The Pokemon Academy-Will it be part of a bigger goal?

[Mitchman]

So in the recent twist of the story, we actually get to start from a Pokemon Academy, graduating no less into proper trainers. What could this mean though gameplay wise? I understand it could be nothing, but what if it gives purpose to the trainer card, and your status. I mean if we get to have a reason for beating gyms other then progressing the story and such, then perhaps we could also see some of the Entralink quests become part of the main game, to gain reputation and such. Thoughts?

 

[Purellian]

I think that most likely it will just be a regular trainer's school like in every other game. But that is lame, and I like your idea much better! What if we weren't graduating from it, but we were going on a semester of field experience or something like that?

 

[potatomon]

I kinda like the idea of us being 13-14 year olds recently graduated, off to starting become trainers. It would suck if it was just a regular trainer school. But it's gotta play some significance, right? Why else put it in the hometown of all places? Besides, isn't there a trainer school somewhere else in Unova already?

I think that you might get the starter from your school this time around. Pokemon Smash clip kinda shows the starter selection scene cut apart from the rest of the clip. Achroma is a researcher, I don't think he's a professor. The lady that approaches your house at the beginning might be Juniper or someone else who plays a significant role. But I think the addition of the academy definitely is gonna bring something new plot-wise to the table.

 

[Ivysaur]

Is that the building with the Gym-like statues right outside it? As others have pointed out, it's probably its own gym, similarly to how most of the other Unova Gyms doubled as other public areas, such as restaurants and libraries. Ala Viridian and Petalburg, we'll probably battle its Gym Leader later on in the game.

 

[The Outrage]

@Mitchman;
Confirmation that we actually graduate from there and not that its just a school in your home town?

 

[Mitchman]

Is that the building with the Gym-like statues right outside it? As others have pointed out, it's probably its own gym, similarly to how most of the other Unova Gyms doubled as other public areas, such as restaurants and libraries. Ala Viridian and Petalburg, we'll probably battle its Gym Leader later on in the game.

The trainer school in Straiton also had the statues, so who knows. However cause of the Pokemon Center, I do think its possible.

@Mitchman;
Confirmation that we actually graduate from there and not that its just a school in your home town?

Uh.................I made a huge mistake and thought that you do. I'm gonna edited the post and make this into speculation, but would it be so hard to believe you do graduate from it? I mean if its in your starting town, and they want you to notice it, it makes sense. Not to mention, there is likely no lab, or at least its not in the city. Which would be strange, even if this is shaking things up.

 

[The Outrage]

I'm not saying its hard to believe, @Mitchman; I'm simply asking for confirmation.

 

[Mitchman]

Then no, there's no confirmation. A huge mistake on my part.

 

[The Outrage]

It actually would be my preference if we started at Trainer School (even if it was a gym at the same time) and lived on-campus, with the house we're seen leaving being one of the campus residences. The Rival is referred to as living in the starting town and not necessarily from there, so it would be more interesting if this was the case. It's a much more interesting set-up, after all, there's only so many times they can make leaving your mother to go on a journey seem like a new thing.

It would also help with the perception of how such young trainers can handle themselves.

 

[Purellian]

I'd really like it if we did graduate from the trainer's school because it would shake things up from the usual Professor giving you your starter just because he or she thinks you might be a good trainer, or so that you can help them with their research. However, I also think it makes perfect sense for the trainers school to be located in the first town/city game play wise. I mean, at least so far, the school has always been where they teach you about various game mechanics, so it always struck me as kind of funny that it was usually placed in the second or third town and not the first.

Anyway, I think they could do a lot of interesting things with the school this time around, and I hope they do! I'm pretty certain you'll still be living with your mom in the beginning, though, because I don't think they would have a kid living in a house all by him or herself. It would be cool if we lived in a dorm or an apartment building with other students!

 

[Silktree]

Is Professor Juniper a teacher or is she just visiting? Hopefully the latter, as a professor should have better things to do than dealing with teenagers. Come to think of it, I'd rather see Bianca hand out the starters and Pokédex.

 

[The Outrage]

@Mitchman;
I forgot to address this earlier, but the Trainer School in Striation does not have the gym leader statues, however, what it does seem to have the same blue Pokéball symbol as Striaton's Trainer school, suggesting that it may function as both.

I'd really be interested if this was the final gym despite being located so far away from the league (well, if it wasn't the first gym, it suggests we're backtracking anyway), and their final test was to gather seven badges from any of Unova's other gyms, and to graduate, challenge the Trainer School's gym leader as a final exam.

@Silktree;
I always imagined the professors as being teaching professors at their region's universities as well--but yeah, I'd hope this wasn't their "highest" level of education. If it was a trainer school, I think it would be appropriate to have Gym leaders and regional professors as guests.

 

[omegoku]

Starting in a trainer school would be a nice change of pace.
Your rival is another student, your home town could be several towns away and you could still visit your mom (and dad!) once you have travelled a bit
You could be sent out to get badges as part of a final exam to prove your skills. Maybe after you have 4, you can return and graduate, only for the ceremony to be interrupted by badteam and the schools pokemon stolen!
Now you have a personal reason to chase these guys down and return the pokemon to the school, collecting remaining badges, fighting against and teaming up with rival along the way.
Once the pokemon are returned, you are able to take on the final gym and take on the league!

Here is hoping!