New gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Arceus has been shown off in today's Pokémon Presents and there are new forms of familiar Pokémon and new battles between the player and wild critters.
Arriving in January 2022, the game is scratching that itch for an open-world adventure for fans who felt like Pokémon Sword & Shield missed out on its opportunity. Interestingly, Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place in the past when the lives of people and Pokémon were apart. The player will explore the rolling plains, snowy mountains and arid deserts of the Hisui region to learn more about these animals and complete the first ever Pokédex.
Check out the trailer below!
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Employed by the Galaxy Expedition Team which is led by Professor Laventon, the player will head out on survey missions for specific Pokémon and will need to stock up to make the most of the time in the field. However, this is going to be no walk in the park. If the roaming monsters of Sword & Shield had you running for the hills, then a ravenous Ursaring is a whole new Poké Ball game. It's possible that the character can sustain damage from dangerous Pokémon like Luxray and Gyarados and even faint, bringing their field trip to a swift end. How the tables turn, eh?
Thankfully, you are able to defend yourself with the critters you've caught with new battle mechanics. The Strong Style and the Agile Style determines the order in which moves are played, and it definitely seems like Game Freak was laying the foundation for these features with the styles for Urshifu in The Isle of Armor DLC for the Generation 9 games.
Personally, I'm very excited to see new Pokémon appear in this ancient region. There's the Wyrdeer, an arctic evolution of Stantler that is honoured by villagers for its grace and hardiness in the cold mountainous areas. And, Basculegion is an absolute unit that will transport the player across lakes and rivers to new frontiers. Oh, yes, you can ride both of these creatures because Pokémon Legends: Arceus knows that all we want is to ride a majestic deer/mythical fish into the sunset.
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There are also regional forms, like Hisuian Braviary and Hisuian Growlithe. The former is a beautiful Psychic and Flying Pokémon that, once tamed, allows the character to soar through the skies on a hang-glider. And, Hisuian Growlithe has the types Fire and Rock and looks like a little Santa Claus or barrister. Depending on who you ask on the GAMINGbible team.