Bulbanews

Can we catch ‘em all?: Generation II: Difference between revisions

Page Talk page

Can we catch ‘em all?: Generation II (view source)

Revision as of 09:23, 23 February 2016

874 bytes added ,  23 February 2016
m
Removing deadname
mNo edit summary
m (Removing deadname)
 
(8 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
year=2014 |
year=2014 |
time=01:11:08 |
time=01:11:08 |
discusstype=none |
discusstype=bmgf |
discusslink= |
discusslink=170486 |
sourcetype=exclusive |
sourcetype=exclusive |
sourcename= |
sourcename= |
sourcelink= |
sourcelink= |
user=Rebecca Hernandez-Gerber |
user=ArchivistGeek |
userlink=User:8bitbecca |
userlink=User:ArchivistGeek |
tagline=Versions, remakes, and media archaeology |
tagline=Versions, remakes, and media archaeology |
blurb=In the third of seven articles, Pokémon Professor and Archaeologist Becca takes you on a journey into the world of core series games through the lens of media archaeology. }}
blurb=In the third of seven articles, Pokémon Professor and Archaeologist Becks takes you on a journey into the world of core series games through the lens of media archaeology. }}
{{CategorizeIn|Anime|11|14}}
{{CategorizeIn|Anime|11|14}}


Line 22: Line 22:
{{CategorizeIn|Columns|11|14}}
{{CategorizeIn|Columns|11|14}}


“How do we engage a work’s processes? Digital media are not simply representations but machines for generating representations.” – Noah Wardrip-Fruin, ''Expressive Processing''<ref name=”Wardrip-Fruin, ‘’Expressive Processing.’’”>Noah Wardrip-Fruin, ‘’Expressive Processing: Digital Fictions, Computer Games, and Software Studies’’ (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2009).</ref>
“How do we engage a work’s processes? Digital media are not simply representations but machines for generating representations.” – Noah Wardrip-Fruin, ''Expressive Processing: Digital Fictions, Computer Games, and Software Studies''<ref name=”Wardrip-Fruin, ‘’Expressive Processing.’’”>Noah Wardrip-Fruin,''Expressive Processing: Digital Fictions, Computer Games, and Software Studies'' (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2009).</ref>


To say {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} were heavily anticipated is a severe understatement. Development began in 1998, right after the original games were first released in Japan. Another year passed before their existence was revealed to the public at the 1999 Nintendo SpaceWorld Expo in Japan.<ref> http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/eye-on-pokemon-gold-and-silver </ref> Here, Nintendo stated the games would not be another set of minor remakes. Instead, the games would be sequels to the originals with an entirely new plot, set of characters, and additions to the original 151 Pokémon. {{bp|Generation II}} was intended to exist as an ending of the series. {{bp|Satoru Iwata}} stated:
To say {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} were heavily anticipated is a severe understatement. Development began in 1998, right after the original games were first released in Japan. Another year passed before their existence was revealed to the public at the 1999 Nintendo SpaceWorld Expo in Japan.<ref> http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/28/eye-on-pokemon-gold-and-silver </ref> Here, Nintendo stated the games would not be another set of minor remakes. Instead, the games would be sequels to the originals with an entirely new plot, set of characters, and additions to the original 151 Pokémon. {{bp|Generation II}} was intended to exist as an ending of the series. {{bp|Satoru Iwata}} stated:
Line 32: Line 32:
Once again, it is helpful to look at Nintendo’s published descriptions of versions.
Once again, it is helpful to look at Nintendo’s published descriptions of versions.


