What We Could See in Pokémon ‘Z’…

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Now that Pokémon X&Y have been out for a month, it’s time to start talking about the ‘third game’ of Generation VI. Here are some things that I would personally like to see, as well as a few predictions.

Characters & Story

Comments: Pokémon X&Y gave the main character quite a few friends, and all of them had interesting personalities, but much more focus could’ve been put on other NPCs such as the champion (not giving any spoilers), Lysander, and the last 4 gym leaders. The missions with a certain Pokémon detective were nice, but even they could’ve been more extensive and had more puzzle elements. After Pokémon Black & White, X&Y felt a little underwhelming in the story department and decidedly less epic. Although Team Flare had an interesting goal, the beauty of their plan wasn’t given enough exposure. Their weapon was pretty cool though.

And what about that great cutscene?? A Pokémon war?? I’d love to see that be explored more instead of just told to the player and shown in almost still images.

Prediction: The mysterious AZ will play a much bigger role in the next game and… hopefully… we’ll learn more about the sad past of Kalos. Wish we could play in a non-modern era of the region!

Pokémon

Comments: Many fans were disappointed about the small number of new Pokémon introduced in Generation VI. Whether or not they could or would rectify that in a third game remains to be seen. Personally, I think it was nice to give the limelight to older Pokémon. They really came to life in 3D and reminded me, personally, of why I love the series so much. It was fun to go through the game with a mixed team of old and new friends.

Pokémon “Z” may push this feeling of nostalgia past its welcome, unfortunately. With such a wide variety of Pokémon available in X&Y, it may be hard to make the third game stand out by introducing more catchable ‘mons; especially after the release of Pokémon Bank.

Prediction: New form for the third legendary (sadly a troupe now) and possibly a few others. GameFreak may even patch X&Y to include new Pokémon which debut in the third game…

Mechanics

Comments: Generation VI introduced new battle types, such as Inverse and Sky, but their implementation was lackluster. The third game should really capitalize on these new ways to battle and include them in the plot… not just as optional side events. Maybe a gym leader that forces the player to participate in one of them? That would certainly make players rethink some of their strategies.

One of the most exciting new mechanics of Pokémon X&Y, however, was the addition of trainer customization. FINALLY we get to decide how we look in the game and aren’t playing a generic Japanese (pre-) teen. The system, however, is very limited in its current form and clothing types are repetitive and boring. Hairstyles are also very limited, especially for males. While it was a step forward, it definitely wasn’t the revolution some people (including myself) would have preferred. Especially disappointing for Nintendo fans who may have hoped for some Animal Crossing-esque clothing options. And, seriously Game Freak, why can’t we take off our hat?!

Prediction: New Gym Leader that focuses on Sky Battles or Inverse Battles. Many more hair/clothing options, possibly an added tool to allow players to personalize outfits.

Mini-Games

Comments: Pokémon-Amie was OK. I haven’t used it much because, to be honest, there’s not all that much to do. I hope that they improve the system to include more virtual pet aspects so that you can feel a little more connected with your team. Super Training also didn’t ‘wow’ me and unless I want EV-training, I wouldn’t just play it for fun. The only thing that I really enjoyed, and isn’t technically a “mini-game”, is the Trainer PR Video system. It’s surprisingly customizable and the 10-second limit really makes you think about what you want to put in it.

Prediction: Very few changes to Amie or Super Training, new options coming to PR vids.

Online Functionality

Comments: Wonder Trade is wonderful. I think that is perhaps one of the best new additions to the series and it is genuinely fun to send a random Pokémon to a stranger and see what you get in return. Some trades are more rewarding than others, but that’s part of the fun. Trading and battling is also easier than ever in X&Y and I don’t think I actually have any complaints about the system. It’s just fun. I don’t see Game Freak doing a whole lot to change what they built, because it’s pretty darn good. The Player Search System is a fun little use of the bottom screen and primarily what I use while I’m playing.

