Shopping Guide
The Pokémon franchise, which began as a video game in 1996, has now spawned into various anime series, manga series, countless character goods, and more. It’s a phenomenon that’s become incredibly popularity not just within Japan, but abroad as well. In the 18 years that have passed since the birth of Pokémon, those that fell in love with it from the beginning have now become adults. Considering this, it’s apparent why the demographic for Pokémon goods is so wide.
Recently, it’s been announced that a new Pokémon game targeted at these adult fans is now in development. Bandai Namco Games announced on Aug. 26 that it is working with The Pokémon Company to develop a Pokémon action battle arcade game called Pokkén Tournament.
Pokkén Tournament, as one might expect from the title, is to be an arcade game based off the style of Bandai Namco Games’ popular fighting game series, Tekken. Bandai Namco Games will make use of their experience with the Tekken and SoulCalibur series to bring the same level of 3D action to this latest game to the Pokémon franchise.
The Tekken series began in 1994, and currently has a large fanbase in their 20s, 30s, and beyond. Pokkén Tournament is sure to be a game that this same demographic can enjoy. Bandai Namco Games is set on making the game an authentic fighting game experience that both children and 20-something Pokémon fans can enjoy.
Furthermore, their stated goal is to offer “a Pokémon game, the likes of which has never been seen before.” By the looks of the latest screenshots, it seems the game is shaping up to be just that. Both Lucario and Machamp look quite realistic as they face off against each other in a way that’s completely new for the Pokémon series. Each Pokémon will move and attack according to the player’s commands in real-time. We expect Pikachu to make an appearance, but we’re excited to see which other Pokémon make it into the game’s lineup of characters as well.
The arcade release date is set for sometime in 2015. Keep an eye out for more info on this anticipated release.
Pokkén Tournament
Coming to arcades in Japan in 2015
Pokémon’s Tsunekazu Ishihara had this to say about the project:
“Various types of Pokémon games have been made in the past, but this game is a truly new experience unlike any other Pokémon game we’ve done before. The Pokémon in this game move directly and perfectly in accordance with the player’s directions. This has only been possible by forming a tag team, so to speak, with 3D action game giant Bandai Namco Games. It’s sure to be an overwhelming and novel experience that every Pokémon fan will want to try out for themselves. We’re hoping to create a game that even newcomers to the one-on-one, martial arts game genre will be impressed by right from the start.”
Katsuhiro Harada from Bandai Namco Games had this to say:
" Tekken is designed to offer the player the utmost control of the character, and is the title that has been at the core of the development of our current character action and animation system. There’s a certain sense of unity when you control the character, a burst of energy you get when your move hits its target, and pain when you’re hit by your opponent. We plan to use our ‘Tekken know-how’ to bring the same feeling and level of play we’ve cultivated in our works to this latest Pokémon title. The fighting game genre has developed in such a way that it now has the image of being a genre for hardcore gamers. But in reality, it’s a genre that’s been loved by a wide range of people. With this latest Pokkén Tournament game in particular, we’re returning to the roots of the genre to develop a head-to-head ‘action’ game, as opposed to a head-to-head ‘fighting’ game. We hope to create a game that will be enjoyed by all sorts of gamers. We want to leave it open to casual gamers who would like to give the game a try because it’s a Pokémon title, and at the same time offer a completely new experience. Playability is one of our top priorities. I hope you look forward to this new Pokémon experience."
© The Pokémon Company
© Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK Inc.
© BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc.
Source: animeanime
