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Pokémon is a long-standing and fan-driven franchise. If you've ever been a fan, you'll always be a fan. Fact. And Pokéfans can rejoice at the news from the most recent Pokémon Presents announcements! Not one, not two, but THREE new Pokémon games. Two this year, one early next.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
The first of which is a remake pairing reminiscent of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Shining Pearl and Brilliant Diamond are set to breathe fresh life into the DS's staple Pokémon games.
What's more is the new developer (ILCA) have made it clear they'll be keeping the sense of size for the routes, towns and such firmly in line with those found in the original Sinnoh. Players can look forward to seeing these games being freshened up to be less pixelly and more 3D.
The graphics of the recent Pokémon Sword and Shield were incredible, and these will be a welcomed addition to any existing game. You'll be able to relive the nostalgia and, if you're anything like me, spend hours choosing your starter Pokémon all over again in late 2021!
Pokémon Snap
The next, which is the closest to release, is the long-awaited Pokémon Snap!
This is a game that fans have been literally crying out for since the original's release in 2000. The game is less about catching them all physically and more about snapping them all! It's all still a bit of a mystery in terms of the who, the what, and the why. But it's Pokémon Snap!
What we do know is the game is centred around travelling the new region in an all-terrain vehicle and taking photos of Pokémon in their habitats. You'll observe behaviours, actions and other unique aspects of them in the wild. You can even feed then to get unique reactions and then snap them up with your camera.
This is a very welcomed remake, and will no doubt be a fantastic fit for the Nintendo Switch's features!
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
The final game to mention here is the last to be released but is a new game entirely. Not a remake, nor a reimagining.
In early 2022, players can explore the feudal lands of Sinnoh in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Before there's the notion that this is going to be just a mash of all games together, hold your breath! This is claimed to be a Pokémon open-world game. It boasts sprawling landscapes and new mechanics to enable you to catch Pokémon, whilst still maintaining the tried and tested battle system.
Not much else is known about the game yet, nor about how Arceus (basically the God/creator of all Pokémon) ties into the narrative. But it's a new venture for the Pokémon franchise and an exciting one at that!
Now, all that's left to do is refresh my knowledge of the several generations of Pokémon and get ready to Catch Them All. (Yes, all 893 of them). It's an exciting year for Pokémon fans!