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New Pokemon game in production, says Japanese broadcaster [Update]
Japanese broadcaster NHK may be about to shine light on a new Pokemon game, at least according to a listing for one of its upcoming shows. As Gematsu and Kotaku reports, NHK has an upcoming show profiling The Pokemon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara. but it's the broadcaster's description that catches the eye. The listing notes a "never before seen" game that's been in development since the summer, apparently featuring lovable fluffball Pikachu in a "bold way." We've reached out to The Pokemon Company for comment. At its own Japanese expo in August, the Pokemon Company put together a retrospective video that very much seemed to tease a Wii U fighting game. In an interview with Nintendo Life last month, Pokemon X and Y Director Junichi Masuda said the video was "showing the history of Pokemon games as well as the future. It was kind of a concept about what the future of Pokemon may look like." As for NHK's show, that's set to air in a few weeks time on October 28. Meanwhile, 3DS entries X and Y arrive worldwide on Saturday, October 12. Update: The Pokemon Company says there is "no news to report at this time."
Pokemon X/Y's Honedge already gets an evolved form in Doublade
Even though Pokemon X and Y don't arrive on 3DS until October 12, Nintendo has wasted no time in revealing a number of new creatures for the game. Among the new Pokemon coming this fall is Honedge, which will also have an evolved form called Doublade, Nintendo announced on its official Pokemon Facebook page today. The sharply named Doublade appears to be two of the sword-like Honedges joined together, similar to the evolved forms of other Pokemon from past games like Magneton. Doublade is a steel and ghost type, just like Honedge, and features a "No Guard" ability. The two creatures join a large cast of already-announced Pokemon, including two mega-evolved forms of the fan-favorite Mewtwo. Don't fret, Nintendo only has a few more weeks to spoil the rest of Pokemon X and Y.
Here are Pokemon X/Y's evolved starters, and Mewtwo's other 'Mega' form
Nintendo recently showed off the evolved forms of Pokemon X and Y's three starter creatures, Froakie, Chespin and Fennekin. The latest screens and trailer also showcase Pokemon that are evolved from fossils, as well as male and female-specific forms for Pokemon. One of the Pokemon with varying forms is Mewtwo, whose previously announced Mega-evolved form is actually called Mega Mewtwo Y, accessible through the Mega Mewtwonite Y item found in Pokemon Y version. This new Pokemon X and Y trailer shows the other form, Mega Mewtwo X, a fighting/psychic type that is, you guessed it, obtained through the same means in Pokemon X. The games will launch on October 12 for 3DS.
Pokemon Direct coming tomorrow, gotta watch it all for new details
If you wanna be the very best like no-one ever was, your real test is to watch tomorrow's special Pokemon-themed Nintendo Direct that promises new details on Pokemon X and Y. You don't have to travel across the land searching far and wide for it, silly bunny. Just click this link and tune in tomorrow, September 4 at 7AM ET (4AM PT, 12PM UK time). [Image Source: Pokemon Facebook page]
'Pocket Monsters: The Origin' anime TV special takes Pokemon back to basics
Pocket Monsters: The Origin, unveiled during this weekend's ongoing Pokemon Game Show in Tokyo, is a new animated TV special slated to air on TV Tokyo on October 2 at 7 p.m. local time. As the name implies, The Origin takes the world of Pokemon anime back to its franchise's humble roots as a Game Boy game. Based on Pocket Monsters Red and Green, The Origin forgoes Ash Ketchum and Pikachu for Pocket Monsters Red's eponymous lead and his Charmander. Gary Oak has likewise been replaced with Green, the lead from (you guessed it!) Pocket Monsters Green. Professor Oak/Dr. Okido and Brock/Takeshi do return, although Misty/Kasumi is nowhere to be found in the above trailer. No word yet on if Nintendo has any plans on localizing the special, or if it is more than just a one-off installment.
