With the special demo of Pokémon Sun and Moon out now and the full games releasing Nov. 18, there’s a lot to discover when trainers arrive in the Alola Region.
Luckily, we were invited by Nintendo to play the first moments of Sun and Moon for about 15 minutes, and while there is only so much you can do in that short amount of time, we compiled some interesting tidbits that we saw while playing Pokémon Sun and Moon.
SPOILER ALERT! THE FOLLOWING WILL SPOIL SOME STORY ELEMENTS OF SUN AND MOON. IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED, TURN BACK NOW!
ANIME EASTER EGGS
While we were playing Sun and Moon , one of the first moments of the story sees you meeting Lillie, the assistant of Professor Kukui. While the secrets revolving around this character are well documented (and we’ll get to her in a bit) there is a moment where you have to save a Pokémon from a flock of Spearows.
The Nintendo rep pointed out this is an easter egg for the first episode of the Pokémon anime, a nice way to bring lapsed or casual Pokémon fans back into the franchise.
With the introduction of Alola Forms to Generation 1 Pokémon and nods to the anime, fans shouldn’t be surprised that fan-favorite characters make a return in Sun and Moon.
LILLIE’S SECRET CONNECTION
The identity of the Pokémon mentioned above that you have to save from the flock of Spearows is something that has not been officially revealed before.
However, if you have been searching leaks from the special demo that was released you will recognize the Pokémon. We were playing Pokémon Sun and the Pokémon that is hidden in Lillie’s basket is the (presumed) pre-evolution of Lunala.
Many believed Lillie will be hiding the Zygarde Cores, but it actually has to do with the box Legendaries.
We tried to see whether this Pokémon will change based on the version you’re playing but the Nintendo rep said that we would have to wait and see.
It wouldn’t surprise us if, in the Moon version, Lillie has Solgaleo’s pre-evolution and you will eventually have to fight her with your Box Legendary further in the story (similar to Black and White ). But that’s just speculation at this point.
LITTEN IS A PHYSICAL ATTACKER
Our private playthrough of Sun and Moon led us to the part of the story where you choose your starter Pokémon. Of course, I chose Litten and I immediately checked its nature and stats.
I couldn’t get a shot of the screen, but the Litten I chose had a Modest nature and, of course, its Special Attack was higher than its Attack stat. However, as I progressed in the game and leveled up, I noticed its Attack stat was raised by 2, even though it had a nature that hindered its growth in that area.
This would indicate Litten’s Attack stat will be a focal point, especially considering it’s supposed to evolve into a wrestler.
As for base stat spreads, I can see Litten’s final evolution being close to Blaziken or Emboar’s spread, where both Special Attack and Attack are almost equal but the physical attacks are a tad better.
NO NEED FOR HMs
A new feature of Sun and Moon is the PokeRide function where you can call upon a Pokémon to help you get around the islands of the Alola Region.
We have Charizard’s fly, Sharpedo’s swimming ability and Pokémon like Tauros who can smash through rocks. So the popular theory is that HMs will no longer need to be taught to a Pokémon to progress through the story.
But the Nintendo rep finally confirmed that, yes, PokeRide will replace the use of HMs for story purposes once you get that function.
You will still find/receive HMs to use in the overworld (if you so choose) or in battle. So moves like Waterfall and Surf are still available, but while you play the story of Sun and Moon you won’t need to have an HM Slave on your team.
Pokémon Sun and Moon will release Nov. 18.
So what are you most looking forward to in Sun and Moon ? Let us know in the comments section below.
