A whole new pile of information on story, gameplay and characters for the next generation for Pokémon. New Storyline ideas, Some of the coolest looking designs in a while, plus a new battling technique.
The big change appears to be a new form of main story. No gyms on show, with them potentially being replaced with The Island Challenge. Called a Rite of Passage, the aim is to become the Island Champion.
4 Trial captains, each of whom appear to have a gameplay based puzzle to solve, not necessarily battling alone. One mentions finding flowers, another has some sort of observation puzzle. Once all four captains on all four islands are defeated, the player can face the Island Totem Pokémon. Which is basically a boss Pokémon, with an “aura” to modify stats, and the ability to summon other Pokémon to battle with it. Cool idea, often seen in other RPGs, but new for this series.
Once each island is clear, the Island Kahuna can be battled, an even stronger battle challenge.
So technically, 8 gym battles, but with some caveats and tweaks to the formula.
Freshness is definitely a good thing here.
New forms for Classic Pokémon,
Exeggutor is shaped more like a tall palm tree with a tail, dragon grass typing. This may be the goofiest looking thing I’ve seen in a long while.
Vulpix and Ninetails, white colouring and Ice or Ice/Fairy respectively. Ninetails looks gorgeous in this form.
Sandshrew and Sandslash, Both Ice/Steel.
Brand new Pokémon
Oricorio. Dancing bird. Has 4 forms, each is a different dance style, ~
Baile Style(fire), Pom-Pom Style(electric), Pa’u Style(psychic), Sensu Style(ghost). One for each island in the game. Revelation dance, new move which matches the typing of the form in question.
New ability, Dancer. Gets to copy other Pokémon’s dance type move. E.g., Quiver Dance/Swords dance. So free stat buffs for this one.
Minior, Rock/Flying Spiky orb Pokémon. After taking damage, the ability, Shields Down kicks in, revealing Minior’s Core. Which has differing colouring depending on islands, will presumably be weaker in this form.
Previously unveiled Yungoos (or Trump-mon) evolves into Gumshoos, who is styled to have a little trench coat and hat.
Fomantis, Evolves into Lurantis. Flower mantis Pokémon. Pure grass typing, with new grass move, solar blade. Seems to be a high level move with the aim of making pure grass Pokémon useful at all.
Mudsdale (the big Clydesdale style horse) has a previous evolution. Mudbray. A tiny, adorable donkey. Ground typing
I must say, all of these new creatures are delightful designs, with the use of colours in particular being a standout.
Sequence shown for Ride Pokémon, maybe to continue the idea of replacing HM slaves? Player controllable, and can be used to reach sealed off areas otherwise.
Finally, a new form of attack. Z Moves.
(A name I think gives credence to the idea that Pokémon Z has been recycled into elements of this game)
Once per battle, Limit Break release a type specific Z move that will deal massive damage. A stone activation sequence similar to mega evolution is supposedly in play.
Very fun looking animations as the trainers dance and then the Pokémon attack in cinematic fashion.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3jjynIAJ20&w=560&h=315]
All Images Sourced from Bulbamedia