When Pokémon UNITE was announced last year, it was only natural to be curious to what a Pokémon MOBA would be like. Now, Pokémon UNITE's release became both more real and immanent - there is now a website, a dedicated Twitter account, and (perhaps most importantly) a new trailer. When taken together, these new sources give fans a good idea of what Pokémon UNITE's gameplay will be like.
UNITE will be a five-on-five MOBA where players will each command one Pokémon as they fight an epic stadium battle. Trainers aren't completely missing from the game - the trailer insinuates that, technically speaking, the game commands are a trainer giving their Pokémon instructions. During battle, Pokémon not only fight the opposing team, but also wild Pokémon who are roaming around the stadium. Defeating both wild and opposing Pokémon allows the player to collect Aeos, a floating orb of energy. Points are earned by slamming this orb of Aeos into the opposing team's goal zone - which means a team's defense is just as important as their offense. Whoever has the most points when time runs out, wins.
The game takes place in a stadium on a new location called Aeos Island - expanding the Pokémon universe very shortly after the introduction of the Lental Region in New Pokémon Snap. On Aeos Island, powerful energy makes Pokémon stronger and gives them enhanced abilities. The expedited growth is perhaps the biggest surprise of the trailer: As opposed to games like Pokkén Tournament where a Pokémon's evolutionary status is fixed, UNITE's Pokémon evolve during gameplay when they make a strong play. This mechanic is central to the trailer, where Scorbunny evolves into Raboot, who in turn evolves into Cinderace. It's also a franchise first - especially since Pokémon evolution isn't always straightforward to begin with.
The Role Of Trainers In Pokémon UNITE
Each available Pokémon for gameplay has their other strengths and weaknesses. They also fall into one of five categories: attacker (Pikachu, Greninja, Cinderace, Alolan Ninetales, Venasaur, Cramorant), speedster (Absol, Gengar, Talonflame), all-rounder (Charizard, Lucario, Mechamp, Garchomp), defender (Slowbro, Snorlax, Crustle), and supporter (Wigglytuff, Mr. Mime, Eldegoss). The new UNITE account on Twitter has already announced that Blastoise and Gardevoir will be coming to the game soon.
The game will offer post-battle rewards, which unlock more Pokémon and as well as outfits for both trainer and Pokémon alike. Before the battle, the trainer will decide what moves their Pokémon can learn as battles progress and which items it will hold. A Pokémon's moveset will change as it grows stronger over the course of the battle. Pokémon can hold up to three items in any given battle, which trainers can elect to use as support. In-game items appear to be standard Pokémon fare, including potions, leftovers, float stones, and muscle bands.
Like Pokémon GO, Pokémon UNITE is sure to evolve after it launches. The website already teases that legendary Pokémon will interfere with the game's proceedings. UNITE launches on Nintendo Switch in July and on mobile in September of this year.