Today's Pokemon Direct brought a bonanza of info about Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the upcoming action RPG that some have taken to calling it Pokemon: Breath of the Wild.
Pokemon Legends will take place in the Hisui Region, an area that would one day become the Sinnoh Region, which ties into the upcoming Pokemon Shining Diamond and Brilliant Pearl. As with many Pokemon games, you play as a young boy or girl who sets out to complete a Pokedex, only this time, it's the world's first Pokedex.
Setting out from Jubilife Village, you'll encounter many familiar Pokemon if you've played the fourth-gen games before, but there will be a few surprises waiting in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
First is Wydeer, a brand new Normal/Psychic Pokemon that looks a lot like Stantler, but is more like a reindeer/elk than a deer. The trailer shows you can ride Wydeer around, although we didn't get to see Wydeer take part in a battle.
Bearded Growlithe ? #pokemonpresents #pokemonlegendsarceus #growlithe #pokemon
Related: Wooloo, Zacian, And More Are Coming To Pokemon Go
Two Hisuian forms were also shown, including Hisuian Braviary and Hisuian Growlithe. Both feature some pretty wild hair that also gives them alternate typings than what you're likely familiar with. Hisuian Braviary is a Psychic/Flying Pokémon that you can also fly once you give it what appeared to be hang glider rigging. Hisuian Growlithe is Fire/Rock-type apparently because its hairdo has matted to the point of rock-like hardness.
Basculin gets its first evolution in the form of Basculegion, a Water/Ghost-type that you can ride on in the water.
Battles are also changing, with Pokemon able to display Strong Style or Agile Styles in a new Action Order, which appeared to be somewhat more real-time than previous turn-based games. There are no ranked battles, and even capturing Pokemon involves dodging their attacks while throwing Poke Balls.
And because this place eventually becomes the Sinnoh Region, you'll notice a lot of familiar Pokemon in Hisui Region. This is likely not to be the final list, but what we saw in the trailer included Turtwig, Buizel, Yanma, Pilowswine, Swinub, Gardevoir, Ralts, Ponyta, Clefairy, Shellos, Gastrodon, Chimchar, Buneary, Hippopotas, Hipowdon, Wurmple, Beautifly, Vulpix, Bidoof, Bibarel, Staravia, Gyarados, Ursaring, Luxray, Rhydo, Lucario, Crobat, Geodude, Drapion, Bonsly, Probopass, Carnivine, Chatot, Magneton, Eevee, Machoke, Mr. Mime, Magmar, Tangrowth, Honchkrow, Pachirisu, Purugly, Onyx, Stunky, Skuntank, Croagunk, Toxicroak, Bronzor, Bronzong, Snover, Abomasnow, Snorunt, Glalie, Munchlax, Snorlax, Piplup, Spheal, Saeleo, Heracross, Graveller, Gibble, and Pikachu, as well as the three starters, Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus arrives on January 28, 2022. Pre-orders are available now.
Next: New Pokemon Diamond And Pearl-Themed Nintendo Switch Model Releasing