Pokemon Rumble U figures available in UK at GAME
UK trainers can capture (with money) Pokemon Rumble U NFC figures at GAME, which has exclusive rights to them in the UK, much like GameStop does in the US. Players can scan the figures using the Wii U to put Pokemon into the game, a la Skylanders. It was initially unclear if the figures would make it in time for the game's UK launch today, but GAME has them on sale at £4 a pop. The retailer also offers a £20 Rumble U special edition, bundling together an eShop code for the game, a double-sided poster, and two figures: one black or white Kyurem and a "mystery" figure. The standalone game is priced £13.49 at both GAME and on the eShop; as a friendly reminder, the figures aren't needed to play the game (but who are we kidding, if you want the game, you want the figures). As for North America, Pokemon Rumble U heads there in two weeks' time on August 29, with the game priced at $18 and the figures $4 each.
Pokemon X, Y mega evolutions trailer unveils three more mega monsters
Pokemon's theory of mega evolution exhibits three new subjects to analyze: Mega Ampharos, Mega Absol, and Mega Mawlie. Further study is scheduled for October 12, when X and Y are set to go under the 3DSoscope worldwide.
Pokemon X/Y's mega evolutions, super training shown in mega video, mega screens
The Pokemon Company offered more information today on the Pokemon X and Y details announced yesterday in CoroCoro. Pokemon capable of mega-evolving, such as Mewtwo, will undergo the change during battle, and only see its effects last for the duration of the battle. Eligible Pokemon must hold a "mega stone" item, each one unique to a particular creature, in order to access its latent abilities. The latest Pokemon X and Y screens and trailer also show glimpses of a new method for boosting a Pokemon's skills. Known as "super training," players can increase an individual Pokemon's base stats by playing mini-games, one being a soccer-like activity. The games will also offer "core training" workouts, allowing Pokemon to slowly improve their stats on their own. Three new Pokemon, Dedenne, Bunnelby and Skiddo, as well as a gym leader, Korrina of Shalour City, were also announced for the games. The mega-evolved version of Blaziken will only be accessed through a special distribution event via Nintendo Network starting at the game's launch for a limited time, which will grant players a free Torchic holding the Blazikenite mega stone. Pokemon X an Y will arrive on October 12 for 3DS. %Gallery-195732% %Gallery-195738%
Pokemon Rumble U shakes a trailer, rattles off new features
Pokemon Rumble U hurls itself at North America on August 29, landing on the eShop with a $18 price tag. The Poke-brawler uses NFC tech to 'scan' figurines into the game, where up-to-four players can rough it up in 100-monster skirmishes. There are 18 figurines, available at GameStop for $4 a pop, but it's worth noting they aren't needed to play the game.
Gamestop, GAME to distribute shiny legendary Pokemon
Pokemon's rare 'creation trio' is coming to GameStop and GAME stores in the US and UK, where in the run-up to Pokemon X and Y fans can pick up special "shiny" versions of the legendary monsters. In case you're not 100 percent clued up on your Pokedex, shiny Pokemon have unusual alternate colors, making them collector's items in a series that is kind of completely about collecting. Participating GameStop and GAME stores will distribute Dialga, Palkia, and Giratana, the three cover Pokemon of Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, in a series of three separate runs. We've included details for both US and UK Poke-fans after the break, who'll need to bring a DS or 3DS with them, along with their copy of White, Black, White 2, or Black 2. Our eyes, however, remain firmly set on October 12, when the first main Pokemon entries for the 3DS in X and Y will be released worldwide.
