Pokemon Legends: Arceus modernizes the series with new action RPG elements

Today’s Pokemon Presents covered a surprising amount of things and while many people predicted Pokemon Diamond and Pearl were getting remade (spoiler: they are), no one expected the reveal of the newest Pokemon game: Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

Everything about this game was absolutely unexpected. While it takes place in the open-world Sinnoh region, same as Diamond and Pearl, this is the Sinnoh region from long-long-ago — during what appears to be the Feudal period. The landscape is different. Small villages lay scattered about. And Pokeballs are primitive machines of wood that release small puffs of steam when they capture something.

The game also features a new art style that looks to be inspired by oil paintings. Although its graphics are similar to Sword and Shield, the new art style adds a lot.

But the time period isn’t the only thing that’s new. The game is presented in third-person and involves brand new mechanics. Pokemon are much wilder and tend to run if they spot you so hiding in the grass. Throwing Pokeballs is done in real-time. Keeping track of their movement patterns and finding ways to lure them within range seems to be the way to capture things now.

Traditional battles still happen but instead of transitioning into a battle screen, they happen in real-time in the open world.

Starting this game off are the starter Pokemon. They are a surprising trio of Rowlett (originally from Alola and the GOAT of all starters), Cyndaquil (originally from Johto), and Oshawott (originally from Unova).

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When heading out into the world, you discover what Pokemon are and your investigation eventually leads you to Arceus, though Nintendo has yet to mention exactly how.

Not much was shown but Pokemon Legends: Arceus looks like an exciting new entry into the series and I’m really excited to see how the game turns out. Being able to actually study Pokemon movements and engage in seamless battles are things I’ve been wanting to experience in the series since Pokemon Yellow first dragged younger me into the series.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is destined to release early 2022.