It seems like everyone is mad about Pokémon GO this week. Players are mad because of Niantic’s recent heavy-handed app update, while non-players, well, they’re still mad that people are… exercising? Having fun?
I don’t know. Still, the good news is that this week has seen some really cool developments in the core Pokémon franchise—Pokémon-proper, if you will.
The most recent trailer (embedded below) showcases even more amazing new creatures and features in the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon titles.
As you can see, the microclimates of the Alola region have created some interested variants of existing Pokémon. These include a new long-necked, coconut tree-style Exeggutor and gorgeous ice forms of Vulpix/Nintetales and Sandshrew/Sandslash.
Then there are our regularly scheduled reveals: the multifaceted Oricorio, the rock coated Minior, and GOP nominee Gumshoos. We’re also treated to a bevy of transportation options in the form of the Poké Ride feature, and we get a glimpse Alola’s Kahunas and Trial Captains, the tropical islands’ answer to more traditional Gym Leaders, as well as their powered-up Totem Pokémon
The biggest news, however, comes in the form of the new Z-Moves. There is a Z-Move for every Pokémon type, but these devastating attacks can only be executed once during battle and only if certain key items are present, specifically a Z-Ring and a Z-Crystal.
The Z-Ring accessory fits on a Trainer’s arm, and collected Z-Crystals can be set into it. If a Pokémon holds a corresponding Z-Crystal, the two can act together to unleash a furious Z-Move. TOMY is even releasing a real-world Z-Ring that will react to Z-Moves used in the game itself!
Meanwhile, back in the land of products-currently-on-the-market, existing Pokémon X/Y and Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire players should make it a point to hit up their local GameStops for this month’s #Pokemon20 limited-time distribution. August’s ‘Mon of the Month’ is the Mythical, type-swappable Arceus.
And lastly, if you want to know how we old schoolers attempted to “Catch ’em All” in the pre-internet age, Archive.org has just made available 13 years’ worth of Nintendo Power. Nintendo’s in-house monthly magazine ran from 1988-2012, and it was the go-to periodical for a generation of fans. Each issue is available in a number of formats and can serve as a veritable gateway to our gaming past.
