As of yet, an English dub of “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” has yet to be announced. Though Ash’s current voice actress Sarah Natochenny seemingly confirmed in an interview that the movie will be released this year instead (some Pokémon Go events and TCG tie-ins were released in 2019, but the film’s rumored November release date never materialized); so far, there’s only been tentative release dates for South Korea and the Netherlands feed of Netflix. I wouldn’t object to a theatrical release, but it’s odd to me that a film that would fit well for capturing the emerging nostalgia market (though contrary to popular belief, that’s not the main reason the film was made) is being relegated to a DTV/Netflix release after the surprise critical and box office success of “Pokémon Detective Pikachu.” At the same time, however, I can maybe understand the people in charge not wanting to take the risk: the market is very different than it was in 1999; and family audiences might have overlooked it in a holiday season that’s been dominated by the likes of “Frozen II,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Jumanji: The Next Level.”
While a dub of “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” is still to be announced, the first footage of the new movie has debuted: titled “Pokémon Coco,” this film will see Ash and Pikachu crossing paths with a young man who was apparently orphaned as an infant; though little else has been revealed as of yet. The film will be released in Japan on July 10. Though the movie has also yet to be confirmed for an English release, it should be interesting to keep an eye on; and I will bring you any new information as I get it.
On the video game front, a Nintendo Direct livestream that took place yesterday revealed some of the plans for the coming year. The Pokémon Home mobile app will be launching in February. On top of this, a reversion of the first two “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon” games, known as “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX,” will release on the Nintendo Switch in March. A demo of the game is currently available for those interested. I want to opt into the app as soon as I can, and though I will not be getting the new Mystery Dungeon right away; I am interested to see how it does once I’m done with the demo.
Now, comes the big reveal from the presentation: rather than a third version, direct sequel or “Ultra” version; a series first will happen, with both free updates and expansions on the way for this year for Generation VIII. The first chapter will be released in June, known as “The Isle of Armor,” and the second will be expected in November, called “The Crown Tundra.” In addition to reintroducing more than 200 monsters from the series’ history; the games will feature a host of new challenges, special moves and monsters that will be unique to this update. The cost to opt into this update is $30 on the Nintendo eShop.
Though I have mixed feelings about the idea on paper, this seems less like the infamous Oblivion $2.50 horse armor; the Fallout 76 nylon duffel bag fiasco or the EA “surprise mechanics” debacle and more like something in the vein of the “Octo Expansion” in Splatoon 2, the Fighter Pass in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the Champion Trials in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I usually don’t go for season passes in games in general; but this is one case where I’ll make an exception. My stance on DLC is that I generally don’t go for it unless it offers something I know isn’t usually accessible in the base game; and these chapters look like they’ll have close to a full game’s worth of content (like the other Nintendo titles I just mentioned). Though the ethical debate over such a prospect is ongoing, I already knew this was one of the contingency plans I had in mind. So, I know that I’m at least on the same page as the developers. Besides, I’m very eager to play with what’s in the updates when they officially go live; especially in the case of Inteleon’s new special move. I will opt into this as soon as I can.
That will be all for now, I will do more with this new feature in the near future. Later.
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