Pokemon Black/White has been released on DS and been provided for us to preview/review by the publisher.

Believe it or not we are still playing it. Here are some extracts of what we made of it in chronological order:

"Pokemon White/Black adds enough new Pokemon and modes to ease the series' monotony. Even without these additions though, a new Pokemon game to play with my friends is still an addictive proportion..."
- Teen Gamer (Sat, 16 Jul 2011)

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"Pokemon Black/White: Gotta Catch 'Em All - An expose in a disturbing subculture among modern youth..."
- Novel Gamer (Mon, 07 Mar 2011)

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"Pokemon Black/White defies re-invention and proves to be a finely tuned, if slightly single-minded experience..."
- Tech Gamer (Fri, 04 Mar 2011)

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Pokemon Black/White DS Release

12/01/2011 13:30

Pokemon Black and White are set to kick off the fifth generation of Pokemon games with new mechanics, better graphics and over 150 new Pokemon to collect.

The latest adventure will take place in the New York-inspired Unova region, providing a change of pace from the Japanese-based settings of previous games. The protagonists are also a little older, as though the series is maturing slightly (ed: surely not, after all these years?).

The major game antagonists in Black and White are from Team Plasma, who are determined to liberate Pokemon from human oppression. This could bring a touch of moral complexity to the experience.

The successful Pokemon formula, of catching and training your menagerie of fantasy animals to take on progressively tougher gym masters, remains intact but Black and White will include some refinements and additions.

New battle tactics are being introduced, including the ability to battle with three Pokemon at once, adding a new layer of strategy to the mix. Black and White also expands on the day-night cycles from Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver with the addition of seasons. Each season lasts for one month real time, and alters Pokemon availability and access to some areas.

As is typical for the series, some Pokemon are unique to either the Black or White version of the game, encouraging trading with friends to complete the set. This time around there will also be minor aesthetic differences between Black and White, and a region unique to each: Black City or White Forest.

Pokemon Black and White will be released in Europe on 4th March 2011 and in North America on 6th March.