| |
|---|---|
 North American box art forPokémon HeartGold andPokémon SoulSilver, depicting thelegendary PokémonHo-Oh andLugia respectively | |
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Publishers | |
| Director | Shigeki Morimoto |
| Producers |
|
| Artist | Takao Unno |
| Writers |
|
| Composers |
|
| Series | Pokémon |
| Platform | Nintendo DS |
| Release | |
| Genre | Role-playing |
| Modes | Single-player,multiplayer |
Pokémon HeartGold[b] andPokémon SoulSilver[c] are 2009remakes of the 1999Game Boy Colorrole-playing video gamesPokémon Gold andSilver, also including features fromPokémon Crystal. The games are part of the fourth generation of thePokémon video game series, developed byGame Freak and published byThe Pokémon Company andNintendo for theNintendo DS. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary ofGold andSilver, the games were released in Japan on September 12, 2009, and were later released in other regions during March 2010.
HeartGold andSoulSilver take place in theJohto andKanto region of the franchise's fictional universe, which features special creatures called Pokémon. The basic goal of the game is to become the best Pokémon Trainer in both the Johto and Kanto regions, which is done by raising and cataloging Pokémon and defeating other trainers.
Game directorShigeki Morimoto aimed to respect the feelings of those who played the previous games, while also ensuring that it felt like a new game to those that were introduced to the series in more recent years. The games received positive reviews from critics, and as of March 2014, the games' combined sales have reached 12.72 million, making the two games combined theeighth best-selling DS video games of all time.[1]
Pokémon HeartGold andSoulSilver arerole-playing video games withadventure elements. The basic mechanics of the games are largely the same as their predecessors'. As with allPokémon games forhandheld consoles, gameplay is viewed from athird-person overhead perspective, and consists of three basic screens: afield map, in which the player navigates the main character; a battle screen; and the menu, in which the player configures their party, items, or gameplay settings. The player begins the game with one Pokémon and can capture more using Poké Balls.[2]
When the playerencounters a wild Pokémon or is challenged by a trainer to a battle, the screen switches to aturn-based battle screen where the Pokémon fight. During battle, the player may use a move, use an item, switch the active Pokémon, or flee. Fleeing is not an option during battles against trainers. Pokémon havehit points (HP), which is displayed during battles; when a Pokémon's HP is reduced to zero, it faints and cannot battle unless taken to aPokémon Center or healed or revived with a Pokémon skill or an item, typically a 'revive' medicine. If the player's Pokémon defeats the opposing Pokémon (causes it to faint), it receivesexperience points. After accumulating enough experience points, it willlevel up; most Pokémon evolve into a new species of Pokémon when they reach a certain level, or when certain conditions are met, such as how much a Pokémon statistically 'likes' its trainer.[2]
InHeartGold andSoulSilver, the Pokémon in the first slot of the player's party can follow them in the overworld, echoing a mechanic inPokémon Yellow wherePikachu follows the player. This mechanic was also used in a limited fashion inPokémon Diamond,Pearl, andPlatinum when the player is in Amity Park with a "cute" Pokémon. The player may talk to the Pokémon to see or check on how that Pokémon is feeling, and occasionally it may pick up items.[3] Additionally, apedometer was bundled with each copy of the games called a "Pokéwalker", which allows players to transfer Pokémon from the game into the device and walk around with them, earning "watts" in the process, which can be exchanged for in-game rewards.[3]
A newminigame called the Pokéathlon[d] uses the Nintendo DS touchscreen and allows Pokémon to compete in events such ashurdling.[4] The Japanese versions retainslot machines found in previous games, while the international releases of the titles replace the slot machines with a new game called "Voltorb Flip", described as a cross betweenMinesweeper andPicross.[5] Another new item, the GB Sounds, changes the background music to thechiptune music that sounds similar to original music fromPokémon Gold andSilver.[6]
A new mechanic in the Safari where the player can customize areas to increase the rate of wild species to appear was also added. The entire mechanics will be unlocked after having gained the national Dex, completed two quests by the Safari administrator and automatically answered to each of his calls (one-each 3 hours of game).
