Strike a pose! Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee and Pikachu stunning new trailer

Poké-pals of Australia get hyped as the latest trailer for Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee has been released.

It highlights several updated gameplay mechanics seen in previous games, culminating in the ultimate adventure in Kanto. Everything that you enjoyed about the first generation has been lovingly restored, ready for a new retelling; so let’s get into the break down.

Unlike any other game, so far in the series, capturing Pokémon will take a much more active and unique approach. Using your Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus you’ll need to aim and time your throw to hit the colored target and snag yourself a Pokémon. Pokémon are no longer hidden remotely within tall grass, so when players spot their intended target all one has to do is run up and touch the Pokémon to start the capture process.

Of course wild Pokémon are not the only type of encounters shown in the trailer, with some footage of gym and trainer battles also debuting. Those who played the original Kanto games will recognise Gym Leaders Misty and Brock, both of whom are sporting new looks. Your “friendly” rival, while a little shifty looking, will most likely prove to be a powerful competitor throughout your journey to become the very best trainer.

Battles appear to progress much the same way as they have in previous releases with attacks being selected to knock out your opposing trainer’s Pokémon. While the mechanics to levelling up and evolving Pokémon have not been completely fleshed out in trailer yet, previous presentations have shown experience is gained from battle and capture. It is safe to assume then, that your Pokémon team will still evolve the natural way, through hard work and training.

The storyline of Pokémon: Let’s Go appears to be mirroring that of the 1998 Gameboy release Pokémon Yellow and will be the same for both games. The game you pick will determine which partner your get at the start of your journey, with either Eevee or Pikachu up for grabs. Of course in true Pokémon style each game will have its own variation of attainable Pokémon with Let’s Go Eevee having Bellsprout, Vulpix, and Meowth, and Let’s Go Pikachu having Oddish, Sandshrew, and Growlithe.

The part that has players most excited appears to be the opportunity to interact with your partner Pokémon, be it either Eevee or Pikachu. You’ll be able to play with your partner as well as groom them and dress them up with cute little fashion adornments. Your partner Pokémon and you are in it for the long haul so it’ll pay off to pay attention to them and shower them with treats and affection. The cutest part of this is that players may also synchronise outfits with either Eevee or Pikachu!

Of course not only will you have your partner Pokémon to interact with, but players will be able to explore Kanto with secondary Pokémon to follow your around, and in some case ride. Certain Pokémon like Arcanine, Onix, and Charizard are able to mounted and ridden around, which will make a lot of sense when travelling across the ocean to reach Cinnabar Island. As to whether or not certain Pokémon, like Lapras, will come already knowing how to surf, it’s not clear yet, so we’ll just have to wait on that one for now.

Connectivity between other players in Pokémon: Let’s Go has taken on a more in-depth role, with Support Play being added to the game. Support Play allows a secondary trainer from another game to join you on your adventure and together capture and battle Pokémon. It’s even been shown in previous footage that working together to catch the same Pokémon at the same time will increase the likelihood of capture and also give extra experience points. Pokémon trading will return, with both local and online trading between other players being made available.

Players should note that if they wish to use internet-based communication features for battling and trading they’ll be required to register for the Nintendo Switch Online service will officially start in September.

Well, now that another trailer has come and gone, I can’t help but get even more excited! Each new trailer show’s us something new and entertaining that will be featured in-game. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee are shaping up to amazing entries into the game’s series – for both long-time fans and beginners too. Releasing on the Nintendo Switch November 16, 2018, this is without a doubt the first step in the right direction for Pokémon and its integration into the world of  main console gaming.