Presenting a Pokémon Presents Riff- 8-3-22.

Hey everyone- on August 3; a new Pokémon Presents livestream was shown with a variety of new information for the series- most of all; a bevy of details for Generation IX. So, let’s address them all.

First off, the World Championships in London will be taking place from August 18 to August 22; the first time they will be held in person since the start of the pandemic. The event will also be streamed online for those unable to attend.

There are also updates to Pokémon Go; with the currently in progress event for the Ultra Beasts set to have its finale later this month; which will see all the Ultra Beasts introduced to the game in raids. This should make a good transition to the next update.

The spinoff game Pokémon UNITE is currently in the middle of its first anniversary event; with Glaceon and the Ultra Beast Buzzwole having recently joined the game. In addition to Tyranitar; the second wave of new monsters will be introduced in September. There is also a new event called “Pikachu Party,” which features the series mascot in a new “quick battle” that introduces the G-Max form as a boss. I’m working on clearing the bonuses for that on both mobile and Switch.

We also have some small updates on Pokémon Masters EX; which is rolling out a special area called the “Trainer Lodge” later this year, and Pokémon Cafe Remix having a repeat of the special event with Mewtwo. 

Finally, we have more details for the highly sought-after “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.” The games will take place in the Paldea region; with the open world based on Spain and its culture. There will be a story with three distinct paths, including a gym challenge which can be completed in any order. I don't know how it will work with the redesigned progression; but I do know that Grusha; the ice type specialist has already garnered considerable attention in the fandom. There is also the “Treasure Hunt” for the main quest; where the headmaster of the Pokémon Academy, who is called Clavell dispatches players to complete the Pokédex. As well as returning favorites from previous games; some brand new ones join the game- they are Fidough, a dog who looks good enough to eat in more ways than one; a regional variant of Wooper who is Ground/Poison type; and my personal favorite, the ice beast Cetitan. Though the evolved forms of the starters have yet to be revealed; one detail from an AMA session on Reddit revealed that they will be genderless for the first time since the first generation. Other companions include Jacque, Penny and Arven. 

For the gameplay, there are the arrival of the Union Circle for multiplayer; and a new mechanic called “Terastal,” which can give Pokémon special abilities and additional types through crystal formation. I am very eager to try it; and claim the special Pikachu upon the games’ launch this fall. I will bring you further details as they become available; and I will see you all again soon. Take care.