In one of the most unanticipated changes to the Pokemon franchise, Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and GAME FREAK Inc. suggest that their latest Pokemon games are going to have a direct sequel.
All that is known so far is a teaser website in Japanese that announces in June of 2012 Pokemon Black and White 2 will be released. The main legendary Pokemon featured on the Black and White covers (Reshiram and Zekrom respectively) appear again on the sequels’ covers, but with an altered look as if the third legendary Pokemon from the games — Kyurem — is mixed with the two. The website offers little further information, but the game looks intended for both the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo DS.
This decision to create Pokemon Black and White 2 changes the standard pattern of the Pokemon games. Typically two “colored” titles are released and shortly thereafter a third related “colored” title is released. The most recent example is Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, followed by Pokemon Platinum. Most fans were certain Pokemon Gray was the next title in line.
So what caused the change? We would have to assume it’s purposeful, so instead of thinking the next games are just additions to the already developed titles, perhaps it means direct follow-up to the plot is necessary. Clearly, updating the legendary Pokemon signify another change from the norm. But with months to go, it’s up to anyone’s guess what they are.
Pokemon Black and White 2 is slated for release in June of 2012 in Japan; the U.S. might not see it until early next year.