The latest game in the best-selling Pokemon franchise, Pokemon Black & White, has been made out to be a huge leap forward for the series, with (amongst other things) its revamped graphical style, better animated battle scenes, as well as new 3 on 3 battles. We were excited enough when the game's starter Pokemon were announced, along with the first details, but know, it seems the new features just won't stop coming, as the latest rumours suggest a video chat option could be included in the game - at least, for players with a DSi or a 3DS (as they're the only ones which will have video cameras).
Environments look much more urban this time round.
The rumours stem from a Japanese promotional leaflet, which refers to a feature called the 'Live Caster', which could allow up to 4 people in the same room (apparently aiding the obesity epidemic, by preventing people from even having to move their neck or head) or 2 people over the internet to chat, with both voice and video. The leaflet also describes a feature called 'Pass By' - which sounds similar to other DS games' 'Tag Modes'. Tag modes exist in games like Animal Crossing: Wild World and Nintendogs, and, once activated, allow you to hurl your DS in your bag and go about your business. If your DS picks up another person who also has their DS on, and in this mode, information can be transferred, and when you next check your DS, you may have a new puppy friend (Nintendogs) or a new neighbour (Animal Crossing: Wild World). How this tag mode would work with Pokemon, we're not sure - maybe you'll receive random items - or better yet, perhaps you'll even start to have TV updates about people you've walked past in the real world.
With Pokemon Black & White's UK release estimated by us to be sometime early next year, there's not too long left before you'll be able to return to the world of training your little beasties, battling a gang of evil doers that will undoubtedly be trying to take over the world, and building up your massive collection of Pokemon creatures under the guise of helping some Professor study them. Till then, there's always the amazing Pokemon Heart Gold & Soul Silver to enjoy, which we gave a perfect 10/10 in our review.
