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.