Pokémon HeartGold Version

NintendoWorldReport (9.5 out of 10)

Zach: I agree and I absolutely love HeartGold/SoulSilver. The original games have always been my favorites, and these remakes are wonderfully well done. However, it is clear that the formula is showing its age, and I think it's time for a radical upheaval in the next iteration of the franchise.

Gamers' Temple, The (95 out of 100)

Telling you, the reader, over and over again that the game is great gives us a serious case of broken record-itis, and it's a lot easier to spotlight the game's minor problems than it is to try and reinvent the wheel. Pokemon RPGs are great games. I know it, Wendi knows it and we must assume that you know it, too. Heart Gold and Soul Silver are the best and most complete Pokemon games in the series, and no DS owner should be without at least one of them. It's as simple as that. If you need proof of Pokemon's wide ranging appeal and place at the top of the best DS games list, keep your eyes open next time you're in a heavily populated area. Wendi and I found, as you will, that the little Pokewalkers are clipped to folks of all shapes, sizes and ages. Let yourself get the itch, and you'll be constantly amazed as the game's hour count ticks higher and higher with no end in sight.

Kombo.com (9.5 out of 10)

In short, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are excellent remakes of the Gold and Silver pair of games. Even ten years after the originals released, this adventure is still worthy of your gaming dollar. While it won't convert Pokemon haters into fans, it will surely please Pokemon fans, casual and hardcore alike. It is hard to imagine that there are many people out there that haven't tried a mainstream Pokemon game yet, but if that's the case, there's no time like the present to get started on what has now proven to be the best Pokemon pair ever to hit store shelves.

Official Nintendo Magazine (94 out of 100)

If you're new to the series and fancy finally dipping your toe in to see what all the fuss is about, this is where to start. As for Pokémon fans, it should go without saying that this is absolutely essential.

NZGamer (9.4 out of 10)

Pokemon games are getting deeper, more complex and ever more exciting with each iteration. The only thing to do is keep catching em all. It would be rude not to.

AceGamez (92 out of 100)

The biggest mistakes they made with both Ruby and Sapphire and Diamond and Pearl was the fact they took away everything that really made Gold and Silver special , for example backtracking through a much beloved adventure, night and day differences, the PokéGear; all these things made it absolutely mind-blowing. Why they decided not to carry over these features is an absolute mystery, but they have the chance now to rebuild it where it should have really left off. They could also do something crazy and change the gameplay; after all, how long can they carry the same formula on before it starts feeling stale? Game Freak could go anywhere with the series now, but, no matter what their choices are, Gold and Silver no longer remain the best games in Pokémon history; the remakes have just stole the glory. An absolutely fantastic remake.

1UP (A-)

But while the game's monotonous combat might not sound fun on paper, the grind is a soothing part of the RPG experience; it's a lulling activity with rewards, not only in making your team stronger, but in putting together a successful team strategy. The actual gameplay, four battle choices and paper-scissors-rock matchups between Pokémon of different types, has barely changed since Nintendo introduced the first game back in 1998. But it's a refined experience, and HeartGold/SoulSilver is easily the best Pokémon game yet. This version surpasses the other Pokémon games already out, both as a great introduction for the uninitiated and as an entirely worthwhile return for players itching to get another Poké-fix. As a series, Pokémon needs to evolve to stay pertinent, but as a remake of an already terrific game, HeartGold/SoulSilver is fan service at its best.

Armchair Empire, The (9 out of 10)

I think it's great that Nintendo is offering an incentive to kids to get them moving with the Pokéwalker. That's pretty much the only thing new happening with HeartGold, everything else is typically addicting of the Pokémon series.

GameZone (9 out of 10)

Without question, these are the best Pokemon games ever created. I was worried that Nintendo and Game Freak would simply revise the second generation with fourth-gen graphics and music, but these titles contribute a lot to the entire series, and show a lot of promise for the fifth generation of games. Re-makes are rarely so lovingly revived; Pokemon fans should definitely own a copy of one of these games (or both). If you think you are over it, so be it – you should still give these games a chance. They are definitely the beefiest handheld video games that I have ever had the opportunity to play, and I am just as joyfully addicted to this series as I ever was a decade ago.