HeartGold andSoulSilver can access theNintendo Wi-Fi Connection (since discontinued) to trade, battle, and interact with other players of these games, as well as players ofPokémon Diamond,Pearl, andPlatinum.[4] After completing a specialWi-Fi mission download onPokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, the player can send aDeoxys toHeartGold andSoulSilver.[7]
Similar toPokémon Gold andSilver,Pokémon HeartGold andSoulSilver take place in theJohto andKanto regions of the franchise's fictional universe. The universe centers on the existence of creatures, calledPokémon, with special abilities. The silentprotagonist is a young Pokémon Trainer who lives in a small town referred to as New Bark Town. At the beginning of the games, the player chooses either aChikorita,Cyndaquil, orTotodile as their starter Pokémon fromProfessor Elm. After performing a delivery for the professor and obtaining a Pokédex from Professor Oak, he decides to let the player keep the Pokémon and start them on a journey.
The goal of the game is to become the best Pokémon Trainer in Johto and Kanto, which is done by raisingPokémon, completing a catalogue of Pokémon called a Pokédex, defeating the eightGym Leaders in Johto for Gym Badges, challenging the best trainers in the region known as theElite Four and the Johto League Champion, and then subsequently defeating the eight Gym Leaders in the Kanto region. Finally, the player may face off against the Kanto League ChampionRed atop Mt. Silver, who serves as the game's finalboss.
Throughout the game, the player will battle against members ofTeam Rocket, a criminal organization originally from Kanto. They were originally defeated by the protagonist ofPokémon FireRed andLeafGreen, and have attempted to come back as an organization, while awaiting the return of their leader,Giovanni. To attempt to contact him, they take over the radio tower and broadcast a message calling out to him.
While being the remakes ofGold andSilver, the games tie in plot elements ofCrystal as well, such as the added emphasis onSuicune over the other legendary beasts, as well as the post-ending Battle Frontier; inCrystal, only the Battle Tower was available. Additionally, Johto and Kanto were given Generation IV features such as the Pal Park.
During certain points in the game, the player's rival will battle the protagonist in a test of skills. Additionally, the player will encounterKimono Girls, who ask the player to do small favors—such as defeating a Team Rocket grunt—throughout theJohto region. After battling all of them in a row, they proceed to the area where the player encounters the game'slegendary Pokémon mascot,Ho-Oh inHeartGold andLugia inSoulSilver, and perform a dance to summon them. As per the originals, the other legendary Pokémon can be obtained later on.
HeartGold andSoulSilver were released in 2009, ten years afterGold andSilver's initial release for theGame Boy Color. Shigeki Morimoto, the games' director, commented on the development of the remakes: "The first thing that I knew I needed to bear in mind was to respect the feelings of those people who'd playedGold andSilver ten years before. I think that players have very strong memories of the game, so they'd think things like 'Ah, this trainer is still strong' and 'If I do this here, this is going to happen'. I knew I needed to respect these feelings."[8] However, Morimoto also felt he needed to make sure that the games would feel as new games to those who began playingPokémon in recent years on theGame Boy Advance or theNintendo DS.[8] An in-gameauthor surrogate of Game Freak's President in Celadon City states that the team strove to make a game that would appeal to players with fond memories without "redoing the same thing". He also states that making the game was a "rewarding challenge".[9] On the differences between the remakes and the originals and how the names bore out of that, Morimoto said "WithHeartGold andSoulSilver, the way in which trainers and Pokémon relate has become a major theme and this has been added to the story. We came up with the titlesHeartGold andSoulSilver as we decided these were appropriate to express this theme."[8]HeartGold andSoulSilver introduced many new features that were absent in the originalGold andSilver, several of which came from the previously released Nintendo DSPokémon games,Diamond,Pearl, andPlatinum.[8]
Rumors that Nintendo planned to remakePokémon Gold andSilver started circulating in early May 2009 after the Japanese television showPokémon Sunday ended by announcing a "world-exclusive first announcement" that would be made on its next show. Kris Pigna of1UP.com speculated that this alluded to a possible remake ofGold andSilver for theNintendo DS, due to gold and silver disco balls hanging in the background. Pigna further reasoned that this would be consistent with the previously released titlesPokémon FireRed andLeafGreen which were enhanced remakes of the originalPokémon Red andBlue.[10] Several days later, Nintendo officially confirmed thatGold andSilver were being remade asHeartGold andSoulSilver and released their official logos. It was also announced that the games would contain numerous updates, although they declined to reveal any specifics.[11] The games were released for the Nintendo DS on September 12, 2009 in Japan to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the originalGold andSilver release.[12]Junichi Masuda stated on his blog that "we, Game Freak have spent long and firm time developing above two titles [sic]", and that "'Pokémon Gold & Silver' will be back with far more excitement."[13]
At the 2009Pokémon World Championships, Nintendo stated thatHeartGold andSoulSilver would be released in North America between the months of January and March, Europe sometime around May and June, and Australia in April. "Announcing these much-anticipated game launches at The Pokémon World Championships allows us to give the news directly to the legions of fans who represent the true heart and soul ofPokémon," a spokesperson said.[14] As the games approached release, from February 27 to March 13, 2010, North American video game retailerGameStop hosted a promotion in which players ofPokémon Diamond,Pearl, orPlatinum could use the games' "Mystery Gift" function to download a freeJirachi Pokémon to their game.[15] A "Pikachu-coloredPichu" could be downloaded using Wi-Fi that, when taken to the Ilex Forest in-game, unlocked a "Spiky-eared Pichu".[16] The games were released in North America on March 14, 2010,[17] in Australia on March 25, 2010,[18] and in Europe on March 26, 2010[19] except inthe Netherlands andDutch speaking Belgium where they released on April 2, 2010.
