Pokemon GO’s Max Moves Inspire Hope for Another Forgotten Mechanic

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Pokemon GO's Max Moves Inspire Hope for Another Forgotten Mechanic

As a long-time Pokémon enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of this beloved franchise since its humble beginnings, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when thinking about Gen 7’s Z-moves and their potential return to Pokémon GO. Much like how we all thought Mewtwo had left our Pokedex forever after the events of the first movie, only to be rediscovered in Pokémon GO, I believe that Z-moves could make a triumphant comeback in this mobile game sensation.

After the integration of Dynamaxing into Pokemon GO, there may be a chance for an older, seemingly overlooked Pokemon mechanism to make a comeback if Niantic chooses to reconsider Z-moves from Generation 7. Unlike the main series of Pokemon games, Pokemon GO seems to have become a refuge for various mechanics and quirks that Game Freak has abandoned, such as Gen 7’s Ultra Beasts and most recently, Gen 8’s Dynamax battles. However, while some elements like Mega Evolutions might reappear in Game Freak’s upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Niantic could bring back another Generation 7 mechanic with Z-moves instead.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been pondering about the future of Pokémon GO. With the exciting introduction of Dynamaxing, it seems that Niantic will ride the wave of momentum. However, they could take a similar approach when introducing Z-moves someday in the game.

Z-moves Should Make a Comeback Within Pokemon GO

In the games Pokemon Sun and Moon, as well as their Ultra counterparts, a new gameplay mechanic known as Z-moves was introduced. Unlike introducing new Pokemon or forms, this mechanic allowed Game Freak to innovate without needing extensive additions. Similar to Dynamax and Gigantamax in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Z-moves have not been seen in any mainline Pokemon game since then. However, regional variants, another Gen 7 feature, have become a series regular. Now that Dynamaxing has been introduced in Pokemon GO from Gen 8, there’s a possibility that Z-moves could follow suit.

In a sense, Z-moves appear to provide Pokémon players an attractive medium between the practicality of Gen 9’s Terastallization and the ingenuity of Gen 6’s Mega Evolutions. These Z-moves enable players to amplify ordinary attacks while also utilizing creature-specific moves. Much like Gen 8’s Dynamaxing and creature-specific Gigantamax forms, Z-moves introduce a captivating element to combat that is both innovative and beneficial without disrupting traditional gameplay mechanics. If and when they are introduced in Pokémon GO, Dynamax and Max Battles could serve as a useful reference for balancing Z-moves with the game’s existing dynamics.

Pokemon GO’s Z-moves Could Take Inspiration From Max Battles

Because Pokémon GO needed to reduce some features and adjust Pokémon mechanics to fit the mobile app format, it employs a distinct approach to Dynamaxing compared to its origins in Sword and Shield games. For example, Dynamaxing is only available during Max Battles and can only be used with specific Pokémon. Similarly, Z-Moves from Sun and Moon could be adapted with certain features and limitations to balance them with the existing battle mechanics of Pokémon GO. Here’s a list of possible examples based on how Pokémon GO has implemented its other gimmicks like Mega Evolutions and Max Battles:

  • A new consumable collectible like Mega Energy or Max Particles to teach or power up Z-moves
  • Players use this same collectible during battles to perform Z-moves
  • Unlocking and using Pokemon-specific Z-moves costs more than standard Z-moves

Z-moves Could Benefit Pokemon GO’s Battles and Events

In addition to the question of how Niantic might incorporate Z-moves in Pokemon GO, this new feature could significantly boost battles and special events for individual players or beginners. For instance, it could make battles such as 5-star raids, Mega Raids, encounters with Giovanni, and other challenging matches more manageable. In the game, Z-moves in Pokemon GO might be used only once and have certain limits, which would prove helpful during intense battles against formidable Raid Bosses or powerful trainers. Furthermore, since some Z-moves are exclusive to specific monsters like Pikachu with a cap or Alolan Raichu, implementing this mechanic could make Pokemon GO events more enticing by rewarding players with rare Z-move Pokemon.

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2024-10-07 23:55