N-Europe (9 out of 10)

Nostalgia can always come in several ways, you can “remember” something, only to realise it wasn’t how you remembered it when you relive it again. For us, Gold & Silver were the best of the series. After replaying them through again in Heart & Soul, we feel our beliefs reaffirmed.

Cubed3 (9 out of 10)

Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver represents yet another high point for the series, yet there is still room for improvement, expansion and a few things that need smoothing out. This is one of the most engrossing experiences you will find on the market at this time, and the game is still so addictive, so well-formed and lengthy as ever, only with the refinements of modern games slotted in seamlessly. Buy this immediately - you might not even need another game until the next DS rolls around. Or the next Pokémon, at least.

GamePro (US) ( )

But in the end, HeartGold and SoulSilver are games that I will likely be playing for sometime, alongside my beat-up copies of Pokemon LeafGreen and Emerald. Sure, it's the same thing that we've all been playing for years, but that doesn't mean it's any less fun the umpteenth time around. For veteran trainers, the nostalgic thrill of running through Johto and Kanto again is a worthwhile venture, but even if you've never played a Pokemon game (or it's been years since your last one), you'll be hard pressed to find a richer world with a more engrossing portable RPG experience.

Gemakei (formerly Zentendo) (9 out of 10)

If you’re a Pokemon fanatic, the kind that has bought every last iteration Nintendo has released, then you’ve most likely already purchased either Heartgold/SoulSilver. However, if you’ve only dabbled in the series, it’s still highly recommended you give one of these two a try. Nintendo has hardly thought outside the box with these remakes, but they’re a culmination of everything that has made the franchise so great in the first place, with everything you could possibly want in the ultimate Pokemon title.

Eurogamer.es (9 out of 10)

Es por todo esto que podemos concluir que Pokémon HeartGold y SoulSilver son dos juegos magníficos, enormes, de lo mejor que puede haber para Nintendo DS, y con una vida lo suficientemente amplia como para resistir hasta que llegue la ya anunciada quinta generación de la saga. Está por ver si para la siguiente entrega mejoran esos pequeños puntos flacos que hemos comentado y se intenta innovar en algunos aspectos relativos al argumento y las batallas, pero de momento podemos afirmar sin temor a equivocarnos que estamos ante los títulos definitivos de la saga tal y como está planteada hoy por hoy.

Digital Chumps (9 out of 10)

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver have finally been given the remake they deserve. Pushing the original games into the current generation almost flawlessly (aside from dropping the Poketch) and adding a decent amount of extras is enough to warrant a purchase. Throw in a pretty cool peripheral for free in the Pokéwalker and you should be sold. As we await the release of the next true sequel to the Pokémon series, these classics should be enough to satiate any diehard fan's appetite for quality Pokémon gaming. And for those who have never played a Pokémon title, these are a great starting point.

Destructoid (9 out of 10)

Pokémon SoulSilver and HeartGold make a fine addition to the Pokémon franchise and are a must-have for fans of the series. If it's been a few years since you played the originals, this comes highly recommended. Everything you remember is there, plus some great new features that will enhance the experience. 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. Put short, this is a lot of fun and something that a huge amount of DS owners should look into.

Nintendo Life ( )

The original Gold and Silver games are fondly remembered by Pokémon fans all over the world, and with good reason: they introduced features that genuinely evolved the games. With breeding and an in-game clock – both since series staples – not to mention many fan-favourite monsters, these remakes were always going to be well received. Although they fail to push the series forward with any true innovations, they excel at retooling now almost obsolete titles into must-haves for fans.

videogamer.com (9 out of 10)

The only thing preventing the game from reaching the lofty heights of double digits is familiarity; the game is distressingly similar to all those that have come before it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing depending on your perspective, as HeartGold and SoulSilver are the most refined and well polished games yet to grace the series. It does, however, reinforce the fact that GameFreak need to reinvent the wheel for the fifth generation of games. With HeartGold and SoulSilver the Pokémon series has reached a point where it can't get any better. It's like a level 100 Pikachu; it's as good as it can possibly be, but it's probably about time it evolved already.

