Pokemon is back with new versions of Black and White

• Both games add more single-player and multiplayer modes
• Catch, train and battle Pokemon in revamped Gyms
• Both games available for Nintendo DS and 3DS

It's been 14 years since Pokemon Red Version and Blue Version debuted in the U.S. for the Nintendo Game Boy, introducing the western world to the Japanese role-playing game released in 1996.

The 'Gotta Catch 'Em All" craze has only grown hotter over the years, with many video games, collectible cards, TV series, toys, books and other media.

Now, fans can get their hands on a new pair of games: Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2. Both $35 games are playable on the portable Nintendo DS system, as well as the newer Nintendo 3DS (though playable only in 2D).

Because these games are so huge, consider this a "first look' rather than a full review.

Each with different Pokemon, both games have you return to the Unova region two years after the events of 2011's Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version games. They continue the story of Team Plasma -- whose goal is to free Pokemon from humans -- and their previous leader, N. While you're in the Unova region, you can also catch some Pokemon from outside the area near the start of the game, such as the long-eared Eevee, the masked Riolu and Tyranitar, who looks like a chunky dinosaur.

Even if you've never thrown a Poke Ball before, these new adventures should prove fun, accessible and packed with a ton of gameplay.

As with last year's games, you'll catch, train and battle your Pokemon in revamped Gyms to take on tough Leaders, earn badges and visit various towns and dungeons to unravel more of the story, solve puzzles and collect new fighters. But more so than in other Pokemon games in recent memory, there are a lot more extra activities you can partake in, such as stepping into a World Tournament arena to fight against familiar Gym Leaders, Pokémon trainers and Elite 4 members from previous games.

Without giving too much away, Pokemon Black Version 2 and Pokemon White Version 2 also includes many other single-player and multiplayer modes with a ton of side missions, minigames and medals to earn; you can collect and trade Pokemon over a wireless connection; access the Memory Link feature to import older game info to unlock special content; and even create your own anime movies in the PokeStar Studios.

There's also support for Pokemon Dream Radar, a downloadable $3 title from the Nintendo eShop, where Nintendo 3DS owners who can use the camera to capture Pokemon and other items in the real world, via augmented reality technology, and then transfer it all into the game.

The biggest Pokedex to date is also included in this game, allowing you to catalog and access details on all Pokemon. Nintendo 3DS owners can download a free Pokedex 3D application from the Nintendo eShop and start collecting data on more than 150 Pokemon from older games. (Not to be confused with the paid Pokedex 3D Pro download available on Nov. 8, with info on more than 640 Pokemon.)

Some fans of the series might find these new games on the simple side. There are many weak Pokemon to defeat, and the plot is hardly interesting enough to keep you engaged. But the tried-and-true battle mechanics, exploration and vast number of modes and activities should provide many dozens of hours of play.

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Pokemon White Version 2 and Pokémon Black Version 2

Platform: Nintendo DS/Nintendo 3DS

Genre: Role-Playing Game

Developer: Game Freak, Inc.

Publisher: Nintendo of America

Web site: pokemon.com/BlackWhite2

Price: $34.99

Rating: Everyone

Score: 3.0 stars (out of 4)

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Contact Saltzman at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter: @marc_saltzman.