The Oct. 4 Pokémon Sun and Moon trailer was a doozy. It gave a lot of information ahead of the November release of the Generation 7 games. Not only did we get the long-awaited middle evolutions of the Alola Starters, we got the return of Mega Evolution and some new game modes.
However, there are always some information that is not shown in the trailer but revealed through the official Pokémon website or press releases, and we’ve compiled some of the biggest news coming from the Oct. 4 Sun and Moon info drop.
ASH-GRENINJA?
No one really expected Ash-Greninja from the Pokémon anime would make its way over to Sun and Moon but with the announcement that the special Sun and Moon demo will release on Oct. 18, trainers can get the special Greninja and transfer it over to their Sun and Moon game when it finally releases.
So what makes this Greninja special? The special Sun and Moon demo Greninja comes with a special ability, Battle Bond, which allows it change to Ash-Greninja once it makes one Pokémon faint.
Not much else is known about the changes to Greninja, but believe that its stats will likely increase significantly.
MEGA EVOLUTIONS BANNED?
The Sun and Moon trailer also confirmed that Mega Evolutions will return to Alola, just in case some thought Alola Forms and Z-Moves would replace them.
While there was no new Mega Evolution revealed, and likely not any in Sun and Moon, the changes to the Global Link and to the VGC in 2017 are what should be making headlines.
In Pokémon Sun and Moon, trainers can link their games to the Global Link website to allow for more connectivity with other trainers around the world. Some of the changes being made include new features like Online Competitions that allow trainers to create their own tournaments, global missions, which allow the community to achieve a certain goal to obtain receive a special gift and more.
In terms of the VGC and the metagame, a fourth set of rules will be introduced with the release of Sun and Moon. These rules will be implemented in online battling for those who want to play VGC rules and they include:
Double Battle format is limited to Pokémon that appear in the Alola Region Pokédex (excluding some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon).
Use of Mega Stones is not allowed.
Only Pokémon that can be obtained in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon may be entered.
The exclusion of Mega Stones is the big news here as certain Mega Pokémon have dominated VGC (hi, Mega Kangaskhan) and will no longer be participating in the World Championships. While this does lead to many Pokémon becoming non-viable in battles again it will lead to new strategies surrounding the new Alola Forms and Z-Moves.
CHINESE STARTER LEAKS GETTING CLOSER TO REALITY
By now the Chinese concept art of the final evolution starters have been talked about ad nauseum. However, with the middle evolutions now revealed, those doubters who believe those aren’t real may have a hard time defending their views.
Each new starter evolution looks closer to the leaked concept art.
Dartrix’s hair will eventually grow into the hood that makes up the archer owl and its entry says “that it conceals sharp-bladed feathers inside its wings.”
Brionne has the dress and feminine features that the siren sea lion does.
And while Torracat isn’t bipedal like its supposed final evolution, the entries from the official Pokémon website gives hints as to how it connects to a tiger wrestler.
This first part about the bell on its collar is significant, because not only does it ring like a wrestling bell would, the flames comes from the bell just like the tiger wrestler’s flames comes from its belt.
“...when the organ spits flames, it rings with the high, clear sound of a bell. Torracat attacks using the flames emitted from this bell.”
And then this second excerpt mentions how Torracat can actually punch other Pokémon, which means it can go probably get up on its hind legs to deliver such an attack.
“The cat punch that this Pokémon can dish out with its strong forelegs is extremely powerful. It can bend iron bars and knock out large men with a single blow!”
So what do you think of the latest Sun and Moon news? Let us know in the comments section below.
