The Pokemon Presents began with a recap of the 25 years of games, cards, anime, movies, clothes, events, and parks that have spawned as a result of this monstrously successful franchise. It was great for the Pokemon Company to remind us how far we’ve come before they blessed us with some huge announcements.
Announcement #1 – Pokemon Snap!
Welcome to the Lental Region where the player will get to participate in the rail-shooter like New Pokemon Snap. The coolest part about this new game versus its predecessor will be how interactive the game will be. As the player takes photos there will be various items, songs, and conditions that will allow the player to try to capture many different behaviors. There will be a social media-like feature built into the game where players will be able to share photos and like one another’s photos. New Pokemon Snap will be released on 4/30/21 on Nintendo Switch.
Announcement #2 – Various In-Game Events
There were general announcements for various ongoing Pokemon titles. Pokemon Sword and Shield have Gigantamax Pikachu raids going on right now. Pokemon Cafe Mix is giving away a ton of bonus Golden Acorns for logging in and the Kanto legendaries like Mewtwo, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have returned to Pokemon Go for a Kanto-themed event. Pokemon Masters will also introduce the Galar Champion Leon and his Charizard!
Announcement #3 – Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
The haters said it wouldn’t happen but after almost 15 years it’s time to pick from Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup for another Sinnoh journey. The new overworld looks reminiscent of the recent remake of Link’s Awakening while battles seem close to Sword and Shield’s graphics. The game is being developed by ILCA, Inc. and has Junichi Masuda from Game Freak and Yuichi Ueda from ILCA as directors. Expect Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl in late 2021 on Nintendo Switch.
Announcement #4 – Pokemon Legends Arceus!
Pokemon Legends Arceus’s setting is also in Sinnoh but takes place in the distant past in an era similar to feudal Japan. The area is still open and “harsh.” The most interesting feature is that the game seems truly open world with the battles happening in the overworld without entering into a battle scene. You can catch Pokemon without entering a second screen and travel around with a Pokemon partner to various biomes. You are tasked with creating the first Pokedex in the Sinnoh region and as the name suggests, Arceus, the creator Pokemon, will be significant to the story in some way that is unclear. The game will feature starter Pokemon from different regions such as Rowlett, Cyndaquil, and Oshuwatt that have been brought to the player by a professor. Expect Pokemon Legends Arceus in early 2022 on Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon came out swinging with a great showing of old and new ideas in a way that truly celebrates the 25 years of fun they have given us. What was your favorite thing shown? Let us know in the comments below!