Gamervision (9 out of 10)

Whether you’ve played every Pokémon game ever released or you’re new to the series, HeartGold and SoulSilver have plenty of enticing aspects. The only real difference between the two titles is the legendary Pokémon you can catch, so your choice will be dependant on whether you prefer fire/flying type Ho-Oh, who appears in HeartGold, or the psychic/flying Lugia of SoulSilver. Despite a few frustrations, this is easily one of the most addictive role-playing games on the DS, and catching, battling, raising, and breeding Pokémon could keep you occupied for months. There has never been a better time to catch them all.

Spazio Games (9 out of 10)

I difetti relativi all'età, soprattutto dal punto di vista della struttura classica e della trama praticamente inconsistente, non inficiano il valore di un prodotto che farà sicuramente la felicità di tutti gli appassionati di Pikachu e soci i quali potranno sia ritrovare vecchi amici sia (ci riferiamo ai giocatori più giovani) poter finalmente provare con mano il mitico capitolo Oro/Argento. Oltre ciò il titolo è caldamente consigliato anche a tutti coloro che vogliono accostarsi per la prima volta al mondo dei fortunati mostriciattoli di Nintendo: la così detta “seconda generazione” di Pokemon che troveremo nel gioco può essere presa come una sorta di starter kit dal quale iniziare ad approfondire le conoscenze di allevatore/allenatore. Le aggiunte date soprattutto dal Pokewalker potrebbero aprire le porte ad una nuova generazione di titoli da parte di Game Freaks, dai quali però adesso ci aspettiamo un passo avanti soprattutto dal punto di vista tecnico.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

HeartGold and SoulSilver aren't re-releases, they're remakes, and they're more or less perfect examples of how that should be done. They're neither a careless rehash of old material nor crammed with pointless neophiliac nonsense. They combine everything that was best about the older Pokemon games - namely, the more likeable monster designs and inventive spirit - with the much-improved looks and streamlined battle system of the fourth-generation ones. They recapture the energy and imagination of the Pokemon series at the height of its creative and commercial power. And as a lapsed but once-obsessive Pokemon fan, they've recaptured my imagination, too.

JeuxVideoPC.com (18 out of 20)

Pokémon Version Or HeartGold est donc une vraie réussite. Reprenant l’un des meilleurs épisodes tout en lui ajoutant d’innombrables nouveautés, il s’agit sans conteste du jeu de la série le plus abouti à ce jour. Une quête incroyablement longue, des quêtes annexes nombreuses, des tonnes de Pokémon à attraper et de dresseurs à affronter, le sympathique pokéwalker en bonus… Bien plus qu’un simple remake, voilà un indispensable que tout amateur des pokémon ou de RPG se doit d’essayer, même s’il s’expose à un risque d’addiction élevé !

Game and Player ( )

Unless you've grown weary with the fundamental Pokémon experience, I can't think of a reason not to check out HeartGold/SoulSilver. Nintendo has done a superb job of updating what many already considered to be the best in the series, offering both audio-visual and feature parity with their most recent offerings. Okay, so there's nothing fundamentally new here. But given the obsolete format of the original games and the sheer quality of what's on offer here, this is a trip through Pokémon history worth taking.

WiiDSFrance (9 out of 10)

10 ans séparent les 2 versions et c'est un pur délice que de savourer le progrès qui à été fait. Avec ces nouvelles versions Pokémon Cœur d'or et Ame d'argent, la saga nous offre un de ces meilleurs opus. La réalisation touche les points sensibles qui pêchaient parfois sur les précédents volets et nous offre une compilation de ce qu'il y a de mieux. Comme si les points forts de chaque titre avaient été englobés dans un best-of en y ajoutant du plus ; du contenu ; de l'innovation pour toujours plus de fun. Que vous ayez d'ores et déjà la fièvre pokémon ou non, n'attendez pas une seconde et foncez acquérir le " must-have " en la matière !

Games TM (9 out of 10)

A time-sink that can devour more life than Monster Hunter and Disgaea combined, this adventure shows the series at its immeasurably deep best. Our only concerns now lie with how Nintendo plans to trump it.