[[File:GenIIOfficialVersionTree.png|Generation II Official Version Tree]]
[[File:GenIIOfficialVersionTree.png|thumb|Generation II Official Version Tree]]


According to Nintendo, {{bp|Generation II}} was released to Japanese audience in 1999 with {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}}.<ref> http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gbc-gs/</ref> They were marketed as the first {{bp|core series}} optimized for {{bp|Game Boy Color}} and advertisements heavily focused on the improved graphical aspects of the new system. However, the games were also accessible on any monochrome {{bp|Game Boy}} system. As with the previous generation, the Japanese titles were translated into the near-identical {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions}}for release in the United States<ref> http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-gold-version-and-pokemon-silver-version/</ref> and Australia in 2000. European release followed in 2001 with translations in French, Italian, German, and Spanish.<ref> http://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-gold-version-and-pokemon-silver-version/</ref> For the first time, a Korean-language version titled {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} was released in 2002.<ref> http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/09/25/the-koreanization-of-pokemon-or-simply-pokemon-in-south-korea-2296686?lt_source=external,manual </ref> Unlike all other version of the paired titles, this localization was only compatible with the {{bp|Game Boy Color}}.  
According to Nintendo, {{bp|Generation II}} was released to Japanese audience in 1999 with {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}}.<ref> http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gbc-gs/</ref> They were marketed as the first {{bp|core series}} optimized for {{bp|Game Boy Color}} and advertisements heavily focused on the improved graphical aspects of the new system. However, the games were also accessible on any monochrome {{bp|Game Boy}} system. As with the previous generation, the Japanese titles were translated into the near-identical {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pokémon Gold and Silver}} for release in the United States<ref> http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-gold-version-and-pokemon-silver-version/</ref> and Australia in 2000. European release followed in 2001 with translations in French, Italian, German, and Spanish.<ref> http://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-gold-version-and-pokemon-silver-version/</ref> For the first time, a Korean-language version titled {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} was released in 2002.<ref> http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/09/25/the-koreanization-of-pokemon-or-simply-pokemon-in-south-korea-2296686?lt_source=external,manual </ref> Unlike all other version of the paired titles, this localization was only compatible with the {{bp|Game Boy Color}}.  


The first set of paired releases was followed in 2000 with the Japanese release of {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version|Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version}}.<ref> http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gbc-crystal/</ref> This is the only {{bp|core series}} Japanese game to contain the term Version in its title, an apt choice considering the significant number of new features relating to a new mobile network. However, the version was still marketed as a remake of the initial paired titles of the series and not as a stand-alone selection.<ref> http://spong.com/press_release/1660/Nintendo-Unveils-New-Jewel-with-Pokemon-Crystal </ref>
The first set of paired releases was followed in 2000 with the Japanese release of {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version|Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version}}.<ref> http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/other/gbc-crystal/</ref> This is the only {{bp|core series}} Japanese game to contain the term Version in its title, an apt choice considering the significant number of new features relating to a new mobile network. However, the version was still marketed as a remake of the initial paired titles of the series and not as a stand-alone selection.<ref> http://spong.com/press_release/1660/Nintendo-Unveils-New-Jewel-with-Pokemon-Crystal </ref>
Line 42: Line 42:
Consistently, throughout the advertisements, articles, and interviews, these titles are referred to as sequels. How are sequels defined? This question might appear obvious, but it is the heart of the mystery of {{bp|Generation II}}.
Consistently, throughout the advertisements, articles, and interviews, these titles are referred to as sequels. How are sequels defined? This question might appear obvious, but it is the heart of the mystery of {{bp|Generation II}}.


