Video Games in China

I recently learned some interesting information. In China, it is a common fact many movies/books/games are not released to the public. Not only that, but if a citizen of China has internet, they are blocked from ANY site that would give them information about Tienanmen Square. However, what I found most interesting is that they actually alter the content of some video games to conform to their views or beliefs. Intrigued about this idea, I decided to order a copy of a game I didn't think could ever change – Pokemon.

As hard as I tried to find Blue Version, it was an odd coincidence that they were all Red.



The first thing that you might notice is the slogan. Apparently the government isn't too fond of any one person having “all” the Pokemon. The game program sets a maximum number of Pokemon weekly so that no one can reach the level of Pokemon master.

The gameplay progression is totally changed. There are no gyms, but rather autonomous collectives surrounding Pokemon of a certain element. It was especially hard to figure out which character was the real gym 'leader.'



After finally collecting each one of the badges, I was quite surprised to find that the Elite Four have been completely taken out of the game. After entering a large building I was required to fill out a number of forms and told to wait 3-4 days for an official response. To what, I have no idea.



Throughout the game I had to deal with an evil organization that I assumed to be team rocket until the Gym Leader, Vladamir, revealed that he was the head of the KGB and the R did indeed stand for Russia.



I still haven't beaten the game. The final boss keeps taking away all the Pokemon I catch and replacing them with level 1s every time I get to his building. More word on this next week.

-Trevor Seyfried