The Pokemon franchise has persisted for over 25 years by delivering one unique gameplay experience after another. From the evolution of its mainline entries to the franchise's many spin-off titles, Pokemon has frequently mastered a blend of quantity and quality in a way many franchises can only hope to achieve. There comes a time every so often, however, when Pokemon will venture back to a classic mainline entry and deliver a remake that enhances and modernizes the experience. It's proven to be one of Pokemon's strongest tools, as not only does it give longtime fans a chance to rediscover a beloved part of their childhood, but it gives younger gamers an accessible means to explore a part of Pokemon history.
2021 saw the release of possibly the most anticipated Pokemon remakes in franchise history, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although BDSP may not have been all that some fans hoped it would be, it moved the series' remakes forward after seven years of dormancy. Now, many Pokemon fans are looking forward to a remake of the franchise's fifth-generation entries, Pokemon Black and White. A divisive generation for many fans, Black and White took Pokemon in some bold new directions, one of which creates a unique challenge that previous remakes haven't encountered before.
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 Could Complicate Pokemon Black and White Remakes
Gen 5 was an experimental time for Pokemon for many reasons. The franchise began to take on a greater sense of scale, introduced a litany of new Pokemon, and made those new Pokemon the most prevalent instead of those in previous generations. Perhaps the most experimental aspect of Gen 5, though, was the fact that it introduced the first true sequel to the mainline Pokemon series. Instead of releasing an expansion of Black and White like what Pokemon Emerald and Crystal accomplished, developer Game Freak instead opted to create Pokemon Black 2 and White 2.
These sequels turned out to be a surprise hit for the series, as many fans remember them more fondly than the original Black and White. Black 2 and White 2 expanded the narrative of Gen 5, allowed players to explore more of the Unova region, and introduced hundreds of familiar Pokemon that were absent from the first games. For many fans, Black 2 and White 2 are essential parts of the Gen 5 experience, and it's that aspect of the generation that could make developing a remake of Black and White so challenging.
How Game Freak Could Factor Black 2 and White 2 Into Pokemon Black and White Remakes
If Game Freak wants to factor any aspects of Black 2 and White 2 into a Black and White remake, there are a few ways it could accomplish that. One of the more simple things it could do is feature Unova's western region, filling it with the same Pokemon featured in the sequels. The most challenging aspect would come from the narrative, as the sequel is set two years after the first games. Game Freak could attempt to incorporate an epilogue similar to Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby's Delta Episode, but it would likely change more about the original story than it keeps.
Pokemon's remakes are an integral part of the franchise, expanding on the original experience in a way longtime fans and newcomers alike can enjoy. In the case of Pokemon Black and White, it will likely be a very long time until a remake comes to light, but hopefully not as long as the gap between the Gen 3 and 4 remakes. Part of that delay could come from efforts to implement aspects of Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, as lone remakes for those entries seems unlikely, and some form of inclusion in a Gen 5 remake feels essential. Time will tell if these beloved Pokemon sequels get the representation many feel they deserve.