Pokémon Legends: Arceus appears to be a serious departure from traditional Pokémon games, but its simplified mechanics create a gateway for new fans. Rumors surrounding core systems and gameplay features being absent from Pokémon Legends: Arceus has disappointed long-time franchise players, but their absence presents opportunities for Pokémon in the coming years. JRPGs can become quite repetitive, and Pokémon's unchanging formula could dissuade new players from ing the franchise. Pokémon Legends: Arceus has the potential to be simpler than previously expected but open exploration and organized missions depart from expected pacing and activities. New leaks suggesting the absence of natures and other advanced mechanics could further this effect and attract new players.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place in the Hisui region (also known as ancient Sinnoh) before humans fully inhabit the territory. Player characters are research assistants for The Galaxy Expedition Team: an organization of characters from around the world seeking the unravel the mysteries of Hisui. Like most Pokémon games, players are given a rudimentary Pokédex and ordered to fill its pages but may differ from many of its predecessors. Despite its fast-approaching release, Nintendo has released few specifics concerning Pokémon Legends: Arceus' gameplay and mechanics, leaving fans to discover information on their own or leak information from Beta testing.
There have been several leaks for Pokémon Legends: Arceus from information on the official website and early gameplay reports that left some fans disappointed. The first leak confirmed that, despite its appearance, Pokémon Legends won't be an open-world Pokémon game after all. Additionally, long-time fans may be disappointed with the news of abilities, natures, and battle items that are apparently omitted from the game. While this is currently speculation, Nintendo has offered no statement to counteract the rampant rumors. Additionally, catching mechanics in Pokémon Legends have reportedly been simplified, as evidenced in gameplay trailers. While this is disappointing news for long-time players, it could mean Pokémon Legends: Arceus will become the new gateway game for new fans.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus May Remove Advanced Mechanics
Though Pokémon is a simple JRPG when all mechanics are considered, advanced systems come into play when players hunt for specific natures, abilities, and battle items to strengthen their teams. Building competitive teams can be grueling, but many core features are absent in Pokémon Legends. New players can instead familiarize themselves with type matchups and available Pokémon in the region with Legends' simpler battles. Additionally, the new Hisuian variants introduced by Legends could bring about a unique collection of monsters to use throughout the generations. Reverting the importance of abilities, natures, and battle items to leveling up is a much simpler concept to provide new fans.
Another core function of Pokémon games is catching monsters and completing the Pokédex. While there has been some discrepancy concerning the number of monsters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, gameplay trailers have proved the mechanics may devolve soon. For example, in one of the earliest trailers, the player character is seen selecting a Poké Ball and throwing it at an overworld model without entering battle. While this streamlines the process of filling the Pokédex, it removes the challenge of weakening stronger monsters in combat. However, for newer players, this makes filling the Pokédex a less time-consuming process.
Though Pokémon Legends: Arceus leaks have held some nasty surprises for previously excited fans, the game could become a new series for the franchise. Prequels set in beloved regions present an opportunity to explore new regional forms, simplified mechanics, and unique stories. While the progression through Gyms provides players with a relatively straightforward goal, a grander research project with simpler mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Arceus can appeal to newcomers.
