A new feature of your Pokédex, the Habitat List allows you to track which monsters you’ve encountered and caught in each location. Pokémon collecting has also been improved for Black 2, made far easier by the game’s innovative Habitat List function. Paired with the Xtransceiver, an impressive video chat feature returning from Black and White, these options present a fun way for fellow trainers to easily connect, interact, and arrange matches or trades on the fly. The incredible thing about these quests - which range from chasing down berries to catching Pokémon - is that they allow up to 100 players to connect locally and simultaneously experience the Unova region together.

Play The series continues to advance portable multiplayer in other ways as well, with additions like the revamped Entralink’s new Fun Fest Missions.

While it’s fun hanging out with your friends’ avatars, the main draw here is the variety of specialty shops you can encourage them to set up, each offering a range of unique goods or services for your shopping pleasure. There’s also Join Avenue, an area populated by trainers you’ve connected with via the game’s seamless IR, wireless and online communications. It’s in the same vein as the Pokémon Musicals, which are returning from Black and White - both are a tad frivolous compared to the rest of the game, but as an optional diversion they’re quite amusing if you’re in the right mood. PokéStar Studios, for instance, lets you make miniature movies with your favorite monsters while testing your knowledge of type advantages. While battling is still the game’s main draw, a multitude of other activities round out the finely balanced experience. The inclusion of a constantly running tourney is a brilliant addition, as it provides an exciting venue for honing your battle skills, and it’s a pleasure re-challenging some of the most iconic characters from the franchise’s rich history. Additional opportunities to test your team and flex your skills include the Pokémon World Tournament, a new in-game event where you can face off against gym leaders and champions from past titles. You’ll find Elesa’s roller coasters supplemented by a booming catwalk, Burgh’s gym covered in silk cocoons – and, while I won’t spoil it for you, suffice to say that Drayden’s domain presents an epic homage to the dragon-tamer’s type of choice. The gyms themselves are far grander than in previous games. Play Gyms have always played an important role in the Pokémon experience, and they’re at their best in Black 2.

Pokemon black version 2 ds