When a franchise lasts as long as Pokemon has, you end up seeing some big changes. Certain new ideas come in, old ideas fall to the wayside, and life goes on. However, with some Pokemon games, it seems like they always take one step forward and two steps back. There are plenty of great features from past games that have never become ingrained in the series for whatever reason. Now that Pokemon Sword and Shield are set for their debut later this year, we’ve gathered a few suggestions. Here are the features we want to see return in one form or another in a new Pokemon adventure.
While it would be amazing for everything on this list to be in one game, it would probably take a huge overhaul to get that done especially since Sword and Shield looks more like a traditional entry in the series than a full evolution. Perhaps that’s because the game is coming to a home console for the first time. It could take some work just to ensure that the traditionally portable franchise looks great on your TV at home.
So, looking forward, perhaps this generation isn’t going to see the return of all these features. Maybe it will be the next generation that sees a Pokemon game that takes advantage of the expanded capabilities of a console release. Or one that truly lets you explore a thriving Pokemon world. It could even let you take the train to new regions and explore old stomping grounds. Sword and Shield may even a game that lets you retire as champion, dive headfirst into contests or set up shop in your own gym; a truly open world online experience with the Pocket Monsters we grew up with.
Or, we could just get more of these RPGs until the end of time. Those seem to sell pretty well.
Features We Want to See Return in Pokemon Sword and Shield
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Features We Want to See Return in Pokemon Sword and Shield
Any series that has gone as long as Pokemon needs to adapt with the times. Ideas are thrown at the wall and new concepts force old ones out. However, there are certain changes that fans might welcome if they were to become more permanent additions. Here are just a few. -
Alternate Battle Types
While we still get the occasional Triple Battle here and there, this concept of different rules in some encounters really shakes up a mainline campaign. Especially when certain moves get additional benefits in new situations. Variety is the spice of life and we could use more spice in mainline Pokemon. -
Alternate Pokeballs
One of the best things about the second generation of Pokemon was the many different types of Pokeballs you could get. Each had specific boosts to catch rates, depending on the time of day or the type of monster you were hunting. Trainers are professionals in the world of Pokemon, and alternate Pokeballs are just the tools of the trade. -
A Final Boss
Speaking of Gold and Silver, No Pokemon fan from the old days will ever forget walking up Mount Silver and discovering Red and his high leveled Pokemon waiting for them. It was one of the best moments of the series, and future attempts at such haven't really recaptured that magic. -
Footprints in the Pokedex
A minor quibble in the grand scheme of things, but the Pokedex not having Pokemon specific footprints anymore is kind of a bummer. This is a nature guide, and having those footprint markers made it feel authentic. If anything, Pokedex entries need to go more in this direction and stop creeping people out. -
Pokemon Contests
One of the great successes of Generation 3 was showing a way forward for Pokemon that didn't involve battles. Sure, beating the Elite 4 should be a goal in a Pokemon game, but does it have to be the ultimate victory for everyone? Events like Contests hint at a future where different types of trainers and breeders can play in a fully expanded Pokemon world. -
Pokemon Companions
No list of missing Pokemon features is complete without a request to have your Pokemon follow you around wherever you go. Sure, this was a feature in the Let's Go games, but why not extend that out to the main series? It just feels right to be hanging out in the overworld with your favorite Ludicolo. -
Radio Stations
Having a set of 24/7 radio broadcasts (as well as the TV broadcasts in later games) made Gold and Silver feel like a lived-in world. It's one of the small things that immerse players in their adventure, and it's something that should come back in a major entry in the franchise. -
Safari Zone
Similar to Contests, the Safari Zone and Shinnoh's Swamplands are alternate ways to experience the Pokemon world. It gave you the chance to get rare encounters on a regular basis as well as capture some trading fodder with minimum fuss. Plus, who doesn't love capturing a horde of bull Pokemon to annoy the professor? -
The Underground
We spent an embarrassing amount of time exploring The Underground in Shinnoh. It was so fun to mine out fossils and evolution stones while building out a hidden base. A similar area where you can grind out resources would be a killer addition. -
Trainer Rematches
When you finally get all your badges and become the champion, the world of a Pokemon game can get a bit empty. All the trainers just stand forever on their routes silently. Whether it's with the VS Seeker or another method, let's let these trainers battle again with a more challenging set of creatures.
