Pokémon introduced the next installment in their legendary pocket monster-catching franchise, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This will be an open-world RPG for the Nintendo Switch and is coming in Early 2022.
Announced during today's live-stream event, Pokémon Legends: Arceus represents a "new frontier" for the Pokémon franchise.
Set in an earlier version of the Sinnoh region, Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place at an earlier time versus the other mainline games. The video showcases a trainer running around an open world, catching Pokémon in the wild without needing to go into one of the turn based battles the series is known for.
Also seemingly getting an update are the actual battles between Pokémon, with the animations looking slicker than they ever have in any game to this point. Additionally, we know the starters trainers will be able to choose from are Rowlet, Cyndaquil or Oshawott. The developers make note that the desire for Arceus stems from wanting to deliver an "experience infused with new action and RPG elements that go beyond the frameworkd established thus far, while honoring the core gameplay of past Pokémon titles."
Here's the description from the official press release from The Pokémon Company:
"Pokémon Legends: Arceus brings Trainers to the vast Sinnoh region as it existed in the past, long before the setting for Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl was established. Rich in nature and with Mount Coronet towering at its heart, this is a Sinnoh unlike anything Trainers have experienced before as they embark to create the region’s first Pokédex."
Also announced during today's showcase were more Pokémon titles set in the Sinnoh region, as the Nintendo Switch will be getting remakes of the old DS games, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. These remakes will be coming to Nintendo Switch in late 2021.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is slated to hit the Nintendo Switch in Early 2022. Check out the trailer in the embed above.