Nintendo DS Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Music Super Complete,[e] a three-discsoundtrack featuring music scored byJunichi Masuda,Go Ichinose, Hitomi Sato, Shota Kageyama, and Takuto Kitsuta, was released in Japan on October 28, 2009.[20]
| No. | Track title (Japanese) | Track title (English Translation) | Composer | Arranger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | オープニングデモ | Opening Demo | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose Morikazu Aoki | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose Morikazu Aoki |
| 2 | タイトル | Title | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 3 | 冒険をはじめよう！ | Let's Begin the Adventure! | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 4 | ワカバタウン | New Bark Town | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 5 | 連れて行く | Taking You Along | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 6 | コトネ | Lyra | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 7 | ウツギけんきゅうじょ | Elm Research Laboratory | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 8 | たいせつなどうぐをもらった！ | Key Item Received! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 9 | 29ばんどうろ | Route 29 | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 10 | 戦闘！野生ポケモン (ジョウト) | Battle! Wild Pokémon (Johto) | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 11 | 野生ポケモンに勝利！ | Won Against the Wild Pokémon! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 12 | レベルアップ！ | Level Up! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 13 | ヨシノシティ | Cherrygrove City | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 14 | 連れて行く2 | Bringing Along 2 | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 15 | ポケモンセンター | Pokémon Center | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 16 | 回復 | Recovery | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 17 | 視線！男の子1 | Glance! Boy 1 | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 18 | 戦闘！トレーナー (ジョウト) | Battle! Trainer (Johto) | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 19 | トレーナーに勝利！ | Won Against the Trainer! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 20 | 30ばんどうろ | Route 30 | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 21 | 図鑑評価…だめだめ | Pokédex Assessment... No Good | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 22 | キキョウシティ | Violet City | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 23 | マダツボミのとう | Sprout Tower | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 24 | 視線！坊主 | Glance! Sage | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 25 | フレンドリィショップ | Pokémart | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 26 | ポケモンのタマゴをもらった！ | Received a Pokémon Egg! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 27 | まいこはん | Kimono Girl | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 28 | つながりのどうくつ | Union Cave | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 29 | どうぐをひろった！ | Picked Up an Item! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 30 | アルフのいせき | Ruins of Alph | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 31 | ラジオ「アンノーン」 | Radio "Unown" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 32 | 図鑑評価…まだまだ | Pokédex Assessment... Getting There | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 33 | ヒワダタウン | Azalea Town | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 34 | 視線！ロケット団 | Glance! Team Rocket | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 35 | 戦闘！ロケット団 | Battle! Team Rocket | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 36 | 34ばんどうろ | Route 34 | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 37 | ライバル登場！ | Enter the Rival! | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 38 | 戦闘！ライバル | Battle! Rival | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 39 | 進化 | Evolution | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 40 | 進化おめでとう！ | Congratulations on Evolving! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 41 | コガネシティ | Goldenrod City | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 42 | ジム | Gym | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 43 | 戦闘！ジムリーダー (ジョウト) | Battle! Gym Leader (Johto) | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 44 | ジムリーダーに勝利！ | Won Against the Gym Leader! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 45 | リーグバッジをもらった！ | Received a League Badge! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 46 | ラジオ「ポケモンチャンネル」 | Radio "Pokémon Channel" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 47 | ラジオ「アオイのあいことば」 | Radio "Buena's Password" | Morikazu Aoki | Hitomi Sato |
| 48 | わざマシンをもらった！ | Received a TM! | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 49 | コガネゲームコーナー | Goldenrod Game Corner | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 50 | スロット当たり！ | A Win at Slots! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 51 | アクセサリーゲット | Got an Accessory | Hitomi Sato | Shota Kageyama |
