Welcome to the world of Pokémon! For over 25 years, this series has entertained leagues of aspiring Trainers. Inside this special celebratory bookazine, we’re going to take you on a journey from the very first generation of Pokémon, all the way to the eighth. On our quest, we’ll learn about how each era brought something new to the series, explore each and every Pokédex expansion and delve deep into the stories behind the videogames, television series and more. Whether you’re a Pokémon Professor or an aspiring Pokémon Master taking their first steps towards the Indigo Plateau, we’re confident that you’ll enjoy the ride. Your very own Pokémon legend is about to unfold. A world of dreams and adventures with Pokémon awaits. Let’s go!
WELCOME
THE EVOLUTION OF POKÉMON • EXPLOSIVELY, POPULAR IN THE NINETIES, POKÉMON HAS OUTLIVED THE INITIAIL FAD AND BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SERIES OF GAMES. NICK THORPE TAILKS TO THE DEVELOPERS AIBOUT THE SERIES THAT CHALLENGES YOU TO "CAITCH "EM AILL" …
POKÉMON SILVER SCREEN
A BREAD APART • Lots of alternative monster-raising games are available for hipsters to enjoy…
CARD CATCHER • Taking the battles from cartridge to cardboard
THE SPIN-OFFS • There are an insane number of Pokémon offshoots, so we decided to look at the best and worst examples
THE UNLIKELY LADS • Some Pokémon that are freaky, unnatural and downright impossible
GENERATION I 1996–1999 KANTO REGION • The first wave of Pokémon blew the world away. Not limited to games, this big bang for the series also ushered in a TV show, manga series, cards and more
POKÉDEX 001-151
POKÉMON RED & BLUE • Not just a gaming phenomenon but a multimedia one, Pokémon exploded in the late Nineties and is still going strong. Grab your Pokédex and get ready to document the hatching, training and evolution of the franchise
JUST THE START • “Who was your first Pokémon?” we asked Retro Gamer readers, and this is what they said…
LIKE NO ONE EVER WAS • Pokémon theme singer Jason Paige on his contribution to the series’ success
EVOLUTION TRACKER • Each new game or Generation in the Pokémon series has brought with it significant changes and improvements. We take a look at the first 20 years of innovation
A NEW DAWN • An exciting new Pokémon game is on the horizon…
SCIENCE OF POKÉMON • Raising the perfect Pokémon – there are myriad factors at work under the hood and true masters will need to be on top of all of them
WHO’S THAT POKÉMON? • Are you a Pokémon Professor, or just a chump? Take our test to find out…
TAKING OVER TELEVISION • For years we’ve been following the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his loyal companion Pikachu, but where did it all begin?
WHERE TO WATCH • Catch up with Ash’s adventures on the go with Pokémon TV
UNMISSABLE ADVENTURES • A selection of series you definitely don’t want to miss
POKÉMON THE FIRST MOVIE: MEWTWO STRIKES BACK • Pokémon’s silver screen debut arrived at the height of Poké-fever
POKÉMON: THE TRADING CARD GAME • How the videogame was turned into one of the biggest collectible card games in the world!
WHAT’S THAT POKÉMON (CARD)? • A rundown of the different category of cards and how they’re used
WILD CARDS • Ironically, the Pokémon Trading Card Game also spawned its own videogames too…
GENERATION II 1999–2002 JOHTO REGION • For the first time in Pokémon history, a new roster joined the cast. Meanwhile, an onslaught of new games, anime, merchandise and more confirmed that the Pocket Monsters were here to stay
POKÉDEX 152-251
POKÉMON GOLD, SILVER & CRYSTAL • The Game Boy...