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It’s been over a week since the Japanese have gotten their hands on the Gen. V sequels and up to this point, most of the game’s new discoveries have been made. While there are no new Pokémon, there are form changes; and while there are new additions to the Unova region and cast of characters, their localized English names have not been completely confirmed. But the game plays the same with more quirks than ever, more secrets to uncover and more battling to be done. 

Because so much has been added to BW2, I’ll summarize some of the important aspects of the games. Be warned as there will be spoilers, including the links. 

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• The Pokémon World Tournament will keep you busy with its many challenges, including those from every gym leader and champion of the previous games. (Anyone else happy to see the Hoenn leaders again?) 
• Move tutors make a valiant return and you can teach moves like the elemental punches, Earth Power, Stealth Rock and Roost in exchange for colored shards, similar to the method in Platinum version. 
• The Unova Link (split into Key, Memory and Nintendo 3DS) feature allows you to change how you play the game and unlock many other aspects of your adventures in BW2. You can decrease or increase difficulty level, have your previous BW game characters mentioned, and even allow yourself to obtain all of N’s former Pokémon. You’ll either need a friend or a second DS and either BW/BW2 games to link data. 
• Alder is no longer the champion of Unova. He can be battled after becoming the champion but his team has changed somewhat. 
• Alder’s grandson leads a battle area in Black City/White Forest. His team depends on which version you play and is set at level 80. However, when you switch from Black City to White Forest or vice versa, a veteran trainer will take over. 
• Cilan, Cress and Chili can also be battled later in the game. Trainers like Cheren and Bianca can be battled after using the Memory Link. Cynthia and GameFreak Morimoto make returns as well. 
• There are moveset changes to some Pokémon, mostly the older ones. Most notably, Eevee and its evolutions learn moves much quicker and with better balance. Just throwing it out there, Sandshrew/Sandslash learn Magnitude and Earthquake and the Mareep line learns Confuse Ray.
• There are areas throughout Unova that can be accessed that is called the Hidden Hollow. What is most notable about these small hidden areas is that you can find Pokémon with their hidden abilities, including some Unova native mons. These areas are said to be regenerative. Items may also be found in the Hidden Hollow. 
• Also something to note are some aesthetic differences in each version, including the landscape and the layout. 

• The US release is scheduled for October 7 while Europe is targeted for October 12. 
• PokéWood will be called PokéStar Studios.
• Shizui, the Water-type gym leader, has been localized to Marlon. 
• Achroma will be called Corless.
• Tachiwaki City has been confirmed as Virbank City. 

[serebii]