Pokemon Rumble U coming to NA, EU next month [update]
Update: The Pokemon Company announced Pokemon Rumble U is coming to North America on August 29, with 18 figurines sold exclusively at GameStop stores. The game, available via the eShop, is priced $18, while each individual figure goes at $4. The announcement notes the figures are not required to play the game. Pokemon Rumble U, a western version of Japan's Pokemon Scramble U, is headed to the Wii U eShop in Europe on August 15, but plans for figurines aren't finalized. Nintendo released Scramble U in Japan earlier this year with physical figures which players can scan into the game a la Skylanders, using the Wii U's Near Fields Communication tech. However, Nintendo of Europe told MCV , "We're still working through the plans for the small number of figurines we plan to release, and will update people in due course." While Nintendo's statement confirms figures for Europe, when they'll be released remains unclear, and with the game a month away it raises doubts over their availability at launch. As per Scramble U, Rumble U features all 649 Poke-critters available in the series - that doesn't include those coming to X and Y - and the game lets up to four players and 100 monsters face off against each other. Nintendo of Europe didn't announce a price for either the game or the individual figurines. %Gallery-193994%
Pokemon X and Y's legendaries are of the fairy, dark and flying persuasion
The Pokemon Company recently revealed a few more details about the two new legendary creatures for Pokemon X and Y, Xerneas and Yveltal. Xerneas, the legendary being in Pokemon X, is a fairy type that has an exclusive Geomancy move. Yveltal, Pokemon Y's legendary beast, is a dark and flying type that uses the move Oblivion Wing. Xerneas comes with the Fairy Aura ability, which strengthens fairy-type moves for all Pokemon in battle, whereas Yveltal's ability is Dark Aura, which does the same for dark-type moves. Pokemon X and Y are due out on October 12 for 3DS. %Gallery-193698%
Sword-like Pokemon Honedge coming to X and Y
Pokemon X and Y will have a number of new creatures, including a whole new fairy type. One of the new Pokemon coming this fall is a steel and ghost type named Honedge, The Pokemon Company recently announced. The sword-like Pokemon seems to have two forms, one in which the blue cloth attached to its hilt holds its sheath. The first thing we'll attempt to do when we catch Honedge is teach it the move Cut, of course. Pokemon X and Y will launch worldwide on October 12 for 3DS.
Pokemon X, Y hurl dazzling limited edition 3DS XLs at Japan
A pair of stunning Pokemon X and Y 3DS XLs is coming to lucky, lucky Japan. If you've been holding out on a 3DS for X and Y, or on upgrading to a 3DS XL, you'll likely be crossing all available fingers and toes (and fingers with toes) for the Xerneas-Yveltal Blue and Premium Gold units to head west. The portables, unveiled along with a new trailer at this week's Japan Expo in Paris, include a 4GB SD card and a pre-installed copy of either X or Y. They're both priced ¥22,000 ($219), but the Gold number is limited to Pokemon Center stores in the country. Check them out in full glossiness past the break. Another new video courtesy of Game Freak's Junichi Musuda goes into how France inspired the charms of the new Kalos region. You can definitely see Paris in the cobbled streets and, er, the Eiffel Tower-a-like of Lumiose City. Musuda also unveiled another new critter, a Ghost and Steel-type Pokemon called Honedge who for all extents and purposes looks like a floating sword with an eye - how do they come up with this stuff? Pokemon X and Y choose the entire world on October 12. We've checked in with The Pokemon Company to see if they'll arrive here with any special 3DS units in tow. %Gallery-193178%
Pokemon X and Y's online features feel like a true evolution
Presiding over an audience of devoted Pokemon fans during an E3 2013 roundtable session, Tsunekazu Ishihara and Junichi Masuda of The Pokemon Company dropped some interesting new facts about the upcoming Pokemon X and Y, releasing October 12 for the 3DS. The games' new online functionality, known as the Player Search System (or P.S.S.), taps into the power of the 3DS by allowing players to switch between local wireless communication and full-fledged Internet connectivity with the push of a button. During play, the bottom screen of the 3DS will display confirmed friends – fully integrated with the 3DS' Friend List (meaning friends you add before the game's release will appear there) – as well as people in the area who happen to be playing. Battling someone from the latter group will add them to an acquaintances list, and after a few battles, X and Y will establish a friendship between the two players. True to the series' focus on multiplayer from its very first generation, X and Y has made it easier than ever to smash your pocket monsters into friends' far and wide. One important question, though, left some lingering disappointment in the room: when asked if previous generations' Pokemon can be imported into X and Y, Masuda could only offer "we're working on it," citing the problems in communicating data between the DS and 3DS. Hopefully, you won't have to take your current stable of Pokemon out behind the woodshed come October.
