Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great installment in strategy and monster collection series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Pokemon Black 2/Pokemon White 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say that this installment offers an entertaining experience with strategic gameplay and an engaging storyline, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers. Although some reviews mention the lack of educational elements, many players appreciate the positive messages and fun mechanics, making it a beloved entry in the franchise despite a few repetitive aspects.
- fun gameplay
- positive messages
- strategy elements
- multiplayer options
- all ages appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Platform : Nintendo DS
- Subjects : Math : counting , numbers , ratio
- Skills : Self-Direction : achieving goals , goal-setting , work to achieve goals , Thinking & Reasoning : logic , solving puzzles , strategy
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Nintendo
- Release date : October 8, 2012
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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