With the Pokémon franchise nearing its third decade, expectations are high for the forthcoming tenth generation, potentially named 'Wind' and 'Waves.' Industry leaks suggest new features like procedural generation and survival elements. As 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' has recently been released, it's timely to consider which successful aspects from previous titles should be adopted to shape the future of the series.
A seamless open world is crucial for the next Pokémon game. While 'Scarlet' and 'Violet' demonstrated the appeal of an open environment, despite technical challenges, the ideal world should combine vast natural landscapes with intricate, densely populated cities inspired by 'Z-A's Lumiose City. Furthermore, the excitement of stadium battles, reminiscent of 'Sword' and 'Shield,' would significantly elevate the combat experience. Incorporating regional Pokémon variations and the return of Paradox Pokémon from different eras would keep the creature roster fresh and engaging. Lastly, expanding Eevee's evolutionary line with new types would be a welcome addition for fans.
The deep and tactical catching mechanics introduced in 'Legends: Arceus' should also be a cornerstone, allowing players to engage with Pokémon in more dynamic ways than simply weakening them and throwing a Poké Ball. The captivating Mega Evolutions, first seen in 'X' and 'Y,' offer a visually appealing and strategically rich temporary power-up, far more dynamic than recent gimmicks. Crucially, the series should reaffirm its commitment to the methodical, turn-based battle system that defines the core Pokémon experience, moving away from the real-time combat experiments of 'Z-A' to preserve the strategic depth that fans cherish.
By thoughtfully integrating these successful elements from its rich history, the next generation of Pokémon games has the potential to deliver a truly immersive, strategic, and captivating adventure. Embracing both tradition and innovation will allow the franchise to evolve while retaining the magic that has enchanted millions of players worldwide.