New details have emerged for Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, thanks to recent scans of Japanese magazine CoroCoro. The images confirm these forthcoming sequels will see the return of some old friends from the first games. Alder, who was previously the wandering Champion in Black and White, will ask the player to follow him on some unspecified mission early on in the game. Cheren and Bianca, the main character's best friends from the first game, will return as well - Cheren as a Normal-type gym leader and Bianca as a friend to Professor Juniper who gives you your starter Pokemon at the beginning of the game.

In Black 2 and White 2, nobody knows where the mysterious N has gone off to. Other details include the fact that new Sacred Beast forms of Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus will be available in the game. There will also be a new professor on the block, this time Professor Burnett from the Pokemon AR Searcher game coming to Japan next month . This AR shooter, as well as the updated Pokedex 3D, have yet to be confirmed for a global release, but this is certainly a good sign. We have also learned that PokeWood will be replacing the last game's musicals, allowing you to select a scenario and make a short movie of some kind with your monsters.Finally, the most exciting bit of news to emerge has to do with the Pokemon World Tournament, which will allow you to face off against past gym leaders and champions. Returning figures include the likes of Brock, Misty, Lance, Volkner, Blue, Steven, Janine, Blaine and Giovanni. Whoa.Special thanks to Serebii for the translations and scans. For all the latest on the first numbered Pokemon sequels, keep it here on IGN.

Audrey Drake is an Associate Editor of IGN and a proud member of the IGN Nintendo team. She is also a lifelong gamer, a frequent banisher of evil and a wielder of various legendary blades. You can follow her zany exploits on herand. Game on!