One quick warning before I continue: if you don’t have both versions like I do, make sure the pass you’re getting corresponds to the version of the game you have; otherwise it won’t work. So, let’s open this up.
While I was wondering how the first major expansion to a main series entry would go (not counting smaller instances of DLC in mobile titles or spinoff games), I am pleased to say that so far; my time spent with this first chapter has been enjoyable. Training under the enigmatic martial arts master Mustard; you end up taking both a train and a “Corviknight Taxi” to reach the island. The setting is based on the real-life Isle of Man off the coast of England; and I always like it whenever the setting has attention to detail like that. The scale of the island is akin to another part of the Wild Area; and I would very much like it if more open-world elements were in future titles, and not just the upcoming Crown Tundra chapter. Whether it’s remakes of previous generations (talk persists of Sinnoh remakes) or future installments, I welcome it.
On top of reintroducing numerous monsters from the entire history of the franchise (some of which have new special forms), you undergo three trials to bond with the new monster Kubfu; who can be trained in two distinct styles to evolve into Urshifu. Depending on which version you have, you also train with the aspiring Poison-type gym leader Klara or the Psychic-type specialist Avery. I’m actually quite amused by their designs and personalities. Their attempts to dissuade me from the dojo were fruitless, and something tells me I’m going to enjoy yanking their proverbial chain.
Visually, it builds on what’s already been established on the base game and the Let’s Go titles. Everything looks colorful and sharp, and the framerate is smooth as ever on both home and portable mode. On top of existing favorites such as Venusaur and Blastoise having new “Gigantimax” forms that homage their original sprites (just something amusing about giving the former a flowery Beatles haircut and turning the latter into a Transformer), I definitely like the forms given to the new Stage 2 starters. My personal favorite is Inteleon’s, which reminds me of; among other things; the Sniper from Team Fortress 2.
I just completed the first trial where you had to reclaim an extra uniform from some Galarian Slowpoke (who seem to have Sonic the Hedgehog for a personal trainer), and I will let you know more after I complete the second and third ones. Long story short: my first steps on the Isle of Armor are quite positive. I will let you know more about the first “Pokémon Presents” stream another day. Later.
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