In A Theory of Adaptation, Linda Hutcheon noted that, “There is a difference between never wanting a story to end - the reason behind sequels…and wanting to retell the same story over and over in different ways.”<ref name="Hutcheon, ''A Theory of Adaptation'', 2nd ed.">Linda Hutcheon, ‘’A Theory of Adaptation’’, 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge, 2013)</ref> Considering such a definition, whether Generation II games function as sequels is unclear. On the one hand, {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} do continue the story of {{bp|Generation I}} with a return to {{bp|Kanto}}. Facing {{bp|Red (game)|Red}} as a final competition is a culmination of {{bp|Generation II|Generation I’s}} heroic quest. On the other hand, much of the narrative found in {{bp|Generation II}} is simply the same story told in different ways, that of becoming a {{bp|Pokémon Master}}.
In ''A Theory of Adaptation'', Linda Hutcheon noted,“There is a difference between never wanting a story to end - the reason behind sequels…and wanting to retell the same story over and over in different ways.”<ref name="Hutcheon, ''A Theory of Adaptation'', 2nd ed.">Linda Hutcheon, ''A Theory of Adaptation'', 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge, 2013)</ref> Considering such a definition, whether Generation II games function as sequels is unclear. On the one hand, {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} do continue the story of {{bp|Generation I}} with a return to {{bp|Kanto}}. Facing {{bp|Red (game)|Red}} as a final competition is a culmination of {{bp|Generation II|Generation I’s}} heroic quest. On the other hand, much of the narrative found in {{bp|Generation II}} is simply the same story told in different ways, that of becoming a {{bp|Pokémon Master}}.
Examining the code hidden within the games initially implies that Generation II is built upon, and therefore sequels of, {{bp|Generation I}}. Unused maps such as a Safari Zone and Pokémon Lab on Cinnibar Island, as well as other unused tilesets, are almost completely intact from {{bp|Generation I}}. The only difference is the addition of color. Smaller pieces of code also exist, such as unused text and {{bp|Teru-sama}}, or dummy items.<ref> http://tcrf.net/Pokémon_Gold_and_Silver </ref> However, none of these items are altered or adapted.
Examining the code hidden within the games initially implies that Generation II is built upon, and therefore sequels of, {{bp|Generation I}}. Unused maps such as a Safari Zone and Pokémon Lab on Cinnibar Island, as well as other unused tilesets, are almost completely intact from {{bp|Generation I}}. The only difference is the addition of color. Smaller pieces of code also exist, such as unused text and {{bp|Teru-sama}}, or dummy items.<ref> http://tcrf.net/Pokémon_Gold_and_Silver </ref> However, none of these items are altered or adapted.
It is possible to narrow the point of origin to a specific game rather than the entirety of {{bp|Generation I}}. Many in-game {{bp|Glitch|glitches}} were neutralized during the creation of {{bp|Pokémon Yellow Version|Pocket Monsters: Pikachu}} and a handful were further removed from the international localization to {{bp|Pokémon Yellow Version|Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition}}. The lack of such {{bp|Glitch|glitches}} would suggest that the basis of {{bp|Generation II}} titles is one of the many version of this final {{bp|Generation I}} titles. Still, it is most likely that the North American version is the basis as it, like {{bp|Generation II}}, was programmed for the {{bp|Game Boy Color}}.<ref>http://tcrf.net/Pokémon_Yellow</ref>
To engage these games from a deeper media archaeological perspective, it is necessary to dig into the processes or mechanics of the games. This requires an examination of Pokémon data structures, the byte structure that contains all data regarding a Pokémon’s {{bp|ability|abilities}} and current {{bp|status condition|status}}.<ref> http://www.smogon.com/smog/issue27/glitch </ref> Metaphorically, the byte structure is the media archaeological explanation for a Pokémon’s personality and battle properties.
To engage these games from a deeper media archaeological perspective, it is necessary to dig into the processes or mechanics of the games. This requires an examination of Pokémon data structures, the byte structure that contains all data regarding a Pokémon’s {{bp|ability|abilities}} and current {{bp|status condition|status}}.<ref> http://www.smogon.com/smog/issue27/glitch </ref> Metaphorically, the byte structure is the media archaeological explanation for a Pokémon’s personality and battle properties.
Line 54: Line 56:
In addition to data structures, examining graphical alterations demonstrates that the official order of distribution was not synonymous with the order of localization. While suggestive as well as religious graphics from the Japanese {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} were removed from most localizations, the South Korean version retains the original graphics.<ref> http://iimarck.us/i/changed-designs/</ref> This suggests that, while the Korean-language version was the last released, it was not the last produced. It has been suggested that difficulty implementing the Korean language is to blame for the delayed release, though no speculation can truly answer that question.
In addition to data structures, examining graphical alterations demonstrates that the official order of distribution was not synonymous with the order of localization. While suggestive as well as religious graphics from the Japanese {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} were removed from most localizations, the South Korean version retains the original graphics.<ref> http://iimarck.us/i/changed-designs/</ref> This suggests that, while the Korean-language version was the last released, it was not the last produced. It has been suggested that difficulty implementing the Korean language is to blame for the delayed release, though no speculation can truly answer that question.


