10 Reasons Pokemon Is The Greatest Franchise In Video Game History

7. Massive Cross-Generational Appeal

Games like Call of Duty are allegedly aimed at the 18-plus market, but played predominately by preteen Americans who like to shout slurs down their headset. By contrast, Pokemon is allegedly aimed at the kids market, but played predominately by men and women in their 20s who like to take long walks and think animals breathing fire and shooting electricity from their faces is cool (which it is).

Possibly as a result of the aforementioned optional levels of depth, Pokemon is a game that reaches far, far, far beyond the PEGI rating on the back of the box. Colourful characters and moral themes dressed up as fantastical stories tell the player straight away that, really, this isn't 'meant' for grown-ups, but the way that world can be explored - and the challenge you'll face doing it - means that it's for gamers of every demographic.

The core plots are always ones of adventure, courage, and discovery, with the protagonist starting in a small town with a mindful of dreams before eventually becoming a champion and saving the world in the process. While that's got all the hallmarks of children's TV, it also appeals to the explorative and competitive nature in everyone.

Pokemon's about going on an adventure, battling monsters, and saving the world; three things that simply do not get old. Need more proof? Last year the three top films at the box office were Star Wars (going on an adventure), Jurassic World (battling monsters), and The Avengers (saving the world). The game might be 20 years-old, but these core themes are immortal.