TLDR;
This video explores the relationship between the Pokémon video games and their anime counterparts over the past two decades. It examines how the anime has adapted and reflected the core series of games, including settings, battle mechanics, and monsters, while also introducing original characters and storylines. The video covers each generation of Pokémon games and anime, highlighting key features, characters, and changes in both mediums.
- The Pokémon anime has been heavily influenced by the video games, adapting storylines, characters, and mechanics.
- Each generation of Pokémon games has brought new features and changes that have been reflected in the anime.
- The anime has also introduced original characters and storylines that have become popular with fans.
Generation 1 [1:02]
The Pokémon anime was a direct reimagining of the first two games, Pokémon Red and Green. The anime follows Satoshi (later known as Ash in North America) as he journeys through the Kanto region, collecting gym badges, catching Pokémon, and thwarting Team Rocket. The anime also introduced original characters such as Gym Leaders Brock and Misty, and the Team Rocket trio Jessie, James, and Meowth, who became popular with fans. One of the anime's most significant departures from the games was Ash's starting Pokémon, Pikachu, who became the official Pokémon mascot. The popularity of the anime even inspired a special version of the original adventure, Pokémon Yellow, where players start with Pikachu and encounter Jessie and James.
Generation 2 [5:25]
As information about the second generation of Pokémon games, Gold and Silver, came to light, fans noticed a few key monsters that had been spotted in the show's first season, such as the legendary Ho-oh and Togepi. Gold and Silver introduced 100 new monsters, as well as two new Pokémon types: Dark and Steel. The game also sported updated features such as Pokémon breeding and a day-to-night time system. Staying in line with the games, the anime saw Ash and company forging into the new Johto region to conquer gyms and catch even more wild beasties. The anime also introduced the concept of Shiny Pokémon, rare and uniquely colored monsters, in an episode where Ash catches a shiny Noctowl.
Generation 3 [7:40]
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were the first main series games to be featured on the Game Boy Advance, introducing new regions, gyms, bad guys, and Pokémon. The developers added new Pokémon abilities, two-on-two battles, and new Pokéballs. The anime produced three seasons of adventures in the Hoenn region, with Misty being replaced by May and her younger brother Max. May's character was brought in to showcase Pokémon contests, which were pageants where trainers entered their favorite monsters in one of five categories: Coolness, Beauty, Cuteness, Cleverness, and Toughness. Max was shown as the owner and operator of the new Pokénav, a device used in-game to navigate maps and track Pokémon conditions and feelings.
Generation 4 [9:58]
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released for the Nintendo DS, adding online battle and trading via the DS Wi-Fi capabilities. In the anime, Ash and Brock were joined by Dawn, who focused on becoming a Pokémon contest coordinator. Dawn used a new device called the Pokémon Watch or Pokétch, which was used in-game as a map, move-tester, coin flipper, calendar, timer, stopwatch, and more. The Diamond and Pearl series also marked the first time the anime wasn't handled by 4Kids Entertainment.
Generation 5 [11:38]
The fifth generation of Pokémon games, Black and White, were released for the Nintendo DS, housing 156 new Pokémon. The anime, known as "Best Wishes" in Japan and "Black and White" in America, introduced two new pals, Iris and Cilian, and promoted new features like 3-on-3 and rotation battles, as well as Pokémon contests which were changed to Pokémon Musicals. The main plot of the games was to defeat Team Plasma, a group dedicated to separating the world of Pokémon and their human trainers. Team Plasma's leader, N, was a new kind of villain, an antihero who only wanted what's best for Pokémon.
Generation 6 [13:15]
Pokémon X and Y made the jump to 3DS, with a global launch date of October 12, 2013. The main gimmick was Mega Evolutions, a special way to temporarily power up certain Pokémon for a single battle. Mega Evolutions played a big role in the Pokémon anime, with Ash witnessing a mega evolved Blaziken in the first episode of the XY series. Ash also unlocked his own special Pokémon power-up with the discovery of a "Bond Phenomenon," which caused his Greninja to momentarily transform. The games also introduced Pokémon-Amie, which allowed players to feed, stroke, and play with their Pokémon to develop stronger bonds.
Generation 7 [16:16]
Pokémon Sun and Moon took an island vacation, mixing up the Pokémon formula by removing Gyms and HMs and introducing island challenges and PokéRides. All the gadgets of the past were replaced by the Pokémon-infused Rotom Pokedex. In place of X and Y's Mega Evolution, Sun and Moon introduced Z-Moves, intensely powerful attacks that could be used once per battle. The games also introduced Alolan forms, new spins on classic Pokémon. The Pokémon anime received a more comical and cartoony design, with the classic formula of Ash working through a region's gym and Pokémon leagues being scrapped in favor of new school settings. Ash acquired a Z-Ring and began to master different Z-Moves, acquired his own Rotom Pokédex, took part in a few of the game's Battle Royale throw downs, and rode a variety of Pokémons around the Alolan islands. After 20 years, Ash finally won a Pokémon League Championship.