First released in 1996, it’s no underestimation to say that the Pokemon franchise has been one of the defining cultural forces of the past two decades. Indeed, its influence has shown no signs of abating in 2016 — the 20th anniversary of the franchise — given the worldwide fervor that Pokemon GO was consumed with. Deploying his characteristic insight and flow, YouTuber kaptainkristian has released a timely mini-retrospective of Pokemon in this landmark year, dissecting its origins, the unique game mechanics first introduced in Pokemon Red & Blue, and their effect on millions of childhoods since.
Continue your trip down nostalgia lane with this look back at the promotional toys surrounding Pokemon: The First Movie.