All through the 9 generations of the Pokémon sequence, many alternative options have come and gone. From ones that affected the precise evolutionary strains of the titular Pokémon to the varied gameplay mechanics that you would do, there have been so many over time.
That stated, The Pokémon Firm is devoted to letting go of older options and selling newer ones as time goes on. Among the higher Pokémon options and mechanics by no means returned after going away. It’s time for a few of these to make a comeback, and listed below are our picks for the 25 finest Pokémon options and mechanics which have been lacking for much too lengthy.
25. Battle Royale
Solar & Moon got here out at an intriguing time within the gaming business because the battle royale craze was simply kicking off. With its personal battle royale mechanics set, gamers might compete in occasions involving 4 trainers with one Pokémon every. The battles had been loopy, with every coach getting one transfer per flip.
Ultimately, solely a single coach and their Pokémon would stay standing because the winner. The implementation was awkward on the Nintendo 3DS, however the thought was thrilling. Bringing this again and including on-line multiplayer whereas treating it as a way more in depth expertise with 100 trainers directly, presumably divided into teams, could be extraordinary and chaotic in all the precise methods.
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24. Issue Choices
Black 2 & White 2 confirmed that it might do extra than simply reinvent the sequence because the first-ever canonical numbered sequels. One of many craziest additions that had been a one-off in these titles was issue choices. Like different video games, together with RPGs, these Pokémon video games allowed the consumer to make the battles simpler or extra difficult in the event that they’d like.
With out using mods and formally supported, these issue choices, particularly the more durable ones, had been immensely welcome for a sequence usually criticized for its breezy nature. Bringing again issue choices and having them baked in from the second you begin the sport could be one solution to present some like to the older followers and those that prefer to replay the story.
23. Rematch Cellphone Calls
A part of the difficulty with some Pokémon video games, particularly in latest generations, has been how one can hold gamers . Certain, raid battles and the like are good, however what about rebattling NPC trainers you’ve already defeated? This was a mechanic means again in Gen 2, and it’s excessive time for it to return.
The power to name and even textual content random NPCs you meet all through the story and problem them to matches could be implausible. Seeing their Pokémon acquire ranges and evolve could be a enjoyable solution to acquire XP in your personal Pokémon and get extra out of the same old storyline with out resorting to multiplayer or raids.
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22. Rideable Pokémon
The Let’s Go video games might need been problematic and never the perfect, however they did supply a couple of intriguing mechanics, like driving your Pokémon. The enormous Pokémon in these video games, like Charizard and Onix, had been so big that you’d trip them as an alternative of getting them observe you want smaller Pokémon.
This characteristic must return, particularly on condition that following Pokémon appears to be a everlasting characteristic now. Certain, Scarlet & Violet allow you to trip Pokémon like Miraidon, Koraidon, and Cyclizar, but it surely’s time to incorporate different extra large Pokémon concurrently.
21. Underground
The Underground in Gen 4 by no means returned outdoors of the remakes for Nintendo Change, and that could be a darn disgrace. The large dungeon space was a gold mine (actually) for on-line gamers. The choice to run round and catch Pokémon not seen in the principle story whereas exploring an unlimited cavern with different gamers was a blessing.
The Underground is the precise postgame content material that the Pokémon sequence is aiming for today, so it’s disappointing that it hasn’t returned. With the ability to tackle raids on this space and create residence bases to hang around with your folks could be one solution to prolong a sport’s playtime considerably.
20. Triple Battles
Single battles and double battles are staples within the Pokémon sequence, with double battles by no means wanting like they’ll ever go away. That stated, triple battles had been a minor stint within the Pokémon sequence that by no means returned. Having three Pokémon you possibly can command directly is wild however the type of chaos that deserves a second likelihood with the facility of contemporary consoles.
Plus, the return of triple battles might even see modes the place you would sort out these notable fights with as much as two different gamers. We already see this in four-player raids, however that’s one-sided. Competing together with your two buddies in opposition to one other crew of three gamers on-line would add such an insane technique.
19. Safari Zone
It’s shocking how lengthy the Pokémon video games have gone with out the Safari Zone, given how ingrained it’s within the sequence. Relationship again to the primary video games, the Safari Zone represented the particular place you would go to for Pokémon not seen wherever else. It’s actually bonkers that it hasn’t returned on this period of open-world Pokémon video games.
In any case, the Safari Zone might be an space on the open world map that unlocks after beating the principle story, as an illustration. This might be the place you discover older Pokémon and even legendaries that weren’t out there earlier than. It might even act as a particular space with distinctive Pokéballs or bug-catching contests so that you can have interaction in.
18. Shock Buying and selling Eggs
Shock buying and selling, surprise buying and selling, no matter you wish to name it, this mechanic is right here to remain as a gimmicky however enjoyable characteristic. With the ability to commerce with a random particular person on the earth and be shocked at what Pokémon you obtain is unimaginable. Nonetheless, one ingredient eliminated was the power to shock commerce eggs.
