The Ultimate Pokémon Region Rumble: Which Game Has It All?

Sadly, aspiring world-traveling Pokémon trainers, there isn’t a single official Pokémon game that allows you to explore all the regions from the core series in one grand adventure. While the idea of embarking on an epic journey across Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and Paldea is a dream many share, Game Freak hasn’t yet delivered a definitive “World Tour” Pokémon experience. However, let’s delve into why this is the case and what the existing games do offer in terms of regional exploration.

Why No All-Region Pokémon Game?

Several factors contribute to the absence of a single game encompassing all Pokémon regions:

• Scope and Scale: Creating a game with all nine (and counting!) mainline regions would be an enormous undertaking. Each region typically features a unique storyline, a cast of characters, a regional Pokédex, and roughly eight gym leaders or trials to overcome. Compressing all of that content into a single game without sacrificing quality or depth would be a monumental challenge.

• Level Scaling and Game Balance: One of the biggest hurdles would be managing the level curve. As noted in the source document, each region typically boasts eight gyms or trials. Multiplying that by the number of regions results in a daunting number of battles. Maintaining a consistent challenge without either drastically increasing the level cap or introducing an overwhelming number of low-level encounters would require careful balancing.

• Technological Limitations: While modern consoles and handhelds are powerful, there are still limits to the amount of data they can handle. A game with all regions, Pokémon, and characters would require an immense amount of storage space and processing power.

• Design Philosophy: Game Freak has historically focused on introducing new regions and Pokémon with each generation. This allows them to tell fresh stories, explore new themes, and keep the gameplay experience engaging. Combining all regions into one game might diminish the impact of new releases and dilute the sense of discovery. This could be something the Games Learning Society could analyze in more detail, given their focus on how games create experiences and meaning.

Games with Multiple Regions

While a truly comprehensive all-region game is absent, some titles offer a taste of multi-regional exploration:

• Pokémon Gold, Silver, HeartGold, and SoulSilver: These games are the only mainline examples that feature two complete regions: Johto and Kanto. After becoming the Champion of the Johto League, players can travel to Kanto and challenge its gym leaders, offering a substantial post-game adventure.
• Fan Games and ROM Hacks: The Pokémon community has created countless fan games and ROM hacks, some of which aim to incorporate multiple regions. Pokémon Unlimited is a project aiming to do just that, though these are not official Pokémon products.

FAQs: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pokémon Regions

1. Which Pokémon game has the biggest regional Pokédex?

The Kalos Pokédex is the largest regional Pokédex, featuring 457 Pokémon. This extensive roster means you’ll encounter a diverse array of creatures during your travels through the Kalos region in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.

2. Which Pokémon game has the most obtainable Pokémon?

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon allow players to access the largest number of Pokémon, a whopping 790, through trading and the Nintendo 3DS Pokémon Bank app.

3. Is there a Pokémon game with all 151 Pokémon?

While no single game forces you to catch all 151 originals, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! focus specifically on the Kanto region and allow players to encounter and capture all the original 151 Pokémon, plus the Alolan forms of some Kanto natives.

4. Why is there no Pokémon Green in America?

Initially, Pokémon Red and Green were released in Japan. When localizing the game for the Western audience, Nintendo opted for Red and Blue to better align with the colors of the American flag.

5. Which Pokémon game has all Legendary Pokémon?

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon provide the opportunity to catch almost all of the Legendary Pokémon from previous generations. This makes them highly sought-after for collectors.

6. Which Pokémon game has the best story?

While subjective, popular contenders for the best story include:

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
• Pokémon Sun and Moon
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus
• Pokémon Black and White

7. Why is Pokémon banned in some countries?

Pokémon has been banned in certain regions, primarily due to religious and cultural sensitivities. For example, Saudi Arabia banned the franchise, citing concerns about promoting gambling and Zionism.

8. What is the hardest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon GO?

Galarian Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos are consistently ranked among the most difficult Pokémon to catch in Pokémon GO. The Legendary Birds’ low catch rates and unpredictable movement make them a true test of skill and patience.

9. What’s the rarest Pokémon game?

Rarity and price are influenced by condition, completeness, and regional variants. Some of the rarest Pokémon games that fetch high prices include:

• Pokémon Crystal (Game Boy Color)
• Pokémon Puzzle Challenge (Game Boy Color)
• Pokémon Emerald (Game Boy Advance)

10. Which Pokémon game is considered the hardest?

Difficulty is subjective and depends on play style, but Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are generally regarded as some of the most challenging games in the series. Their increased enemy AI and strategic battles can push even seasoned trainers to their limits.

11. How did Gold and Silver fit Kanto into the game?

The inclusion of Kanto in Pokémon Gold and Silver was a remarkable feat of programming. Satoru Iwata, then at HAL Laboratory, developed a data compression system that allowed Game Freak to fit the entire Kanto region, with its towns, routes, and Gym Leaders, into the game alongside the brand new Johto region. This was a significant accomplishment at the time.

12. What region introduced the most Pokémon?

The Unova region, featured in Pokémon Black and White, introduced a staggering 156 new Pokémon, making it the region with the largest number of newly discovered creatures.

13. Why is there no Pokémon Gray?

The concept behind Pokémon Black and White was based on opposing forces, represented by the colors black and white (yin and yang). A game titled Pokémon Gray wouldn’t align with this core concept, leading to its abandonment.

14. Why is Pokémon GO illegal in Russia?

Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, has suspended its games in Russia and Belarus in solidarity with Ukraine and in response to international sanctions.

15. What is Pokémon Reborn?

Pokémon Reborn is a popular fan game known for its challenging gameplay, extensive story, and unique terrain system. This fan game also uniquely features 18 Gyms for the player to fight in their adventure.

The Future of Pokémon Regions

While we may not have a definitive all-region game yet, the possibility remains open for future installments. Advancements in technology, coupled with the fans’ desire for such an adventure, could one day lead to a Pokémon game that truly lets us explore every corner of the Pokémon world. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, organizations like the Games Learning Society can provide valuable insights into the educational and cultural impact of games like Pokémon, especially as they explore complex concepts like regional identity and global connection. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their research and initiatives.