| 52 | グローバルターミナル | Global Terminal | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 53 | GTS | GTS | Go Ichinose Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 54 | 図鑑評価…がんばって！ | Pokédex Assessment... Keep At It! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 55 | じてんしゃ | Bicycle | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 56 | 視線！女の子1 | Glance! Girl 1 | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 57 | ポケギアに登録！ | Registered in the Pokégear! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 58 | しぜんこうえん | National Park | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
| 59 | きのみゲット | Got a Berry | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 60 | エンジュシティ | Ecruteak City | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
| 61 | かぶれんじょう | Dance Theater | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 62 | やけたとう | Burned Tower | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 63 | ミナキ | Eusine | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 64 | ラジオ「オーキドはかせのポケモン講座」 | Radio "Professor Oak's Pokémon Talk" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 65 | 図鑑評価…なかなか | Pokédex Assessment... Not Bad | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 66 | 38ばんどうろ | Route 38 | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 67 | ラジオ「ポケモンマーチ」 | Radio "Pokémon March" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 68 | 戦闘！ライコウ | Battle! Raikou | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 69 | アサギのとうだい | Olivine Lighthouse | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 70 | なみのり | Surf | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
| 71 | タンバシティ | Cianwood City | Go Ichinose | Hitomi Sato |
| 72 | ポケモンをあずかった！ | Looked After a Pokémon! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 73 | 42ばんどうろ | Route 42 | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 74 | かいでんぱ | High-Frequency Sound Waves | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 75 | ロケットだんアジト | Team Rocket Hideout | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 76 | 視線！怪しい人1 | Glance! Suspicious Person 1 | Go Ichinose | Hitomi Sato |
| 77 | ライバル登場！2 | Enter the Rival! 2 | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose Shota Kageyama |
| 78 | ラジオとう占拠！ | Radio Tower Infiltrated! | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 79 | こおりのぬけみち | Ice Path | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 80 | わざわすれ | Forgetting a Move | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 81 | りゅうのあな | Dragon's Den | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 82 | イブキ | Clair | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 83 | 戦闘！エンテイ | Battle! Entei | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 84 | スズのとう | Tin Tower | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 85 | 縁寿の舞 | Dance of Ecruteak | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 86 | ホウオウ光臨！ | Ho-Oh Visits! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 87 | 戦闘！ホウオウ | Battle! Ho-Oh | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
| No. | Track title (Japanese) | Track title (English Translation) | Composer | Arranger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26ばんどうろ | Route 26 | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 2 | こうそくせん | High Speed Vessel | Go Ichinose | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 3 | クチバシティ | Vermilion City | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 4 | 戦闘！ジムリーダー (カントー) | Battle! Gym Leader (Kanto) | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose |
| 5 | シオンタウン | Lavender Town | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 6 | イワヤマトンネル | Rock Tunnel | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 7 | 戦闘！野生ポケモン (カントー) | Battle! Wild Pokémon (Kanto) | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 8 | 図鑑評価…あといっぽ！ | Pokédex Assessment... Just a Little More! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 9 | ハナダシティ | Cerulean City | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 10 | 24ばんどうろ | Route 24 | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 11 | リニア | Magnet Train | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 12 | ラジオ「ポケモンこもりうた」 | Radio "Pokémon Lullaby" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 13 | 戦闘！スイクン | Battle! Suicune | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 14 | タマムシシティ | Celadon City | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 15 | ヒビキ | Ethan | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 16 | 11ばんどうろ | Route 11 | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 17 | ラジオ「ポケモンのふえ」 | Radio "Poké Flute" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 18 | トキワのもり | Viridian Forest | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 19 | 視線！男の子2 | Glance! Boy 2 | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 20 | ニビシティ | Pewter City | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 21 | 3ばんどうろ | Route 3 | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 22 | 視線！怪しい人2 | Glance! Suspicious Person 2 | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 23 | おつきみやま | Mt. Moon | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 24 | 1ばんどうろ | Route 1 | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 25 | マサラタウン | Pallet Town | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta |
