As a role-playing game series, Pokemon is story-intensive. It spread like wildfire in the late nineties and is one of the video game industry's most prominent franchises. While other series like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear have switched to voice actors, Pokemon still relies solely on written dialogue. However, with a proven formula, there are still plenty of examples of Pokemon generations that contain genuinely intriguing stories.
The introduction of an open-world location, the Wild Area, to the eighth generation games shows that The Pokemon Company is willing to innovate. This begs the question: does every Pokemon game need to pay homage to the originals, or can the series benefit from a unique narrative? Given some of the excellent stories that Pokemon players have been treated to over the years, there's certainly a strong argument to be made for the latter.
Spoiler warning! This section contains detailed information about Pokemon games.
Updated October 22, 2021 by Tom Bowen: With the Diamond & Pearl remakes right around the corner and Pokemon Legends: Arceus also looming large on the horizon, there'll soon be another large wave of people experiencing their very first Pokemon game. Though catching them all and becoming Pokemon Champion is the series' main draw, each game and generation features its own unique story; some of which are surprisingly deep for what are effectively childrens' games. When it comes to which Pokemon game has the best story, there's certainly a lot to weigh up. As with any franchise though, most fans will likely agree that the stories in some Pokemon games are considerably better than others.
8 Generation 3
The third-generation Pokemon games were originally considered a letdown at the time of their release. Looking back, however, they contained many new elements that can still be found in modern Pokemon games today. Most notably, perhaps, they included what was then the longest endgame in the series' history and also introduced Double Battles.
It was certainly a controversial move to break the storyline and start over in the Hoenn region for Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire. The adventure starts in Littleroot Town, where the player chooses between three Pokemon from Professor Birch. This all too familiar plot takes few chances, despite taking place in a unique setting. It's almost like the games are set in a universe that's parallel to the one in the first generation. Ultimately though, the plot falls flat this time around.
7 Generation 6
It's worth noting that Pokemon X & Y introduced 3D graphics to the main series. Historically, Pokemon have had three evolutions at the most, but X & Y flipped the script by adding Mega Evolutions as well. Was it a good idea to add Mega Evolutions? It's hard to say, but it undoubtedly shifted the balance of gameplay and influenced the narrative, with players learning to use Mega Evolutions from a guru in Shalour City as part of the main story.
As well as Mega Evolutions, the gen 6 games once again taught players about Gym Leaders and the world of Pokemon. This time, however, it was the Kalos region, a place that was heavily inspired by France, that served as the games' setting. Overall, the plot is a little thin when compared to other Pokemon generations. It's predominantly about Mega Evolutions and is also reminiscent of the first generation of the Pokemon games.
6 Generation 4
Gen 4 is a great example of the classic "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. Pokemon Diamond & Pearl headlined the fourth generation of the Pokemon franchise, featuring another story that was incredibly similar to the first generation's. As a result, it could definitely be argued that Pokemon Diamond & Pearl are part of yet another generation that opted to play it safe.
The games start with the protagonist in his hometown, where he and his friend see a television report about a Red Gyarados that was spotted swimming at Faraway Lake. After Professor Rowan accidentally leaves a briefcase containing three Pokemon at the lake, the protagonist is attacked and takes a Pokemon. Later in the game, players are also introduced to the god of Pokemon and the creator of the universe, Arceus. Overall, it's an engaging plot, even if it pays homage to the original story a little too often.
5 Generation 8
Pokemon Sword & Shield make up what is perhaps the most divisive generation in the mainline Pokemon series. Their narrative has parallels to the original story, but is also quite profound on many levels. The protagonist's best friend, Hop, is someone that players will either love or hate. He acts as a guide, but it often feels like Hop holds the player's hand just a little too tightly throughout every moment of the game.
Set in the Galar region, which is based on the United Kingdom, Pokemon Sword & Shield tell the story of a trainer who sets out to be the very best. The beginning shows the Pokemon Champion Leon, who happens to be Hop's brother, Dynamaxing in battle. This foreshadowing is Pokemon's creativity at its very best. The story continues long after the game is over and while it could perhaps have been a little less linear, the plotline about artifacts and ancient Galarian kings is fascinating nonetheless.
4 Generation 5
The fifth generation of Pokemon games featured Pokemon Black & White as well as their direct sequels, Black 2 & White 2. The games' largely linear narrative involves the anti-hero, N, who also happens to be the leader of Team Plasma. Team Plasma plans to take Pokemon from humans to liberate them from their masters. However, it's ultimately revealed that N's adoptive father, Ghetsis, is using his son as a pawn to take over the Unova region.
This generation had one of the longest stories to date, and one that was filled with many twists and turns. It also stands out for its lengthy endgame, in which players can battle the Seven Sages. Black 2 & White 2 may have shifted the narrative a little, but there's definitely something special to take away from their predecessors' stories. Ultimately, the characters keep players on their heels, and though one can perhaps criticize the region's bland design, it's hard not to appreciate the story.
3 Generation 2
Each new generation doesn't have to feature a brand new self-contained story, with some instead picking up right where the previous one left off. The Gen 2 Pokemon games built upon the original games' story by introducing new Pokemon, new plot lines, and a brand new region. The generation also contains an elusive rival who breaks into a lab to steal a Pokemon, with most of the memorable characters from the first game returning too.
The story begins with Slowpoke tails being stolen by Team Rocket, but quickly unfolds into something much larger and infinitely more sinister. The epic conclusion of the Elite Four leaves players wanting more and that's exactly what they get after the credits finish rolling. Generation two has an endgame where players explore Mt. Silver and can even face off against Trainer Red, the protagonist from the first generation games.
2 Generation 7
Pokemon Sun & Moon were widely acclaimed upon their release. These two games' stories have a unique plot that is set in the Alola region, which is the Pokemon series' take on Hawaii. The events that unfold there can at times be a little confusing, but, for those able to keep track of everything that's going on, it's one of the best and most exciting stories in a Pokemon game to date.
The narrative is centered around Ultra Beasts — Pokemon that originated from Ultra Space — and includes interdimensional and extradimensional travel. Team Skull plays a part too, as they kidnap Nebby in order to use its Ultra Beasts summoning powers. Though the heavy use of sci-fi elements and tropes is a little out of sorts for the series, it all comes together in the end; providing one of Pokemon's most thrilling adventures.
1 Generation 1
The first generation of Pokemon games are, in many ways, works of art. Granted, their stories are relatively straightforward on the surface, but there are additional layers of depth just waiting to be uncovered. Much of this mystery centers around The Pokemon Mansion on Cinnabar Island, where players can learn more about Mew and Mewtwo. The plot thickens as they eventually encounter the latter deep in the Cerulean Cave, which serves as both a great climax to the game and a nice reward for defeating the Elite Four.
There have been multiple remakes of the gen 1 games because of their captivating story. Team Rocket, along with their charismatic leader, Giovanni, are the antagonistic force fueling the game's plot. Players make friends along the way, battle interesting villains, and, ultimately, become a Pokemon Champion. It may all seem like old hat now, but that future games opted to tread a similar path shouldn't detract from how exciting this all was the very first time around.