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. As I said earlier, I can honestly see gamefreak making Pokemon 0 or Pokemon Origin. We already know the name comes from graphing, and Zygarde is supposed to balance Xerneas and Yveltal, So the ORigin would make a bit more sense than another axis.

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  4. Realizing now that the evolutions look like bigger versions of Sproot. -_- (Pavelle still looks nice though, better not do anything to it)

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  9. I think it’d be pretty cool if Hoopa, Volcanion and Diancie played a large role in the game. Ya know, with animated backstories and all.

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      • MMM… I’m thinking more of, like, some story with a certain pokémon loving character like N. The side story would be crucial to the game, however, with some epic ending some time around the 7th gym. But that’d be really cool, too.

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        • I see what you’re saying kinda. I think N needs a comeback. He flew off to another region after Black and White, but I don’t think it ever told where.

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          • Yeah. I’m thinking that N needs a place in the next game, too. And revising my thought, I think it’d be better if Diancie took a role in the game(kinda like what Suicune was like in Crystal with Eusine) that interfered with the evil team’s plans, but didn’t take a huge role.

  10. So… Although I’m usually against this because of my personal beliefs… The PokeCommunity considers Goomy a god and Espurr Satan?

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  12. I have a three-chapter exam in Biology, an entire district-assigned essay to type in 50 minutes in History, and a 100-point Of Mice and Men essay all on Thursday. Curse our amazing school system!

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  15. What is very annoying about Kalos is:
    ALL the official maps of Kalos look like they are getting cut off on the right. I don’t know why it is annoying it just is very annoying.

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  16. FINALLY GOT AN ABILITY CAPSULE!!1!!1! Now to wait till Dec 27 so I can change my sentimental Golem’s ability from Rock Head to Sturdy. WIsh me luck on my 5 weeks and 3 days of waiting.

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      • Thanks, I probably won’t use it before, since I don’t shiny hunt, and the only Pokemon I have with switchable abilities is my Goodra with Hydration (and who would get rid of THAT tank)

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    • You see i find nothing wrong with the amount of pokemon, new pokemon no matter what is really awesome! What i don’t like is since there is only few new pokemon there will be a limited amount of new pokemon in each type.
      There are only two ground types in this gen, both are part ground. This is the same for poison type. There is also only one bug type line and that is the beginning bug. I really wanted something different than “the average butterfly” on my team. That is the only reason why i don’t like about the few number of pokemon.

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      • I was planning on using a super powerful, awesome Bug/Dragon (possibly pseudo legendary) Pokémon in my Y team. Nope. On the bright side, I did use Dragalge, which is FREAKING AWESOME, and Poison/Dragon is better anyway.

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  18. So this was a very productive chat session. Anyways see you guys another day, probably not tomorrow or the next day but sometime. And welcome FairlyPsychic to the Legion Of Deci.

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  19. I should probably leave now. Lol. I wonder how many guests see our personally conversations. I think it would be pretty cool if Masuda himself were disguised as a guest and read our ideas.

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    • Good combo! Sadly only Xatu and Swoobat get U-turn and Trick Room. Xatu is probably the better user, but it’s already fairly fast. Mr. Mime is probably the best user of Baton Pass because Soundproof blocks Roar, but it’s already fast. Girafarig is another but weaker and is also fast.

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