Everyeye.it (8.8 out of 10)

Ed infatti l'esperienza complessiva di gioco non si discosta molto da quella vista con l'ultima generazione introdotta per Nintendo DS. Ma pur mantenendo l'intramontabile Battle System, nucleo principale del gioco che porta avanti la serie da più di 15 anni, Heart Gold e Soul Silver sembrano essere i titoli che meglio rappresentano tutto l'universo Pokemon nella sua interezza. Nintendo si è sforzata soprattutto di migliorare gli elementi corali del gameplay, offrendo una più vasta gamma di eventi e di occasioni per catturare i Pokemon più desiderati, ed ampliando le alternative di gioco, con un comparto online più sostanzioso e con l'introduzione del Pokewalker, simpatico gadget che permette di portare un po' di Pokemon sempre con sé. Se gli sviluppatori di Game Freak volteranno pagina con i prossimi titoli della serie, Pokemon Heart Gold e Soul Silver potranno considerarsi a tutti gli effetti i prodotti più completi della saga classica dei Pokèmon.

That Gaming Site (8.8 out of 10)

Heart Gold and Soul Silver are without a doubt the strongest Pokemon sequels to date bringing all the best aspects that the series has introduced in the last ten years. There's room for improvement but few games will offer you such a refined and open-ended experience like this. Be prepared to loose your life to Pokemon once again!

Jeuxvideo.com (17 out of 20)

D'accord, Pokémon SoulSilver et Heartgold ne sont jamais que des remakes de titres sortis il y a près de 10 ans. Mais quels remakes ! Entre les graphismes actualisés, l'interface remaniée, les fonctionnalités online et la tonne de nouveautés présentes dans la cartouche, les fans de la série ne sauront plus où donner de la tête. Que l'on connaisse par coeur les versions d'origines ou qu'on les découvre pour la première fois ici, il est clair qu'on n'est pas près de décrocher de sa DS... Sauf pour recharger le Pokéwalker, bien entendu !

IGN (8.5 out of 10)

GameFreak did, admittedly, add a bunch of elements to make a purchase worthwhile, both for the double (or triple, or quadrupal) dippers and the newbies. The Pokewalker is the Pokemon equivalent of the free prize inside a cereal box: you might find yourself buying it for the gadget than the game itself, but it's the game itself that contains all the deliciousness.

Gamernode (8.5 out of 10)

Simply put, Pokemon HeartGold is awesome. It's a classic game re-born for the modern era. It's not without its flaws, but all in all it is truly worth a try from gamers of any age.

RPGFan (85 out of 100)

It's amazing that I am able to find more amusement in handheld Pokémon games than many full fledged console RPGs. Whether that is telling of console RPGs or the Pokémon games is something I leave up to the reader, but I ended up going back to Pokémon again and again, whereas I had to force myself to finish certain console RPGs released this month. If you've never been impressed with Pokémon games the newest entries will likely not change your mind, but if you enjoy visiting the world time and again and wouldn't mind revisiting the land of Johto, you can't go wrong with Heart Gold and Soul Silver.

411mania.com (8.5 out of 10)

Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver are solid remakes of great titles. That being said, it’s hard to get too excited over a remake when the other Pokémon games were already so similar to the original Gold and Silver. Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver will be a lot of fun to newer gamers who have never explored Johto, and to older gamers who have fond memories of the originals. However, if you’re looking for something new, you might want to wait for the next set of Pokémon games.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (8.5 out of 10)

It may not deviate much from the path set by the original Pokémon titles, but spend a few hours with this game and you'll find that it has taken the tried and true Pokémon formula and polished it to near perfection. Whether you're an old-school trainer or a newbie to the world of Pokémon, you'll be hard pressed to find a portable role-playing experience as engrossing as that in Pokémon: Heart Gold/Soul Silver.

Game Informer Magazine (8.5 out of 10)

Gold’s timeless gameplay combined with the Pokéwalker and extra minigames makes the decision to catch them all over again a no-brainer. Even though the classic Pokémon formula still works as evidenced by HeartGold, I can’t help but hope for a new Pokémon title that breaks some new ground.

IGN UK (8.5 out of 10)

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver feels, at least to me, like a gap filler to make the wait for a new Pokemon game just a little more bearable. Gold and Silver are considered by many to be the best of the Pokemon RPG best, and it's easy to see why after playing this remake: it's still an addictive and fun adventure, fully compatible with all the versions of Pokemon made for the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.

