How are we feeling about all the changes and inclusions so far?

[Zeb]

So I think it's becoming more and more obvious these games aren't just another regular Pokemon game. Between things like the Island Trials and Ultra Beasts, we're finding ourself in very new territory.

However while some people might like these changes, others might wish the games were sticking to their more traditional previous entries. So I thought it would be interesting to have a thread where we can share our thoughts on how things are developing.

For convenience, here's some of the biggest changes and inclusions we know so far:

Spoiler

-Removal of gyms (most likely), and replaced with Island Trials and Totem Pokemon
-Day and night working differently in each game, and being more in-depth - from different NPCs on the streets, to Pokemon encounters and maybe more we don't know
-Ultra Beasts are a bit of an unknown entity and seem to be something completely new for the series
-Going back and giving older Pokemon new, and in some cases drastic, variants (Alolan forms)
-HMs seem likely to have been abolished in favour of Poke Ride services, letting you ride specific Pokemon that can do certain skills in the overworld

And some less drastic inclusions but still affecting the feel of the game nonetheless:

Spoiler

-The world has no grid and is less blocky in its build, the chibi style of overworld characters are also gone
-Trainers are now visible in the background of battles and are fully animated
-The Pokedex now has a Rotom inside which can talk and other various things
-Z-Moves are a big new battle mechanic like Mega Evolutions but for attacks, involving more trainer interaction in battles through the dances
-The main region is broken into islands
-You can remove your hat for the first time in a Pokemon game
-Hyper Training allows more control of IVs for those who wanted it and those who wanted to get into competitive more but felt they couldn't

There's of course other features and changes but these seem the biggest to me. If I missed any big ones let me know, but I hope I covered them all.

So how do you feel about them? Are you excited and like where things are going? Or do you think the changes a bit too much?

 

[Soki]

Woohoo first vote!

But yeah I'm very excited about all these changes. When these games were announced I didn't care much, another Pokémon game, cool. But now I'm more hyped than ever!

My favourite is the Island Trials. I wouldn't have minded to just have gyms again, but this is so much better. I was getting a bit tired of just picking the type that is strong against the current gym leader and then pressing A until you beat it. Now there will be different challenges to beat and having to beat all the trials, Totem Pokémon and then the Kahuna before you can go to another island actually gives you a goal too. With gyms you beat them because... well that's what the game wants you to do and that's it. So yeah, definitely loving the Island Trials.

Also a big fan of day/night working differently in each game, that's one hell of a version exlusive and can't wait to play at night all the time in Moon. And it seems they're going all out with it, different Pokémon during night and day and even different forms. I'm loving it all.

Not a big fan of the Z-moves and the Alolan mons (especially since it's just Kanto mons), but I can easily just not use both so they don't bother me that much.

All in all I'm really happy they're changing so much this time, giving us a whole new experience

 

[Esserise]

I'm going with "very excited," because it all looks very promising, but you never know - it could all come crashing down on release day. Not that I think that's likely, but I don't want to get too comfortable (although I suppose that's an ironic thing to say while discussing this topic).

Every one of the "major" changes gets a huge plus from me. They've done some things that I had wanted for a while, and even the one thing that I had secretly hoped for but never thought would realistically be possible (Ultra Beasts). I would be critical of the Gen I exclusivity of Alola Forms, but to be completely honest, if they are implementing them as a VC tie-in, then I can understand that from a business perspective. It makes sense. It's just that it's a great concept altogether and it would be a shame if Pokémon from other generations didn't get to take advantage of it at some point. It doesn't even have to be in these specific games, really, as long as it happens.

Although, amusingly, I'm probably one of the very few people who were okay with where HMs had been whittled down to in Gen V and XY. Not that I'm upset to see them go, at all, but they *had* already managed to settle my firmest objections to HMs. Poké Ride looks much more fun and immersive anyway, though.

No Grid Overworld is just a slight uptick in my opinion; if it helps them to create a more varied overworld then great, but I didn't really have a problem with the grid. Regardless, the games do look extremely beautiful.