| 26 | オーキドはかせ | Professor Oak | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 27 | 図鑑評価…かんぺき！ | Pokédex Assessment... Complete! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 28 | 視線！女の子2 | Glance! Girl 2 | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 29 | 戦闘！トレーナー (カントー) | Battle! Trainer (Kanto) | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 30 | グレンじま | Cinnabar Island | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 31 | 47ばんどうろ | Route 47 | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 32 | サファリゾーンゲート | Safari Zone Gate | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 33 | サファリゾーン | Safari Zone | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 34 | ラジオ「バラエティチャンネル」 | Radio "Variety Channel" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 35 | むしとりたいかい始まる！ | Bug-Catching Contest Begins! | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 36 | むしとりたいかい | Bug-Catching Contest | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 37 | むしとりたいかいで3位！ | 3rd Place in the Bug-Catching Contest! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 38 | むしとりたいかいで2位！ | 2nd Place in the Bug-Catching Contest! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 39 | むしとりたいかいで優勝！ | Winner of the Bug-Catching Contest! | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 40 | ポケスロン・会場 | Pokéathlon: Assembly Hall | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 41 | ポケスロン・ジャージに着替えた！ | Pokéathlon: Changed into the Jersey! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 42 | ポケスロン・開会式 | Pokéathlon: Opening Ceremony | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 43 | ポケスロン・競技開始！ | Pokéathlon: Match Begins! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 44 | ポケスロン・競技中！ | Pokéathlon: Match! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 45 | ポケスロン・現在1位！ | Pokéathlon: Currently 1st Place! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 46 | ポケスロン・決勝戦！ | Pokéathlon: Finals! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 47 | ポケスロン・結果発表 | Pokéathlon: Announcement of Results | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 48 | ポケスロン・表彰式 | Pokéathlon: Awards Ceremony | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 49 | ポケスロンで優勝！ | Win the Pokéathlon! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 50 | ふしぎなおくりもの | Mystery Gift | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 51 | バトルタワーうけつけ | Battle Tower Reception Desk | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 52 | バトルタワー (ジョウト) | Battle Tower | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 53 | バトルポイントをもらった！ | Received Battle Points! | Satoshi Nohara | Shota Kageyama |
| 54 | バトルファクトリー | Battle Factory | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 55 | バトルステージ | Battle Hall | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 56 | バトルルーレット | Battle Arcade | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 57 | バトルルーレットでBPをもらった！ | Received BP at the Battle Arcade! | Satoshi Nohara | Shota Kageyama |
| 58 | バトルキャッスル | Battle Castle | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 59 | キャッスルポイントをもらった！ | Received Castle Points! | Satoshi Nohara | Shota Kageyama |
| 60 | 戦闘！フロンティアブレーン | Battle! Frontier Brain | Go Ichinose Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 61 | フロンティアブレーンに勝利！ | Won Against the Frontier Brain! | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 62 | ラジオ「トレーナーチャンネル」 | Radio "Trainer Channel" | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 63 | ぐるぐるこうかん | Spin Trade | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 64 | Wi-Fi通信 | Wi-Fi Communication | Go Ichinose | Hitomi Sato |
| 65 | Wi-Fiひろば | Wi-Fi Plaza | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 66 | Wi-Fiひろば・ひろばゲーム | Wi-Fi Plaza: Plaza Game | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 67 | どんどんソーナンスをクリア！ | Cleared Wobbuffet Pop! | Satoshi Nohara | Shota Kageyama |
| 68 | Wi-Fiひろば・パレード | Wi-Fi Plaza: Parade | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 69 | ラジオ「101ばんどうろ」 | Radio "Route 101" | Morikazu Aoki | Shota Kageyama |
| 70 | ラジオ「201ばんどうろ」 | Radio "Route 201" | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato |
| 71 | ポケウォーカー | Pokéwalker | Junichi Masuda Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 72 | ギザみみピチュー登場！ | Enter Spiky-eared Pichu! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 73 | 視線！まいこはん | Glance! Kimono Girl | Go Ichinose | Shota Kageyama |
| 74 | ルギア出現！ | Lugia Arrives! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama |
| 75 | 戦闘！ルギア | Battle! Lugia | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
| 76 | チャンピオンロード | Victory Road | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 77 | ポケモンリーグ | Pokémon League | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato |
| 78 | 戦闘！チャンピオン | Battle! Champion | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 79 | 殿堂入り | Entering the Hall of Fame | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 80 | エンディング | Ending | Go Ichinose | Hitomi Sato |
| 81 | THE END | THE END | Go Ichinose | Hitomi Sato |
