Editions: 12 Pokemon Red and Blue (1998), Pokemon Yellow (1999), Pokemon Gold and Silver (2000), Pokemon Crystal (2001), Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire (2003), Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004), Pokemon Emerald (2005), Pokemon Diamond and Pearl (2007), Pokemon Platinum (2009), Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2010), Pokemon Black and White (2011), Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 (2012)

Publisher: Nintendo

Short for Pocket Monsters, Pokemon had the type of explosive impact that you would see with a pop band. Instead of only teenage girls, boys, women and men were struck by the fever. Everyone felt the insatiable urge to "catch them all" and there were quite a few Pokemon to catch including the iconic Pikachu who remains the figure head of the franchise. Pokemon has spun off into comics, cartoons, playing cards, films and countless merchandise. Whenever there's a new game release, you can count on a line of dedicated fans ready to hunt and capture new creatures. To think, Pokemon's creator, Satoshi Tajiri was nearly talked out of developing games by his father who wanted him to become and electrical repairman. Three cheers for disobedience!