I like the in-battle Trainers more than I thought I would, actually. At first it was just sort of "oh okay cool" (actually, I was more surprised by the removal of the "battle circles" - Masuda had said previously in an interview that it would be easier for them to get rid of those, but liked how they expressed the space that the Pokémon occupy, and I was fine with them too, but I have to admit, the battlefield looks better and more realistic now without them), but once we started to get a look at some of the more varied in-battle Trainer poses (namely the Skull grunts' and Guzma's, which is genius), I grew more actively fond of the idea. And in thinking about it, the whole notion and imagery of two Trainers being bridged by their Pokémon in battle, and the meaning behind that, is like, part of the series's core concept. So it is nice to see that finally manifested in full in the games.

Rotomdex looks like fun and is a clever twist on the Pokédex. I've already cast Bill Cipher as my mental voice for the Rotomdex. Should be a hoot.

Z-Moves are pretty interesting to me. It's a bit hard to get a read on them until we can actually test them out for ourselves, but on paper, they seem like a smart alternative to Mega Evolutions. You can either power up your Pokémon directly, or you can enhance one of its moves. The problem is, we don't know what the benefit of that is over Mega Evolution, aside from it being available to all Pokémon as opposed to only 50 (but that in itself is a good way to set itself apart).

The region being broken into islands is so, so refreshing. I can't even begin to cover it. Just looking at the map gives me the impression of a very dynamic and unique adventure.

We can remove our hat and that's nice, but the clothing choices themselves still seem frustratingly gendered. And, ever since somebody pointed out to me that we couldn't wear glasses in XY, I've been wondering, as a glasses-wearer, where are my damn glasses!?

 

[Arceus the Dragon]

The changes are pretty nice. Even though I prefer gyms, I will give the trials a go and not judge them straight away. Region made up of islands is pretty neat and interesting. Z-moves sound fun to use. Ultra Beast and Alola forms have sparked my interest.

 

[smalllady]

I approve of all the changes so far. If Gamefreak wants the Pokemon games to have real staying power, they can't keep doing the same thing over and over again.

 

[PurplePopplio]

I just love all the changes! It makes the series feels so fresh and new. It's exactly what was needed after 20 years of basically the same formula every time.

I like how they kept somethings to the tradition like choosing your starter based on Fire, Water or Grass and an Evil Team. It makes the more traditional players feel that at least somethings stay the same and not everything is new.

 

[Sakuraa]

I quite like a lot of the new changes. Island Trails sound interesting, Z-Moves look awesome, and the version differences are already much more in-depth than any previous game.

I'm still not too sure how I feel about Alolan Forms and the Ultra Beasts are still creeping me out, but I'm super excited to see how these games are going to play out overall. November can't come soon enough.

 

[Mia Dessendre]

I'm totally approving of all these changes. Pokemon needed a serious shakeup and I feel that Gamefreak is making even more of an effort this time than usual. The lack of gyms is particularly exciting, as are the implications that Ultra Beasts have on the main storyline, and the addition of the Aether Foundation as well as your usual evil team. It really seems like it's at least going to be as interesting and unique as Black and White's story and may even deviate from the formula even more.

One thing I'm very excited about that I don't see a lot of people discussing though is the removal of grid-based movement. Pokemon will finally feel like a real RPG, at least to me. I'm more used to freeform movement and it'll change the entire game for me, believe it or not. It'll feel much more refreshing and more like Pokemon Colosseum. Same with the trainers in the background of the fights. It adds more realism and makes Pokemon closer to console games from the PS2 era at this point, which I absolutely love.

 

[PocketMonster]

I think the changes is a breath of fresh air and gives more variety in games of the future. also i think sun/moon is a game that is going to combine the age gap of people who grew up playing r/b/y/s/g/c with the people who grew up playing the others. the game greatly reflects s/g/c with the focus of day/night cycles then you have the gen 1 alola pokemon all combined with newer and new pokemon in a really all out game. it intergrades future games that may not be the traditional as well. this is how I feel, that it is just bringing the gen gap together and closing that chapter.

edit: ps sun and moon in alchemy stand for the substances gold silver

 

[Eggseggseggseggs]

Removal of gyms (most likely), and replaced with Island Trials and Totem Pokemon
-Day and night working differently in each game, and being more in-depth - from different NPCs on the streets, to Pokemon encounters and maybe more we don't know
-Ultra Beasts are a bit of an unknown entity and seem to be something completely new for the series
-Going back and giving older Pokemon new, and in some cases drastic, variants (Alolan forms)
-HMs seem likely to have been abolished in favour of Poke Ride services, letting you ride specific Pokemon that can do certain skills in the overworld[/spoiler]

And some less drastic inclusions but still affecting the feel of the game nonetheless:

Spoiler

-The world has no grid and is less blocky in its build, the chibi style of overworld characters are also gone
-Trainers are now visible in the background of battles and are fully animated
-The Pokedex now has a Rotom inside which can talk and other various things
-Z-Moves are a big new battle mechanic like Mega Evolutions but for attacks, involving more trainer interaction in battles through the dances
-The main region is broken into islands
-You can remove your hat for the first time in a Pokemon game

So how do you feel about them? Are you excited and like where things are going? Or do you think the changes a bit too much?