| 82 | 戦闘！超古代ポケモン | Battle! Super-Ancient Pokémon | Junichi Masuda | Shota Kageyama |
| 83 | シント遺跡 | Shinto Ruins | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
| 84 | アルセウス | Arceus | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda |
| No. | Track title (Japanese) | Track title (English Translation) | Composer | Arranger | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | オープニング | Opening | |||
| ～オープニングデモ | ~Opening Demo | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | ||
| ～オープニングデモ2 | ~Opening Demo 2 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | ||
| 2 | タイトル | Title | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 3 | ワカバタウン | New Bark Town | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | |
| 4 | 連れて行く | Bringing Along | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | |
| 5 | ウツギけんきゅうじょ | Elm Research Laboratory | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 6 | 29ばんどうろ | Route 29 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 7 | 戦闘！野生ポケモン (ジョウト) | Battle! Wild Pokémon (Johto) | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 8 | 野生ポケモンに勝利！ | Won Against the Wild Pokémon! | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 9 | ヨシノシティ | Cherrygrove City | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 10 | 連れて行く2 | Bringing Along 2 | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 11 | ポケモンセンター | Pokémon Center | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 12 | 視線！男の子1 | Glance! Boy 1 | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 13 | 戦闘！トレーナー (ジョウト) | Battle! Trainer (Johto) | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 14 | トレーナーに勝利！ | Won Against the Trainer! | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 15 | 30ばんどうろ | Route 30 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 16 | キキョウシティ | Violet City | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 17 | マダツボミのとう | Sprout Tower | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 18 | 視線！坊主 | Glance! Sage | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 19 | フレンドリィショップ | Pokémart | Go Ichinose | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 20 | つながりのどうくつ | Union Cave | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 21 | アルフのいせき | Ruins of Alph | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 22 | ヒワダタウン | Azalea Town | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 23 | 視線！ロケット団 | Glance! Team Rocket | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 24 | 戦闘！ロケット団 | Battle! Team Rocket | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 25 | 34ばんどうろ | Route 34 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 26 | ライバル登場！ | Enter the Rival! | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 27 | 戦闘！ライバル | Battle! Rival | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 28 | 進化 | Evolution | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 29 | コガネシティ | Goldenrod City | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 30 | ジム | Gym | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 31 | 戦闘！ジムリーダー (ジョウト) | Battle! Gym Leader (Johto) | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 32 | ジムリーダーに勝利！ | Won Against the Gym Leader! | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 33 | コガネゲームコーナー | Goldenrod Game Corner | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 34 | グローバルターミナル | Global Terminal | Hitomi Sato | Hitomi Sato | |
| 35 | じてんしゃ | Bicycle | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 36 | 視線！女の子1 | Glance! Girl 1 | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 37 | しぜんこうえん | National Park | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 38 | むしとりたいかい始まる！ | Bug-Catching Contest Begins! | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 39 | むしとりたいかい | Bug-Catching Contest | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 40 | エンジュシティ | Ecruteak City | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 41 | かぶれんじょう | Dance Theater | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 42 | 視線！まいこはん | Glance! Kimono Girl | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 43 | やけたとう | Burned Tower | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 44 | ミナキ | Eusine | Morikazu Aoki | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 45 | 視線！怪しい人1 | Glance! Suspicious Person 1 | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 46 | 38ばんどうろ | Route 38 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 47 | アサギのとうだい | Olivine Lighthouse | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 48 | なみのり | Surf | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 49 | 42ばんどうろ | Route 42 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 50 | ロケットだんアジト | Team Rocket Hideout | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 51 | ライバル登場！2 | Enter the Rival! 2 | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 52 | ラジオとう占拠！ | Radio Tower Infiltrated! | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 53 | スズのとう | Tin Tower | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 54 | 戦闘！