


A physical box with a download code for the game was released in Japan and Europe. Crystal was re-released worldwide via the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console on January 26, 2018. It was released in Japan on December 14, 2000, North America on July 29, 2001, Australia on September 30, 2001, and Europe on November 2, 2001. Mythicalman Eusine is introduced his life goal is searching for Suicune and he will battle the player in Cianwood City to gain Suicune's respect. After receiving the Clear Bell (in lieu of the Rainbow Wing in Pokemon Gold or Silver Wing in Pokemon Silver), Suicune will appear stationary at the Tin Tower. Suicune is encountered at various locations throughout Johto. Awakening the legendary beast trio (Suicune, Entei, Raikou) is now required in order to challenge Ecruteak Gym Leader Morty. The legendary beast Suicune now has a more prominent role in the game's storyline than in Pokemon Gold and Silver. The setting and story remains largely the same as Pokémon Gold and Silver. The Japanese edition of the game was exclusively bundled with the Mobile Adapter GB, a device that allowed for connecting with other players via a mobile phone. The game's most significant addition is the Battle Tower, a new building which allows players to participate in Pokémon Stadium-like fights. In addition, a couple of subplots were added, one involving the legendary Pokémon Suicune, featured on the front cover of the game, and the other involving the Unown. This feature was absent in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, before reappearing in Pokémon Emerald and all subsequent games. For the first time, Pokémon have brief animated sprites once entering battle for example, when a Cyndaquil enters battle, the flames on its back flicker. It is the first Pokémon game to allow players to choose the sex of their character, while previously the character was always male. The gameplay of Pokémon Crystal is largely the same as in Gold and Silver, although it has several new features. See also: Gameplay of Pokémon and Pokémon Gold and Silver § Gameplay
