Pokémon Red And Blue: The Kotaku Retro Review
Kotaku
by Kenneth ShepardFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The original Pokémon Red and Blue games, released in 1996, remain iconic staples of gaming culture despite their age. While modern players might find their clunky mechanics and limited scope outdated, these games have left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying their status as timeless classics. Their enduring appeal lies in their simplicity and creativity, which laid the foundation for a franchise that continues to thrive nearly three decades later.
The games' core gameplay—catching, training, and battling Pokémon—was revolutionary at the time, offering players a unique blend of strategy, exploration, and social interaction. The Game Boy's limitations forced the developers to be innovative, resulting in clever use of features like trading via Link Cable and the introduction of "Pokéwalker" mode. While these elements might seem rudimentary today, they were groundbreaking for their era and set the stage for future Pokémon games to expand on their concepts.
Despite their simplicity, Pokémon Red and Blue achieved remarkable success, selling millions of copies worldwide and sparking a cultural phenomenon. The series has since evolved into a multimedia juggernaut, with countless sequels, spin-offs, movies, TV shows, and more. This longevity speaks volumes about the original games' staying power and their ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
For gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts, revisiting Pokémon Red and Blue offers a fascinating glimpse into gaming history. It also highlights how even flawed or dated titles can leave a lasting legacy if they strike the right chords with players. For those new to the franchise, understanding these foundational games provides context for the expansive world that followed, underscoring how far the series has come while still honoring its roots.
In an era dominated by graphically stunning and hyper-polished experiences, Pokémon Red and Blue remind us of gaming's humble beginnings and the charm of simplicity. Their
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Originally published on Kotaku on 2/26/2026