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Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions

Name: Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions
Item: Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions
Rating: 4
Author: Christopher Healy

Game review by

Christopher Healy, Common Sense Media

Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

(i)

Collect & battle game uses a pedometer to get kids walking.

Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
$39.99 each
2010

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Parents recommendPopular with kids

Parents say

age 7+

Based on 21 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 49 reviews

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Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions Game: Screenshot #1

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Positive Messages

This particular incarnation of Pokemon carries with it a positive message that no other Pokemon game has had before: Get out and get some exercise. The Pokewalker peripheral works like a pedometer, and the more you walk with it, the more you're rewarded with "watt" points that you can use to help train your Pokemon or get new items.

Positive Role Models & Representations

There have always been somewhat mixed messages in caring for Pokemon. You need to keep their health and well-being in mind, and treat them as you would pets. But at the same time, you've just captured these creatures from out of their natural habitats and you now use them to fight one another.

Ease of Play

Pokemon games have always been built with a very easy to learn system, perfect for newcomers to quickly join in on the action.

Violence & Scariness

While fighting is as the heart of the Pokemon games, battles between Pokemon creatures are shown in very abstract ways. The language -- "tackle," "scratch," "poison," etc. -- sounds far worse than what you see on screen. Visually, most of the attacks consist of one Pokemon quickly leaning toward the other (but staying several body lengths away), and then seeing a couple of gray puffs appear over the other Pokemon, along with a buzzy, bump noise.

Language

Consumerism

First, there are two versions of what is essentially the same game (each has a couple of exclusive Pokemons to call its own). Kids may beg to own both: "But Mom, I can't get Ho-Oh unless I buy the other one!" These games also tie into the vast Pokemon merchandising empire to which these game belong.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver are two slightly different versions of the same game. Each version contains some exclusive creatures that kids can "capture" and then trade with friends who also have one of the games. These games also come with a new peripheral called the Pokewalker, which is essentailly a pedometer that kids use. Kids are rewarded for walking with the Pokewalker, but they can also use the pocket-sized device to connect with friends for more Pokemon battling and trading. This game has a very high appeal to kids, so parents need to be sure their children won't sneak Pokemon action in where they're not supposed to.

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Parent of a 12 year old Written byGhirahim April 26, 2018

age 5+

One of The Best Pokémon Games to Date!

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are excellent editions to the main series Pokémon games. With a great story, intriguing characters, and sharp and clever humor,... Continue reading

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Adult Written byHoneyTherapy June 29, 2013

age 10+

Great

I played the original "Pokemon Gold" when I was in college so I decided to give this game a try. I loved it. They removed the gambling in this game!

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Teen, 15 years old Written byPeanutthetoon March 8, 2011

age 6+

w00t

As always, this remake of Gold and Silver doesn't disappoint. And as always, it is very easy to play and there are helpful tutorials for beginners. It has... Continue reading

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Kid, 9 years old March 30, 2010

age 3+

only pokemon game worth getting

it is one of the coolest games ever! it is certinaly better than the other pokemon games, probably the only one worth getting. it does have consumerism though,... Continue reading

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What's it about?

Whether you play POKEMON SOULSILVER or POKEMON HEARTGOLD, your story will center around a young Pokemon trainer exploring his (or her) world to help a scientist find new species of Pokemon. At the same time, the young trainer will enter into Pokemon fighting leagues and battle tournaments. Players can transfer one of their captured Pokemon into the accompanying Pokewalker peripheral (a pedometer that connects to your DS) to take with them and continue to train even when not playing with the main DS game. Pokemon can earn experience points from going on a walk with the player in the real world.

Is it any good?

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are just as good as any previous titles from the main line of Pokemon games. They look, sound, and play almost exactly the same way those earlier incarnations did. Yet, while there's not much in the way of startlingly new gameplay, Pokemon fans will certainly get a whole lot more of what they're looking for and love about playing these games. Kids who have only a passing interest in Pokemon and who have played any of the last few years' Pokemon titles might find these new ones a bit repetitive, but they do make excellent jumping on points for kids who are new to the Pokemon world. Also, kudos are due for the inclusion of the Pokewalker, which adds an interesting -- and healthy! -- new level to Pokemon gaming.

Online interaction: Kids can trade captured Pokemon. This encourages interaction between friends.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the benefits of using the Pokewalker add-on. The Pokewalker is not necessary for playing these games, so why use it? Does it actually encourage kids to walk more? Instead of driving, will your children walk or ride a bike to, say, a friend's house if they know they could increase their Pokemon's power by doing so?
Families can also talk about how to limit the time kids can play this game so that a reasonable amount is the norm.