Pokemon Gold Version

About Pokemon Gold Version (Game Boy Color)

Pokemon Gold Version is a role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color in 1999 in Japan and 2000 in North America. Together with Pokemon Silver Version, it launched the second generation of Pokemon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest handheld RPGs ever made. When you play Pokemon Gold Version online, you return to a sequel that expands everything that made Red and Blue special.

You start in New Bark Town in the new Johto region, where Professor Elm gives you a choice of Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile as your starter. Your journey takes you through eight Johto Gyms, the return of a weakened Team Rocket, and a mysterious rival who stole his first Pokemon. In a surprise that delighted players in 2000, finishing Johto unlocks the entire Kanto region from the first games, ending with a legendary showdown against Red on Mt. Silver.

Detailed Gameplay

Gold is a classic turn-based Pokemon adventure built around catching, training, and battling. You explore towns, routes, caves, and forests from a top-down view, battling wild Pokemon and other trainers to earn experience.

Exploring Johto and Kanto

The world runs on a real-time day and night cycle, a first for the series. Certain Pokemon only appear in the morning, day, or night, and weekly events happen on specific days. Your Pokegear adds a phone, map, and radio, letting trainers call you for rematches and news. Key locations include Goldenrod City, Ecruteak City with its Burned Tower, and the Lake of Rage.

Battling and New Systems

Battles remain turn-based, but Gold adds 100 new Pokemon for a total of 251, two new types in Dark and Steel, held items, and Pokemon breeding at the Day Care on Route 34. You can also catch the Legendary Ho-Oh, Lugia, and the roaming Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Breeding, friendship evolution, and Shiny Pokemon, first shown with the Red Gyarados, give collectors far more to chase.

Game Highlights

• Two Regions in One Game: Conquer Johto, then revisit a changed Kanto for eight more Gym Badges and a true finale.
• 100 New Pokemon: Meet beloved additions like Typhlosion, Ampharos, Espeon, Umbreon, and the Legendary Ho-Oh.
• Day and Night Cycle: The in-game clock changes which Pokemon appear and which events are available.
• The Ultimate Finale: Climb Mt. Silver to battle Red, the strongest trainer in any classic Pokemon game.

Controls

The Game Boy Color controls are simple and work perfectly with a keyboard or touch controls in the browser.

• D-Pad: Move your character, navigate menus, and choose commands in battle.
• A Button: Talk to people, confirm choices, and use selected items.
• B Button: Cancel and go back in menus.
• Start: Open the main menu for Pokemon, Bag, Pokegear, Save, and Options.
• Select: Rearrange items and moves in menus where supported.

Tips and Strategies to Win

A balanced team and patience matter far more than rushing to the Elite Four.

• Build a Balanced Team: Cover Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ground, and Psychic or Dark types so no Gym catches you off guard.
• Use the Day and Night Cycle: Catch a Hoothoot at night and evolve an Eevee with high friendship into Espeon by day or Umbreon by night.
• Train Before Clair and the Elite Four: The Dragon Gym in Blackthorn City and Champion Lance punish underleveled teams, so grind on Victory Road.
• Save Your Master Ball: Use it on a roaming Legendary like Raikou or Entei, which can flee on the first turn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between Pokemon Gold and Silver? A: The story and world are the same, but each version has exclusive Pokemon. Gold features Growlithe and Mankey, while Silver features Vulpix and Meowth. Trading completes the Pokedex.

Q: How long does it take to finish Pokemon Gold Version? A: Beating the Elite Four takes about 25 to 30 hours. Finishing Kanto, defeating Red, and completing the Pokedex can take 50 hours or more.

Q: Can I play Pokemon Gold Version online for free? A: Yes, you can play Pokemon Gold Version online for free in your browser on RiveGame with no downloads or installation required.