Unraveling the Past: What is Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! a Remake Of?

Let’s dive right in: Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and its counterpart, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, are fundamentally remakes of the 1998 Game Boy title, Pokémon Yellow Version. However, it’s not quite as simple as that. They’re more than just straight remakes; they’re reimaginations, infused with elements from the Pokémon anime and sprinkled with innovative gameplay mechanics designed for a modern audience on the Nintendo Switch. Think of them as a loving tribute to the Kanto region that also introduces new players to the Pokémon world.

More Than Just a Remake: Influences and Innovations

While Pokémon Yellow provides the core narrative and setting, Let’s Go isn’t a simple pixel-for-pixel recreation. Several key aspects differentiate it:

• Integration of Pokémon GO Mechanics: The capture system is heavily influenced by the mobile sensation Pokémon GO. Instead of battling wild Pokémon to weaken them before capture, you use a motion-controlled throwing mechanic (or button inputs) and berries to increase your chances of success. This was a major shift from the traditional Pokémon RPG formula.
• Partner Pokémon: The game heavily features your partner Pokémon, either Pikachu (in Let’s Go, Pikachu!) or Eevee (in Let’s Go, Eevee!). This partner sits on your shoulder or head, and has unique moves and abilities. The relationship with your partner is central to the gameplay.
• HD Visuals and Updated Presentation: The game boasts a complete visual overhaul, bringing the Pokémon world to life in vibrant HD on the Nintendo Switch. The environments, characters, and Pokémon themselves are all rendered with significantly more detail and polish.
• Streamlined Gameplay: Some elements of the original games have been streamlined for accessibility. For example, HMs (Hidden Machines), which were required moves for navigating the world, are no longer needed. Instead, your partner Pokémon learns secret techniques to overcome obstacles.
• Co-op Multiplayer: A new addition to the Pokémon formula, Let’s Go allows for two-player co-op, where a second player can join the adventure at any time, assisting in battles and Pokémon catching.

So, while it’s accurate to call Let’s Go a remake of Yellow, it’s equally important to acknowledge the various ways in which it departs from the original, creating a unique and engaging experience that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Learning about game design and its impact on the players is part of the goals of the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! to further illuminate their place in the Pokémon universe.

1. Is Let’s Go Pikachu a remake of Fire Red?

No, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! is not a remake of Pokémon FireRed. FireRed is a remake of the original Pokémon Red, while Let’s Go is a remake of Pokémon Yellow. They both revisit the Kanto region, but are distinct games with different gameplay mechanics and features.

2. Is Let’s Go Pikachu a spin off or Mainline title?

When Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! were first announced, there was considerable debate about whether they should be considered mainline Pokémon games or spin-offs. Ultimately, Game Freak clarified that they are indeed considered mainline titles.

3. What are the Yellow remakes of Pokémon?

The remakes of Pokémon Yellow are Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! They were released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018.

4. Are Pokémon Let’s go Pikachu and Eevee the same?

While Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! share the same core story, world, and gameplay, there are some key differences. The most notable difference is the partner Pokémon you travel with – Pikachu in Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee in Let’s Go, Eevee!. There are also version-exclusive Pokémon that can only be found in one version or the other. Each game also features unique movesets for the Partner Pokémon.

5. Is Let’s Go Pikachu a remake of Gen 1?

Yes, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! is a remake of Gen 1, specifically taking its primary inspiration from Pokémon Yellow. It revisits the Kanto region and features the original 151 Pokémon.

6. Is Eevee from Let’s Go Pikachu a girl or a boy?

The partner Pikachu or Eevee in Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee are unique. One key point is that neither Eevee or Pikachu can evolve in these games. You can tell the gender of your Pikachu by the shape of its tail, and the gender of your Eevee by the shape of its tail as well.

7. Is Pokémon Yellow about Ash?

While Pokémon Yellow draws inspiration from the Pokémon anime, the protagonist is not Ash Ketchum. The main character is still Red, the player character from Pokémon Red and Blue, but the game incorporates elements from the anime, such as Pikachu following you around.

8. Are all 151 Pokémon in Yellow?

No, you cannot catch all 151 Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow without trading. Certain Pokémon, such as Ekans, Koffing, and Meowth, are exclusive to Pokémon Red and Blue and must be traded to obtain them in Yellow.

9. Why is Pokémon Yellow so different from Red and Blue?

Pokémon Yellow differs from Red and Blue in several ways. It incorporates elements from the anime, such as Pikachu following the player, updated monster sprites, and a slightly altered storyline. These changes were intended to make the game more engaging and familiar to fans of the anime.

10. Is Let’s Go, Pikachu a remake of Red Blue?

While Let’s Go, Pikachu! takes place in the same Kanto region as Pokémon Red and Blue, it’s more directly based on Pokémon Yellow. It borrows the storyline and certain features from Yellow, while updating the graphics and gameplay mechanics.

11. Is Pikachu female in Let’s Go?

Whether your Pikachu is female or male in Let’s Go is determined randomly at the start of the game. You can identify the gender of your Pikachu by looking at its tail – a heart-shaped tail indicates a female Pikachu.

12. Can you get all 3 starters in Let’s Go Pikachu?

Yes, you can obtain all three original starter Pokémon – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!. They are given to you as gifts throughout the game as you progress.

13. Is lets go Pikachu remake of yellow?

Yes, as stated earlier, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! is a remake of Pokémon Yellow Version. It’s a reimagining of the classic Game Boy game for the Nintendo Switch.

14. Which Pokémon game is getting a remake next?

While there’s no official confirmation, many fans speculate that Pokémon Black and White are likely to receive remakes in the near future. Given the release pattern of previous remakes, 2024 seems like a plausible timeframe.

15. Is Charmander in Yellow?

Yes, Charmander is available in Pokémon Yellow. You can obtain a free Charmander on Route 24.

In conclusion, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! is a multifaceted game that honors its roots while simultaneously forging its own identity. It’s a remake of Pokémon Yellow, but it’s also a fresh and accessible entry point into the world of Pokémon for a new generation of players.