Certain, receiving an egg means you’ll must run round till it hatches, however this solely provides to the shock of what you’ll obtain. Plus, likelihood is, you’ll obtain a greater Pokémon than the regional rodent or bug since most eggs might be leftovers from somebody breeding for shiny Pokémon. You would possibly even find yourself with a shiny your self this fashion.
17. Legendary Pokémon Occasions
Legendary Pokémon will without end be a part of the sequence, however they don’t obtain the therapy they as soon as did. These days, they’re only a code you obtain and enter to get an on the spot present. That is removed from the olden days when there have been complete aspect quests you would need to compete with and objects you’d have to obtain to achieve the legendary.
It’s excessive time for legendary Pokémon to get the occasions they as soon as had, particularly if there’s a brand new anime film themed round it. As an alternative of simply displaying followers the story of that legendary Pokémon in a movie, let gamers reenact it within the video games themselves with a particular occasion that culminates in them receiving that legendary.
16. Shiny Overworld Pokémon
One other Let’s Go underrated characteristic was the power to see shiny Pokémon within the overworld. Certain, some video games since have allowed this, however not all of them ( you, Sword & Protect). This must be a relentless characteristic, not one that’s hit and miss relying on the video games that come out. Seeing a shiny overworld Pokémon and instantly realizing it’s one saves the time of getting to come across each single Pokémon you discover.
15. New Child Pokémon
Child Pokémon was one of many important elements of the Gen 2 video games, providing child variations of already present Pokémon that you would solely get via breeding and the like. It’s a disgrace that this by no means returned or grew to become a everlasting characteristic within the sequence because it breathes new life into present Pokémon.
This wants to return again, and never just for older Pokémon. There will be fully new strains of Pokémon that revolve round this mechanic and require breeding to entry the child variations. On the similar time, among the Pokémon in nice want of child variations, resembling Kangaskhan and Tropius, may benefit, too.
14. Recreation Nook or Minigames
Within the early Pokémon video games, the Recreation Nook was one solution to prolong your playtime with enjoyable minigames and the power to earn wonderful prizes like uncommon Pokémon and strikes. Whereas the controversy surrounding this gambling-centric mechanic is comprehensible, there are doubtless methods to avoid this.
Minigames are good methods of letting gamers get essentially the most out of video games, so it’s time for this to return. For one, it doesn’t must happen in a transparent on line casino or Pachinko parlor-style place or contain controversial machines like slots. As an alternative, it might have easy minigames and non-obligatory content material for gamers to work together with, resulting in implausible prizes.
13. Extremely Beasts
Although the Extremely Beasts are a sore topic for some, different Pokémon followers adore the creativity and uniqueness of those legendary creatures. Solar & Moon impressed with so many alternative new Pokémon so that you can catch after beating the principle story in a story that was enjoyable and fascinating.
Extremely Beasts are aliens from one other dimension, so it lets Recreation Freak stretch its artistic muscle tissue and exhibit designs which can be in contrast to the rest within the sequence. The creatures have been part of the video games, no less than in lore and occasional point out, since Gen 7, so it’s excessive time for them to return with some new ones to catch.
12. Evolutions for Older Pokémon
Much like the child Pokémon, there are evolutions that gamers can and will get for present Pokémon. Far too many single-stage and dual-stage Pokémon deserve an evolution however by no means obtained one. It’s about time that TPC makes this characteristic a everlasting one which occurs no less than as soon as each single technology, if no more.
Some Pokémon that deserve evolution today embrace fan favorites like Pyukumuku and Mawile. Whereas we’re at it, the place are the entire new Eeveelutions? Eevee hasn’t had a brand new evolution since Gen 6, and that was solely a single one then. It’s time for Recreation Freak to step it up on this division, particularly because it reduces the variety of total new Pokémon it wants for a brand new technology.
11. All New Pokémon in a Technology
Since Gen 5, gamers haven’t seen a set of video games that characteristic all-new Pokémon in the principle story. There was such a novel pleasure then and in Gen 3 when there have been virtually no older Pokémon till you accomplished the journey. For followers, this was the height of pleasure because it meant a brand new Pokémon round each nook.
It might be good to see this turn into a everlasting characteristic the place all new video games featured solely new Pokémon till the postgame, otherwise you transferred them in your self. However that may require extra new Pokémon every technology, in fact. There didn’t must be the yawn of seeing an outdated Pokémon you’ve seen 1,000,000 occasions earlier than, plus it compelled gamers to flex their brains to determine methods round all-new Pokémon they didn’t know.
10. Rebattling Gymnasium Leaders
In the identical vein as rebattling NPCs, gymnasium leaders are a vital a part of the principle story in a Pokémon sport. Since Gen 3, gamers haven’t seen the choice to return to a gymnasium and tackle the chief as soon as extra, however with modified groups and the like. And, no, options just like the match in Gen 8 don’t depend.