スイクン | Battle! Suicune | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 55 | こおりのぬけみち | Ice Path | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 56 | りゅうのあな | Dragon's Den | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 57 | イブキ | Clair | Morikazu Aoki | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 58 | 26ばんどうろ | Route 26 | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 59 | こうそくせん | High-Speed Ferry | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 60 | クチバシティ | Vermilion City | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 61 | 戦闘！ジムリーダー (カントー) | Battle! Gym Leader (Kanto) | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 62 | シオンタウン | Lavender Town | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 63 | イワヤマトンネル | Rock Tunnel | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 64 | 戦闘！野生ポケモン (カントー) | Battle! Wild Pokémon (Kanto) | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 65 | ハナダシティ | Cerulean City | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 66 | 24ばんどうろ | Route 24 | Junichi Masuda | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 67 | リニア | Magnet Train | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 68 | タマムシシティ | Celadon City | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 69 | 11ばんどうろ | Route 11 | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 70 | トキワのもり | Viridian Forest | Junichi Masuda Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | |
| 71 | 視線！男の子2 | Glance! Boy 2 | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 72 | ニビシティ | Pewter City | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 73 | 3ばんどうろ | Route 3 | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 74 | 視線！怪しい人2 | Glance! Suspicious Person 2 | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 75 | おつきみやま | Mt. Moon | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 76 | 1ばんどうろ | Route 1 | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 77 | マサラタウン | Pallet Town | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 78 | オーキドはかせ | Professor Oak | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 79 | 視線！女の子2 | Glance! Girl 2 | Junichi Masuda | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 80 | 戦闘！トレーナー (カントー) | Battle! Trainer (Kanto) | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | |
| 81 | グレンじま | Cinnabar Island | Junichi Masuda | Hitomi Sato | Not G/S/C |
| 82 | 47ばんどうろ | Route 47 | Hitomi Sato | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 83 | サファリゾーンゲート | Safari Zone Gate | Hitomi Sato | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 84 | サファリゾーン | Safari Zone | Hitomi Sato | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 85 | ポケモンチャンネルメドレー！ | Pokémon Channel Medley! | |||
| ～ラジオ「ポケモンチャンネル」 | ~Radio "Pokémon Channel" | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | ||
| ～ラジオ「アオイのあいことば」 | ~Radio "Buena's Password" | Morikazu Aoki | Morikazu Aoki | ||
| ～ラジオ「アンノーン」 | ~Radio "Unown" | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | ||
| ～ラジオ「ポケモンマーチ」 | ~Radio "Pokémon March" | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | ||
| ～ラジオ「ポケモンこもりうた」 | ~Radio "Pokémon Lullaby" | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | ||
| ～ラジオ「ポケモンのふえ」 | ~Radio "Poké Flute" | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | ||
| ～ラジオ「オーキドはかせのポケモン講座」 | ~Radio "Professor Oak's Pokémon Talk" | Junichi Masuda | Go Ichinose | ||
| 86 | ポケスロン・会場 | Pokéathlon: Assembly Hall | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama | Not G/S/C |
| 87 | ポケスロン・開会式 | Pokéathlon: Opening Ceremony | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 88 | ポケスロン・競技開始！ | Pokéathlon: Match Begins! | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama | Not G/S/C |
| 89 | ポケスロン・競技中！ | Pokéathlon: Match! | Shota Kageyama | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 90 | ポケスロン・決勝戦！ | Pokéathlon: Finals! | Shota Kageyama | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 91 | ポケスロン・結果発表 | Pokéathlon: Announcement of Results | Shota Kageyama | Shota Kageyama | Not G/S/C |
| 92 | ポケスロン・表彰式 | Pokéathlon: Awards Ceremony | Shota Kageyama | Takuto Kitsuta | Not G/S/C |
| 93 | バトルタワーうけつけ | Battle Tower Reception Desk | Morikazu Aoki | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 94 | バトルタワー (ジョウト) | Battle Tower | Morikazu Aoki | Morikazu Aoki | |
| 95 | チャンピオンロード | Victory Road | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 96 | ポケモンリーグ | Pokémon League | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 97 | 戦闘！チャンピオン | Battle! Champion | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 98 | 殿堂入り | Entering the Hall of Fame | Junichi Masuda | Junichi Masuda | |
| 99 | エンディング | Ending | |||
| ～エンディング | ~Ending | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose | ||
| ～THE END | ~THE END | Go Ichinose | Go Ichinose |
