Pokémon Unite is a new MOBA styled, free-to-play game for mobile and Nintendo Switch. With a roster of twenty Pokémon from many different regions, there is already quite a diverse collection of characters for players to choose from. Despite the seemingly high number of available Pokémon, there are a few significant characters that could drastically improve the current selection. Introducing new monsters to the game could attract more players and diversify gameplay to maintain a regular playerbase, especially if these changes are implemented early enough in the game's lifespan.
Out of all the generations of Pokémon, the first generation has seen the most attention and is almost half of the total species available. This may be disappointing for some fans of the franchise, whose favorite region failed to make an appearance on Pokémon Unite's roster. As such, Kanto's many monsters should be left on the backburners for now in favor of other regions and generations from Pokémon that are just as deserving of attention. There are many other unique and powerful creatures such as Starter Pokémon, Fossil Pokémon, and Legendary Pokémon that Nintendo could take advantage of.
The Johto starters could work to better round out the Pokémon Unite classes, with each of the starters filling different roles in battle. Given the smaller number of Supporter Pokémon, Chikorita and its evolved forms could offer healing through the power of rejuvenating Grass-type moves. Totodile's intimidating demeanor and bulky size throughout its evolutionary line make it the perfect addition to the All-Rounder class, and its final Feraligatr form could present a challenge to all opponents. Cyndaquil's lithe appearance throughout its evolutionary stages would make it the perfect Speedster, allowing for quick bursts of fiery attacks in battle. Cyndaquil is also a Pokémon Legends: Arceus Starter, which is something that could motivate Nintendo to include this little fiery creature through a crossover.
Raikou, Suicune, and Entei are known as the Legendary Beast Trio in Johto, and have some heavy speculation about their exact roots. The in-game lore states that the three beasts burned to death in the Brass Tower, but were resurrected by Ho-Oh after the people mourned them. Unfortunately, humanity feared them and drove the Legendary Beasts away from civilization, making them skittish and difficult to encounter. By introducing Raikou, Suicune, and Entei into Pokémon Unite, Nintendo could finally clarify which Pokémon the Legendary Beasts were before they died. Furthermore, the three Pokémon correspond rather nicely with the existing classes in Pokémon Unite: Suicune's aesthetic and lore suits the Supporter class, Raikou's abilities and stats fit the Speedster class, and Entei's build and design matches the expectations of a Defender.
One of the staples of the Pokémon franchise since its humble beginnings has been Fossil Pokémon. Each generation has brought new, formerly extinct creatures back into the playing field through the process of Fossil revivals. With the upcoming release of the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes, introducing Sinnoh's Fossils with Shieldon and Cranidos could greatly diversify the roster. Shieldon's character design would make it the perfect Defender, as its blocky head in its primary and evolved form could protect teammates. Additionally, Cranidos and its evolution, Rampardos, could join Pokémon Unite's All-Rounders with rock-based, rushed attacks to secure points and turn the tides of battle.
While Nintendo currently has plans to release new Pokémon for Pokémon Unite in the near future, the announced Blastoise and Gardevoir characters are only the tip of the iceberg. If Pokémon Unite is to maintain relevance and a regular playerbase, more content and updates must be regularly added to renew interest. With quality of life changes, more Pokémon options, and dedicated game development, Pokémon Unite could grow into a formidable MOBA game.
No comments:
Post a Comment