Hello Pokemon fans! Pokemon just had their Pokemon Direct ahead of E3 and we got a load more information, so let’s jump into it!
The Direct started off with a brand new trailer showing off a ton of new features we haven’t seen yet.
Let’s break down the biggest feature that they spent a lot of time on, Dynamax battling. This is a new feature similar to what Z-Moves and Mega Evolution were in the previous titles. Once per battle you can Dynamax one of your Pokemon which significantly increases its size and power, while also giving their existing known attacks max versions. After the trailer, it was said that this would only last for three turns, so you must use it wisely.
The next revealed details which plays into the dynamax feature is gym battles. Scattered across the Galar region are gyms in which you fight strong gym leaders, just like in previous core Pokemon titles. They now will also include dynamax fights with these gym leaders. It seems as though how the battle goes also effects how the stadium full of audience reacts to the battle, but it is still unsure if this will play into a large mechanic of the battle.
Another feature that uses Dynamaxing is Max Raid Battles, a new multiplayer aspect. Max Raids involve four players teaming up either locally or online to battle a tough Dynamaxed Pokemon. In these battles, the Pokemon you are fighting stays Dynamaxed for the whole battle, rather than the normal three turns. Also, only one trainer of the four teamed up is allowed to Dynamax a Pokemon, so you must coordinate with your team.
Next, we got a look at new areas called Wild Areas. These are large open expanses that have Pokemon roaming around, much like how they did in Pokemon Lets Go! Eevee and Pikachu. As explained in the Direct, there will also be Pokemon that you can find at different times of day and what the weather is, much like Pokemon Go (Ghost Pokemon spawning at night, for example). Another large feature added to these Wild Areas is control over your camera, a new feature for the Pokemon series. The Direct stated that this can be used to find Pokemon and items.
We also got a look at the new characters. Among those, the Champion Leon, his younger brother, Hop, who is your rival for this game.
The new Pokemon Professor for the Galar region is Professor Magnolia who is studying Dynamaxing, and her grand daughter and assistant, Sonia.
Lastly, we have Milo, one of the gym leaders and a specialist in grass-type Pokemon.
Next, lets take a look a some of the new Pokemon announced so far after today. First, we have Gossifleur, and it’s evolution, Eldegoss.
Corviknight, who also doubles as a “taxi” that can take the player back to any previously visited town.
Lastly, there’s Drednaw and Wooloo.
The last thing announced in the Direct was the Legendary exclusives, named Zacian and Zamazenta. Zacian is the legendary dog that carries a sword in its mouth, and Zamazenta, the legendary dog that has a large armored mane.
At the end, it was also announced that there would be a dual pack, with both games and a gold steelbook case. It is unsure yet if this week be available in the Americas. The release date was announced as well as being November 15th of this year!
If you would like to see more official artwork, trailers, and news, head on over to the official website here. You can watch the full Direct here if you have yet to see it.
What do you think of all the information from the Direct today? What are you still hoping for? Let us know in the comments!
