The Nintendo 3DS continued Nintendo’s long and successful history in the handheld gaming market. Released in 2011, theNintendo 3DS improved on the Nintendo DSby including the ability to create 3D effects without the need for special glasses. While many viewed the handheld console’s 3D capabilities as a mere gimmick, it was enough to attract millions of gamers to the system. After several new models were released, the 3DS eventually found itself in the shadow of the Nintendo Switch, which would go on to become one of the fastest-selling consoles the company has ever released. The Nintendo 3DS left not with a whimper, but with a bang, and this is in part thanks to two special games that were released at the end of the system’s lifespan:Pokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moon.
ThePokemonfranchise is synonymous with Nintendo, and after the many games that have been released on various Nintendo consoles, gamers have grown quite familiar with the basic structure ofPokemongames. However, with the seventh generation ofPokemon, things were changed quite dramatically, leading to a novel experience that reinvigorated the franchise and introduced plenty more gamers to the world ofPokemon. Thanks toPokemon Ultra SunandPokemonUltra Moon, the Nintendo 3DS received the epic send-off it deserved.
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A New Pokemon World
Pokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonare the enhanced version ofPokemon SunandMoon. All four games take place in Alola, a region inspired by Hawaii. Alola is easily one of the most unique and lovable regions aPokemongame has ever taken place in. With its tropical trees, dense foliage, and sunny seaside, Alola feels like the perfect holiday destination.
The inhabitants of Alola are laidback and worry-free, and every NPC one interacts with is friendly and kind. In this region, players can findnewPokemonto collectas well as Alolan versions of oldPokemon. The Alolan versions of belovedPokemonoften feature new color schemes and sometimes have entirely different types. Through these Alolan versions of oldPokemonthat players may have neglected for a while find new life.
The gameplay ofPokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonputs an interesting twist on classicPokemongameplay. Typically, gamers work their way to competing with gym leaders who are some of the toughest opponents available. Defeating gym leaders gives players gym badges. With enough gym badges, players are permitted to take on the Elite Four and prove themselves to be the ultimatePokemonchampion.
That type of competition is far too intense for the folks of Alola, however. Trainers looking to prove themselves must instead complete trials and if they succeed, they get to face off against an island Kahuna. While some players may have not liked the change to the long-establishedPokemongameplay structure, plenty others were quite appreciative that the games dared to try something new.
Other changes include a shift in art style and the introduction of Z-moves whichallowsPokemonto let offa devastating attack. For newcomers to the franchise,Pokemon SunandMoonare the perfect way to get into the popular series whilePokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonperfect the amazing foundation laid down by the first two entries of the seventh generation.
One Of The Best Pokemon Stories
AlthoughPokemonis often passed off as a series for kids, the games have always had alarmingly mature, thought-provoking stories. This trend iscontinued by PokemonUltra SunandUltra Moon. The games start with players learning that they, along with their mother, are new inhabitants of Alola. Although moving can be scary, players find some comfort through the friendships they form with Hau and Lillie.
There are strong themes of nature and the dangers of invasive species too. As players explore Alola, they get to see how beautiful and pristine the region’s natural environment is. This tranquility is disturbed by the arrival of Ultra Beasts which can be seen as invasive species that disrupt Alola’s ecosystem.The Ultra Beastshighlight this fact through their designs which are based on real-world invasive species. For instance, Pheromosa resembles a cockroach, Buzzwole looks like a mosquito, and Xurkitree resembles kudzu which is a notoriously invasive plant.
With the Nintendo Switch,Pokemonhas continued to enjoy strong sales and a loyal fanbase. However, none of the new titles have managed to reach the narrative and gameplay heights achieved byPokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moon. ThoughPokemonfans will always be eager for whatever Game Freak releases,Pokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonwill forever have a special place as, arguably,the best titles released on the Nintendo 3DS.
Pokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moonare available on Nintendo 3DS.
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