Black & White Pokedex

Game Freak wanted Black and White to feel like a fresh start. The entire main game uses only Gen 5 Unova Pokemon. You won't see a single Pikachu, Geodude, or Zubat until after the credits. It forces you to learn the new roster instead of defaulting to old favorites.

Oshawott evolves into Samurott with solid mixed offenses and good coverage. Tepig's Emboar (the third Fire/Fighting starter in a row) hits hard but is slow. Snivy's Serperior has great Speed but limited movepool. Oshawott gives you the most flexibility.

Black gets Reshiram (Fire/Dragon), Braviary, Gothitelle, and Black City. White gets Zekrom (Electric/Dragon), Mandibuzz, Reuniclus, and White Forest. The city vs forest difference gives Black more trainer battles and White more wild Pokemon.

Gen 5. Nintendo DS, 2010. Black and White introduced 156 new species, the largest batch since the original 151. Also brought triple battles, rotation battles, and a seasonal cycle that changes wild encounters. The story revolves around Team Plasma questioning whether catching Pokemon is ethical.

New York City and the surrounding area. Castelia City is Manhattan, Skyarrow Bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge, and the desert area is inspired by New Jersey. It was the first mainline Pokemon region based on a real-world location outside Japan.