We might be living in the world of Pokémon GO at the moment, but let’s not forget about Pokémon Sun and Moon, Game Freak’s upcoming 3DS games. With the game set to hit the handheld this November, news has been trickling out for the past few months. We know that the game will take players and their pocket monsters to the tropical islands of the Alola region, a new four-player battle mode will be included, and that everybody hates the sad sea lion starter Popplio (poor Popplio!). Today, we got even more details about some of the creatures and gameplay on the way. Check out the fun-filled trailer at the top of the page.
Yep, some of our favorite species have adapted to the Alola region! In the video above, we see new versions of Vulpix, Ninetales, Sandshrew, Sandslash, and Exeggutor, all of which have changed types. Along with a giraffe-like neck, the Alola Exeggutor will be grass/dragon; Vulpix went from fire to ice; Ninetales is now ice/fairy; and Sandshrew and Sandlash are both ice/steel. Vulpix (pictured above) is my personal favorite. Just look at it! I wish I had a pack of them at home.
On top of the existing character’s new forms, several new creatures were unveiled. First up is Oricorio, which differs in appearance and type based on the Alolan island it hails from. Also, while all four variations have the dancer special ability (which allows them to mimic the dancer move used by the opposing Pokémon immediately afterwards) they move differently. The sensu-style Oricorio is graceful; the Pom-Pom Oricorio is shockingly fun (and obviously electric/flying type); the suave Baile Oriciorio is a fire/flying inferno; and the Pa’u psychic/flying Oricorio gathers strength over time.
Aside from the varied Oricorio, we also got the flying/rock shellfish-esque Minior, the grass-type plant monster Fomantis (and its evolution Lurantis), the normal-type ferret-like Gumshoos (the evolution of Yungoos), and the ground-type donkey Mudbray (the precursor to horse Mudsdale). That’s just a taste of what’s on the way. We’re particularly intrigued by the new typing, and tybe-based versions of Oriciorio.
Probably one of the most interesting reveals from today’s trailer, however, was the fact that the Alola region will be made up of four separate islands (as indicated by the Oricorio Pokémon). Trainers will traverse the different areas to complete Island Challenge Trials (given by the trial leaders), which end in a battle with a powerful Totem Pokémon that have the ability to call in allies. To move on, players must defeat the “Kahuna” in the Grand Trials.
Another new addition is Z-Moves, which can only be used once per battle (sort of like mega evolution from Pokémon X /Y). The official website explained:
“When the Trainer and Pokémon’s wishes resonate with each other, and both release their full power together—the result is the explosive force of a Z-Move! All Pokémon can use Z-Moves to perform mightily in battle!”
Like the wrist peripheral from Pokémon GO, a physical bracelet called called the Z-Ring, which works in tandem with the game, will be sold separately. The device will light up, vibrate and play sounds while a player uses the new Z-Moves. It certainly sounds like a lot of fun is on the way.
Pokémon Sun/Moon releases November 18.
Images: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company
