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The name currently in use is a fan designator; see below for more information.

The fifth generation (Japanese: 第五世代 fifth generation) of Pokémon is the fifth installment of the Pokémon series. Like previous generations, the first installments, Pokémon Black and White, were released as a pair. However, unlike previous generations, the games were followed by two sequels—Pokémon Black 2 and White 2—instead of a third version. For the first time since Generations I and II (following the internal identification of Pokémon Gold and Silver rather than the advertised console), the games were released on the same platform as the previous generation's core series titles, in this case the Nintendo DS.

Unova, the new region introduced in this generation, is known to be far away from the regions of previous generations. Unlike the past four, Unova is based on an area outside of Japan, drawing inspiration from the New York City metropolitan area.

The Generation V games are able to communicate with the five Generation IV games in the same way that the Generation IV games can communicate with the five Generation III games, with players able to transfer Pokémon via a method similar to Pal Park. Pokémon caught in a Generation III game are able to move forward to Generation V by passing through Generation IV games.

Black and White occur an unknown amount of time after Generation II and Generation IV. The Team Rocket Grunt who stole the Machine Part makes a cameo appearance, saying that while he had intended to revive Team Rocket upon returning home, he instead fell in love and had a son. Cynthia mentions visiting the Distortion World and being defeated by a young Trainer as Sinnoh League Champion.

Black 2 and White 2 occur two years after the events of Black and White.

Advances in gameplay

Being the first games on the same console as their predecessors since Generation II, the Generation V games enhance the Pokémon experience on the DS in several ways. Advancements introduced in Generation V include:

Alterations from Generation IV

Additions in Black 2 and White 2

Region

Unova

Unova

Main article: Unova

Like previous generations, another new region, the Unova region, is introduced in Pokémon Black and White. Unlike the previous four regions, which are relatively close in respect to one another, Unova has been revealed to be distant from them, with the only way to travel between it and the other four being boat or airplane.

Starter Pokémon

The starters of the Unova region, like the starters of the previous four regions, follow the Grass-Fire-Water trio, with Snivy the Grass-type, Tepig the Fire-type, and Oshawott the Water-type.

Gym Leaders









Unova thematic motif

The fifth generation of Pokémon games focuses on the relationships between opposites, such as nature and industry or humans and Pokémon. This comes from the concept of Yin and Yang, which the legendary mascots of Pokémon Black and White, Reshiram and Zekrom, are based on, with another reference being that Reshiram is the mascot of Black and Zekrom being the mascot of White—both are opposite colored to the game's color, while version mascots beforehand had always matched. The Swords of Justice also represent this theme as they are trying to prevent Pokémon from losing their natural habitats to human industry. The generation's main antagonists, Team Plasma, also fit in with this theme, as their goal is to separate Pokémon from humans. Some of the cities also reflect this theme by being aesthetically different depending on the version of the game; two major examples of this are Black City and White Forest, two version-exclusive locations. The Dream World, which is supposed to combine dreams and reality, also fits into this theme.

Reception

Generation V is seen as a major departure point for the series. While the Generations preceding it often adhered to the formula Generation I had established, Generation V did several things that differed. Setting itself in a region where Pokémon from previous generations could not be caught, putting out dual sequels instead of a single third version, and using a dynamic camera angle with continuously animated Pokémon sprites in battles. While some of the changes seen in Generation V may have influenced future titles, Generation VI saw further changes, thus establishing with fans that each generation from this point forward could contain features unique to that generation which may be dropped in the next. Generation V for example is the only generation to date that utilizes seasons.

Title screens

English title screens

Japanese title screens

Other Generation V games

Spin-off games released during Generation V include: Pokémon Conquest, Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond, Pokédex 3D, Pokédex 3D Pro, Pokédex for iOS, Pokémon Dream Radar, Pokémon Rumble Blast, Pokémon Rumble U, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, Pokémon Say Tap?, Pokémon Tretta, and Pokémon Tretta Lab.

Trivia







