How does anybody get this thing started? As soon as Oak stops talking, you can only move in one direction.

The above was my review for the middle emulator. Kind of anti-climactic, isn't it? The below review is for the one on the right which works much better in my opinion.


Graphics

This is an early version of Pokémon Blue so it looks similar. The intro isn't Gengar versus Jigglypuff. It is Gengar versus Nidorino like in Pokémon Red. The Pokémon images are from the earliest stages of release so they look a bit different. Seeing them as they are here is an experience not to pass up. The start screen features a Bulbasaur as the first Pokémon. If you wait there long enough, you will see even Pikachu looks different (chubbier). This was before the shift to color so everything is gray and white. The flowers on the ground make back and forth movements rather than circular ones. This is the least advanced Pokémon you will ever play, but there is some beauty in going back to the very start.


Game play

Before you start the game, you can, set the dialog speed to quick, common or slow, choose to view or pass the fighting cartoons and select rule of competition (replace or circle?). Warnings: A) In battle, you must press a or b a few extra times to get the entire extra dialog finished with. B) When you save the state, it may not always work. C) Due to an emulator issue, the game will temporarily freeze for a second or two at random points during the game. Other than that, the game play seems the same as any other Pokémon for Game Boy and functions quite fluidly. Special note: Trading for Farfetch'd in Vermilion City is a good way to get your game frozen so avoid that one.


Dialog

Aochider is Oak's Japanese name. People call him Dr. Pet. The grammar is terrible but you can usually take meaning from the words.

Goods = Items                  Pet = Pokémon                 Contest = Battle

Wound Cure = Potion              Shado = Charmander     Falls down = faint    

Monster Ball = Poke ball        Torto = Squirtle        Hasn't hit home = miss    

Detoxicate Cure = Antidote     Incon = Bulbasaur          Go all out = Tackle

Burning Cure = Burn Heal      Bobo = Pidgey                 Chirps = Growl

Awake Cure = Awakening      Kelar = Ratatta               Parasite = Leech Seed    

Skill Machine = TM                   Beetl = Weedle            Hit Home! = Critical Hit!

Super Ball = Great Ball           Catap = Caterpie             Spin silk = String Shot

Insecticide = Repel                 Silip = Drowzee                Beat = Pound


Sound

The first sound you hear when you turn it on is a little off. I am talking about the star going through the logo sound effect. Every other sound in this version is the same as all the other Pokémon versions for Game Boy.


Addictiveness

This is the one Pokémon game that I actually can put down after just an hour or two. I would mark the addictiveness factor low. I will probably play again when the saving issues have had time to clear up.


Difficulty

The hardness of the game is where it gets much of its points. With game play issues (like saving) and irritating dialog, this one is the hardest Pokémon game I have yet encountered. Just to get through a battle is a challenge.


Depth

This is supposedly a full-length Pokémon adventure. Those take a minimum 60 hours to play through the complete storyline in my experience.


Summary

Not nearly the best game on Vizzed, but fun none the less. If you are in the market for the earliest of Pokémon versions, look no further because you have found it. Manufactured in Japan with the best technology made available in the 90's to the creators of Pokémon. Have fun!