Prediction: Online functionality stays the same.

Wrap-up

I liked Pokémon X&Y. A lot. Definitely my favorite games of the series so far and I can’t wait to see how Game Freak improves on them in the third installment. Have any complaints that you’d like addressed in their follow-up? Something you thought was missing in X&Y? Leave a comment! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

NL would also like me to add that his prediction for the third game’s title is “Pokémon Zero” which plays upon both the Z and also 3D coordinates (0,0), the origin point. What do you think?!

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2,799 thoughts on “What We Could See in Pokémon ‘Z’…”

  5. I know it’ll never happen (I’m trying to jynx myself, don’t downvote me!), but I would like a dark type gym leader in “Z”. I would also like a poison legendary and more Megas (c’mon, Sableye, Swampert, and Sceptile need the same love Mawile and Blaziken got)!

    More focus on AZ and his Floette’s backstory. An increased AI to make things more challenging. More character development and better access to hatching O-Power.

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  6. I loved X and Y! There are only a few complaints that I have:

    1) The first four gyms took a nice amount of time to defeat while the last four I was able to rush through in a matter of an hour.
    Hopefully Z (or whatever proceeding game) will add more adventure between gyms.
    2) The post-game, enough said.
    I would like for the next games to have an extensive back story.
    3) There was a lack of connection between the other character and my character.
    DPPt and BW/B2W2 did a great job at forging a relationship between my character and the other major characters in the game, maybe the next game can, too.

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  7. I think that instead of Zygarde getting a new form, I think that Team Flare will be developing a Mega Stone for Zygarde! Lysandre did say that he made a device similar to the Mega Ring, so maybe Team Flare is going to create a new Mega Stone! I could see this happening instead of ANOTHER new legendary form…

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    • I remember in one of Masuda’s interviews, he said that no new Pokémon will get Megas in XY (because they are new). HOWEVER, he never said it wouldn’t happen in the next games! Once people have gotten to the new Pokémon, they could get Megas to be upgraded, so I see a Mega Zygarde happening (it’s BST is 600 afterall).

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  8. Before, I was dissapointed that N didn’t return in XY. Then again, why would he? However, I’m ok with that because AZ is the new N! He’s mysterious, a fantastic and highly appreciated character, has a tragic backstory, and seems to be a fan favorite character of XY. I said it earlier, but I would like more backstory and character development from him in “Z”.

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  9. Hi are there people who want to exchange friend codes. I’m a ghost type unfortunately, but I will add anyone who wants to be added. 5198-2479-3654

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  10. Kinda want them to make the regional trio (Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion etc,) They should make them part fairy type, since it is the new type. They totally disappointed me when there wasn’t a regional trio…

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  12. A better main story, a longer post game (I loved the looker side quest, but it was so short), and fixing the technical issues, like the lagging in the battles and having 3d always.

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  13. Speaking of Pokemon Amie, it seems like that will be in every single pokemon game that comes out, since Eevee evolves into Sylveon that way. Or they can totally change it like they did to Feebas lol

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  14. More new pokemon
    More megas
    Better graphics
    More areas to explore
    Maybe new protagonists and new best friends
    Maybe the current best friends becoming more stronger, such as new gym leaders or like alternative gyms
    Way more focus put on legendarys
    More Furfrou haircuts
    Maybe possibly going to Unova
    Way more outfits/ hair/ color/ ect (like animal crossing)
    Better focus on non-pokedex/non-champion storyline
    Dream World return
    More online interactions
    more challenging CPU
    Better Team Flare
    DLC
    More mystery gift
    More Beartic
    Seasons return
    More online tracks
    Better 3D
    Morr tripple, rotation, double, and sky battles
    Actually showing the pokemom use HM outside battle
    Better Jobs to work/more interactions
    ActualIngameon voices (like Pikachu)
    Actual CPU voives
    More choices in speech
    Alternative teams (team flare and ???)
    More postgame
    Daily Ingame events
    Morr ingame events
    Return of pokemon following the trainer
    Team Rocket return (Jessie, James, Meowth)

