THE Pokémon The franchise has had several spin-off games developed over the years, but one in particular really changed the standard formula in a very unexpected but welcome way. Pokkén Tournament was originally released in Japanese arcades in 2015 before appearing on the Wii U in 2016 and later debuting on the Switch in 2017 as Pokkén Tournament DX. However, despite rave reviews and solid sales numbers, there is no sign of a sequel to Pokkén Tournament in years.
While the Pokémon games are typically developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, Pokkandn Tournament was actually produced by Bandai Namcowho has been responsible for countless iconic fighting game franchises over the years. With unique gameplay and a wide variety of Pokémon to choose from, it’s no surprise that this spin-off has countless fans within and outside the Pokémon community.
A unique take on Pokémon battles
Battles that are very similar to those in traditional fighting games
The combat in Pokkén Tournament is quite unique in that unlike typical turn-based battles in Pokémon games, that takes many elements from traditional 2D and 3D fighting games. Combatants fight each other in a huge arena, unleashing combos until the character’s health bar is completely depleted. What it does Pokkén Tournament What stands out from most other typical fighting games is that battles take place in two phases.
Battles begin in what is known as the Field Phase, where Pokémon are able to move freely in a huge 3D space. Unlocking certain moves will cause the battle to shift into the Duel Phase, which resembles more typical 2D fighters with limited movement and altered controls. That constant phase switching not only offers players a unique challenge, but also gives them the ability to unleash devastating combos in a huge 3D environment.
A wide variety of Pokémon in the list
A roster that isn’t just the fighting type
Pokkén Tournament DX released with a total of 21 Pokémon on the listand those chosen presented a wide variety of options to choose from. The game features some obvious Pokémon choices, like Pikachu and Charizard, which are incredibly iconic in terms of popularity. There are also several powerful Fighting-types, like Lucario and Machamp, that feel easily at home in a fighting game.
Fighting in Pokkén Tournament uses a rock-paper-scissors system of normal attacks, grapples, and counterattacks.
The list of Pokkén Tournament DX highlights numerous powerful legendary and mythical Pokémonincluding Mewtwo, Darkrai, and even Suicune. However, not all Pokémon in Pokkén Tournamentthe list of is fully evolved or legendary. Pokémon like Croagunk and Braixen still proved to be incredibly powerful and fun to play with, despite not having reached their most powerful forms.
Pokkén Tournament it was even able to include several Pokémon without visible limbs. Pokémon like Aegislash and Chandelure may seem like unusual choices for a fighting game, but Bandai Namco found a way to implement both perfectly. Ultimately, this wide variety of Pokémon is a big part of what makes the game so exciting, as it proves that a Pokémon fighting game isn’t just limited to bipedal, fully evolved Pokémon.
New generations can offer even more interesting opportunities
A sequel could incorporate more Pokémon and gameplay mechanics
Given the fact that Pokkén Tournament was released in 2015, the only major gimmick it incorporated from the main games was the powerful Mega Evolution state, a central feature in the 2013 and 2014 3DS games. Pokémon X and Y and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. As many other Pokémon games have been released since then, many more new Pokémon and mechanics could be implemented. A sequel to Pokkén Tournament it could incorporate Dynamaxing, terastalization and morethus providing players with an even greater challenge.
With so many beloved Pokémon and cool tricks to use, there’s a lot of content that a sequel to Pokkén Tournament can use to truly recapture the magic of the original. This spin-off is ultimately proof that taking risks can yield incredible resultsinviting players who wouldn’t normally play Pokémon to check out and enjoy the game. Ultimately, thanks to the creativity of Bandai Namco’s work on Pokkén Tournamentthe Pokémon the franchise presents an incredibly unique spin-off that deserves a sequel.
Pokkén Tournament
- Franchise
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Pokémon Tournament
- Released
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September 22, 2017
- Developer
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BANDAI NAMCO Studios, BNE LLC
- Editor
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Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, Nintendo of America Inc.