Top 5 Best Pokemon Games of the Decade

It’s 2020, and I don’t know about the rest of you, but it feels like the last 10 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. I tend to measure time according to more relevant things (at least to me), such as the release of movies and games. Over these last 10 years, we’ve seen plenty of both, some good and some bad. However, it seems over the past decade, we’ve seen an abundance of Pokémon games. Again, some good, some meh, and some that have been absolutely fantastic. 

In this post, I’d like to just briefly review and highlight some of those fantastic Pokémon titles that seem to have stuck with fans/players of the series over these past 10 years. Of course, you’ll probably recognize a few of the more recent titles, but who knows, perhaps there are a couple of hidden gems on this list that you’ve heard of, but still have yet to try.

So, here are 5 of the best Pokémon game titles to be released between 2010 and 2020!

1. Pokemon Sword and Shield (2019)

As one of the more recent Pokémon games, Sword and Shield have become very popular and well-received titles among players in the Pokémon gaming community. Set in the Galar region, which is populated with numerous towns and cities connected by different routes, Sword and Shield presents players with a new kind of Pokémon adventure that has a sort of open-world feel to it. In case you didn’t know, I’m a huge fan of open-world games that allow you to explore different places and territories across the map. This open-world region of the map is known as the ‘Wild Area’, which is something new that Sword and Shield introduced to the Pokémon world.

Packed with random encounters, fun trainer battles, and a lot more, Sword and Shield introduces players to a new story/adventure while sticking to the traditional style of gameplay that fans of the series have come to know and love. That said, the surroundings are vibrant, the characters are easy to love, and the classic feel of the game really brings everything together quite nicely. If you’ve been a fan of Pokémon game titles for quite some time now and have yet to try Sword and Shield, I don’t mind telling you that you’re missing out!

Pokémon Sword and Shield are only available on Nintendo Switch.

2. Pokemon Go (2016)

I remember when this game/app was released back in 2016, it’s all everyone ever talked about. Heck, there were several television/radio hosts and personalities who couldn’t help but bring it up during their shows. I think what makes this game fun and so popular is the fact that anyone can do it and really get into it, whether they’re avid Pokémon fans or not. I like games that anyone can use and get excited about, even if they’ve never played similar games or titles in the series prior. For me, those are the best kinds of games, and Pokémon Go really nailed it.

Think about it, this is a game that allows you to actually catch Pokémon in the real, physical environment around you using a smart AR (augmented reality) system that continues to impress users even today. The game allows you to play with your friends, participate in battles, and build your own team of Pokémon as well, all from your phone.

Of course, there have been complaints of bugs/glitches here and there as time has gone by, which is expected for any game that uses AR. However, for this game to have well over a billion downloads and receive two awards (Best Mobile Game and Best App of the Year), it’s fair to say that Pokémon Go has proved itself to be an excellent game for Pokémon fans and avid gamers alike!

Pokémon Go is available for download for both Apple and Android users.

3. Pokemon Sun and Moon (2016)

Taking place in the fictional Alola region (consisting of four main islands), Pokémon Sun and Moon not only introduce players to a new setting but a host of new features as well. Together, they have made the game both fun and rewarding for gamers who seek a new kind of Pokémon adventure. Besides the fresh island environment and a roster of new Pokémon, Sun and Moon give us a more engaging experience that’s not so much about where you’re going, but more so how you choose to get there. The characters you meet and the Pokémon that you come across along the way are what make the game more interaction-driven overall.

One other obvious change from other Pokémon games is the absence of gyms. While there are some who don’t agree with the removal of the gym battles in Sun and Moon, many players seem to have taken a shine to the game’s new island challenges, which presents players with that fresh, more engaging gameplay experience that we mentioned earlier. Add in the vibrant island scenery, plus the exceptional graphics, and Pokémon Sun and Moon are right up there with some of the best Pokémon games in the series.

Pokémon Sun and Moon are available on Nintendo 3DS.

4. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014)

Out of all the Pokémon games out there, this one in particular seems to be a consistent fan favorite among avid Pokémon players. For those of you who aren’t aware, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014) are actually enhanced remakes of the original Ruby and Sapphire games from 2002. As you can imagine, the overall presentation of the newer 2014 version is far better, as it features upgraded 3D graphics and details. However, even though it has a fresher, more realistic 3D look, developers of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire made it a point to stay true to the originals when it came to the overall feel of the game. 

As we’ve pointed out in previous sections, fans of the Pokémon series enjoy the more traditional, classic feel that these games are known for, and that’s just what this newer version of Ruby and Sapphire delivers. Aside from all the technical upgrades that have been added to the game, fans agree that the story is fun, the characters are great and the Pokémon are amazing (as usual). Players seem to enjoy the free roam aspect as well, which allows you to freely explore/discover new locations and Pokémon spread throughout the world.

So, if you haven’t tried the enhanced version of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire yet, I recommend that you do so ASAP before any more time goes by. Also, if you’re new to the Pokémon game series, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are the perfect games for getting your feet wet.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are available on Nintendo 3DS.

5. Pokemon Black and White (2010) 

Well, we said the top Pokémon games of the decade and these soon to be classic titles still count...at least for the next few months or so. I added Pokémon Black and White to this list because even though they’re now considered oldies, they still remain goodies, even 10 years later. Set in the Unova region (based on modern-day New York City) Black and White introduces players to a fantastic story set in a truly breathtaking city environment. In fact, there are many players who have said that they actually enjoy the music/soundtrack in B&W as well. 

Although B&W sticks to that classic Pokémon game formula that we’ve mentioned before, there are some new additions that were actually never used or seen in previous games. One such addition is the idea of the ‘rotation battle’, which is a battle type that was first introduced and used in the B&W titles of the series (mostly in Black). For those who don’t know, a rotation battle is a 3 on 3 battle mode that allows you to rotate the attack positions of your 3 Pokémon during a battle.

Like the other games listed in this post, Pokémon B&W has a great story that’s packed with awesome challenges, characters and tasks. However, when/if you beat the main story, the game still has a ton of awesome things for you to do, such as completing a host of side missions and even dressing up your Pokémon and having them perform on stage, if you’re into that. Like I said, an oldie, but still a goodie for many.

Pokémon Black and White is available for Nintendo DS.

Well, much like the last decade, this post seems to have gone by pretty quickly as well. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. As always, I’d like to hear your thoughts on the games listed above. Have you played any of them? If so, what did you think? Also, if you haven’t yet played any of these games, do you plan to now? Let me know in the comments section below. 

Until we meet again,

Vince the Prince