[DISCUSSION] Pokemon Sun & Moon News Thread (Will Contain Pre-Launch Spoilers)

[Black117]

Pokemon Sun & Moon September 6th News

 

On Tuesday, we got a ton of Pokemon news and information pertaining to a couple new Pokemons species, new features, and possibly even some of the story elements of the game. Of course, we'll review the latest new Pokemon first, then I'll by the new thing showcased in the game such the 12 hour Day / Night system, the Zygarde Cube, and the new Poke Finder. On the last things discussed will be a couple important NPCs, a rather "suspicious" happy-go lucky organization, and new creatures called Ultra Beasts. The last part I'll do some speculation regarding what this Aether Foundation, their relation to the Ultra Beasts, and possible implications to the story of Sun / Moon. This can be 100% wrong, or possibly some of it right, however it will be interesting to note how TCPi / Game Freak go about this. For anyone who wants to see the localized version of the latest Pokemon Trailer, click here to see on Youtube. Alright let get to it.

 

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  New Pokemon / Alolan Forms

The Synthetic Pokemon: Type: Null
Type: Normal
Height: 6'03"
Weight: 265.3 lbs.
Ability: Battle Armor

That's right. "Type: Null" is not is not directly referring itself as a new typing, rather the actual name of the Pokemon. Not going to lie, it took awhile for myself to get an the idea that was the actual name of the Pokemon, so I added this part as a disclaimer. The new Pokemon is called Type: Null, or also "Code Zero"  in the French / Spanish / Italian versions of the game, which possibly implicated this is an artificially created as the Pokedex entry supports. According to the Pokemon website description of Type: Null, apparently this Pokemon has been "synthesized" to possess various traits of other Pokemon, especially portrayed the differences in its body. The hind legs resemble that of a quadruped animal like a canine, draconian-like claws, the caudal fin (tail fin end of a fish), and a helmet used to "inhibit" Type: Null's power hints mythological / ancient connections in the Pokemon lore, or maybe in our history. Type: Null is a rather strange Pokemon no doubt, but I already like the design, especially it could be like a Pokemon version of a Chimera. The actual type of this Pokemon is Normal with the ability Battle Armor, which prevents any critical hits from being struck, kinda fitting when it has that helmet. A couple intriguing details concerning Type: Null before we move on. First, the reason this Pokemon has the "helmet" is to possibly "limit" its power and make it slow (possibly hinting at a low speed stat?) The second and perhaps more interesting facts is there was "interest" in having such a Pokemon capable of rivaling those of mythological Pokemon, probably hinting at Type: Null able to hold its own against Solgaleo / Lunala.  Definitely this Pokemon as a ton of mysterious back story to it, and we even see a new NPC use it for Team Skull, so maybe this statement regarding making such a strong Pokemon hold true.  If anything, I don't think we'll be done seeing Type: Null anything soon. Maybe we'll see some different forms of this Pokemon, like one without the the helmet to see its face.

The Scaly Pokemon: Jangmo-o
Type: Dragon
Height: 2'0"
Weight: 65.5 lbs
Abilities: Bulletproof / Soundproof

The last new Pokemon revealed is a small Dragon-type Pokemon named Jangmo-o (these names though).  While not much is known about Jangmo-o, it is a Dragon-type that prides itself of its strength, however still humble. According to the Pokemon Website, Jangmo-o uses the scales on its body to defend itself, while can use them offensively. These Dragon-types live secluded from people and Pokemon, however they tend to train together in hordes. The abilities on Jangmo-o are rather interesting to say the least. The first one is Bulletproof, once the signature hidden ability for the Chespin line.  With Bulletproof, Pokemon cannot hit be hit with the following attacks listed in the link, such as Aura Sphere, Gyro Ball, Sludge Bomb, Energy Ball, Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, etc. Soundproof is the another interesting ability which allows Jango-o to give itself an immunity to sound-based moves like Boom-burst, Uproar, Hyper Voice, Heal Bell, etc. Most notably, this ability-type combination allows Jango-o to be immune to the infamous Pixilate Hyper Voice from Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir (Mega Salamence also has Aerilate-boosted Hyper Voice though Flying). Its really curious to note how a Dragon-type has the ability Soundproof, maybe Game Freak wanted to make a Dragon-type who can take on those two specific Fairy-types. Not sure whether which ability will be the preferred one for Jango-o, though I feel strongly it might evolve into a stronger form abuse them.

 

New Alolan Form! 

