In Pokemon Crystal, the player begins as a young Trainer in the Johto region, receiving a first partner Pokemon from Professor Elm before setting out on a journey. Traveling through Johto's towns and wilds, the player catches and trains Pokemon while aiming to earn the region's eight Gym Badges and take on its most skilled Trainers. A determined rival, who took one of Professor Elm's Pokemon, resurfaces throughout the adventure to challenge the player, and the criminal organization Team Rocket reappears with plans of its own. The player explores a world full of wild Pokemon while uncovering the region's secrets.
Pokemon Crystal is an enhanced version of Pokemon Gold and Silver and a role-playing game played from a top-down perspective. As in the earlier versions, the player explores the Johto region, catches and trains Pokemon, and battles other Trainers in turn-based combat while earning Gym Badges and filling out the Pokedex. Crystal keeps the same core adventure while adding refinements, including the option to play as a female character and animated Pokemon sprites. It retains series staples such as a real-time clock, Pokemon breeding, and trading and battling with other games via a link connection.