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    • I agree with most of this, though I would never expect to see all of it! I am not bothered about going to Unova, or improved graphics (loving the current ones still), or anime pokemon voices, though. don’t think the customisation would reach AC levels but more would be great! The main ones I would pick from your list would be more customisation, seasons, pokemon following you, and definitely new megas if not new pokemon 🙂 I would love to get all of those…

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    • Unova was ‘returned’ to in Black 2 and White 2, as they expanded the region a surprising amount for a third game. (Black 2 and White 2 were supposed to be throwbacks to Gold and Silver, as they were the original ‘Pokemon 2’s before that was scrapped). In other words, there is no need to return to Unova at this point.

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      • This. I really don’t think Gen 6 will contain any regions other than Kalos. Still hoping for a Gen3 remake, but it’s very unlikely and sequels (Yellow, crystal, Emerald, Platinum, Black 2 white 2) don’t usually contain a different region than the first games of that generation.

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    • Dude, you can’t make the 3D better, there will be DLC to cover nearly evertything you wanted in that comment, focus on legendaries is pointless, they’re good enough now, there is no need of new protagonists, and if Team Rocket returns, no one wants to see Jessie and James, because screw the trio.

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        • All I can see is a bunch of pokenoobs who were literaaly introduced into pokemon in Gen V and watched the anime first. The forums where I come from would bash little scrubs like you for wanting a pointless copy game of the originals.

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          • Pokemon isn’t like COD where everyone thinks that they have to be better than everyone else. Its about everyone playing it how they want to.

          • Unfortunately, certain parts of the Pokemon Franchise ARE about being better than everyone else. That’s where the competitive aspect comes from.

          • True but whenever my friend shows me cod videos on YouTube, people aren’t competitive- there’s no respect; in the comments people hate and the video has a lot of dislikes. But pokemon on the other handhand (I watch Shofu)whenever a good play os made people like it and the videos have roughly 1℅ dislikes

          • I applaud your effort to intimidate us, but it seems to me like your a “pokenoob”. I have been playing pokemon since 1998 and watching the anime since 1997, so don’t boast about credentials. As for the game improvements, i have nothing further to say.

      • Sir, 3D isn’t even advalible in battles that arent single, also there is basically no 3D in the overworld. Plus there are frame rate issues when entered in 3D.

        The legnedarys are mentioned literally twice before you encounter one. Also new characters would give players a brand new storyline. Just because you can customoze the current two characters, doesn’t mean that they become new players.

        And Team Rocket is better thaneeing only one Rocket Grunt

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    • “ActualIngameon voices (like Pikachu)”

      I admit that I wasn’t really paying attention to your comment until I saw this.

      I am a massive fan of the Anime and I would love to see the Anime’s voices carried over to the games. But it would be a lot of effort for them. I mean, Pikachu has the same name in every language. But then you go have a look at say charmander… http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Charmander#In_other_languages

      charmander has many different names, depending on the language. XY came in 7 languages, that means that pokemon’s voice would have to be recorded 7 times, and each variation of the voice (Notice how Pikachu makes different noises as it faints) too. It’d massively increase the size of the game. Not a problem if they have enough room on the game cards, but it’d be a big problem for downloadable game.

      THAT said… I do have an idea for a solution. Maybe they could give out free OPTIONAL voice packs as DLC. That is, if you don’t have a voice pack, the game plays the normal cries and if you do have a voice pack installed for the language you are using, it’ll play the voice cry.

      That’d cut down majorly on the size of the core game, and make the voice data completely optional. And since the voice only affects the person who has it installed, I see no reason why this would be negative.

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  15. Ok, the story was just too forced in the games and poorly implemented; weak in general. I don’t know if they can fix it but adding backstory to AZ could be good because we only did see him here and there.

