Changes

Pokémon was originally released in [[Japan]] in 1996 as a pair of cartridges, ''Pocket Monsters Red'' and ''Pocket Monsters Green'', for the original [[Game Boy]] system. Three years later, the games were released as ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Pokémon Blue'' in the United States and worldwide. The games feature similar gameplay, differing primarily in what monsters are available in each version. New versions of the game are released periodically, normally in pairs, to introduce new monsters and to take advantage of improving hardware technology. As of Generation VII, there are 809 species of Pokémon available.

Pokémon was originally released in [[Japan]] in 1996 as a pair of cartridges, ''Pocket Monsters Red'' and ''Pocket Monsters Green'', for the original [[Game Boy]] system. Three years later, the games were released as ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Pokémon Blue'' in the United States and worldwide. The games feature similar gameplay, differing primarily in what monsters are available in each version. New versions of the game are released periodically, normally in pairs, to introduce new monsters and to take advantage of improving hardware technology. As of Generation VII, there are 809 species of Pokémon available.

Players take the role of a Pokémon trainer, seeking to capture wild Pokémon with "Pokéballs", small spheres in which captured creatures live.  In each game (excluding Pokemon Yellow), the trainer begins by selecting one of three "starter Pokemon" that are either grass, fire, or water types.  These Pokemon each evolve twice. The player travels across the region challenging other trainers while raising their own Pokémon and capturing new ones. The games normally feature a sub-plot where the player, with the help of their Pokémon, foil the schemes of a criminal organization or terrorist group. The player must also challenge eight advanced trainers known as "gym leaders" before they can challenge the "Elite Four" and the "League Champion", five of the strongest trainers in the region. The games also challenge the player to see and capture as many species as possible. However, this is made difficult due to different game versions having exclusive Pokémon, requiring the player to trade with other people who have the opposite game version. Certain Pokemon deemed "legendary" have power far superior to other Pokemon, and only appear once in each game. Some Pokemon are only given in [[Nintendo]]-held events, and while most of these events give away legendary Pokémon that cannot be obtained otherwise, there are many exceptions.

Players take the role of a Pokémon trainer, seeking to capture wild Pokémon with "Pokéballs", small spheres in which captured creatures live.  In each game (excluding Pokemon Yellow and Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee), the trainer begins by selecting one of three "starter Pokemon" that are either grass, fire, or water types.  These Pokemon each evolve twice. The player travels across the region challenging other trainers while raising their own Pokémon and capturing new ones. The games normally feature a sub-plot where the player, with the help of their Pokémon, foil the schemes of a criminal organization or terrorist group. The player must also challenge eight advanced trainers known as "gym leaders" before they can challenge the "Elite Four" and the "League Champion", five of the strongest trainers in the region. The games also challenge the player to see and capture as many species as possible. However, this is made difficult due to different game versions having exclusive Pokémon, requiring the player to trade with other people who have the opposite game version. Certain Pokemon deemed "legendary" have power far superior to other Pokemon, and only appear once in each game. Some Pokemon are only given in [[Nintendo]]-held events, and while most of these events give away legendary Pokémon that cannot be obtained otherwise, there are many exceptions.

In a battle with a wild Pokémon or a match against a trainer, the player's Pokémon and the foe alternate using up to four learned moves, with the ultimate goal being to knock out all of the opponent's Pokemon. If the player encounters a wild Pokémon, they can choose to attempt to capture it or run away, rather than knocking it out. Players cannot run-away from a trainer battle. A captured Pokémon joins the player, and this is the entire premise behind the series. However, this is not the only way a trainer can have Pokémon on his team. Pokemon can be given by in-game events (such as Eevee in the original games), an in-game trade (such as Mr.Mime) or can be hatched from an egg. Pokémon can also be bred, in specialized day care centers.  

In a battle with a wild Pokémon or a match against a trainer, the player's Pokémon and the foe alternate using up to four learned moves, with the ultimate goal being to knock out all of the opponent's Pokemon. If the player encounters a wild Pokémon, they can choose to attempt to capture it or run away, rather than knocking it out. Players cannot run-away from a trainer battle. A captured Pokémon joins the player, and this is the entire premise behind the series. However, this is not the only way a trainer can have Pokémon on his team. Pokemon can be given by in-game events (such as Eevee in the original games), an in-game trade (such as Mr.Mime) or can be hatched from an egg. Pokémon can also be bred, in specialized day care centers.