To catch Pokémon may have been your real test in the past, whilst training them was your cause, but in new Pokkén Tournament for Wii U consoles, it's battling with various iconic Pokémon of the past and present that takes centre-stage.
The various Pokémon games of the past have of course included battles, but in the main game franchise they require the player to use their imagination if they're hoping to get more than a wobble and shake out of proceedings. Here, the battles are showcased in all their glory, bringing a spectacular array of exciting moments to the forefront like never before.
Developer Bandai Namco haven't allowed this to be a simple button masher however, with technique and ability needed if you're to be successful. Battles are split into two separate phases which the game constantly shifts between, meaning there's a variety of different ways in which battles can progress and ultimately end up.
The first is the Field Phase, where ranged attacks are used to attack opponents from a distance. Timing is everything in this phase. With both players being granted the same items to conjure up an attack, it's really a battle of wits with gamers having to focus on opportunity.
Once a certain amount of damage has been done in this phase, the game then shifts into the Duel Phase - one similar to that you'll see in fellow fighting games such as Street Fighter and Tekken. Here, direct attacks are forced and players are taken to another level when it comes to learning game mechanics and logical bursts of aggression.
Certain moves will always be successful against certain stances and defences, whilst others will be blocked depending on how your opponent plays against you. It's reassuring to see how much time and effort has been placed into making this game a standout against an already impressive roster of beat-em-ups, as there were initial worries, at least from me that it would be a game without much to fall back on.
Luckily the technicalities and precision needed to come out on top against crafty opponents allows you to really become enchanted and enamoured with what's going on in Pokkén Tournament.
Each fighter has a different style of play and moveset and so it's definitely worth going through the list of Pokémon available to see which one suits your playing style best. Each also has their own sort of perk which could allow you a step up in your battle if used and timed appropriately.
Across 19 stages, there is a lot to look at and you're at times forced to remind yourself you're in a battle, after becoming mesmerised by the gorgeous scenery around you.
One small annoyance with the game is that there are only 16 playable Pokémon - it would be nice to see some free DLC in the future that allows you to add to your roster, as has been the case with recent fighting games.
Overall though I'm incredibly impressed. This is a fast-paced fighting game which deserves to sit amongst the greats and could be built upon immeasurably in the future.
Pokkén Tournament is available now on Nintendo Wii U consoles.
Tagged in Pokemon