It’s been a long time coming for another Pocket Monster console game to be announced and Nintendo did just that. Since the US release of Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy in 1998, the series continues to be a household name for all ages. I’m sure we’ve all been waiting for something like the original RPG games back on the Game Boy and 3DS for a while now. So let’s find out more what the Nintendo Switch titles Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! is all about!
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee!
From what we know, the director, Junichi Masuda mentions that the game is a remake of Pokémon Yellow (1999). We are back to a redesigned 3D Kanto region in Pallet Town. The player has the option to choose between Pikachu or Eevee from Professor Oak to join them on their journey. Players will only encounter the original 151 Pokémon accompanied by characters from the anime like Team Rocket and many others.
Gameplay
As mentioned earlier, players are able to start with Pikachu or Eevee. Unfortunately, your companion will not be able to evolve, but you can dress them up! All trainers will be able to hold six Pokémon in your party and will be able to evolve just like in the traditional games. You can also pick different Pokémon to run behind you as the party leader to interact with on the map. Larger Pokémon, for example, like Onyx will be scaled to where you are riding them! Unlike the original version, Pokémon will also be visible in tall grasses whereas before they were hidden. So this time you know who you are running into!
Trading and Battling
What about trading and battling? While putting in multiple hours into walking around with your phone playing Pokémon Go!, don’t think that has gone to waste. You are able to transfer your hard work from any Go! game to any Let’s Go! game. Unfortunately, set to begin in September, the Nintendo Switch will be launching their online service. Nintendo will have several subscription options for one month at $4, three months at $8, and 12 months at $20. What’s also neat is that they will have a family plan available as well. This will allow up to eight Nintendo account holders to share a single membership for $35. Players will definitely be able to trade and participate in battles between their Let’s Go! games via online or locally through Wi-Fi.
New Way of Playing?
Even though the game is still turn-based, they did incorporate something unique–they will be adding a co-op mode. Finally, you can have another friend just pick up the Joy-Con next to you and join in from battling trainers, participating in side events and taking on gym leaders!
Lastly, Nintendo incorporated a new cool way of playing the Switch title, which is introducing the Poké Ball Plus. It is another way of feeling immersed into the the game as if you are out actually capturing Pokémon! Do you need the Poké Ball Plus, though? The answer is no. You are still able to transfer Pokémon between your Go! and Let’s Go! games via Bluetooth.
Release Date
So when can we expect this anticipated title? You can definitely grab your own copy or gift a copy during the upcoming holidays on November 16, 2018. Both are available for pre-order as the bundle deal with the Poké Ball Plus for $99.99 or just the game for $59.99. This is one game you don’t want to miss!
