Pokémon Sun and Moon just got another update video, and this time it’s bigger than ever! We’ve got 4 new Pokémon, more info on the notorious Team Skull, and a brand new force that prides themselves on defeating them: the Aether Foundation! There’s a bunch of info to go through outside of the video itself, so let’s get started, shall we?
New Pokémon!
Type: Null
First up on the PokéRadar is Null: a Synthetic Pokémon that was constructed using the strengths of various Pokémon. According to its Pokédex data, Null’s mask is actually a piece of equipment designed to control its powers.
The cool part about Null is that from its description alone, and the fact that it’s supposedly used as a tool matching the strength of the Pokémon of mythology (see: mythical Pokémon) it should make for a great Pokémon in-game. Its dex entry also hints at the possibility that it might use a similar mechanic to the legendary Arceus…
What makes it particularly interesting, however, is that Team Skull will have it in its arsenal. The newly revealed character – Gladion (above) – will have this as his partner Pokémon. Could Team Skull be responsible for its creation, much like Mewtwo was created by Team Rocket 20 years ago?
Jangmo-o
Jangmo-o is the dragon type Pokémon of Generation VII. According to its official description, Jangmo-o “has the pride of a warrior and never neglects its training in its pursuit of becoming stronger.”
With a description like that, we might be seeing the first stage of a Dragon/Fighting or a Dragon/Steel Pokémon. Perhaps it will also see a more human-shaped silhouette as it evolves. Could it be our first dragon-knight Pokémon?
Alolan Raticate
Putting it lightly: the trip from Kanto to Alola was not kind to Raticate. Sporting more than a few extra pounds, Alola’s strain of Raticate carries over the Dark/Normal typing of its previous evolution, as well as the abilities Gluttony and Hustle. Its official lore goes as follows:
Raticate in Alola live in urban areas, leading to a higher-calorie diet than that of Raticate elsewhere. This means they have tough bodies but have gotten a lot fatter. They stockpile huge amounts of food in their nests and prefer fresh fruit and high-class ingredients. Alolan Raticate is the Totem Pokémon of the trial that takes place in Verdant Cavern on Melemele Island in Pokémon Moon.
An interesting note about Alolan Raticate is that it simultaneously revealed an unknown detail about Sun and Moon: both games won’t be sharing the same Totem Pokémon.
New Characters – Are they Friend or Foe?
Above, from left to right, we have: Faba, Wicke, and Lusamine. These three are part of a new group known as the Aether Foundation. Their role in the game is currently unknown, but what we do know is that they have claimed that they are a group that loves Pokémon, and wants to give them a sanctuary safe from Team Skull.
That sounds good and all, but any trainer who has explored the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White probably knows better than to trust this group at face value. After all, when has a group with “foundation” in their name ever been trustworthy?
And then there’s the Ultra Beasts…
The Aether Foundation is also responsible for studying a new group of Pokémon known as Ultra Beasts. We know almost nothing about the Ultra Beasts other than the fact that they are referred to by a code name. Above – for example – we have the first Ultra Beast simply known as UB-01.
Right now the only footage of UB-01 is in the video clip, and the brief cutscene found at the end of the Japanese trailer. UB-01 is also described as being composed of a glass-like substance, and they are known to constantly changing shape, and moving about like a young girl. While it appears to have some survival instincts, UB-01 doesn’t appear to have any emotions or will of its own… so far.
Familiar faces return!
Dexio and Sina from Pokémon X and Y make a return in Pokémon Sun and Moon. This time they’ll be giving you an item called the Zygarde Cube which will let you collect Zygarde Cores and Cells found all over Alola. If you collect enough of them it is rumored that Zygarde may appear!
Other Cool Features
A new feature in Pokémon Sun and Moon is the Poké Finder. This feature will be a favorite of Pokémon Snap fans as it lets you capture pictures of Pokémon that you find in various spots scattered around Alola. Each of the pictures you take will be evaluated – much like the old Nintendo 64 cult classic. The more pictures you take, and the better quality you take them, you will eventually unlock new features, so be sure to take plenty on your adventure throughout the Alola region!
The last feature revealed today about Pokémon Sun and Moon is the fact that the games will take place at different times – 12 hours apart to be exact. If you are playing Pokémon Sun, the game will take place at the same time as your 3DS’s internal clock. Pokémon Moon on the other hand will run 12 hours ahead of your 3DS’s clock. That means different Pokémon encounters, events, and more!
This, on top of the usual version differences will make Pokémon Sun and Moon very different experiences between players of the different versions.
That’s it for now!
Pokémon Sun and Moon‘s release date is only just over a month away – November 18th, to be precise. We got a pretty big update today, and no doubt more updates are on the way.
What do you think of the new Pokémon? Do you trust the Aether Foundation? What do you think of the new features? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Published: Sep 6, 2016 07:48 am