Summary
Despite having been first introduced toPokemon GOback in 2017, Gym Raids have not changed much at the technical level, so an overdue update for its combat should look toPokemon ScarletandViolet’s Tera Raids and take notes. Though the battle mechanics inPokemon GOwere significantly scaled back to fit within the game’s mobile format, Niantic did its best to emulate the mainline games from Pokemon moves to trainer teams. However, while Niantic has since introduced Mega Raids andShadow Raids asPokemon GOevolves, its combat system has had few updates to keep pace.
Though it might still face the limitations of mobile gaming, Niantic need only turn to the likes ofScarletandVioletfor ideas on how it could round out its battle mechanics. As part of its new Terastallization gimmick,ScarletandViolet’s own Tera Raids refined its raid battles following on fromPokemonSwordandShieldwith new features beyond brute force attacks. SincePokemon GOfaces a similar challenge, Niantic has the ideal opportunity to take the lessonsScarletandViolethave already learned and adopt the sameimprovements for its own Gym Raids.
RELATED:Pokemon GO Players Point Out Game is Still Missing Important Feature After Six Years
Cheers During Pokemon Raids
DuringScarletandViolet’s Tera Raids, players have the option to cheer instead of performing a Pokemon move. While this is limited to three uses each raid, it not only has priority over other Pokemon moves, but it gives both the player and their fellow teammates' Pokemon a beneficial effect at random, such as a stat boost, curing certain status conditions, or even recovering some HP. If used strategically, players no longer need to resort to battles of attrition and can help both themselves and other raid members intaking down Raid Pokemon more effectively.
With this in mind, it wouldimprovePokemon GO’s Raids for playersif they didn’t have to always rely on overwhelming Raid Pokemon by numbers alone. Though someScarletandViolet’s benefits can’t be exactly replicated inPokemon GO, Niantic could still adopt certain elements cheering has like boosting stats and healing HP. Cheering could even reflectPokemon GO’s different approach to raids with a range of alternative effects that add additional time, stun the Raid Pokemon for a short period, and more to help give players more of an edge during battles.
Callouts During Pokemon Raids
ScarletandVioletalso added the choice of four new “Callouts” during Tera Raids, but unlike cheering, these didn’t have any kind of interaction with the raid itself. Given these were generic phrases calling for help, offering thanks, or rallying cries,ScarletandViolet’s Callouts seem to be its interpretation of player-to-player communication akin to something likeDark Soul’s gestures. At face value, there would seem to be little point in adapting these Callouts unless Niantic also wanted to let its players connect during raids similar to howPokemon GOuses postcards and stickerssent between in-game friends.
But there could be hidden potential for Callouts ifPokemon GOtook them in a new direction, where instead of being used between players, they were used to directly interact with the Raid Pokemon. SincePokemon GO’s current approach is for all participating players to attack at once, Callouts could be used to distract Raid Pokemon and get its attention similar to moves like Follow Me. If balanced with “tank” Pokemon like Blissey or Snorlax who can endure the damage, Callouts could refine players' raid strategies where some Pokemon take the hits so that others can sweep the raid.
Pokemon GOis available now for Android and iOS devices.
MORE:Pokemon GO’s Buddy System Should Take Notes From a Gen 6 Mechanic
