The seventh generation of Pokémon represented another bold evolution for the series, introducing many exciting new features while keeping the core elements of exploration, battling, and collecting. Released on the Nintendo 3DS, the seventh generation brought in major changes to the traditional Pokémon formula with unique new gameplay mechanics, settings, and characters. Below, we will explore the key features of the seventh generation, its games, and the lasting impact it has had on the franchise.
List of Seventh-Generation Pokémon Games
Gameplay and Features
The seventh generation introduced several new gameplay mechanics that changed how players interacted with the world of Pokémon:
- The Alola Region:
- Based on the Hawaiian Islands, the Alola region is a vibrant, tropical setting that breaks from the traditional Pokémon formula. With beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and volcanic mountains, Alola is a refreshing and unique landscape for exploration.
- The region’s culture, heavily inspired by Hawaiian traditions, influences many aspects of the games, from character designs to the mythology of the Legendary Pokémon.
- Regional Variants (Alola Forms):
- For the first time in the series, certain Pokémon from previous generations were given new forms to reflect the unique environment of Alola. These Alola Forms have different typings, stats, and appearances.
- Examples include Alolan Raichu (Electric/Psychic), Alolan Marowak (Fire/Ghost), and Alolan Exeggutor (Grass/Dragon). These forms added a creative twist to classic Pokémon and encouraged players to explore the rich lore behind them.
- No Gyms—The Island Challenge:
- In a significant departure from the series’ tradition, Pokémon Sun and Moon did not feature Gym Leaders. Instead, players embarked on the Island Challenge, a quest that involved completing trials on different islands, battling the Trial Captains, and facing the Island Kahunas.
- This format introduced new types of challenges, including battles against wild Pokémon in specific conditions or completing tasks like finding special items.
- Z-Moves:
- A new battle mechanic introduced in the seventh generation, Z-Moves are powerful, one-time-use moves that can only be used if the player’s Pokémon holds a Z-Crystal.
- Each Z-Crystal corresponds to a specific type or Pokémon and enhances the power of certain moves, giving players a tactical advantage during battles.
- Z-Moves are visually stunning and offer a dynamic way to defeat opponents with dramatic special effects.
- Poké Pelago:
- A new feature for managing your Pokémon, Poké Pelago allows players to send their Pokémon to different islands, where they can collect items, breed, and participate in mini-games.
- This feature encouraged players to engage with their Pokémon in a relaxed and rewarding way outside of traditional battles.
- Alola League:
- The concept of an official Pokémon League was introduced to Alola. While the region does not have Gyms, players must become the Champion of Alola by facing the Elite Four and the Champion.
- This provided a more traditional final challenge after the Island Challenge, offering a thrilling conclusion to the game.
- Ultra Recon Squad and Ultra Wormholes:
- The Ultra Recon Squad, mysterious characters from another dimension, played an important role in the story of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, where players are tasked with investigating the mysterious Ultra Wormholes.
- The Ultra Wormholes were portals to different worlds and dimensions, opening the possibility for catching Legendary Pokémon like Necrozma, Solgaleo, and Lunala, as well as a variety of Ultra Beasts, strange Pokémon from alternate dimensions.
- Battle Royal:
- A new multiplayer mode called Battle Royal allowed players to engage in four-way battles, with each player using three Pokémon. This mode added a fun and strategic twist to battling with friends or strangers.
- Pokémon Refresh:
- Replacing Pokémon-Amie, this feature allowed players to bond with their Pokémon by feeding them, grooming them, and giving them affection, which could improve their performance in battles.
Story and Characters
The story of Pokémon Sun and Moon was one of the most narrative-focused in the series, with deeper emotional stakes and a compelling plot:
- Team Skull:
- The villainous team of the Alola region, Team Skull, was a group of outcasts and troublemakers led by the charismatic but misguided Guzma. Team Skull was less about world domination and more about rebellion, chaos, and their personal grievances with the Alola region’s authority.
- The Ultra Beasts and Nihilego:
- Ultra Beasts are mysterious Pokémon that exist in Ultra Space, accessible through Ultra Wormholes. These strange and often powerful creatures, such as Nihilego, Buzzwole, and Pheromosa, are central to the story of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
- The connection between Ultra Beasts and the dimensional rifts added layers of mystery and intrigue to the plot.
- The Legendary Pokémon—Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma:
- Solgaleo (Psychic/Steel) and Lunala (Psychic/Ghost) serve as the mascots for Pokémon Sun and Moon, respectively. These powerful Legendary Pokémon are integral to the game’s main storyline, representing the balance between light and darkness in Alola.
- Necrozma (Psychic) plays a major role in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, where it is revealed to be a force that has been causing the distortion between Solgaleo and Lunala.
- The Player’s Role:
- In Sun and Moon, the player is a young trainer who moves to Alola and becomes a part of the Island Challenge, growing through the trials and helping to protect Alola from both Team Skull and the Ultra Beasts. The narrative focuses on personal growth, friendship, and the sense of belonging in a community.
- The inclusion of various characters like Professor Kukui, Lillie, and Hau brought a rich set of personalities, with Lillie’s emotional journey playing a pivotal role in the overall story.
Cultural Impact
The seventh generation marked a significant step forward in the Pokémon franchise, especially in terms of its story-driven approach and world-building:
- Fresh Approach to Tradition:
- Removing the traditional Gym system and replacing it with the Island Challenge was a bold move that redefined the Pokémon adventure, making the game feel more like an open-world journey.
- The introduction of Alola Forms and Z-Moves provided a sense of novelty while still retaining the familiar charm that fans love.
- Engaging Plot:
- The deeper narrative, with its emphasis on family, personal growth, and protecting the world, resonated with many players who were looking for a more involved and emotional Pokémon story.
- The Ultra Beast storyline added an intriguing sci-fi element to the world of Pokémon, making it feel more expansive and mysterious.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon:
- These versions expanded upon the original games, offering new storylines, characters, and an alternate ending. It was an ambitious re-imagining of the original games and became a fan favorite for offering additional content and lore.
Legacy of the Seventh Generation
The seventh generation of Pokémon left a lasting impact on the franchise, influencing future games and continuing to appeal to a wide range of players:
- Pokémon Sword and Shield:
- Many elements from the seventh generation, such as the player customization and the concept of region-specific Pokémon, carried over into Pokémon Sword and Shield.
- Expanded Lore:
- The idea of Ultra Beasts, dimensional rifts, and new Legendary Pokémon brought a fresh level of depth to the Pokémon universe that continued to be explored in subsequent games.
- Alola’s Enduring Popularity:
- The Alola region remains a beloved setting for many fans, and its unique characters and Pokémon continue to be celebrated in various media and merchandise.
In conclusion, the seventh generation of Pokémon was a transformative chapter for the series, introducing new mechanics, a captivating storyline, and a beautiful region to explore. Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon brought exciting changes to the series while retaining the core values of exploration and adventure. The legacy of Alola continues to inspire players and the Pokémon franchise as a whole.