When Pokémon Gold released alongside its counterpart Silver in 2000, it didn’t just ride the wave of the Pokémon craze—it elevated the series to new heights. This Game Boy Color gem expanded on the original games in almost every way, delivering an adventure that feels just as magical today as it did over two decades ago.
The Hook:
Pokémon Gold wasn’t just about catching them all—it was about doing it bigger and better. With a brand-new region, iconic Pokémon, and forward-thinking features, it set the stage for Pokémon’s golden era and remains one of the series’ crowning achievements.
The Good:
Johto Region:
The Johto region, inspired by traditional Japanese culture, is full of charm and variety. Towns like Goldenrod City burst with life, while areas like the Ruins of Alph add a sense of mystery. Johto feels distinct yet seamlessly connected to the series’ legacy.
New Pokémon, Timeless Favorites:
Pokémon Gold introduced 100 new Pokémon, taking the total to 251. From adorable starters like Cyndaquil and Totodile to iconic legendaries like Ho-Oh, the new roster struck a perfect balance between fresh designs and battle utility.
Innovative Features:
Gold brought a treasure trove of innovations, like the real-time clock that changes the world based on the time of day. The introduction of breeding, held items, and Steel and Dark types gave the battle system more depth than ever before.
Dual Region Adventure:
Finishing the Elite Four and unlocking Kanto was mind-blowing. Exploring the original region from Red and Blue felt nostalgic yet fresh, creating one of the most satisfying post-game experiences in any Pokémon title.
Legendary Ho-Oh:
The cover star, Ho-Oh, is as majestic as they come. Its place in the lore and its role in the game’s narrative make it one of the most memorable legendaries in Pokémon history.
Memorable Music:
The music in Pokémon Gold, composed by Junichi Masuda, captures the essence of adventure. Tracks like Goldenrod City’s upbeat theme and Ecruteak City’s serene melody stand out as some of the best in the franchise.
Graphics That Shine:
The Game Boy Color's capabilities are fully utilized here, with bright, colorful sprites and a distinct visual identity that feels vibrant and engaging even today.
The Mixed:
Level Curve:
Gold’s pacing is excellent for the first half, but Kanto’s lower-level trainers can feel underwhelming. The difficulty spike when facing Red is both exhilarating and frustrating, depending on how much grinding you’re willing to do.
Roaming Pokémon:
Legendary beasts like Raikou and Entei are great in theory but a pain to catch. Their roaming mechanic often turns into a frustrating game of cat and mouse.
The Bad:
Item Management:
The PC-based item storage system, with its limited capacity, feels clunky and outdated. Constantly juggling items can break the flow of the game.
Graphics Age:
While charming, some sprites and environments, especially caves and routes, can feel repetitive and lack the detail of later entries in the series.
Final Thoughts:
Pokémon Gold is the ultimate sequel, expanding on everything fans loved about Red and Blue while introducing features that would become staples in the series. Its ambitious scope, dual-region adventure, and unforgettable Pokémon make it one of the greatest entries in the franchise. Even with a few dated mechanics, it’s a must-play for fans of the series.
Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
What’s your take on Pokémon Gold? Did you spend hours chasing the roaming legendaries, or were you blown away by the surprise return of Kanto?