Pokken Tournament Hopefully Didn’t Face the Reaper

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Pokken Tournament Hopefully Didn't Face the Reaper

Highlights

  • Pokken Tournament brought Pokemon into 3D fighting games, offering a Tekken-like experience with unique real-time action gameplay.
  • The game was well-received with a roster of 23 playable characters, but there has been no news on a potential sequel since its Switch debut.
  • With the massive Pokemon roster and potential for new mechanics, a sequel could bring new life to the IP, offering players a fresh experience.

As a long-time gamer and avid Pokemon fan, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I think about the unique and exciting experience that was Pokken Tournament. Having grown up with the classic turn-based battles of the core series, I was blown away when I first encountered this 3D fighting game back in 2015. It felt like a breath of fresh air, offering a Tekken-like experience with my beloved Pokemon characters at the helm.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the Pokemon franchise’s massive influence on pop culture. With each new release, this beloved multimedia IP just keeps expanding. Nintendo has given us some truly unique experiences as a result, like capturing cute critters in Pokemon Snap, exploring the world in Pokemon GO, and even helping sleepy starters hatch in Pokemon Sleep. These diverse games have introduced collectible monsters into various genres, but for me, nothing beats the excitement of Pokken Tournament – a hidden gem that’s often overlooked.

Back in 2015, I discovered “Pokken Tournament” at the arcade, and it was a breath of fresh air for the Pokemon franchise. The transition from 2D games to a 3D fighting game, similar to “Tekken,” was an exciting new experience that kept me engaged. Despite having some imperfections, I found myself really enjoying this title. It even made its way to both Wii U and Nintendo Switch.

Pokken Tournament Could Be A Major Spin-Off Series If Given the Chance

Pokken Tournament Was a Blast to Play

In the year 2015, Pokken Tournament, a fresh take on the Pokemon franchise, debuted as an arcade game in Japan. The game allowed players to command a selection of 16 distinctive Pokemon and engage in thrilling battles inspired by the popular fighting game, Tekken. Iconic figures such as Charizard, Pikachu, Lucario, Machamp, and Weavile graced the battlefield, each bringing their unique skills and powers to the fray. The diversity between characters was palpable, ensuring no two felt identical. Rather than adhering to the traditional turn-based combat synonymous with the franchise, Pokken Tournament offered a dynamic real-time action experience, creating an engaging and distinctive Pokemon adventure.

The game initially premiered on the Wii U in 2016 as its global release. Approximately a year later, an enhanced edition titled “Pokken Tournament DX” was introduced on the Nintendo Switch, marking its first significant Pokemon game. This variant included all Wii U features and added seven new playable characters, making it a total of 23 fighters. Consequently, the excitement from “Pokken Tournament” never seemed to fade away, given the impressive recognition it received.

There is So Much More Nintendo Could Do With the Concept

After its introduction on the Nintendo Switch and completion of DLC, there’s been no word regarding the future of the Pokken Tournament IP from the studio. It’s been six years since they last worked on it, and with each passing year, it seems less probable that a new game will emerge. Still, the idea of creating an exceptional fighting game based on the Pokemon franchise is full of potential, making it unfortunate if this concept is neglected.

As a dedicated Pokemon fan, I’ve been blown away by the Nintendo Switch’s transformation into a Pokemon powerhouse since the launch of Pokken Tournament. With an impressive lineup these past few years, we’ve welcomed two new generations, delved into a captivating open-world adventure with Pokemon Legends, and rejoiced in the resurrection of beloved titles like Pokemon Snap and Mystery Dungeon. And let’s not forget the numerous enhancements to Nintendo Switch Online! With an heir apparent on the horizon, it seems fitting for us fans to revisit this thrilling concept one more time before moving forward.

As someone who grew up with Pokémon, it feels like the franchise is more vibrant and exciting than ever before. With the recent release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, I was thrilled to see not only a larger-than-life representation of the game world but also the inclusion of 23 new playable characters. However, this addition barely scratches the surface of what the IP has to offer.

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2024-07-17 19:23