After the very first Pokémon Direct aired on February 27 on the occasion of Pokémon Day (and of which you can read our preview here), finally today 5 June new ones have been revealed juicy news on the two titles in progress starring the pocket monsters.
Pokémon Direct kicked off with an amazing video showing large grasslands full of Pokémon, and the fact that encounters and battles work in the more classic style like that (thus abandoning the attempt at Let's Go). We will meet the Pokémon in the tall grass and the fights will be handled in turn, with 4 moves learned by each creature. So far, therefore, nothing new.
The word passes to the developers, who begin to tell us the lore and news of the two games. The Galar region is full of wide and lush expanses, and Pokémon battles are a sight loved by everyone, as a true regional sport. There are gigantic stadiums filled with enthusiastic crowds, and the fights between gym leaders and challengers are even shown on television.
As with any self-respecting main series game, in Pokémon Sword and Shield there are many new Pokémon, those of the eighth generation, and the video showed some of them.
Woloo, the Sheep Pokémon, has soft fur and is much appreciated by weavers for creating particularly popular local products.
Drednaw, the Bite Pokémon, has a sharp, serrated jaw with which it is able to detach even pieces of rock and metal. He has a very difficult and impetuous character, so only the most experienced coaches are able to control him.
Gossifleur is the Bloom Pokémon. It lives in places with clean air and water and its pollen appears to be therapeutic. Gossifleur is able to evolve into Eldegoss, the Cotofronzolo Pokémon. It has small seeds on its fluffy head, which promote plant growth and energize people and Pokémon.
Finally we get to know Corviknight, the Raven Pokémon. From its large size, this bird will also serve as a Volotaxi to be able to return to the cities already visited up to that moment.
Between one city and another, instead of the usual "paths", in Pokémon Sword and Shield we now find the Wildland, where many Pokémon live. In these areas, they can be explored far and wide in style Open World, we can meet clearly visible on the screen rather than random encounters, and in these lush landscapes we will find Different Pokémon depending on the weather every day.
In these areas it will also be possible check the camera so you can better notice distant or hidden tools or Pokémon, and you will be able to search every corner of grass, sky and lakes.
In the Galar region there is a mysterious phenomenon capable of making Pokémon become gigantic: this phenomenon is called Dynamax. Thanks to it, new battle systems are opened (which in fact replace the Mega Evolutions and the Z Moves), in fact it will be possible to use the Dynamax only once per fight, allowing your Pokemémon to power up and replace your Moves a Dynamax moves, only to return them to normal after 3 combat rounds.
In the Wild Lands of Pokémon Sword and Shield we will not be alone: we will be able to connect up to 3 other players online or locally to explore these expanses that are lost visibly to try to challenge the fearsome Dynamax Raid. In fact, it will be possible to find in these areas some Wild Pokémon that are already magnified and that have no turn limit, strong in addition to abilities and special abilities. These Pokémon are challenged to gods Multiplayer raid, which will then allow us to capture the victim in the event of a won battle. During the Raid only one Pokémon of one of the 4 players is able to perform the Dynamax, so it is important to agree with the companions to carry out the best strategy. Some Pokémon will be catchable exclusively through Raids, and cannot be found in different conditions.
Let's talk now about some characters we will meet during our adventure.
dandel (American name: Leon) is the absolute champion of the Pokémon League. He has an incredible unbeaten record, especially given the fact that the Galar region bases all its sport on battles and therefore fights are the order of the day. His is a bright personality, he's popular and everyone loves him. It is no exaggeration to say it is the most important person in the whole region.
Hop is the rival of the protagonist and is the younger brother of Dandel. His dream is to become a champion and trains every day non-stop. His journey begins on the same day as ours, which will certainly allow us to develop a certain bond with him.
Professor Flora (Magnolia in American) is the Pokémon Sword and Shield professor, a lovely elderly lady who researches Dynamax. His aide, who is also his niece, is called Sonia
Galar's Pokémon Gyms are special and gigantic stadiums built specifically to allow contenders to perform the Dynamax on their monster. Usually each gym leader has his own Ace Pokémon that is capable of Dynamax, so it's important to know how to wait to be able to fight on equal terms. Depending on how the battle progresses, the audience in the stands will show more or less enthusiasm.
We are therefore introduced to one of the Gym Leaders: Yarrow (Mylow in American), grass-type coach. He is a muscular guy with a very tenacious fighting style.
At this point we are shown a video where the two finally appear Legendary Pokémon. Zacian e Zamazenta they are both two magnificent and regal wolves, one with a sword in his jaws and the other with a cloak that protects him as a shield.
The Pokémon Sword and Shield Direct ends with the announcement of the release date: Pokémon Sword and Shield will be released on 15st November at the same time worldwide, and it will be possible to buy a double pack with both games and one inside Golden steelbox.
What do you think of the news shown during the Pokémon Sword and Shield Direct? There are still many things to discover, and together with you we can't wait to know more. For the moment, however, part of the veil of mystery has been removed from the two most anticipated titles for Nintendo Switch.
