The Evolution Of The Pokemon Centre

With every new game in a franchise,you'd expect major changes in gameplay.Not Pokemon though.With the exception of improved graphics and scope,the series has remained unchanged over the years.Like the old cliche goes,"if it's not broken don't fix it".

But a staple has been undergoing an evolution.And I'm not talking about the Pokemon.It's the Pokemon Centre,the first stop you go to when you reach a new town.From the first game all the way to the upcoming Black/White,the humble building has changed,aesthetics and functions-wise.

Scroll down to witness the change yourself.

Red/Blue

The first version is truly non-descript,blending in with the other buildings.The only way to identify it is the "Poke" inscribed beside the entrance.

Red/Blue (GameBoy Colour version)

Colour comes to the series,though not making much of an impact.Without the "Poke",players would miss it.

Gold/Silver

A wider range of colours were used,though the "Poke" is still necessary in knowing which building is what,as the Pokemon Centre follows in the colour scheme of its town.Each continent sports a different theme,from the brown roofs of the Kanto region to the maroon of Johto.In addition,the PokeCentre allows players to link up to a friend's GameBoy to trade Pokemon or do battle.

Fire/Leaf

Better graphics bring improved designs.The "Poke" has now been traded for the much shorter "P.C.".Again,each continent differs in the style of the roofs.

Diamond/Pearl

Actions speak louder than words.Or in Diamond/Pearl's case,symbols.The curved roof and white PokeBall motif is enough to inform players where to heal.

Heart/Soul

If you thought the game designers are over and done with the Pokemon Centre's design in Diamond/Pearl,you're far wrong.The curved roof is gone,making way for a flat one and glowing windows that show the time of the day.Dark when it's daytime,glowing at night.

Black/White

From early impressions of the yet-to-be-released game,the PokeCentre is now part of a larger building.But the cheerful colours definitely makes it stand out among the monochrome towers that surround it.Rumours online also persist that the PokeMart and PokeCentre are now integrated,making the place the most important to visit second only to the Gyms.

For the complete article on Kotaku,hit the link.