Spoiler

I think the changes are amazing! This is probably one of the most interesting and exciting times to be a Pokemon fan for me.

Admitadly I lost a lot of steam somewhere down the line. I couldn't complete Pokemon games every since I beat B&W and I was more interested in the spinoffs (still need Super Mystery Dungeon and Go) but this is looking so different and interesting I feel like I need it and wanna play it through to completion.

Gyms were admitadly cool to me and were fun for boss fights that you build up to but I'm sure the games will still give that feeling. I'm definitely for changing it completely regardless either way because it is interesting and things have been pretty much the same forever now. I hope this is a complete overall for the series as a whole. I also hope you get to fight the Trial Captains.

I like the time difference a lot! Although I figure it's a gimmick of this game and won't return. I actually didn't know the games had different npcs? is that confirmed? I don't think I like that. I would prefer there not be huge differences that can't be experienced without the other version by player interaction. Different Pokemon is something that has been a thing forever and you can get whatever isn't in your cartridge through trading.

Alola Forms are great, just like Megas were, but you can probably use more than 1! I actually factor stats into how much I like Pokemon too though (among other things like design) so I need to see what they can do too but overall it's still something new and different and I love the idea itself.

I'm glad whenever the systems involving moves that I find restrictive and lame are taken out. I was already really happy when TMs were changed to be permanent items in gen 5 and if HMs are gone and you dont have to waste moveslots for those things then great and good riddance.

I'm pretty torn on Ubs. On the one hand I love the mystery of them and the designs and the implication that they could have on the games and story and the speculation, it's all great! And the idea of them as boss encounters is cool too (please be strong).

On the other hand though... I hate the idea of not being able to catch them! The idea of these cool creature designs being shown off but not being able to be used seems like such a tease. Jeez! This is Pokemon not Monster Hunter.

I play Pokemon to catch interesting creatures and monsters and see them fight, not fight monsters for the hell of it. That's what Pokemon is about to me. This is also why I never liked the idea of the Pokemon Ranger games (and similarly since leveling them up and using them as partners is also part of that to me I'm not big on the Rumble series). I feel like I'll be really disappointed if I can't use UBs in battle.

As for the others. I always wanted to take off the hat in X & Y, so good to see that's a thing now. I think the girl MC has really cute hair and will look nice without it. I'm actually really happy about it (also I'm gonna get that stupid Glove World hat off as soon as possible).

Rotom Dex is adorable period. I hope I can use it in battle too, but I'm not as hung up about it if not since at least it's a companion throughout the entire journey that you can interact with. I want to be its friend.

I have to see what Z Moves are like and what they're effect on competitive battling will have but I like the idea of them. I'm much more interested in Alola mon and Megas though tbh and would have preferred more Megas or even Alola Forms to this. Not that I don't like them but, eh. I have always thought of and liked the idea of my trainer sorta having a spiritual connection with her mon and miming the moves along with them like they are both fighting though and Im glad they are going that route.

I never had much of a problem with the chibi look and just visualized them differently to get immersed in X, Y, and ORAS, same with the small trainer sprites in the other games but especially the former, but I'm glad for the new style since it takes out the middle man and allows me to easily get immersed and attached to my trainer along with the customization.

The grid movement being gone is bigger and a welcome change. Not a huge thing to me but it will make the world feel better and once again more immersive especially with the seemingly big world in this game. I can't wait to explore it all and this gives more incentive

And for the region. I like the idea of surfing a lot again like in gen 3! I hope there is a really good surfing theme. Actually now that I think about it that might be one of the most nostalgic parts of R/S/E for me. It's weird I never thought of that. It seems like quite a region. I hope all the islands are like. Relatively large almost mini regions, with a lot to explore!

Yeah I'm thinking these might be the best games in a while if not period. I hope I'm right.