The Mouse Pokemon: Alolan Raticate
Type: Dark / Normal
Height: 2'04"
Weight: 56.2 lbs
Ability: Hustle / Gluttony 

 

After the reveal of Alolan Rattata, it wasn't long before TCPi decided to reveal Dark/Normal-type's new form: Alolan Raticate. Seems like this variant of Raticate has adapted to being nocturnal after the new Yungoos / Gumshoos population were sent to check their numbers. What make Alolan Ratacate unique from is normal counterpart is they are slightly more heavy in weight as a result of eating fruits and high calorie foods. Like its weaker form, Alolan Raticate maintains the Dark / Normal-type with the abilities Hustle and Gluttony (two of the three abilities from a regular Raticate). In terms of the story, players of Pokemon Moon will get to battle a Totem form version of Alola Raticate at "Verdent Cavern", meanwhile Gumshoos is the Totem-Pokemon for Pokemon Sun. 

 

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The Zygarde Cube

 

  

It seem like we finally found out how we'll get "Zygarde" in Pokemon Sun an Moon, and its through collecting Zygarde cells / cores across the new Alolan region. At some point during the adventure, the player will encounter two familiar NPCs from Pokemon X and Y who are none other than the assistants to Professor Sycamore: Dexio and Sina. Will they are "investigating" (probably not ), seems like Dexio give the player the task to find all the Zygarde forms, notably the Zygarde Cells and Cores, via using the new key item, the Zygarde Cube Find such objects is actually quite similar to finding "hidden" items throughout any typical Pokemon game, except if the player gets close by a certain spot, a light will glow on the ground. Maybe players can use Poke Ride's Stoutland to "sniff" out the Zygarde Core/Cells, though part isn't confirmed. If all the Zygarde Cell / Cores are indeed scattered around the region, it will be interesting to see where Game Freak hides them. Possibly there might be closed off areas which may have been closed off, but now can be via using certain Pokemon from Poke Rides to gain access. On a final note, we get a vague statement regarding collecting all Zygarde Cells / Cores, "If you collect lots of Cores and Cells, the path to finding Zygarde in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon may become clear". As I stated before, maybe there might a closed off area, or a new NPC who will give the player permission to see the 50% form Zygarde, catch it, and thus have Zygarde 100%. It will be interesting to see how exactly Zygarde "splits" itself into the 10% form, 50%, and 100% forms, however that's all we know. 

 

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Gladion: Team Skull's Enforcer

 (Image Source: PokeBeach)

 

We have the reveal of potentially a new high ranking official of Team Skull named Gladion. Not much is known about this young man, though it seems like he might be possibly "related" to Lillie and a set of new high profile characters I'll get two down below. The only descriptions we have regarding Gladion is he is apparently skilled in battling, and has a Type: Null as his partner. There's not much regarding the minor character, but I have a feeling he'll be exceptionally important to the Sun / Moon Story. 
 

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POKEMON SNA....I Mean Poke Finder!

 

After almost two decades and possibly millions of angry letters later, Game Freak has implemented a new Pokemon Snap-esque feature of taking pictures of wild Pokemon in-game called the Poke Finder. Seems like the Poke Finder feature is built in on the Rotom-Dex players may have access to this addition as soon as they get the Pokedex (hence the Rotom-Dex). Scattered across the Alola Region, there are specific Poke Finder spots where the player can actually take photos of the in-game wild Pokemon, however note this is rather limited at best. Unless I'm missing something, we might only be able to take photos at different locations. Regardless, seems like the in-game 3D Pokemon models have sequences which the player can take pictures of and have Rotom-Dex give a rating. Apparently certain features of the Poke Finder are "closed off" and limited to just taking basic photos for the time being. As the player gets better rated pictures, seems like Rotom-Dex will have more features such as the ability to "zoom-in". Guess that's all we have regarding the Poke Finder. 
 

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The Aether Foundation (Thoughts and Opinions)

 

(Image Source: PokeBeach)

 

 

 

There seems to be a mysterious organization known as the "Aether Foundation", who is lead by the company president Lusamine (seems awfully familar to other characters). Anyways, the Aether Foundation has constructed an artificial island in the middle of the Alolan region (called Aether Paradise) and their main purpose is to care injured Pokemon while conduct "various research". Aside the Aether Presideny Lusamine, there are two other confirmed high ranking officials of this organization: Faba and Wicke. Faba is the Branch Chief of the Aether Foundation and seems to sport a lab coat, possibly hinting he's the organization's high ranking scientist (again a bit of speculation). Wicke is apparently the Assistant Branch Chief of the foundation and is revered by the Aether employees as a warm-hearted person. As far as the Aether employees are, they're dressed in apparent all-white clothing and are separated by three sub divisions, again based on the coloring of their cloths. Based on the various trailers and information given from the TCPi, the Aether Foundation's main motive is mainly emphasize to care for Pokemon in need or injured. We aren't so sure if this is exactly the Foundation's main motive for the game, however we do know we are possibly able to visit the Aether Paradise, or hence the 5th Alolan Island at some point in the main game. Before we continue about the last major reveal, I want go give a bit of my thoughts and opinions regarding the Aether Foundation. Will include a spoiler annotation as this is regarding possibly the main plot of Pokemon Sun / Moon.

