game Boy Printer.

Game Design
Pokémon Yellow was a special edition follow up game to Pokémon Red and Blue. Pokémon is not a traditional RPG in that it does not have a grand storyline. However, the yellow version was based on the popular Pokémon Cartoon show. This means your starting pokemon is Pikachu, and you can find Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander within the game. Also, you will encounter "Jesse and James" from team Rocket a few times. Pokémon Yellow still specializes in collecting and training pokémon. Wild pokémon can be found across the world in grassy areas. When a pokémon is confronted they can be caught and added to your PokéDEX or they can be fought and your pokémon will gain experience. Once a pokémon reaches a specific level it will acquire a new attack or evolve into a stronger pokémon. Each pokémon can have four different attacks at one time. There are 15 different types of pokémon attacks. They are based on 15 different "elements." Certain attacks are more effective on certain types of pokémon and some types of attacks are not effective at all. For example, a fire type attack will do more damage than usual against a grass type attack. Likewise, a grass type will do less damage that normal against a fire type pokémon. Also, some attacks will have no effect on certain pokémon. For example, a ground type attack will not harm a flying type pokémon. Six different pokémon can be carried at once. The goal of a pokémon trainer is to create a group of six pokémon that is balanced and has few weaknesses and to collect all 150 pokémon. The only way to collect all 150 pokémon is to trade with friends who have the red and blue versions of pokémon, because in the yellow version of pokémon there are only 137 pokémon that can be caught. Therefore there are 13 pokémon in the yellow that you will need to trade for in order to obtain them. Leave it up to Nintendo to provide yet another innovated method of multi-player handheld gaming.

Graphics
The graphics in Pokémon are very good when compared with other turn based RPGs on the Game Boy. The text size is adequate to read. Building and character look average in the outer-world map. However, the best graphical effects occur during the battle sequences. Each pokémon is well designed and is highly detailed. Many nice graphical effects occur when pokémon attack each other. One example is the screen waving effects during the ghost type attack nightshade. Overall the graphics are excellent for Game Boy standards. In the yellow version there are some nice graphical improvements. When playing Pokémon Yellow in a Game Boy Color, there is some color enhancement similar to the Super Game Boy. Also each Pokémon model has been redrawn and they are more visually pleasing.

Sound
The Music in Pokémon has its highs and lows. The music during the battles is great. However, music outside of battle sequences is not as great. You'll want to turn down the music when you're riding the bicycle. Each pokémon has its own roar. They are simple sound effects that are well done. Overall sound effects are well done but some of the music tracks are annoying. In Pokémon Yellow, there are some voice samples of Pikachu that are quite impressive by the Game Boy's standards.

Control
Pokémon uses a very simple control system. The control pad is used to navigate your character and navigate through menus. The A button is the action button used to hear people talk and confirm menu selections. The B button is used to cancel commands or backtrack. The start button activates the menu screen, which also pauses the game. The select button is used to organize items. The only major control issue is during menu selections. Some menus are very large and slow to navigate. This makes organizing your pokémon a very tiresome exercise.

Satisfaction
Anyone who gets involved in Pokémon will become addicted and want to train a great party of Pokémon. RPG fans will like this game because they have great control in leveling up and developing their pokémon. Others will enjoy this game because they can battle and trade pokémon with their friends. Pokémon Yellow features an in-game pikachu that follows you around by talking to the pikachu you can check his mood. While the hardcore Pokémon fan will definitely want to pick up this game, the casual fan should not. Also, Pokémaniacs will like the fact, that the three rare starting Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander can all be acquired in the Yellow version.

Replay Value/Game Length
There are a ton of things to do in this game. Completing this game will take approximately 20 to 30 hours (approximately the same as the other versions). However, if one chooses to level up their group of pokémon to level 100 and collect all 151 pokémon in the game they might spend anywhere from 100 to 200 hours playing the game.

Overall
While the Pokémon Yellow is indeed the best version between Red, Blue and Yellow. To most gamers there aren't enough new things in Pokémon Yellow to justify another purchase. However, if you have yet to purchase a Pokémon game in the Red/Blue/Yellow series, Yellow is your best bet.

Game Design	8.6
Mechanics	9.0
Innovation	7.0
Originality	7.0
Extras	10
Depth	10
Graphics	9.5
Character/Animation	9.5
Environment	9.5
Framerate	9.5
Sound	8.0
Music	8.0
Sound FX/Voice	8.0
Control	7.7
During Play	8.0
Menus	7.0
Functionality	8.0
Satisfaction	9.0
Challenge	9.0
Fun-Factor	9.0
Replay Value/Game Length	10
Multiplayer	8.0
FINAL SCORE	8.6

Review by Player Guy Forever
Modified for the Yellow version by Xander and Player Guy Forever

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