In response to the news confirming the development ofHeartGold andSoulSilver, fans posted their reactions and commentary on the Internet. In particular,IGN editor Jack DeVries reasoned that the primary reason for the updated games was to be compatible withPokémon Diamond andPearl, allowing players to collect old Pokémon species that were previously unobtainable in the new games. He also expressed skepticism that the new titles could match the quality of the originals; stating, "For me,Gold andSilver were amazing because they introduced so many new features that have since become standards for the series. It was the first, and only, time thePokémon games have made such a significant expansion. These days we're lucky if we get a new feature that invisibly changes the strategic elements of the game." He reminisced over the qualities that madeGold andSilver truly unique, including the full color support, internal clock, Pokémon breeding, and PokéGear.[21] Several months later, after DeVries had played through some of the game, he wrote, "so far I like what I see, even if it all feels very familiar and formulaic at this point."[4]
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | 87.83%[22][23] (based on 40 reviews) |
| Metacritic | 87/100[24][25] (based on 59 reviews) |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| 1Up.com | A−[26] |
| Eurogamer | 9/10[27] |
| Famitsu | 37/40[28] |
| Game Informer | 8.5/10[29] |
| GamePro |   (HeartGold)[30] |
| GameSpot | 8.0/10 (HeartGold)[31] |
| GameZone | 9/10 (HeartGold)[32] |
| IGN | 8.5/10 (HeartGold)[33] |
| Nintendo Power | 9.5/10 |
| Official Nintendo Magazine | 94%[34] |
| VideoGamer.com | 9/10 (HeartGold)[35] |
The games' reception has been positive, holding an aggregate score of 87 on Metacritic. The titles are among the top 20 rated DS games on the site.[36] Japanese gaming magazineFamitsu awarded the games a composite score of 37 out of 40 based on four individual reviews, of which the ratings were 9, 10, 9, and 9. The reviewers praised the games for retaining much of the quality that drew them to the originalGold andSilver. The only drawback mentioned was that the games brought "no major surprises".[28]Nintendo Power gave the games one of the highest scores, remarking on its replay value though criticizing shortly about no improvement in graphic animation for Pokémon sprites.[37]Official Nintendo Magazine stated that they were the bestPokémon games yet.[34]Game Informer's Annette Gonzalez stated "Even though the classicPokémon formula still works as evidenced byHeartGold. I can’t help but hope for a newPokémon title that breaks some new ground."[29]
IGN's Craig Harris said that the titles were "like a gap filler to make the wait for a newPokémon game just a little more bearable".[33]James Stephanie Sterling ofDestructoid stated, "While it is, at its core, the same game that you've played many years ago, it still manages to feel new and the updated features bolster the original experience in a manner that never intrudes and only enhances".[38]1UP.com's Justin Haywald stated that "HeartGold andSoulSilver is easily the bestPokémon game yet".[26]VideoGamer.com reviewer Jamin Smith said, "WithHeartGold andSoulSilver thePokémon series has reached a point where it can't get any better."[35]Eurogamer's Keza MacDonald gave the games a 9/10, stating "They combine everything that was best about the olderPokémon games", citing the Pokémon designs and improved graphics and battle system.[27]GamePro's McKinley Noble stated that "it's clear that this is a perfect experience for both old-school trainers and the newest generation ofPokémon fans."[30]GameZone's Cliff Bakehorn III said, "There is not a doubt in my mind:Pokémon HeartGold andSoulSilver are the pinnacle of the entire series."[32] Nathan Meunier ofGameSpot gave the games one of the lower scores, criticizing them for a lack of innovation.[31]GamesRadar attributed the game's success to being a remake of classic games.
HeartGold andSoulSilver won theGolden Joystick Award for Portable Game of the Year in 2010,[39] the first Golden Joystick Award win for the series.[citation needed]
In Japan, the games sold over 1.48 million units within the first two days of release, topping the Japanese sales chart that week.[40] Within two weeks, the games had sold a combined total of over 2.00 million units.[41] By December 18, 2009, the games' Japanese sales totals had surpassed 3.22 million.[42] In Australia, over 50,000 units were sold in one week.[43] In the United States, the games managed collective sales of 1.73 million in their first month, with theSoulSilver version selling 1.01 million andHeartGold selling 0.76 million units. The combined sales of the two games made them the highest-selling games of March 2010.[44] By May 6, 2010, the games had sold 8.40 million units worldwide,[45] and the games reached 10 million sales worldwide by the end of July 2010.[46] As of September 2017, the games' combined sales have reached 12.72 million.[47]
President of Game Freak: What do you think? I am the President here. We are remaking an old game, but this is quite a challenge. Old fans would not want us to mess with their good memories... but there is no point in just redoing the same thing, right? We are working toward something that brings back memories, yet is also completely new! I've been in this business for 20 years now, but creating a game is always a rewarding challenge!
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