GameFocus (8.3 out of 10)

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver do the series justice, and proves to the gaming community that the franchise will never die out in popularity, no matter how many variations are released. I can’t wait to see what Nintendo and Game Freak have in store for the next installments (the recently announced Black & White) and anticipate what new features will come from them. For those new to the series, it’s an easy game to pick up and play while Poké Veterans will feel right at home with the game. Even at $40, the game offers a lot of replay value and will keep fans busy until the next iteration hits the market. Let’s just hope Nintendo can evolve like their Pokémon and bring us some more modern save options.

4Players.de (82 out of 100)

Okay, die ebenso kindgerechte wie schwache Story sowie die Bonbonkulisse muss man als Ü30-Spieler erstmal verdauen. Aber dann entdeckt man abseits der seit zehn Jahren bekannten, aber immer noch beeindruckenden Kreaturenvielfalt tatsächlich taktische Tiefe. Und genau deshalb wurde tatsächlich mein Ehrgeiz geweckt, obwohl man eigentlich nur von A nach B geschickt wird, um seine Kreaturen endlos aufzuwerten. Was kommt am Ende raus? Schwierig, denn das Spiel hat trotz seiner Erkundungsreize auch seine Längen, seine nervigen Zufallskämpfe und Nintendo ruht sich da hinsichtlich des Spieldesigns etwas aus. Und wer die Serie kennt, wird hier mehr Déjà-vus als kreative Überraschungen erleben. Ich lass einfach meine Tochter sprechen: "Ich würde eine gute 2 geben, aber keine 1, weil die Geschichte wirklich nicht so spannend ist und ich vieles schon kannte. Aber auf keinen Fall eine 3, Papa!" So sei es.

Level 7 (8 out of 10)

Att samla och förbättra sina pokémons blir lätt en besatthet och Nintendo vet hur man förser sin spelserie med precis lagom lite förbättringar för att motivera ett köp för fansen. Att kunna förbättra sina pokemons genom promenera med en medföljande stegräknare är den smartaste av spelets nyheter och eftersom serien genomgått ständiga små förfiningar är Heart Gold det bästa spelet i serien och väl värt ett test av den oinvigde och av seriens alla fans.

Modojo ( )

Bottom line, Pokemon fans will pick up these games no matter what we say. Thankfully, there's a reason to snag them. Even though most of the presentation and general gameplay hasn't changed much from previous Pokemon adventures, both HeartGold and SoulSilver have an adequate amount of content, online and off, to keep you exploring until the next sequel arrives.

GamesRadar (8 out of 10)

HeartGold and SoulSilver are undeniable rehashes, but Nintendo’s signature polish and the Pokewalker make it easy to overlook the recycling. It’s hard to argue with a gameplay formula that still manages to be fun 15 years after the fact, but as usual, there’s little here to draw new players into the franchise.

GameSpot (8 out of 10)

As remakes, HeartGold and SoulSilver do a great job of bringing the original versions up to speed on the DS with some charming visual updates and a general tightening and buffing of the formula. It's disappointing that the gameplay doesn't push any major boundaries for the Pokemon series, but you'll still find an addictive and compelling solo adventure, lots of local and online multiplayer options for battling and communicating with other players, and a legion of Pokemon to care for and train. The Pokewalker adds another dimension to the overall experience, bumping the prospect up a few notches from "sure, why not" to "gotta catch 'em all!"

Gamestyle (8 out of 10)

It would be all too easy to grumble at the series for the supposed lack of innovation since its inception all those years ago. However, this game is a textbook example of why people keep coming back to it; it’s fun, addictive and a resounding social experience to be shared in any way possible. With fifth-generation games confirmed to be in development, the global and cultural phenomenon that is Pokémon won’t be going away any time soon; while this version won’t win over anyone who dislikes the series, if you’re new to the franchise this is the best possible place to start.