Therefore, the original assignment of the term sequel to these games becomes impossible from a media archaeological view. Unlike the official Nintendo diagram, the actual connections between versions of {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} instead resemble the diagram below.
Therefore, the original assignment of the term sequel to these games becomes impossible from a media archaeological view. Unlike the official Nintendo diagram, the actual connections between versions of {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} instead resemble the diagram to the right.


[[File:GenIIGSUnofficialVersionTreeV3.png|Generation II Official Version Tree - Gold and Silver]]
[[File:GenIIGSUnofficialVersionTreeV3.png|thumb|Generation II Official Version Tree - Gold and Silver]]


What can be understood from this mess? It can be argued that, rather than the sequels promoted by Nintendo, Generation II is best described as an adaptation of Generation I. Returning to Linda Hutcheon’s A Theory of Adaptation, three possible descriptions for adaptations are given: as a “transposition of a particular work,” as a “process of creation,” and as a “process of reception.”<ref name="Hutcheon, ''A Theory of Adaptation'', 2nd ed."/>
What can be understood from this mess? It can be argued that, rather than the sequels promoted by Nintendo, Generation II is best described as an adaptation of Generation I. Returning to Linda Hutcheon’s ''A Theory of Adaptation'', three possible descriptions for adaptations are given: as a “transposition of a particular work,” “process of creation,” and “process of reception.”<ref name="Hutcheon, ''A Theory of Adaptation'', 2nd ed."/>


All three definitions give a better explanation to the nuances of the code provided by a media archaeological study. For Generation II, both transposition and reception focus on narrative rather than code. Generation I ended with the triumph of the player, {{bp|Red (game)|Red}}, who reigns as {{bp|Pokémon Master}}. Yet Generation II requires that the protagonist defeat {{bp|Red (game)|Red}}, undermining the triumph of the first generation. This is especially crucial in terms of reception. Players that never encountered Generation I may have seen this scene as just another {{bp|Pokémon battle|battle}}, but players familiar with the previous generation would have an entirely different emotional response.
All three definitions give a better explanation to the nuances of the code provided by a media archaeological study. For Generation II, both transposition and reception focus on narrative rather than code. Generation I ended with the triumph of the player, {{bp|Red (game)|Red}}, who reigns as {{bp|Pokémon Master}}. Yet Generation II requires that the protagonist defeat {{bp|Red (game)|Red}}, undermining the triumph of the first generation. This is especially crucial in terms of reception. Players that never encountered Generation I may have seen this scene as just another {{bp|Pokémon battle|battle}}, but players familiar with the previous generation would have an entirely different emotional response.
Line 70: Line 72:
The inclusion of the {{bp|Battle Tower (Generation II)|Battle Tower}} is another curious question regarding adaptations. Fights within this space are similar to those found in the console-exclusive {{bp|Pokémon Stadium (English)|Pokémon Stadium}}.<ref> http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/pokemon-crystal-2</ref> It could be argued that portions of {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version|Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version}}, then, were not only adaptations of {{bp|Generation I}}  but also adaptations of mechanics outside the core series franchise. If true, it would be the first of the {{bp|core series}} games to utilize mechanics outside that core.
The inclusion of the {{bp|Battle Tower (Generation II)|Battle Tower}} is another curious question regarding adaptations. Fights within this space are similar to those found in the console-exclusive {{bp|Pokémon Stadium (English)|Pokémon Stadium}}.<ref> http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/pokemon-crystal-2</ref> It could be argued that portions of {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version|Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version}}, then, were not only adaptations of {{bp|Generation I}}  but also adaptations of mechanics outside the core series franchise. If true, it would be the first of the {{bp|core series}} games to utilize mechanics outside that core.


