Unova Region

Regional Pokédex: Unova Pokedex

Starting Pokémon: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott

Japanese name: Isshu

The Unova region first appeared in Generation V's Black and White. Unlike the previous 4 main series regions, Unova isn't based on an area of Japan, but rather is based on Manhattan, in the U.S.A. A lot of American influences are present within the region, including the large skyscraper filled Castelia City, the inclusion of a Subway system, and the inclusion of new trainer classes such as an American Footballer.

There are also some indications that there is a more general Western influence on some areas of the region, with more continental European themes such as an area with windmills and old, traditional castles.

Unova is said to be very far away from the previously visited regions, however, Detective Looker and Sinnoh Champion Cynthia both appear after defeating the Unova Elite 4. For the first time, though, Professor Oak does not appear at all. Because of this distance, Unova's routes also begin at Route 1, as opposed to 301 (as Hoenn's began at 101 and Sinnoh's at 201).

Towns and Cities

Routes and Bridges

Landmarks

Special Areas

Pokémon Available

As of 16 September 2010, there are 156 new Pokemon from the Unova region and none are related to any previous Pokémon - an attribute unique to Generation V if one does not count Generation I (for it has no previous Pokemon to be related to)). Alomomola appeared to be an evolution of Luvdisc, however, it was confirmed just to be very similar to Luvdisc, but not related.

The Unova Region will only contain Generation V Pokémon within the regional Pokédex. The first time this has occurred since Generation I. However, Black and White will have the ability to attain other Pokémon through either the Dream World or the Poké Transfer features once the player has obtained the National Pokédex. After obtaining the National Pokedex, Pokémon from previous Generations appear in the wild throughout Unova.

Many Pokemon caught in the Unova region by first meeting them in the Dream World have unique, new abilities only obtainable on these Pokémon in this way.

Version Differences

Unova is the first region to differ depending on which version of the game you have. One location is completely different depending on which game you are playing. Players of Pokémon Black will visit the Black City, while players of Pokémon White will visit the White Forest. There will also be other slight changes to some other areas depending on the version. Meanwhile, the Gym Leader of Opelucid City - home of the 8th Badge, the Legend Badge - will either be Drayden if you are playing Pokémon Black or Iris if you are playing Pokémon White.

Some Pokémon are only found in one version: the Version Exclusives and Basculin has a different form in each game.

Local Customs and Legends

Unova introduces the Pokémon Musical feature which, similar to Sinnoh's Super Contests, see players dressing up their Pokémon and then playing through a dancing mini-game with them.

The Entralink feature is also introduced in Unova, and allows players to interact together and completing missions set by other characters.

The Unova region has 13 Legendary Pokémon, 4 of whom are only available through official Nintendo Events.

Victini is said to bring victory to any Trainer that owns it, however, Victini is considered to be an illusion and is numbered #000 in the Unova Pokédex. It can only be found on Liberty Garden, available by obtaining the Liberty Ticket through a Nintendo event. Victini is also the only Pokémon to appear in a Pokédex before the starters of its region.

Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus are Genie-like Pokémon that represent control over the weather, while Reshiram and Zekrom represent the Taoist concepts of Yin and Yang and have a part to play in Unova's origin story. Kyurem also appears to be related to Reshiram and Zekrom - but its specific role in their mythology remains to be seen.

Cobalion, Terrakion and Virizion are all Pokémon that seem to represent valour and honour, almost as if they were Knights. Keldeo also seems to be related to these Pokémon, but could be considered more of a Squire to their Knights.

Meloetta is a Forme changing Pokémon based on the ancient Greek God, Muse. Its second form is Normal/Fighting type (as opposed to its usual Normal/Psychic types) and is red instead of green. The exact mythology behind Meloetta is currently unknown.

Genesect is the final Generation V Pokémon, and is seemingly a part of the Team Plasma storyline - although it is unlikely it will be mentioned by name in-game.

Gym Leaders

Like every region before it, Unova hosts a brand new batch of Gym Leaders.

Cilan, Chili and Cress are the Co-Leaders of the Striaton City Gym and the first gym leaders you'll battle on your quest. The one faced by the player depends on the choice of Starter Pokemon. Cilan is faced if the player chooses Oshawott, Chili if Snivy was chosen and Cress if the choice was Tepig.
Lenora is the second gym leader who resides in Nacrene City. She is a Normal-type Gym leader.
Burgh is the third gym leader and lives in Castelia City. He trains Bug-types.
Elesa is the four gym leader. She trains Electric-types and is found in Nimbasa City.
Clay is gym leader number five and lives on Driftveil City. He is a trainer of Ground-types.
Skyla is the sixth gym leader. Living in Mistralton City, she is a master of Flying-types.
Brycen is Unova's seventh gym leader. His gym can be found in Icirrus City and you will face his Ice-type Pokemon.
The role of the eighth gym leader depends on what version of the game you have. If you have White version Iris takes the role of gym leader number eight. If you have Black version, the position is filled by her grandfather, Drayden. Both train Dragon-type Pokemon. Their gym is in Opelucid City.

Elite Four

The Elite Four setup in the Unova region is different from the ones encountered so far in that there is no set order for battling them - you can battle the four in whatever order you wish, and once you've defeated all four, an elevator that leads to the Champion's room becomes available. In the same vein as before, though, once you take on the elite four challenge, you cannot turn back until the challenge is completed or you are defeated.

Shauntal is an Elite Four member. She will face you with an array of Ghost-types.
Grimsley is an Elite Four member. He has a team of Dark-type Pokemon.
Caitlin is an Elite Four member. She trains Psychic Pokemon.
Marshal is an Elite Four member. He trains Fighting-types.
Alder is the Elite Four Champion. You only get to battle him post main-story; The final battles of the main story are against N and Ghetsis.

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Unova