Legendra ( )

Nintendo et GAME FREAK ont réussi avec HeartGold l'accomplissement d'un excellent remake qui hérite efficacement d'une grande partie des atouts de ses prédécesseurs. A la fois très accessible mais aussi d'une complexité redoutable pour ceux qui souhaitent bien profiter du soft, Pokémon est un peu le Street Fighter du RPG. Un RPG basé essentiellement sur la maîtrise de "son combattant" afin de se perfectionner dans les duels. Les joueurs capables de passer outre son histoire très rudimentaire, découvriront un jeu agréable, accrocheur, doté d'une durée de vie colossale et surtout très technique.

Thunderbolt Games (8 out of 10)

The absurd number of things to do after the main quest has been completed almost makes the adventure feel like a side-mission to a much grander story that unfolds as you dig deeper into the goodies that lie buried after the first 8 badges. It goes without saying that these games will have you busy long after you open the box, and are an easy recommendation for Pokémon fans, newcomers, or the stray gamer looking to kill some time on Nintendo’s DS. And hell, if you do find yourself with a free moment between catching Pokémon and battling, you can always take your Pokéwalker out for a spin to show the neighbors just how nerdy you really are.

RPGamer (4 out of 5)

Pokémon HeartGold is an addictive game. There's plenty to do and lots of secrets to uncover. Despite the series' many variations on the same theme, the wide-reaching multiplayer aspect enlivens what nostalgia fails to touch. The path of the pokémon trainer is not geared toward loners; among friends, the game's scale multiplies and risks becoming consuming. Even if it's only for a few months, over something as insignificant as battling plant monsters, Pokémon can provide the catalyst for community. This is not an original game, but it is a fun one. The polish and embellishment that Nintendo gave to HeartGold's central elements may not appeal to everyone, but they work. By the way, I'm not kidding about those Snorlaxes.

Cheat Code Central (3.9 out of 5)

It's easy to balk at these rereleases as a "cash-in" attempt by Nintendo, but before you give in to your cynicism, know that HeartGold and SoulSilver have been completely redone. Everything from the look of the game to the addition of new gameplay modes make HeartGold and SoulSilver a must-buy for Nintendo fans. Although the Poké-walker accessory isn't absolutely essential to the game, it is a nice addition and gives players a whole new way to interact with Pokémon. If you have never played a Pokémon game before, HeartGold/SoulSiver is a great place to start, as it represents (arguably) the best in the series. However, if you are a longtime fan, there is enough new content in this rerelease to merit a repurchase. Between the updated graphics and the bonus mini-games (not to mention the new online features), there are plenty of new things to experience in HeartGold and SoulSilver; it is a must-buy for fans.

Game Revolution (B)

Even with those gripes, this version might very well be the best of the series since the original Red and Blue, with a completely engrossing world, ability to link and trade to earlier versions as far back as the GBA (no version of the DS reads the original Game Boy carts, so SOL on that front... but do you really want that Missingno you caught so badly?) and a few amusing – if lackluster – online games on top of being able to battle any of your friends anywhere. I'd forgotten how easy it is to be completely sucked in, and it's a beautiful feeling to want to catch them all again.

JeuxActu (15 out of 20)

A ce jour, ces deux nouvelles versions offrent l'expérience la plus complète que peut offrir un titre estampillé Pokémon. Avec toute sa richesse, le titre offre une durée de vie littéralement colossale. Le plaisir de jeu reste toujours présent depuis toutes ces années et les plus collectionneurs seront comblés. Cependant, le fait qu'il s'agisse d'un remake et qu'il n'y ait réellement pas de grande innovation ou de chamboulement risque d'en rebuter plus d'un. Visuellement indigne de la DS, le jeu se démarque finalement de ses aînés grâce au Pokéwalker. L'objet offre de nouvelles fonctionnalités d'interaction intéressantes et légitime définitivement le terme "monstre de poche".

Jeuxvideo.fr (7 out of 10)

Avec davantage de Pokémon sur un même titre et un tout nouvel accessoire, Pokémon Argent SoulSilver et Pokémon Or HeartGold sont de très bons remakes des versions Gameboy. Le Pokéwalker, bien que demandant énormément de pas pour débloquer aussi bien les routes que les Pokémon qu'elles contiennent, s'avère un accessoire divertissant. Le titre rempli donc son contrat en offrant de nombreuses heures de jeu qui peuvent se répartir aussi bien dans l'aventure principale, les mini-jeux et les interactions avec les npc qu'avec de véritables joueurs.