Of the three major alterations, what is most intriguing is the {{bp|Pokémon Mobile System GB}}. Japanese editions of the game were bundled with a {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}} allowing access to other players through mobile phone networks. The list of associated features is extensive and has been discussed at length elsewhere. When localized for the rest of the world, {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version}}did not include many of these features, while others were altered for access without the {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}}. Several online sites, including Bulbapedia, state that Nintendo’s official reason is because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not allow the {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}} to enter the United States.<ref> http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pokémon_Crystal_Version#cite_note-2</ref> As a result, none of the associated features were included. Still, there are no sources to verify that this story even took place.
Of the three major alterations, what is most intriguing is the {{bp|Pokémon Mobile System GB}}. Japanese editions of the game were bundled with a {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}} allowing access to other players through mobile phone networks. The list of associated features is extensive and has been discussed at length elsewhere. When localized for the rest of the world, {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version}} did not include many of these features, while others were altered for access without the {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}}. Several online sites, including Bulbapedia, state that Nintendo’s official reason is because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not allow the {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}} to enter the United States.<ref> http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pokémon_Crystal_Version#cite_note-2</ref> As a result, none of the associated features were included. Still, there are no sources to verify that this story even took place.


Media archaeology gives an interesting twist to this story. Breaking into the code indicates that the {{bp|Pokémon Mobile System GB}} and {{bp|Mobile Stadium}} were completely included in international localizations, though ultimately unused. The translations are partially complete with the most progress made to English-language versions followed by German and Spanish, with little to no translation in French and Italian versions.
Media archaeology gives an interesting twist to this story. Breaking into the code indicates that the {{bp|Pokémon Mobile System GB}} and {{bp|Mobile Stadium}} were completely included in international localizations, though ultimately unused. The translations are partially complete with the most progress made to English-language versions followed by German and Spanish, with little to no translation in French and Italian versions.
Line 76: Line 78:
The inclusion of these unused areas, along with a substantial amount of translation, indicates that the decision to remove mobile elements was not an early one. Instead, the decision was made late and abruptly in the localization process, considering the level of translations already in place. Of course, media archaeology cannot tell us why this decision happened, but it can tell us that the situation surrounding this executive decision was sudden and possibly unexpected.
The inclusion of these unused areas, along with a substantial amount of translation, indicates that the decision to remove mobile elements was not an early one. Instead, the decision was made late and abruptly in the localization process, considering the level of translations already in place. Of course, media archaeology cannot tell us why this decision happened, but it can tell us that the situation surrounding this executive decision was sudden and possibly unexpected.


Combining all of this information, the diagram of {{bp|Generation II}} versions now appears to be something like this.
Combining all of this information, the diagram of {{bp|Generation II}} versions now appears to be something like the image to the right.


[[File:GenIICUnofficialVersionTreeV2.png|Generation II Official Version Tree - Complete]]
[[File:GenIICUnofficialVersionTreeV2.png|thumb|Generation II Official Version Tree - Complete]]


It can be argued that {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version|Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version}} is not simply another version of {{bp|Generation II}}. It is an adaptation of {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} with the inclusion of adapted elements from {{bp|Pokémon Stadium (English)|Pokémon Stadium}}. In addition, {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version| Pokémon Crystal Version and its international localizations}} are not mere translations but instead adaptations of the Japanese version, compensating for the loss created by the sudden removal of the {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}}.
It can be argued that {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version|Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version}} is not simply another version of {{bp|Generation II}}. It is an adaptation of {{bp|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver}} with the inclusion of adapted elements from {{bp|Pokémon Stadium (English)|Pokémon Stadium}}. In addition, {{bp|Pokémon Crystal Version| Pokémon Crystal Version and its international localizations}} are not mere translations but instead adaptations of the Japanese version, compensating for the loss created by the sudden removal of the {{bp|Mobile Adapter GB}}.
Line 84: Line 86:
There is no single method of media studies that can solve all the questions that players might have. Using media archaeology and adaptation theory solves many of the questions within {{bp|Generation II}}, but they cannot solve all of them. Answering every question, however, is not the point. The point is to gain as full an understanding of this strange generation as possible, to understand its intricacies a little better, and to perhaps even appreciate the effort it takes to create such a complicated network of versions.
There is no single method of media studies that can solve all the questions that players might have. Using media archaeology and adaptation theory solves many of the questions within {{bp|Generation II}}, but they cannot solve all of them. Answering every question, however, is not the point. The point is to gain as full an understanding of this strange generation as possible, to understand its intricacies a little better, and to perhaps even appreciate the effort it takes to create such a complicated network of versions.


{{canwecatchemall}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
Retrieved from "https://bulbanews.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/53464...57166"