Want personalized picks that fit your family?
Set preferences to see our top age-appropriate picks for your kids.
Pokemon Black 2/Pokemon White 2
Common Sense says
- Nintendo DS
- $34.99
- 2012
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Pokemon Black 2/Pokemon White 2 is a sequel to the previous installment in the franchise, Pokemon Black/ Pokemon White. This is the first time that there has been a direct sequel in this series. Usually, each new installment has a story that is detached and unrelated to past games, but this one picks up where Pokemon Black/ Pokemon White left off. As with all previous entries, though, the focal point of this game is capturing little creatures in the wild called Pokemon, then raising them to become the strongest creatures in the world. Turn-based battling is a part of making Pokemon strong. Players will be able to use their creatures to not only rise up in the ranks of official Pokemon championships but also use their skills to defeat an evil force and restore peace to the world. The game does offer online components where kids can battle others around the world.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Memorable.
One of the best games in the series and my second favorite
amazing
What's it about?
POKEMON BLACK 2/POKEMON WHITE 2 are unique in the Pokemon franchise because, for the first time, they are direct sequels of the games that preceded them. Both contain parallel storylines with only minor differences. This game takes place two years after the previous installments in the series, although new players can pick up this game with no difficulty in understanding the story. As has become the norm in this franchise, players take on the role of an aspiring Pokemon trainer whose goal is to rise to the top of the ranks in the well-respected sport of Pokemon battling, while at the same time conquering an evil force that threatens the safety and peace of the entire region.
Is it any good?
Pokemon Black 2/Pokemon White 2 are somewhat formulaic in their presentation. With the franchise now nearly 15 years old, there is nothing exceptionally new or different with the basic structure of the game. The beauty of this series, though, is that the structure continues to work very well. This installment contains a whole cast of new Pokemon with new abilities and powers, as well as features like mini-games and a feature called "Pokestar Studios" that allows players to create movie scenes with their creature companions. There is also a new feature that allows players to create their own shopping mall that grows when players invite online friends to visit. These enhancements help to refresh the experience, but the truth is that the Pokemon franchise epitomizes the adage of "if it isn't broke, don't fix it." This game captures all the same magic as the many titles before it, and the added features and content allow it to be a different experience and an easy recommendation for any fan of the series.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the violent content in this game. What are your thoughts on using Pokemon for battle? Is it a good way to resolve conflict?
What dreams do you want to accomplish in life? What obstacles are you prepared to face to make those dreams come true?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Subjects: Math: counting, numbers, ratio
- Skills: Self-Direction: achieving goals, goal-setting, work to achieve goals
Thinking & Reasoning: logic, solving puzzles, strategy - Price: $34.99
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Nintendo
- Release date: October 8, 2012
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: E for Mild Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
For kids who love role-playing and adventure
Our editors recommend
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.