    Am I expecting new Megaevolutions? Did I just do that. That would be good but don’t want to be dissapointed so I’m assuming they won’t add any.

    And lastly more Post-Game please. I can’t stand it. I CAN’T. PLEASE.

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  16. what I want is nothing until after ruby and sapphire are remade and or sequeled. seriously, shoulda happened last gen, and it’d be even better this gen

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  18. One main thing I didn’t like was the lack of depth to the gym leaders.
    Compare it to B/W, you kinda meet most before you face the gym (ie: Burgh in Pinwheel, Skyla in the tower), and even in the end, they group together to help you defeat the Sages (barre the Trio)
    Lysandre was the only developed character (for obvious reasons) but he still lacked some oomph.
    The champion, well she was kinda crap, let’s meet her once, maybe twice, then face her, afterwards she’ll trade you the base form of her signature pokemon because wynaut?!
    The general story was a bit more in depth however I still feel that again, something was lacking. It had the potential to be one of the best (starting from the conventional kiddy ploy to take over the world) by dealing with….death but nah, kinda meh IMO
    I hope with Z/X2,Y2/XZ,YZ or whatever if they make it, I want it to be a prequel to XY, showing the war(s), both civil and with other regions as mentioned. Bit more backstory to AZ (because lets be honest, who didn’t like that lil cutscene…?)
    I hope they do a brilliant job, let’s hope XY were just the tester games for something truly amazing

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  19. In Pokemon Z there has to be a Natural Disaster that Team Flare can cause! That’s the only way Zygarde can appear! I would like to see Overall better customization! I don’t think there should be a Sky Battling Gym Leader. Mostly, because some trainers will not have Flying Types. Inverse Battling Gym Leader sounds cool! Maybe, the last one! More Mega Evos too! Also, full 3D in the game!

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    • i thought it would be – Xerneus brought AZ’s floette back to life in the past, but in the present, team flare finds Yveltal’s cocoon and will use that as the catalyst for the doom machine, yveltal awakens and begins destroying stuff(or maybe the plan actually goes ahead without getting stopped)… and so Zygarde has to intervene, zygarde revives xerneus, xerneus and yveltal battle, player catches all 3

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      • Quite a bit of problems with your statement. Xerneas doesn’t control time. It cannot bring them to the past. AZ (not trying to sound dark) will likely die happy, now that he found Floette. Yveltal being controlled by Team Flare doesn’t cause a Natural Disaster. It has to be from the earth! In other words a “Environmental Disaster”. Why would Xerneas and Yveltal fight? They have no need to. Also, it would be a bit overwhelming to catch all 3 Legendaries at once. Maybe it might be a after game thing!

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        • By “in the past” I think Ethan Russell meant as a flashback sort of thing like it actually happened in the past. No time travel.

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        • what i meant with the yveltal thing is the weapon is activated, which is what would be causing the natural disasters.
          (also, Xerneus = life, yveltal = death, there is kind of a miajor reason right there as to why they would fight)(also, AZ is kind of immortal, he kind of can’t die),(also, never really stated you caught them all at once, though to be fair, i should’ve said the player would then be able to catch all three)

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    • But Team Flare was trying to protect the environment in a way right? It doesn’t make much sense to me why they would want to cause a natural disaster. Maybe I’m wrong

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  20. I personally enjoyed the story of X and Y a lot, it seemed a lot deeper where Black/White were kind of obvious, if that makes sense. The AZ storyline was great, loved the cut scenes! I would love for the next game to be a ‘gen 6.5’ with more pokemon, but the pokemon in this gen have been consistently good.

    I don’t think they can ever make sky battles a main part of the storyline, as you won’t always have pokemon that can participate. I often find myself struggling to keep a flying type on my team, though the option of levitating pokemon is good too. And I’m not sure if anyone has said this, but apart from it being a pokemon ‘thing’ to have a hat, I honestly think GF made you forcibly have a hat so players could be more varied on the PSS.

