If there’s one Pokémon game that perfectly blends nostalgia with innovation, it’s Pokémon HeartGold. This isn’t just a remake—it’s a complete reimagining of the Johto region that feels fresh while honoring the Game Boy Color classics.
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or exploring Johto for the first time, HeartGold stands out as a defining entry in the Pokémon series. Here’s why.
The Good
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Johto’s Charm in Full Color:
The Johto region has never looked better. The updated graphics breathe life into familiar towns and routes, making the world feel vibrant and alive without losing its nostalgic charm. The mix of classic 8-bit tracks and the orchestrated remixes in the Pokégear Radio is the perfect blend of old and new. -
The Pokémon Follower Feature:
One of the best additions to the remake is that your lead Pokémon can follow you everywhere! Whether it’s a tiny Togepi or a towering Tyranitar, this feature adds so much personality to the game. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in how connected you feel to your team. -
Two Regions to Explore:
Just like in the original Gold and Silver, you don’t stop at Johto—Kanto is waiting for you after you beat the Elite Four. The ability to revisit the first Pokémon region adds so much post-game content. Facing Red on Mt. Silver is still one of the most epic moments in Pokémon history. -
Pokeathlon:
This side activity is surprisingly addictive. It offers a fun alternative to battling, with minigames that make you think about Pokémon stats in a new way. It’s the perfect distraction when you need a break from grinding. -
Connectivity and Features:
The remake takes full advantage of the DS hardware. The touch screen is used for menus and the Pokégear, making navigation seamless. Features like the Pal Park let you transfer Pokémon from GBA games, and Wi-Fi trading/battling expanded what you could do with friends.
The Mixed
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Grinding for Levels:
While HeartGold is one of the most balanced Pokémon games, grinding for levels can still feel slow, especially when preparing for tougher battles like Red. That said, the EXP Share and updated mechanics make it less painful than in the original games. -
Kanto’s Barebones Story:
As much as I love revisiting Kanto, it feels a little underdeveloped compared to Johto. The Gyms and areas are fun, but the region lacks the same depth of story and character development.
The Bad
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HMs Are Still a Pain:
The remake sticks to the old-school mechanic of requiring HMs for things like Surf, Strength, and Cut. It’s nostalgic, sure, but having to dedicate move slots to them feels outdated, especially in hindsight. -
Pace Can Be Slow:
For players new to the series or used to more modern Pokémon games, the pace might feel a bit slow. Things like walking speed, encounter rates, and grinding for Gym battles can test your patience.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon HeartGold is the ultimate nostalgia trip for fans of the series while still standing tall as a great Pokémon game on its own merits. The combination of Johto’s charm, updated mechanics, and thoughtful additions like the Pokémon follower system make it a must-play. It’s not just a remake; it’s a reimagining that shows how much care went into preserving and improving the original.
Rating: 9.5/10
If you’re a Pokémon fan, this game belongs in your collection.
What’s your take? Does HeartGold still hold up for you? Or are you sticking with the originals? Let’s talk about why this remake is one of the best Pokémon experiences ever!