It’s crazy to think that a Pokemon game has arrived less then year after is predecessor. With such little time, you might even think the game wouldn’t change so much. You’d think that but you’d be wrong. Pokemon Ultra Sun is a return to the glorious Alola region, and one that I have been hyped for as soon as I beat Pokemon Sun. I knew there had to be more that this region had to offer and of course Ultra Sun proved that to me.
In Pokemon Ultra Sun, you start a new journey in Alola, though there are quite a few differences. While much of the game is the same there some things that change that really do make this game better. The characters are certainly more fleshed out and that is always good. Your protagonist might still have lifeless eyes, but the story is definitely more touching. There is just something about this rejuvanated region that just feels right.
Being the last main series game on the 3DS Family of Systems, Gamefreak has really stepped up its game. While Pokemon Switch is next, this game certainly wasn’t a weak game. The challenges in the game are truly present, and I found myself losing at places I didn’t lose before. New Pokemon add to you team creation, and that is a good thing. Now, they aren’t new Pokemon really but they are new to the region, and therefore new. These Pokemon will make creating a team that much more different as new type pairings are now available. You can find a Zorua early on which adds a handy dark type, even a Noibat which adds an early dragon. These types add to the customization of your team and what more could you ask for.
The story itself is different too, especially with the introudction of the Ultra Recon Squad. These kookie weirdos comes from another dimmension and have a mission of their own. Now, I don’t want to spoil anything but they have certain pokemon that are quite cool. Especially with a new legendary form for a solid Alolan Legendary. These characters appear in scenes and really do shake things up.
Hau, your rival is also significantly stronger. Where before you just saw him as someone who is just out for fun, in this there is a clear shift.As the story progresses he gets bolder, still wants to have fun, but knows you are what will make battles better. The ending is also different and you other characters like Guzma, Gladion, and Lusamine in different lights.
There is also the new addition of the Battle Agency. Three trainers come together to win battle after battle. Don sunglasses and get into the arena with rented Pokemon. With over 1000 Pokemon to choose from, you never know what will come next. Plus you get to fight trainers from past games as you still can do in the classic Battle Tree. This mode is just a lot of fun, and meeting more players gives you a larger roster to choose from, which is cool. When starting a challenge you neve know what you can expect as everyone will get 3 different Pokemon to choose from.
There are a few new Pokemon who you can also capture. They are all legendaries, so honestly I knew they wouldn’t be on my team. But it is still nice to see new Pokemon. I’m sure they will appear in a movie as they really do have a lot of emotion. That is a good thing. It is always interesting seeing what Pokemon they come up with even if there are only a few.
Now, you can also ride through Ultra Space on either Solgaleo or Lunala. These two Pokemon fly through these amazing portals and along the way you can catch any legendary from past games, even shiny Pokemon may appear. Mantine Surfing is another fun addition and you can even earn a special Pikachu, which in and of itself is a nostalgic nod. The greatest addition to the game has to be Team Rainbow Rocket. Out of nowhere Giovanni returns with all of the past team leaders. I won’t spoil anything, but this story is great and the battle music tittilated me beyond words.
Pokemon Ultra Sun and Pokemon Ultra Moon are the last games to grace the 3DS. While yes, it is sad, it is also amazing to see how far these games have come. To see these games looking so good, you can only imagine what the next games could look like. Playing this game will certainly hold me over as there really is just so much to do. With all of the activities, this game is looking to be the best game yet. With the future now looking ever brighter, if Pokemon Switch is better I may be a little surprised. Here’s hoping we get a robust new region, with more nostalgia, as we head into a new generation happy to have played through Alola but ready for more Pokemon than ever before!