Pokemon X/Y gameplay trailer takes a tour of Lumiose City [update: screens, box art]
This new gameplay trailer brings the Pokemon X and Y info-dump from the latest CoroCoro magazine to life, with the two playable characters, four recently unveiled monsters, and the star-shaped Kalos region taking the limelight. The metropolis shown off above is Lumiose City, the epicenter of the Kalos region. The four new Pokemon on show are Gogoat, Pancham, Fletchling, and Helioptile - find out more on them here. Also, as CoroCoro recently revealed, the two 3DS games support trainer hair and skin color customization - you know, in case the blonde with red gingham look just isn't doing it for you. Update: We've caught some new screens as well the box art, which is after the break. %Gallery-188268%
New Mewtwo-like Pokemon revealed for X and Y
A Mewtwo-like Pokemon was recently revealed by the Pokemon Company on the Pokemon Smash TV show in Japan. Set to appear in Pokemon X and Y, this unnamed creature bears a striking resemblance to the first Pokemon that fans would reserve their lone Master Ball for in Pokemon Red and Blue, Mewtwo.While the developer hasn't revealed whether the unnamed Pokemon will be a new form or evolution of Mewtwo, the Pokemon Company did specifically refer to it as a new creature. Yes, we want to call it "Mewthree" as much as you do. %Gallery-184958%
Pokemon TV app lets you watch Pokemon on iOS, Android
Let's face it, we've all had the same thought at one time or another: Pokémon just isn't ubiquitous enough. Try as we might, even with countless handheld video games, external apps, console spin-offs, toys, nightmares and more, Pokémon just hasn't quite invaded every single facet of our lives. The Pokémon Company aims to change that with the new Pokémon TV app for iOS and Android.As the name implies, the app allows you to watch full episodes of the Pokémon TV show anywhere you want, as well as "special features, trailers, and Pokémon movie events." New episodes will be released weekly and, best of all (most insidious of all?), the app is free.
Pokémon X, Y Legendary details: Meet Xerneas and Yveltal
You've seen them in the trailer, now find out their bizarre spellings and phonetics. The Pokemon Company tells us the Legendaries from newly announced 3DS games X and Y are Xerneas (left, ZURR-nee-us) and Yveltal (right, ee-VELL-tawl). No prizes for guessing which one's in which game. %Gallery-175514%
Pokemon's World Tournament is rich with nostalgia
This is a column by Kat Bailey dedicated to the analysis of the once beloved Japanese RPG sub-genre. Tune in every Wednesday for thoughts on white-haired villains, giant robots, Infinity+1 swords, and everything else the wonderful world of JRPGs has to offer. My first experience with Pokemon was on Christmas Morning 1998. I was visiting my Grandmother in Minot, North Dakota, and there was nothing to do but play as much Game Boy as humanly possible (it's true – I've never been very social, even with family).I was rolling right along with my Charmander until I ran into Brock – the franchise's very first gym leader. For those wielding a Squirtle or a Bulbasaur, he wasn't much more than a speed bump. For a novice trainer with an under-leveled fire-type, he and his Onix were nigh invincible. I beat my head against that stone for an entire morning, only stopping when I was finally dragged out to breakfast.I eventually defeated Brock and collected all eight badges. Then I did it again and again. If I'm not mistaken, there are 48 badges in all now. Forty-eight gym leaders! All of them different; all of them serving as the backbones of their respective games.Gym leaders serve all sorts of different purposes. In the fiction, they are sort of like the town sheriff, serving as both a pillar of the community and a bulwark against troublesome villains like Team Plasma. Frequently, they help to advance the story in some way by helping the player solve a problem. In gameplay terms, gym leaders are convenient bottlenecks that keep players advancing through the game at the pace Game Freak prescribes.%Gallery-155420%
