The graphics are exactly like the original games, except for some minor changes. First, Pikachu follows you around, and second, there are new character art for the wild Pokémon, which look cooler IMO. The game is GBC optimized, but not to the full extent. In other words, the graphics look exactly the same as it would on the Super Game Boy.
Sound: 8 out of 10
The sound, like the graphics, is almost the exact same as Red & Blue. The only real difference is that Pikachu says "Pika! Pikachu!" instead of its little cry & a new theme for the beginning, in which you see Surfing Pikachu. The catchy theme & different battle musics, as well as the Gym music, is all here, even the horrible Lavender Town & Pokémon Tower music.
Control: 10 out of 10
The control is top-notch, yet also simple. Everything is really easy to get into and there's no complications in the control department anywhere. The control, in 1 word: rocks!
Gameplay: 10 out of 10
This is where the game shines. Things are a little different this time around. This time, Pokémon are in different places (Such as Mankey in Route 22 or Jigglypuff & Abra on Routes 5 & 6) plus your rival has different & more powerful Pokémon. In the beginning, your rival gets Eevee, while you get Pikachu. You can get Bulbasaur in Cerulean City, Charmander in Route 24, & Squirtle in Vermillion. Also, Jesse & James from the TV show are here, but Meowth, Koffing & Ekans (Who will later evolve into Weezing & Arbok) aren't very strong. One thing that disappoited me is that all 151 Pokémon aren't in the game. You need to trade for all of Team Rocket's Pokémon, Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Electabuzz, Magmar, Raichu, & Jynx. Oh well. The Gym Leaders are different, except for Misty. All of the other 7 Gym Leaders either have different Pokémon, or the same Pokémon at different levels. Since you don't have Bulbasaur, Squirtle or Charmander at the beginning of the game, you need to adopt a new strategy against Brock. There are also Pokémon that can be found in the wild that can't in Red & Blue. Gyarados & Tentacruel are examples. Another difference is that some Pokémon learn new attacks, like Pikachu learning Thunderbolt naturally, Tangela knowing Vine Whip & Scyther knowing Wing Attack. A very important addition is Surfing Pikachu. Available in Pokémon Stadium, in which you can transfer to Yellow, Surfing Pikachu is a mini-game in which Pikachu does surfing stunts & more while on a surfboard. The final difference is that Pikachu follows you around. Depending on what happens, Pikachu's emotions change. The highest you can get is Pikachu with a heart balloon & jumping up & down with hearts above it. This happens when you do something important or Pikachu grows a level.
Overall: 10 out of 10.
I recommend anyone who's a fan of Pokémon to get this game. If you don't have Red or Blue, get this one first. It's a lot better than Red & Blue, and feels better thanks to the improvements.
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