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  21. Alright lets get this straight…..this is Gamefreak’s FIRST 3D Main Series handheld pokemon game. So obviously there is PLENTY of improvement left to be made! They had a very LIMITED amount of time to finish this project and I say that they did an excellent job!!!! Even if pokemon Z improved upon the things that felt somewhat missing in X/Y, we can all agree that many of the surprises/emotions we felt playing X/Y for the first time will not be the same! I’m excited for Z and am definitely looking forward to it. But X/Y has definitely left an forever memorable impression on a fan that’s been around since the release of the original Red and Blue!

    That said besides the obvious (more pokemon, better story etc.). I want something more subtle: Different Background/Environments when we do wi-fi battles. We can change the music which is fantastic (Though I wish there were more soundtracks besides those 11), but why can’t we change the background? This is a very minor thing I would like in pokemon Z.

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    • Well said. As a starting point X/Y were fantastic. There are a lot of directions they can take now, with a sequel, and i personally hope for a more integrated story. Some very interesting characters have been introduced, and i hope they are expanded upon in the next game.

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    • What makes you think they had limited time to work on it? 3D models are time consuming, but they have been a thing since the N64 days. I love the models, but I’m not impressed.

      From my understanding, they have been working on X/Y since BW days. Considering how many corners they cut and features they left out, I can’t very much say I am impressed with their game, although it is fun and a well made one.

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      • It’s a company! Companies have deadlines to meet, and if they don’t meet them, they have to cut it short. But I’m curious what pokemon game were you impressed by? Because by your argument I don’t find any pokemon game impressive!

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  22. Dear Pokéjungle Staff,

    I like NL’s prediction of the third game’s title being “Pokémon Zero”. It could happen. My brother and I think the next games will be “Pokémon A” and “Pokémon Z”. They could give more details about Arceus and Zygarde’s history as well as give more backstoty to AZ.

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  23. Pokemon Zero would make the perfect prequel for XY and also serve as the non-modern Kalos region game. They surprised us with sequels last time, they could survive us with a prequel this time. Pokemon AZ could also make a cool title, playing on “Z” and the trainer AZ.

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  24. A few things I want from the possible Pokemon Z (or whatever else they could call it).

    -An extra area to explore post game
    -The looker quests were interesting, I hope they expand them/make them more interesting or integrate them into the main story.
    -Rebattlable Gym Leaders.
    -Rebattleable Elite 4 with new rosters.
    -Vs Seeker.
    -Battle Frontier?

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      • Gym leaders have 2 Pokemon and the E4 have 3. I want to face them with full teams of 6. Also i want them to showcase some more Pokemon of their types…Maybe even do it in such a way that they have different Pokemon each time you face them

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  25. I know it’s very minor, but can we please stop calling Pokémon “it” if it has a gender. For example, “Gallade is confused. IT hurt ITSELF in confusion.” No, no! Gallade’s a male only species! It should say “HE hurt HIMSELF in confusion”. Same for Pokémon that can be female.

    It’s a very minor thing that’s bothered me for a while, and it’s so minor, I don’t see it changing…but it’d be nice.

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    • I get your point, but how could they tell if its a male or female? (besides the obvious sprite differences). The pokemon world has it so that they don’t have private parts, and also go “we have no clue how pokemon eggs got here they just pop up”

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      • True, but the gender sign shows up next to their name. Remember, these are the same games in which travelling to the next city takes a few seconds instead of hours. And these are the same games in which you can STILL fly on Pidgey.

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      • They would have to code it so the game can tell the difference, meaning they would have to make different variables for the genders, which they already kind of do when determining minor gender differences in the sprites/models. After that, they would have to alter the text depending on the found variable. They could do it, but it would be so time consuming and not worth it that they don’t care.

        Reply

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