Latest Pokemon Sun And Moon Trailer Shakes Up The Series
Pokemon Sun and Moon is proving to introduce some big changes for the series, and the latest trailer is continuing to build the hype in a way that only this mega-franchise can do. A bundle of changes are shown off in the latest trailer, so let’s delve into what new information has come to light in the latest Pokemon Sun and Moon trailers.
First off, we have the new forms of various Pokemon. The new Alola region has some of our old favourites getting some new twists. The bizarre Exeggutor, for example, turns into a massive palm tree, gaining the dragon typing in the process. We also see popular fire-types Vulpix and Nintetales get a brand new typing, becoming Ice and Ice Fairy, respectively. Lastly, we see Sandshrew and Sandslash turn from Ground to Ice/Steel. These changes aren’t permanent though. These are instead forms introduced solely for the new region, helping bring some variation into the Pokemon formula. The changes don’t stop there, however.
Another long-standing feature of the series, HMs or Hidden Machines, may be on the way out. This feature was toyed around with very slightly in the previous game, but from the trailer, we can see the player riding all sorts of pokemon, serving the functions of moves such as Fly and Surf. The Hidden Machines are typically seen as an outdated feature in the game, restricting players in their team choices, so it poses an intriguing change for the series going forward. Between this, and the other features previously added such as Hyper Training, it seems that Gamefreak is pushing for players to have more choice in their teams overall. The addition of another new feature looks to help shore up your favourite pokemon, known as Z-Moves. These abilities are seen as a sort of trump card, allowing you to make use of one massive attack per battle. There is an attack for each typing, but with this and Hyper Training, it looks like less powerful Pokemon may be getting their chance to shine.
The changes don’t stop there, however. Pokemon Sun and Moon is possibly looking to shake up the Gym system as well. With four islands, there are four trials to take on, as well as four Kahunas. Each trial has its own corresponding trainer, specializing in a type. Each challenge ends in a battle with a Totem Pokemon, a beefed-up version of one of the local creatures on that island. While the progression would feel the same, it doesn’t explicitly confirm that these are in fact Gym Leaders, so this may be a brand new system taking its place instead. Change is always welcome, right?
Lastly, we have more Pokemon revealed in this new trailer. We have Fomantis and Lurantis, a pair of Grass Pokemon that can learn a new move called Solar Blade. We also have Gumshoos, the evolution of Yungoos. We also get to see Mudbray, the previous evolution of Mudsdale. Both of these horse Pokemon look to pack a real kick with their unique ability, Stamina. Next up, we have Minior, a rock/flying type that has a variety of different colourings. It too has a new ability, called Shields Down. When this Pokemon is attacked, it sheds its rocky skin, revealing its brightly colored core. While it’s not clear what this ability does, it would be safe to assume that the gloves come off, so to speak. Lastly, we have Oricorio. Oricorio is a Flying type that can bolster its typing with one of four different forms. It can shift between Fire, electric, Psychic and Ghost depending on the region, and it comes with the ability Dancer, allowing it to copy any Dance moves when they are put into play.
Pokemon Sun and Moon is shaping up to be one massive change to the series, and you can get your hands on this title come November 18th. As always, keep yours eyes on COGconnected for all the latest updates on upcoming games!