There’s a lot to look forward to for fans of the Pokémon games, with a new game releasing in the form of Pokémon Legends Arceus that seems to (at least slightly) deviate from the traditional path. Brilliant Pearl and Shining Diamond on the other hand will certainly bring back some nostalgia. Let’s talk about a few things we want to see.
Pokémon Legends Arceus
- In-depth capture mechanics
From what we’ve got to see in the trailer, there’s more to capturing a Pokémon in Arceus than meets the eye. We’re sincerely hoping it won’t be a ‘lock-on then capture’ kind of affair, but that there are certain mechanics in place to ensure capturing a new Pokémon feels like a big deal, which fits right into the themes of Pokémon Arceus.
- Multiple biomes and landscapes
We’ve already got a glimpse of this in the trailer, but biomes and certain landscapes with different Pokémon should be quite big and extensive without feeling too empty. Pokémon Sword and Shield tried their best, but the biomes didn’t feel natural at all and the Wild Area often felt soulless and empty. Here’s to hoping Arceus handles it better.
- A reasonably-sized pokédex (and decent animations)
It’s been a point of criticism for the Sword and Shield series, but we just can’t get around it. We’d be perfectly happy with a certain ‘national dex’ if the animations are done well, but please don’t make it as limited as the Sword and Shield games. We get the argument that having a full-size pokédex isn’t possible and that’s fine. But what we get in return should be enough to hold us over, or the quality of the animations and visuals of the Pokémon should reflect that.
Pokémon Shining Diamond and Brilliant Pearl
- Bring. Back. Seals.
One of the most fun things about the original games was being able to customize your pokéball and how your Pokémon would enter the battle. Here’s to hoping it makes a return in Shining Diamond and Brilliant Pearl because more customization options in a Pokémon game would certainly be welcomed.
- Redesign the Great Marsh
The Great Marsh was a fun idea in concept, but it didn’t play out all too well. It was a mediocre replacement for the Safari Zone and you’d just end up running through puddles and throwing mud at Pokémon. We’re hoping that in SDBP we’ll have a bit more options when it comes to the Great Marsh, as there was certainly some potential there.
- For the love of God, use the Platinum dex
The original Diamond and Pearl games are notorious for missing a lot of crucial Pokémon and, most importantly, types such as Fire. This was mostly fixed in the Platinum Pokédex, offering a lot more options. We hope BDSP will use that reimagined Platinum Pokédex as their base, because Chimchar and Ponyta can’t be the only fire types we get to choose from.
- Give us the Battle Frontier back
For some reason, Game Freak doesn’t like post-game content and that includes the Battle Frontier. We’ve got mediocre variations of it in past games, but the original Diamond and Pearl include a vast and exciting Battle Frontier, with smart AI and fun challenges. Bring it back. Everyone will be thankful.
More Pokémon:
- Pokémon UNITE – Everything you need to know about boss Pokémon
- 5 Crucial mistakes to avoid in Pokémon UNITE
- Pokemon UNITE Tier List – These Pokémon are the best
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