The growing world of Pokémon has seen its fair share of new and exciting creatures and regions.
From the quaint Pallet Town to the dark and mysterious Distortion World, there is always something new to explore. Sun and Moon took us to the Alola region and introduced us to what could possibly be the future of Pokémon. As the introduction of each Pokémon game is similar, let’s talk about what makes this game so different from the rest.
Since your trainer is from Kanto, you are told that you are old enough to take on the island challenge. This isn’t the same challenge players have been taking for years. In Alola, there are no gyms or gym leaders. While this may sound negative to some, it changes the core gameplay loop and adds a more narrative focus to the island challenge.
Instead, you are given trials by captains to test your skill. You can take pictures of Pokémon or find ingredients for a recipe, it all depends on the captain. At the end of the challenge, you must confront and defeat a totem Pokémon. These Pokémon make up the final battle and start off with buffs to their speed, attack, defense, etc.
Once you defeat these Pokémon, you are given a Z-crystal. These crystals are similar to badges, but are used in battle as well. Since there is a crystal for every type such as water, fire and dark, there are more to collect. When a Pokémon holds a crystal, they can use a Z-move, which devastates the opponent with a flashy and over-the-top attack.
Despite loving the traditional gym leader mechanic, I saw that the need to grind was reduced in favor of optimizing team balance. Since there were only eight gyms, there could only be eight types to battle. Trainers now must focus on the upcoming trial and what type to use.
For example, during the ghost type trial, my team consisted of Pokémon either weak to ghost, or with non-effective moves. After two beatings at the hands of the Mimikyu, I realized it wasn’t impossible. With no strategy and no regard to type matching, I was sure to lose.
At this point, the game made me do what no other has done. I needed to expand my team.
I couldn’t just rely on my strongest six Pokémon, especially when my starter was vulnerable to Mimikyu. After some additional training and research, I came back and defeated the ghost/fairy type with a couple of Magnet Bombs, courtesy of my new Magneton.
So far, the game has thrown great curveballs that really change the Pokémon formula.
The story is surprisingly engaging. Hearing about ultra-beasts, wormholes and other dimensions is just what I enjoy in Pokémon. My first steps into the Distortion World in Pokémon Platinum was such a grand experience that you almost couldn’t believe it was a Pokémon game. Sun and Moon seem to have pushed that concept to its limits.
Although no Pokémon game would be complete without a criminal organization, Team Skull’s introduction is anticlimactic and weak. This may be due to the fact that the attitude of the team is more laid back and comical, but they didn’t seem to pose a threat like Team Galactic did when they were introduced.
Sun and Moon have all the right ingredients for a great Pokémon game. A creeping narrative, a criminal organization, trials to overcome and a great location, but what really differentiates an installment is the Pokémon.
Since the beginning, I have traveled across the lands of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, etc. looking and catching as many interesting new Pokémon as I could. Each region holds new and interesting Pokémon designs, and Alola does not disappoint.
From the fearsome Mimikyu to the adorable Rowlett, every time I see a new Pokémon, I must catch it. Although I could dive into some of my favorites, traditionally I stop myself from seeing as much pre-release footage to keep the surprise alive.
Nintendo has gotten a bit too liberal with the release of Pokémon footage, and it takes away the excitement of seeing new Pokémon first hand. I remember seeing far too many legendary and new Pokémon in the previous generation, that when I saw them firsthand, I felt like the initial excitement was gone.
For Sun and Moon, I only knew about the two-legendary cover Pokémon, the base starters and a few Alola forms. This made the experience so much better, as seeing even the newest starting bird Pokémon exciting.
Speaking of Alola forms, these are region specific forms of previous Pokémon that drastically change how you battle them. At first, I thought it was just a cosmetic change, but each new form alters the Pokémon’s type and has you changing your strategy accordingly. My battle with an Alolan Grimer caught me by surprise when a psychic attack was not effective. I found out midbattle, that Grimer had the type advantage, not me. It was a great experience akin to the anime, where Ash is introduced to new mechanics on the spot.
While I haven’t finished the main story as of now, please make sure to keep a lookout for a post-completion review. The story is great, but Pokémon games have a habit of keeping some of their best content at the end. I can see how it’s all leading up to a climactic end, but I will talk more about it in the post-review.
When it comes to Sun and Moon, I can honestly say that it’s changes are some of the best in the series. The game feels fresh, avoids the grind throughout the main story and has some of the most interesting Pokémon designs. Most of the game is identical to the others, but these changes truly make Alola a region worth visiting.
Have some new favorite forms of your classic Pokémon? What new mechanics do you like? Let us know in the comments below!
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