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Six things we want to see in Pokémon Sun and Moon
How Magearna, ability potentials and fixing Dark Void can power the series back to classic form.
To celebrate the series turning 20, late February brought a Pokémon Direct presentation with news fans had spent months hoping for: a new Pokémon game. However, there was a twist. This announcement wasn’t about the 'Z' version that fans had assumed was on the horizon. In fact, it was two brand new games under the series’ banner: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.
The trailer for these was brisk, and showed no in-game footage – instead focusing on shots of the dev team and concept art. Still, with a new mythical Pokémon not in the current games (Magearna) confirmed, and the clip of someone working on a bird-like new character, it's safe to assume this marks a brand new generation for the franchise.
With that promise come big changes to the competitive scene. What, then, can we expect to see from Pokémon Sun and Moon? Let us be your guide…
MORE: How many classic Pokémon can you name?
Magearna is Sun and Moon's first confirmed newbie.
© Nintendo
1. New Pokémon
Each new generation delivers brand new Pokémon to discover. With generation six only introducing 72 Pokémon (the smallest number so far), some fans were disappointed. Yet considering the amount of work that goes into designing new Pokémon, not to mention the games in general, it wouldn't be fair to expect 100+ new Pokémon from Sun and Moon, like in 'the good ol' days’.
Competitively, new Pokémon bring exciting possibilities. At present, it doesn't take long battling online before you spot clear favourites amongthe competitive community. Some would argue the lack of diversity in the commonly used teams can get boring pretty fast. This generation’s new Pokémon should knock some fan favourites off the top spot, just as R Mika and Rashid have reinvigorated Street Fighter.
2. New mega evolutions
Generation six delivered the mega evolution game mechanic – first appearing in Pokémon X/Y, with new variations used to keep Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire fresh. Only a handful of Pokémon currently know how to mega evolve, and it's a safe assumption that we will see several more Pokémon given the option in Pokémon Sun and Moon.
As with new Pokémon, new mega evolutions can make a huge difference to competitive play. Some Pokémon probably wouldn't have been used at all in recent iterations without mega evolution, Mawile being the most prominent example. New mega evolutions give ageing, potentially stale characters fresh life – and enable the creation of updated strategies for those particular Pokémon in competitive play.
Will Dex Nav be unlocked from the outset now?
© Nintendo
3. More abilities
Each Pokémon has between one and three different abilities, with hidden abilities often (but not always) especially useful in battle. Typically speaking, Pokémon with hidden abilities are obtained via events or through doing something special within the games – Friend Safari and Dex Nav being two famous examples. Like mega evolutions for old characters, the addition of fresh hidden abilities – or, even better, unlocking of some previously hidden abilities from the outset of Sun and Moon – could bring forgotten Pokémon into the spotlight once more.
It was announced during the Pokémon Direct presentation that Pokémon from the Virtual Console titles will be transferable into the new games. Pokémon did not have abilities in Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow, but will need them in the new titles. This surely suggests that previously unobtainable abilities appear when these Pokémon are introduced. If so, it's a hugely promising sign.
4. New held items
Other than some Pokémon needing to hold their mega stones so they can mega evolve, we've not seen a huge shift in useful held items for a considerable time. Pokémon XY did bring a handful of new held items, but only some that are commonly seen such as Assault Vest and Weakness Policy. As with the previously mentioned changes, new held items would freshen things up from a cosmetic perspective, and impact strategy in competitive contests.
5. VGC Battle Spot ladder
It can be tricky to practice using the official VGC format rules. For example, the current 'Doubles' ladder on XY/ORAS was fine to practice on for the VGC15 season, but now the inclusion of some legendaries makes training on it near-impossible – as legendaries are not permitted to be used. Usually players have to wait until the VGC format comes along on the 'Special Battle' selection on Battle Spot to hone their skills. The Special Battle ladder changes often, and can range from serious VGC rules to crazy inverse battles.
It would be a logical move to have an option on Battle Spot that sticks with the current format VGC rules, while not having to rely on the Special Battle option – which could be used for other fun things.
Darkrai's Dark Void move needs to be toned down.
© Nintendo
6. Nerfing of overpowered actions
There have been numerous heated arguments within the community relating to certain moves and abilities, and whether there are grounds to ban them on the competitive circuit.
The most infamous move on the naughty list is Dark Void. This move, exclusive to the legendary Pokémon Darkrai and taught to Smeargle via the move Sketch, leaves both opponent Pokémon asleep. This can lead to very frustrating battles, with few tactics available to combat it. The tactic is dominating most major VGC tournaments right now. Smeargle can also have the ‘Moody’ ability which alters two stats every turn, and is therefore frustrating to play against.
Another problematic character is Mega Kangaskhan. This Pokémon's 'Parental Bond' ability provides the opportunity to hit twice, which opponents claim makes it unbalanced. (Unsurprisingly, and somewhat deflatingly, it’s one of the most-used characters on the circuit.)
It's unlikely the Pokémon VGC rules will change this far into the season, and banning moves or individual Pokémon isn't something that usually happens. However, with data from a few years' competitive play to analyse, the new generation will surely see some of the commonly used (and arguably, too powerful) characters and moves altered slightly. Few want Smeargle or Mega Kangashkan removed completely, but Sun and Moon represent an ideal opportunity to give each a touch more competitive balance.