To be frank, I think anyone reading this spoiler annotation knows where I'm kinda heading with this. It might be possible we have two distinct factions in the Alola region: ruffian-like Team Skull and the Utopian-like Aether Foundation. While we don't know the exact goals of the Aether Foundations (aside "caring" for Pokemon), the fact they conduct "research" in the Aether paradise and the seemingly hotspot location of the new "Ultra Beasts" seems to hint antagonist motive, at least from different sub divisions they have. Everyone who works at the Aether Paradise are too-happy-go-lucky and mysterious as they seem like their hiding something. Maybe it has something to do with the Chimera-like Pokemon Type: Null, their "base" being conveniently at the center of the Alolan region, and the sudden appearance appearance of the Ultra Beasts. Maybe everyone making inferences regarding the Aether Foundation having "antagonistic" motives might be false, but we'll see soon enough.

 

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The Ultra Beasts



(Image Source: Serebii)

 

Now we get to the reveal of the newly released creatures called Ultra Beasts. First off, we don't know whether or not these are specifically Pokemon, yet they do hold "mighty" powers. The Pokemon Website those state these Ultra Beasts are a "threat" to the Alola region, and the Aether Foundation is conducting research regarding these strange beings. We do get confirmation of "multiple" Ultra Beast in the region, however they are classified in code names. The only Ultra beast we know about is the one shown above. UB-01, or Ultra Beast-01 has jellyfish like characteristics, though its said to change form constantly, never settling on one specifically. They do inhibit some form of survival instincts, despite not  exhibiting emotions, though this statement can change. Perhaps the more intriguing part regarding Ultra Beast 01 is its "movements resemble that of a young girl", awfully being specific there. I'll leave it up to everyone to think about this, speculate with what we know, and draw some good guesses on how Ultra Beast will link themselves into the story, or maybe for the entire franchise.
 

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Miscellaneous Information

 

Here's a bunch of other news that happen between the time we got the Public Release on the 6th of September to I'm working on this post. Will like to reiterate there wasn't too much information to make a "section", however I'll detail them here. The videos links of the lates Pokemon trailers (both the international [English] and Japanese will be listed on a separate post.

1. To make the games more "exclusive" to each other, Pokemon Sun and Moon's internal game clocks will be different by 12 hours apart. For users of Pokemon Sun, the time will remain the same as any other installment, however users of Pokemon Moon will have their game clocks moved by 12 hours from the other versions. There seems to be more exclusive things in the game, such as the Totem Pokemon being different (Totem Gumshoos in Sun / Totem Raticate in Pokemon Moon).
   
2. "My Wishes for Pokemon Sun and Moon"- A piece by the Game Director Shigeru Ohmori regarding why he named the titles "Sun" and "Moon", and the themes he wants to elicit for these latest installments. Definitely recommend reading this to anyone. 
   
3. "New NPC: Samson Oak!" - In a Famistu version of the latest Pokemon trailers, they reveal Samson Oak. No this isn't the  Professor Oak from Kanto, rather an unspoken relative of his who lives in the Alola region.  Professor Samson Oak's main work is on Regional Variant Pokemon, like Alolan Executor, Ninetales, and Sandslash. He might have play a role in the incoming Pokemon games, maybe giving the player the National Dex, but only time will tell.
   
4. "New Unnamed Pokemon" - Apparently we have the image of an undisclosed Pokemon from the Japanese trailer, possibly the evolution of Cutiefly.
   
5. "September 14th News" - There will be another public release news in less than a week from now. Lately, Pokemon JP has teased they'll unveil the evolution method of Rockruff, thought there's a high probablility of other stuff being showcased. We also got a teaser of an announcement regarding the Pokemon Anime by TV Tokyo. It might be possibly Pokemon announces a new feature in the game like Mega Evolutions back in Gen 6, however it possibly it will be a trailer for the new Pokemon Sun and Moon anime coming up this fall. 
   

Here's a link to the latest Pokemon Trailers down below: 

1. "Ultra Beasts and the Aether Foundation Debut in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon!" Information Trailer 1
   
2. "Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon—Train On #02" Trailer 2 (Might have hinted the potential of "Gift" Pokemon for players to exchange)
   
3. "【公式】『ポケットモンスター サン・ムーン』 最新ゲーム映像（9/6公開 " Japanese Trailer 1
   
4. "【公式】『ポケットモンスター サン・ムーン』伝説のポケモン編 " Japanese Trailer 2 (reveals Professor Samson Oak)
   
   

 

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That's all the information we have so far. Possibly Corocoro information might get leaked before the public release on the 14th this Wednesday, so we might some of the news ahead of time. Still as we get closer to the game launch, I hope Pokemon doesn't reveal every detail, and just leave it up to the fans to speculate and keep interest in the games high. See you all soon.