That is particularly essential as video games transfer extra into the open-world format with the power to problem leaders in no matter order they’re in, however they lack stage scaling. With the power to rebattle, you possibly can face off in opposition to an early chief with a way more vital problem that actually checks your talent.
9. Secret Bases
A part of touring the area is visiting new sights and sounds, however typically you want a well-known place to relaxation and name residence. Secret bases had been simply that, and it has been far too lengthy since they final appeared within the video games. They let you might have nice customization in your base to point out off to your folks on-line.
If secret bases return, it might be good to see them flip right into a full-on home that you would customise from prime to backside and spend time with your folks. Maybe you would even flip it right into a pseudo-gym like earlier than and arrange NPCs in your buddies to tackle earlier than confronting you as the ultimate boss.
8. Sequel Video games
Black 2 & White 2 shouldn’t be the one makes an attempt to make sequel Pokémon video games. With the period of DLC, the sequence is now in; it virtually nips that concept within the bud for good. That’s a misstep, although, because the Gen 5 sequels allowed gamers to revisit the Unova area and see it brand-newly.
There have been new eras, modified conditions, and follow-ups to the earlier storyline. Whereas DLC is welcome and will proceed, perhaps it’s time for a brand new spin-off expertise to be the true sequel to each technology, very similar to what Pokémon Legends Arceus did for prequels.
7. A number of Evil Groups
The evil groups in Pokémon video games are virtually a joke at this level, nowhere close to the evil nature that they as soon as had. A part of this lies in the truth that they’re throwaway villains that sometimes distract from the true enemies within the area. One solution to remedy this downside is to carry again a number of evil groups.
Scarlet & Violet had the potential to do that with doable previous and future-themed evil groups, however The Pokémon Firm missed that chance. Deliver again version-exclusive villains that would come collectively in a possible third model or sequel sport. This provides immense worth to replayability and shopping for the opposite Pokémon sport from that technology whereas enhancing the general plot.
6. Legendary Evolution
It’s a disgrace that Cosmog and its evolution line stay the one legendary Pokémon evolution line in the whole sequence historical past. Even a Pokémon like Manaphy provides delivery to Phione eggs however doesn’t evolve from them. There’s a lot underlying potential in doing this technique.
For one, there might even be some video games that characteristic you receiving the legendary child Pokémon close to the beginning of the sport and having it a part of your main crew the whole time, main as much as its story-based remaining evolution close to the tip of your journey. This may create a bond in contrast to some other with the legendary field artwork Pokémon.
5. Breeding
Scarlet & Violet controversially removed among the finest and most important options in the whole sequence: breeding. Ever since Gen 2, each mainline sport allowed for this crucial characteristic. Eliminating it was a mistake, and the substitute wasn’t definitely worth the elimination, both.
Breeding wants to return again sooner or later and by no means go away once more. Breeding is way too essential for shortly acquiring eggs to commerce with others and for shiny searching.
4. Battle Frontier
Some of the excellent postgame content material of all time is the Battle Frontier. It was like having extra Pokémon gyms to go to, every with its distinctive gimmicks. There was no endgame content material like this ever since, and it’s time for that to vary. The Battle Frontier must make a comeback and within the grandest means doable with the power to finish it with buddies.
Have a Frontier facility that has to do with double battles? Let gamers crew up with a pal on-line to finish it.
3. Pokémon Contests
Pokémon Contests confirmed that battles didn’t must contain straight attacking your opponents however might allow you to present your inventive aspect with style exhibits and dance sequences. Contests additionally felt like a full-on aspect mode to the gymnasium chief problem gamers sometimes took on in the principle story.
Fleshing out Contests into its non-obligatory marketing campaign, full with many alternative occasion facilities in numerous cities and a storyline with rivals to compete in opposition to, could be a technique so as to add to the typically quick Pokémon fundamental tales.
2. Mega Evolution
This record wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the most well-liked and finest battle gimmick to by no means return to the Pokémon sequence: Mega Evolution. The power for a short lived final and even fourth-stage evolution freshened up older Pokémon that may by no means see an enhanced type of them.
The Pokémon group adores Mega Evolution for a cause, and it’s excessive time for it to make its long-awaited return with many new momentary evolutions for Pokémon. On the similar time, this return should be for good with out ever leaving once more. There’s no cause the sequence can’t embrace new battle gimmicks for every technology and this one concurrently.
1. A number of Areas
The best twist in the whole Pokémon sequence was in Gen 2 when gamers had been allowed to go to the Kanto area after beating the Johto story. Nonetheless, to this present day, no different technology options multiple area in a single title. Not each sport has to characteristic this, but it surely should come again no less than as soon as extra.
The best solution to pay homage to Gen 2 could be to characteristic a Pokémon sport in Japan as soon as extra, resembling within the Okinawa prefecture. As a twist on the finish of the principle story, maybe gamers might go to Johto and have a pleasant callback to what the sequence did so many generations earlier than.
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