As one of the most expansive gaming series of all time, Pokémon can be found in almost every possible medium, with new releases keeping a wide array of fans excited for its future. Newest on the horizon is the upcoming Pokémon Champions, a competitive game that focuses on the battles that the series is known for while also bridging the gap between mobile and console players. Originally announced last year, fans have received few updates about the game in the wake of the other Pokémon games coming out. Now, however, the game has received a new overview trailer including a release date.
The trailer begins by showing off the kind of battles players can expect from the new release. Rather than the traditional catching mechanics seen in many Pokémon games, Pokémon Champions instead allows players to transfer their Pokémon from other games in the series, letting players use teams that are personal to them. Players will also have the option to recruit Pokémon from a random selection that they will be able to use for a limited time.
Battles in the new title will be familiar to fans of the series. Each player will see their opponent’s team and choose the Pokémon they want to start with. From there the battle will alternate turns until one player has lost their entire team. A unique feature of this new game is the ability to have Pokémon battle in pairs, opening up new tactical options in battle. The online system also allows players to compete in ranked, play casually, or create custom battles for friends. Finally, the trailer highlights the large amount of customization available to the player, letting them swap out Pokémon moves, traits, and stats between battles.
The Pokémon series is well equipped to serve as both a PvE and a PvP experience, so it is no surprise to see both aspects grow as new games are added to the catalogue. With the ability to add Pokémon from one to the other now, the gameplay of both have the potential to be heightened. The game is set to release April 8th on Switch and mobile.