Pokémon Sun And Moon speculation has been off the charts as we inch closer to the game’s release, so we thought it might be fun to return to some old translations with fresh eyes. Did CoroCoro just confirm how the starters in these games evolve? It seems possible to us!
The crux behind this speculation relies on how the Japanese magazine has handled the progressive reveal of Rockruff. Back in August, the publication noted that the newly premiered puppy has a “secret evolution.” That tease became reality on Monday with the full reveal of Lugarugan. According to translations, the fully grown form evolves with different appearances based on if the transformation happens in the day or night. Its day form features a much more majestic look, while the night variation more closely resembles a werewolf.
So what does all of that have to do with Pokémon Sun And Moon’s starter trio you ask? For that connection, we need to refer back to a leak from June. At that time, CoroCoro hinted that “Rowlet, Litten, Popplio and Iwanko all hide a secret.” Iwanko is, of course, the Japanese name for Rockruff.
Now that we know Rockruff’s supposed “secret” is multiple evolutions related to time of day, it seems likely that the previously teased “secret” uniting these four monsters would be that special attribute. After all, starters are some of the most important characters of any Pokémon game, so they should be tied into the Sun And Moon namesake in some way.
This analysis will likely be read as good news for those that aren’t happy with the leaked designs of starter evolution that have since been confirmed. For fans that missed the news, those controversial designs can be found here. When the drawings were verified, some fans expressed distaste for Litten’s ultra-masculine form and Popplio’s feminine appearance. However, if those monsters have multiple evolutions based on time, then hopefully the alternate aesthetic may be more appreciated.
The idea of time-based starter evolutions has been quietly discussed in fan circles for a while, and it looks like CoroCoro has essentially just stopped short of confirming it. That being said, this development should still be taken with a grain of salt until an official reveal has occurred. As plausible as the connection sounds, it could possibly be incorrect.
Pokémon Sun And Moon come to 3DS on Nov. 18.
What do you think of this development? Are we correct in our assessment of the game’s starter secret? Would you be happy with that? Tell us in the comments section!
