How ‘Pokémon’ and ‘Resident Evil’ rewrote gaming history

Comics, anime and trading cards were crucial to Pokémon’s early success, making the series unavoidable and creating familiarity with the characters. — AP

In the space of just three decades ago, two initially unassuming releases changed video games forever. 

On Feb. 27, 1996, Pokémon Red and Green first hit Japanese shelves. The role-playing titles were the original entries in a series that would grow to become what is now considered the top-grossing media franchise in the world, worth more than Mickey Mouse or Star Wars.