 

[Lapis Lazuli]

I am very excited for this generation! I'm actually a newer player, only getting into this series last year with OR. Now I own Pearl, Blue, and White Version as well. And while the traditional formula for a Pokemon game is not a bad one, it's one that's gotten stale over the 20 years this series has been around. I honestly had worries that this was just going to be another Pokemon game. But I was wrong.
For this Generation, GF is finally stepping out of their comfort zone and shaking things up. The chibi art style and the grid based world really were something that had to be done away with at some point, and thankfully so. Cutscenes in ORAS looked so silly with the giant heads and small bodies. And the overworld looks so much better, along with backgrounds in battle.
Gyms' removal are probably the biggest change to come from this whole thing, being replaced by Trials, which seem a lot more interesting as they seem to include quests. Really adds more diversity to the objectives you are setting out to complete, rather than just defeating the gyms.

Arrg, I can ramble all day about how excited I am, but I shouldn't. There's so many things that they are doing and none so far have been that disappointing. This really does have the potential to be an amazing generation of Pokemon.

 

[Peachy]

I am all for the changes that SM are bringing to the series. XY felt like it had exhausted the classic formula past the point of no return. But the increased focus on story and bringing in so many new elements are making very excited for what SM will bring us.

 

[Mew2]

I must say that I am excited about most of the changes that I've seen. I like the addition of Ultra Beasts for a different type of boss battle and the hopeful elimination of HMs as requirements to move around. I finally won't require an HM slave for getting around. The replacement of gyms with Island Challenges also seems interesting and I look forward to seeing how it works. I don't know how I feel about Z-moves just yet. I don't hate, or even dislike that there in the game. I just don't know if I'll be using them for waiting for the hopeful inclusion of Mega Evolution and use that if/when it becomes available. One thing I will like, though, is the ability to take off my hat since I never wear one in real life. I am also really excited for Hyper Training. If EV Training is still in as well, it will finally allow me to get perfect Pokémon, eventually, without having to capture a few dozen of the species I want and have to breed Pokémon, discarding the ones I don't like. In essence, it will allow me to train champion Pokémon "the right way" and I like that.

 

[TheMonster6893]

I freaking LOVE everything Sun and Moon are bringing to the table! It feels fresh and new and it makes me more excited about a Pokemon game than I have been in a while. I was getting sick of the boring formula they had going and honestly it felt like XY were something they just threw together so they could get something on the 3DS. It was a step in the right direction graphics wise, but the story and over all region felt empty. this time around it seems like they are pulling out all the stops. Sun and Moon feel like they're gonna be the most jam packed games w'eve ever gotten. I love how they're changing the reason for our travel (gym to trial) I love the evil team and presumptive evil organization. I love the idea of a creature or set of creature that aren't Pokemon existing in the world. Aside from story addition the game graphics wise looks amazing!! Sure it's still compressed due to the 3DS's poor hardware, but the games still manage to look beautiful! I really look forward to taking my first steps in the Alola region!! lol

 

[PinkIceFox]

I love all this change! Pokemon's needed a breath of fresh air for so long. I'm so excited to play Moon!

 

[Bolt Strike]

Let me put it to you this way: the only complaint I have about this game so far is that we don't have Z/XY2 yet.

 

[Alola]

Excited but also overwhelmed as well. There are a lot of new changes and features being implemented that are shaking up the status quo-I'm still processing it all.

 

[Dizzard]

The Ultra Beasts and the addition of the Aether Foundation on top of Team Skull is very exciting to me. It feels like we might have a strong (or at least interesting) plot this time around.

Also the idea that these games may have a lot more time differences also excites me. Stuff like different Pokemon appearing depending on the time of day seems like it'll add so much life (and sense of "natural-ness") to the region, so the more the better.

I'm also pleased with the majority of the new Pokemon introduced.

and fingers crossed that HMs have gotten the boot, it wasn't so bad in Kalos (or even Unova) so I feel like it was getting better....but it'll be good to finally see the back of them completely.

 

[Silktree]

Let me put it to you this way: the only complaint I have about this game so far is that we don't have Z/XY2 yet.

And I'm forever thankful for that. Sun and Moon's breath of fresh air is overdue.

 

[Lanstar]

This game looks like a wondrous Pokemon Vacation Resort - both in terms of a video game and the Pokemon franchise itself. I love the refreshing changes - and I hope they don't add too many more spoilers than they already showed.