Pokémon is perhaps the most popular franchise on the planet. You can grab practically anyone off the street, ask them to name one of the marvelous creatures, and they probably could, though it’d most likely be Pikachu. At any rate, it’s safe to say that it’s famous. I’m more than sure than there are hundreds, if not thousands of reasons why it’s so well known. But I’d like to boil it down to one; the adventure.

Of the many different Pokémon games and shows, the major theme they all share is adventure. As kids, it seems like you can’t do anything fun until you grow up to be a dumb adult. Which I gotta say is simply not true, but I digress; going on a grand adventure of some kind is a staple fantasy of many kids. To explore, see new things, learn some stuff, it isn’t until life bogs us down do those dreams become bleak. Since little kids aren’t allowed to explore the world on their own, they turn to video games. And what better video game than one where you are a kid exploring the world (region) on your own?

The game gives kids the freedoms of adulthood without the overbearing responsibilities it comes with. Your character gets money from something they enjoy, all the while exploring place to place. Healthcare for your companions is free. They make friends, rivals, even enemies; all the excitement of being out in the world without being physically hurt. It’s more than a simple RPG, it’s a lifestyle. Along the way you interact with some strange people, but they impart little gems of wisdoms all the same. Everybody’s different in their own way; some are kind, generous people who give things to strangers without a second thought. Some are passionate about a certain thing like martial arts, geology, or just swimming. In any case, they’re people all the same, and meeting people different from yourself is a learning experience.

There’s also other facets of it that benefit kids, strategy comes to mind first. There are different types of Pokémon throughout the game, and certain types have advantages over others. For example water beats fire, fire beats grass, and grass beats water. I won’t bore you with the other types, and what beats what but I’ll sum it up to say that it’s a lot to remember. You have to form a team prepared for anything. So having one type of Pokémon for your whole team is a bad idea. You learn to adapt, pick what’s best, and plan out things. Though personally I pick the Pokémon I think are the coolest and just train the heck outta them, but that’s me.

Along with strategizing, and remembering what you need to beat an opponent, there’s various puzzles to be solved in the game time-to-time. The elite trainers in the league you have to beat, and legendary Pokémon, some found in a specific location, others you have to chase down. And even when you confront either of them, it’s a one tough fight, especially of you want to capture it. And that takes good old fashioned grit. Possibly failing, and trying again and again ‘till you get it right. Resolve is what’s needed to beat a Pokémon game and catch ‘em all. And it’s just super fun to play. That’s why I think Pokémon is not only incredibly popular, but also why I think every generation should have a game to bond over. So whether it’s Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (the first ones I ever beat without my brothers help); or the newer fancier Black & White, X & Y, or Sun & Moon. I think Pokémon still has a lot give this world and the children (of all ages) in it.