Pokemon: SoulSilver Version

When I first started playing Pokémon SoulSilver Version on the Nintendo DS, it felt like stepping into one of the most beloved eras of Pokémon—only rebuilt with modern polish. As a remake of Pokémon Silver from the Game Boy Color era, SoulSilver carries a strong sense of nostalgia, but it doesn’t rely on that alone. After completing the main story, exploring both regions, and building a competitive team, I can confidently say this is one of the most content-rich Pokémon experiences on the DS.

The adventure begins in the Johto region, where you choose your starter Pokémon—Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile—and set off on the classic journey of collecting Gym Badges and challenging the Elite Four. Right from the start, the updated visuals stand out. The sprite work is colorful and animated, giving Pokémon more personality than ever before. Battles feel lively, and environments are detailed while still maintaining the charm of classic 2D Pokémon design.

One of my favorite features is that your lead Pokémon follows you outside its Poké Ball. This small addition adds so much personality. Seeing your chosen partner walking behind you makes the journey feel more personal and immersive. It’s a simple feature, but it strengthens the bond between trainer and Pokémon in a meaningful way.

The pacing in SoulSilver feels well-balanced. Johto’s Gym Leaders each have distinct themes and challenges, and while some players feel Johto’s level curve can be uneven, I found the journey enjoyable overall. Exploring towns, caves, and forests never feels rushed. There’s a comfortable rhythm to training, battling, and discovering new Pokémon.

Of course, SoulSilver doesn’t stop after you defeat the Elite Four. One of its biggest strengths is the return to the Kanto region after completing the main Johto storyline. Having access to a second full region effectively doubles the game’s content. Traveling through familiar Kanto locations, facing updated Gym Leaders, and ultimately challenging Red at Mt. Silver feels like a true endgame reward.

Legendary Pokémon encounters are another highlight. SoulSilver prominently features Lugia, and the battle to capture it feels cinematic within the DS’s capabilities. The atmosphere, music, and buildup make it memorable. Beyond Lugia, there are numerous other legendary Pokémon to discover, giving collectors plenty to pursue.

The Pokéathlon is another unique addition. Instead of traditional battling, this mode focuses on athletic competitions using stylus controls. It’s surprisingly fun and adds a refreshing break from standard gameplay. It may not be everyone’s favorite feature, but I appreciated the variety it brought.

Multiplayer features are robust for a DS title. Trading and battling via local wireless or Wi-Fi make building a complete Pokédex more achievable and competitive play more engaging. The inclusion of the Pokéwalker accessory—allowing you to transfer Pokémon and gain experience by walking in real life—was a creative bonus that encouraged activity outside the game.

If I had to mention weaknesses, it would be occasional grinding due to the level curve and some pacing inconsistencies in Johto. However, these issues are minor compared to the sheer volume of content available.

The soundtrack is fantastic. Remastered versions of classic Johto themes blend nostalgia with improved sound quality. From battle themes to peaceful town music, the audio enhances every part of the journey.

Overall, playing Pokémon SoulSilver felt like experiencing the ultimate version of a classic adventure. It combines nostalgia, depth, and an incredible amount of post-game content. Even years later, it stands as one of the strongest Pokémon titles ever released on a handheld—rich, memorable, and endlessly replayable.