Pokémon SoulSilver is basically the best way to revisit Johto—it takes the classic Gold/Silver experience and polishes it up with DS-era graphics and some smart tweaks. You start off in New Bark Town, pick your starter (Cyndaquil all the way, though Chikorita’s got its charm), and suddenly you’re back in that familiar rhythm of battling, catching, and grinding. The Pokéwalker gimmick is weirdly fun—you can clip it to your belt and earn steps to level up your Pokémon IRL, which feels ridiculous but also kinda cool.

What really stands out is how alive the region feels. Your lead Pokémon follows behind you, reacting to stuff in the environment, and the remastered soundtrack hits just right. Gym leaders still wreck you if you’re underleveled, and that post-game trip to Kanto? Still a killer surprise if it’s your first time. It’s the kind of remake that doesn’t just coast on nostalgia—it makes the old stuff feel new again.