Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions are part of the 2nd generation of games in the series. These games are widely considered to be classics in the Pokemon franchise. These titles saw features introduced that would go on to become longstanding traditions. Pokemon eggs, gendering, shiny versions of monsters, and a lot more debuted in these games. While these titles were part of the same generation and were sibling releases, there are some differences between them. The games follow the same fundamental story, but the differences lie in the nuances and available monsters.
Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions have proven to be enduringly popular even 20 years after they were originally released. It's been rumored that the remakes, HeartGold and SoulSilver, could be coming to Nintendo Switch. The 2nd generation games have seen several re-releases over the years, including full remakes. The popular games are often regarded as some of the best titles in the whole series, and the games bear subtle distinctions that make them stand out from each other in certain ways. While the core of these titles remains the same, there are plenty of differences, especially with the Crystal version.
Depending On Version, Different Pokemon Are Available
Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal added strong new monsters, but for each version of the game, there are different creatures available for capture. Common Pokemon like Zubat and Pidgey can be commonly found in all versions, but some are exclusive to each distinct version. The Gold version exclusively has the Mankey, Growlithe, Spinarak, and Teddiursa evolutionary lines, in addition to Gligar and Mantine. Silver, on the other hand, has the Meowth, Vuplix, Ledyba, and Phanphy evolutionary lines and the single-stage Pokemon Skarmory and Delibird. The Crystal version is a little bit different from Gold and Silver when it comes to available Pokemon.
Pokemon Crystal is the third game of the 2nd generation, and it's generally considered to be a refinement of Gold and Silver. Crystal has all the usual Pokemon a gamer might expect, but some notable omissions can only be obtained by trading with the other games of the 2nd and 1st generations. The starter Pokemon from the 1st generation and their later forms can't be found in Crystal, in addition to the legendary monsters from those games. Some new Pokemon are unavailable as well, including the Mareep and Remoraid evolutionary line, and Girafarig. 1st generation Pokemon Vulpix and Mankey and their evolutions are unavailable too.
Legendary Pokemon
Gold, Silver, and Crystal introduced several new legendary Pokemon for the 2nd generation. Ho-Oh and Lugia are the featured legendary Pokemon on the covers of Gold and Silver, respectively. They're available for capture in both of these versions, but their availability comes at different points in the story. In Crystal, Ho-Oh and Lugia can only be caught after the main story has concluded, and the player has managed to arrive in Kanto, the setting for the original Pokemon games.
The 2nd generation games introduced further legendary Pokemon with the legendary dogs. Suicune, Raikou, and Entei are encountered quite early in the games at the Burned Tower. This will trigger the beasts to flee and roam Kanto, and the player will be able to catch them somewhere within the wild region. In Pokemon Crystal, Suicune in particular has a prominent role throughout the narrative. Suicune is encountered several times during the player's journey and is associated closely with a new character Eusine, who's been searching for the legendary creature. Suicune was featured on the box art for the Crystal version to reflect its role in the story.
Story Changes In Pokemon Crystal
The narrative for Gold and Silver is identical in every way, and the only major differences between those games are the Pokemon available for capture. Crystal, however, embellishes the story and makes some changes. The legendary Pokemon, Suicune, is encountered several times throughout the story, along with a new character, Eusine. The mythical dog and its compatriots are required to be awakened to challenge the gym leader, Morty. Once stirred from its rest, the dog will be encountered in several scripted events.
Other changes in Crystal include a tweak to the chain of events leading up to acquiring the Rising Badge. During this sequence, players will be able to obtain a special Dratini that knows the move ExtremeSpeed, if they can correctly answer a series of questions. Additionally, a step was added necessitating players to meet the florist's assistant so that they could progress past the strange tree, which is also known as Sudowoodo.
Aesthetic And Gameplay Changes In Crystal
The Pokemon series makes changes in every generation and in the case of Pokemon Crystal, further changes were made to generation two. One of the major additions in Crystal is the ability for players to play as a female, which is a feature that would go on to be a series staple. Some locations received updated color palettes and layouts, marking minor changes from Gold and Silver. Pokemon sprites received short animations as well, which many gamers consider being a small but significant aesthetic update.
The Crystal version features a new subplot involving the mysterious Unown Pokemon. This side quest rewards players with some extra lore related to the origins of the enigmatic pocket monsters. Kurt, the Poke Ball maker, can also make several balls at once. This was seen as a huge quality of life improvement by players frustrated with only being able to have one crafted at a time. Another small yet significant change in Crystal relates to trainers. The trainers who contact the player now inform them of rare items in their possession, and uncommon Pokemon in their area.
Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are filled with small details and within this generation, each game is somewhat different from the other. Crystal stands out strongly as an attempt to change some of the core aspects of the original games while adding to the overall experience. This generation of games continues to be regarded as one of the finest the Pokemon series has produced for its reverence of the first game and its introduction of new features.