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’…”

  1. I feel as if the exp o power levels don’t really change. It get what seems like the same amount for each. Do they go past level 3?

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  12. I really love X and Y these games could easily be my favorites though I do hope for a bit more in Pokemon Z the main thing I would like is for a more in dept story and maybe a few more new Pokemon other than legendaries I was a bit disappointed at first with the number but I did get use to it I love all of the pokemon it was really hard to choose 🙂 I guess I hope for Z to be longer and have something to do after you beat it also for the gym leaders to have at least 4 pokemon it would be fun to have the battle not end so fast I gotta say I cant wait to see what they come up with these games were beyond words I’m also wanting them to possibly make a story of the Lumiose ghost girl I wonder who she was looking for.I cant decide what Id rather have first Z or hoenn remakes I’m leaning towards Hoenn first

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    • Me too. There are definitely a lot of mysteries left to be unsolved and the perfect place to fix that would be, Pokemon Z (or whatever it will be called).

      Hoenn deserves to come before. Can’t wait for them to be announced 😀

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      • Same 🙂 I’m excited for both so it is a hard choice of what I would want to see first but your right Ruby and Sapphire really deserves a remake

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  13. I didn’t think anything was missing in X & Y. They were perfect (IMO)!

    The only thing I would address about these games is… MAKE THE POKE RADAR EASIER TO USE!!! Or just don’t include the Radar and make something better than it.

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      • To be honest, I never really got into the Battle Frontier so much. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t bother me.

        I’m content with the post game because there’s still lots to do as a competitive battler with the breeding, catching, filling up the Pokedex, etc.

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        • Breeding, training and catching pokemon is very boring, most of the time i’m just pressing A until the game tell me to stop, the only good thing about IV and EV training is that the online battles are kinda fun. Also, there’s only one new city that unlocks after you beat the game and a annoying battle tower with no rental pokemon or any of the fun things that you could do in the battle frontier.

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  17. my god, that new amazing world of gumball episode was just .. amazing LOL.
    I dont get why people consider this cartoon horrible. it’s practically as close to old cartoons compared to the ones on the channel right now. or if the older episodes were bad, theyre DEFINITELY getting better XD

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  22. I think Marriland or someone did a speculation vid on what’s to come after XY, loved what he said, some very interesting points,New region, 60+ pokemon , New characters and other stuff.

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  23. Got a question about PokeRus and Super Training. After you do a round and get +8 or +12, etc., is it suppose to still show the original amount? Or you’re just supposed to factor in the 2x from PokeRus?

    Reply

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