Another day, another "Pokémon" title in the horizon! For those of you who are actively aware, or not, Game Freak's first official "Pokémon" game for the Nintendo Switch comes out this November 16th, 2018. "Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee" were rumors that was circulating around for the past few months. We are finally given confirmation of not only it's existence, but also given it's first trailer with a brief look of it's gameplay. Just in case if anyone needs a reminder, or for whoever doesn't know, let's look over what the game is going to be like.
The game is set in the Kanto region, home to the first generation of Pokémon, and is going to incorporate the mobile game "Pokémon Go". How exactly? You will be able to connect the two games and transfer first generation Pokémon, and their Alolan variants, from "Pokémon Go" to the GO Park in "Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee". This doesn't mean you can use the "Pokémon Go" Pokémon for battling in the Switch title. At least that is what appears to be the case. Which would be a good thing because it kind of feels like cheating if you can. A lot of the mechanics are inspired by "Pokémon Go". For example, of how you catch Pokémon with a circle and timing the throw of the Pokéball.
Example of "Let's Go" incorporating "Pokémon Go" mechanics.All Games Delta
From what was just described it is merely the tip of the iceberg. There is more to it than that, but the best way to summarize it is that the game is obviously focusing on casual players. Which is a great choice on Game Freak's part. By changing the system, it will bring in new players from "Pokémon Go" for the franchise. This will also be a different way to play the game. Just like how hardcore and long-lasting fans have been asking for. We were shown a brief overview of what is to come and there will most likely be more.
On that note. Websites like PokéJungle, IGN, and Eurogamer has supplied more information about the new "Pokémon" titles that should be known. Especially since it wasn't shared during the Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference, or shown in the trailer. The starters, Pikachu and Eevee, will not be able to evolve, but the wild Pikachu and Eevee can. Which is fine because it feels like your Ash Ketchum from the anime series with that aspect. A fantasy that I even had as a kid in the late 90s and early 2000s.
From what it sounds like, the PC storage system may not be in the Pokémon Center anymore and is a mobile item in your bag? If that is the case, that aspect is great because traveling all the way back to a Pokémon Center to switch out Pokémon to level can be somewhat of a hassle. It just determines on your patience and preference. HMs were mainly the source for this hassle. You could get the HM "Fly" after beating the third Gym Leader, Lt. Surge. Which was somewhat early and lengthy after starting the game, but loading from one place to the next could still be seen as "forever" for some.
TheOmegaNerd
Still speaking about HMs. THERE ARE NONE. For the newest titles there are no HMs like in "Pokémon Sun and Moon". There can be an assumption that flying around and a bunch of other stuff in that fashion will be done like how it was for "Sun and Moon" with the PokéRider. Also, the talk in the last paragraph about Lt. Surge. It is confirmed that just like "Pokémon Yellow," what the new titles are based off of, it will have certain characters from the anime series to appear in the game.
The next pieces of information is for the hardcore/long-lasting players. Even though you do not battle wild Pokémon anymore. The Pokémon in your party will get experience when successfully catching a wild one. Also, you will gain experience from battles as per usual. The games will run at 1080p resolution while docked, and will run 720p while playing in handheld. This last piece of information makes us ask more questions. There will be no breeding Pokémon in this installment, so what does this mean for IVs and EVs? We do not know.
More helpful information is that Junichi Masuda, game director and composer from the franchise, said that there will be more information about how you level up, raise and train your Pokémon later on. Meaning IVs and EVs can still be utilized. When it comes to online battling and trading like Wonder Trade, Global Trade System (GTS), and Battle Spot. Those features will not be present, and the Nintendo Switch Online service will be needed in order to trade and battle.
There are also some dreams being crushed. Masuda explained that we will not be able to visit the Johto region. This is sad, but it makes sense. Especially since the original 151 Pokémon will not be able to evolve to the newer evolutions, like Umbreon for example, in the game. When it comes to Z-Moves and Mega Evolutions there is still no information. Hopefully we will know if there is any for "Let's Go Pikachi and Eevee". Especially for Mega Evolutions because of the roster it has for first generation Pokémon. Just like in the past too. There will be exclusive Pokémon between the two versions.
TheOmegaNerd
This next bit is very important for "Pokémon Go" players that get this game. The Pokémon that can be transferred from "Pokémon Go" to "Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee" in the Go Park unlocks "midway" through the game. The Pokémon cannot be transferred back to "Pokémon Go". Also, you will have to recapture them in "Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee" in the Go Park. You can play special mini-games and receive other benefits in the Go Park, but no other details for now. The Pokémon that are Shiny in "Pokémon Go" will also be Shiny in "Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee". Lastly, we do not know how the Pokémon's stats from "Go" to "Let's Go" will be translated.
To be completely honest. The information train just keeps going. The notes made in this article though are very important to know. There is much more to know what is going on in Game Freak's heads, but if you want to know more about that. Check out the interview between Masuda and Eurogamer. We will have to wait to see and hear more information, but it will most likely be worth it. Gotta catch'em all!
