Soon, Pokémon Trainer Trainers from around the world will be returning to their Nintendo Switch to explore the Xicui region and build the first ever Pokédex here. Pokémon Arceus, due to release on January 28th, uses a formula that deviates from the series’ traditional main series, and we’ve been invited to a hands-on demo to find out more about it. More information about the work.
Right now, you’ll have to wait until later this month to see our full review article and get a definite conclusion, but for now we have a few new things to tell you. These are the top 3 takeaways we gleaned from the newly released clips:
1. Xizui is bigger and more dynamic than it looks
The Xicui area is huge, larger than we originally thought. We won’t be able to explore it freely as we need to choose our destination area every time we leave the Celebration Village, but the map we see is not small at all.
The use of markers and map/player relationships are good indicators, plus you can switch mounts on the fly with the push of a button, suggesting the developers want players to be able to easily navigate the world.
This all happens when Pokémon are naturally wandering around, because once you get close to them, they may run away, approach or attack. On a technical level, this might not be the most compelling game on the Switch (although it might be surprising, keep an eye out for its OST), but the game does create an interesting vibe, and compared to the main series, It creates a more vivid and natural world. However, it is not difficult to do so.
2. It encourages exploration
We still don’t know if there will be more towns to visit in addition to the game’s main location and the Celebration Village at the center of the base. However, Pokémon Legends Arceus does want players to explore the wilder side of Xicui.
By building the first Pokédex, our trainers will level up, gradually unlocking new locations in Celebration Village. In addition, there are various quests that will serve as an excuse to visit forests, meadows, snowy peaks, volcanoes, deserts or lakes.
Then there are quests or errands (side quests), although these don’t seem very creative so far. Fortunately, with each hike, you can gather resources and revisit certain areas at different times and weather conditions. The latter affects the creatures you’ll find, and if balanced properly, this should keep our interest a little longer. This part is going to be the key to the success of the game, because completing the Pokédex requires repeating some actions, which is never a good thing.
3. The Pokémon Legend of Arceus will not be easy
You spot a Pokémon, throw a Poké Ball, and fight! In Pokémon Legends Arceus, combat won’t be easy. Combining elemental types with the new agility and strength styles will be very important, as you will not only need to identify Pokémon’s weaknesses and strengths, but also keep turn-based management in mind and use items (buy or craft) wisely.
Also, if the Pokémon attacks, the player character can actually take damage, even pass out and lose items, and some creatures are very powerful. In the battle with the level 50 Alpha Digimon, we saw them defeat the level 54 Raichu in one fell swoop.
It’s worth taking on these challenges, as these more powerful Pokémon can join us then. This will help and may please fans who have been looking for more difficulty over the years.
