Known as Pocket Monster Pikachu in Japan, this slightly updated version of the original Pokemon Game Boy games arrived in 1998. Although essentially the same game as Red/Green, the upgrade features limited color support, Pikachu voice samples and slight changes inspired by the cartoon show.
The US localized version was released a year later in 1999 alongside a special edition Pokémon Game Boy Color/Pokémon Yellow. Though only available for less than a week in October, the game emerges as the #2 seller of the month before becoming #1 in November
While it's basically the same game as the previously released Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition features enhancements that make it the best version yet. In all three versions, the player is on a quest to become the World's Greatest Pokémon Trainer, with exploration and Pokémon battles (think advanced paper-scissors-rock) factoring heavily into the gameplay. While the game world is the same in all three versions, the Pokémon you encounter vary from version to version; the underlying goal of collecting all 151 Pokémon can only be met by trading Pokémon via Link Cable with another player with a different Pokémon version. (Players can also battle against one another using the Link Cable setup.)
Pokémon Yellow follows the TV cartoon series more closely than the other versions. Your first Pokémon in Yellow is Pikachu, and he travels alongside you as opposed to inside a Pokéball (like most Pokémon). Pikachu's mood can be displayed virtual pet style: keeping him happy is important, as his mood affects certain events in the game. In addition to the inclusion of other TV show elements like Team Rocket, new battle modes between players are available as well as a secret game called Pikachu's Beach.
If you haven't played any of the Pokémon games before, Pokémon Yellow is the best place to start. But while Pokémaniacs will go gaga over Yellow's new features, less enthusiastic veterans of Red and Blue may not find the extras to be quite so special. --Joe Hon
Pros:
Best version yet of the highly addictive Pokémon game
Pikachu's moods raise the game's cuteness bar to an all-new level
Features new battle modes between players
Includes Pikachu's Beach secret game
Cons:
Pokémon battles can be repetitive at times
New features may not be enough for some Pokémon veterans
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
The Crown of the Original Three:
As has been done in other Pokemon versions (Gold/Silver then Crystal), Yellow tops off the two other Gameboy versions nicely (Red/Blue). In addition to having Pikachu as your constant companion, the additional changes, though subtle, will have you taking up the quest yet again to "catch 'em all". Although the graphics outside of battle are lackluster, inside a battle between two Pokemon show off the graphical enhancements nicely. Pikachu's "mood meter" will have you attempting to please the little guy... more info
Pokemon Yellow Version -GB:
Good game I thought some of the graphic's were a little tacky for my taste although the funny part is they say this game is for the original Game Boy but when you play the game the background like houses and the ocean and people the graphics really suck major but when you get into a pokemon battle with another trainer and you see both pokemon their both in crystal clear color which is really weird because this game is suppose to be for the GB not GBC so go figure I just thought that was pretty interesting... more info
A good continuation of this never ending series.:
This game is essentially pokemon red or blue with the graphics updated a little. So I won't bore you with talking about the core game play. However, I will talk to you about what makes this game different than red or blue, therefore allowing it to receive high marks. This version makes the game a lot more like the show. Your starting pokemon is pikachu, but this time he/she follows you around on foot instead of in a pokeball. You can see it on screen following your every move. They also incorporated new... more info
Great Pokemon Game:
I am old school when it comes to Pokemon and this is one of the best of the original three games. The controls and goal are the same as in Red and Blue with a few new features such as Pikachu following you and being able to check its mood and the introduction of Team Rocket's Jesse and James.
