Pokémon White (Japanese version) throws you right into Unova with that classic "new adventure" vibe—except everything's in Japanese, so good luck if you don't know the language. You pick your starter (I went with Snivy, but Oshawott's water moves come in clutch later), and suddenly you're dodging tall grass like it's your job while some overeager rival battles you every five steps.

The sprites actually move in battles now, which was wild back when this first dropped. And the new Pokémon designs? Some hits (Chandelure rules), some misses (ice cream cone, really?), but it keeps the grind interesting when you're hunting down weird little guys in rustling grass patches. Gym leaders hit harder here—you can't just overlevel one starter and steamroll everything.

Also, the music slaps. Driftveil City's theme lives in my head rent-free.