Many fans of thePokemonfranchise typically enjoy the series in a way that’s right for them personally. While this could be true for any major gaming franchise, Game Freak’s hit RPG series starring powerful creatures is a bit different. Although the franchise’s main concept and its battle mechanics work on a rock-paper-scissors motif, it’s actually complex enough to entice fans to build an entirecompetitivePokemonscene.
This grouping of fans who battle to win and be the very best have been recognized officially by Game Freak in ways that some players wouldn’t have expected in the past. In Generations 8 and 9, raising and building competitive teams has never been easier, as the methods used have gone from being secret hidden values and stats to being accessible through items such as nature-changing Mints. With this type of recognition also comes glory, as the Pokemon VGC has been running alongside the Pokemon TCG World Championships since 2008 at the earliest. Yet, there’s one way that this side of the games could be made evenmore accessible toPokemonfans.
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The Undisputed Popularity of Pokemon Showdown
Pokemon Showdownis a fan-made website where players can simulate whatever battle between pocket monsters that they desire, be it fun surprise matches with random people online to hosting an entire tournament with friends. For quite some time, it’s been used as a great tool by competitivePokemonplayers to figure out and trial teams before committing to the time it takes to properly train them in games likePokemon ScarletandViolet. WithShowdown’s tools, players can watch the status effects of their critters in real-time in order to learn and understand the importance of key concepts such aswhat held items suit which Pokemon, and how any stats are affected at any given point of the match.
It can’t be understated just how muchPokemon Showdownhas helped the competitive side of the series thrive and proper for anyone who wishes to learn its intricacies. Considering how longShowdown’s been around despite otherNintendo fan projects being served cease and desistsrather often, it’s rather surprising that Game Freak hasn’t seen how much fans enjoy the battle simulator and tried to make one of its own.Showdownproves just how successful a simplePokemonbattle simulator that made sure to break down the rules in a supportive way would be great for both fans and Game Freak itself.
What an Official Competitive Pokemon Battle Simulator Might Look Like
Truthfully, an officialPokemonbattle simulator game might not be as far-fetched as fans might think at first. For many generations ofPokemon, these games were almost as frequent as mainline games until the Wii U and 3DS' era began. While they weren’t built for competitive play exclusively, thePokemon Stadiumgamescould very well serve this purpose, and even be used as the basis for a proper battle simulator if Game Freak were to ever pursue one.
While being able to transfer Pokemon from the handheld games toStadiumwas an important feature, the game also allowed fans to rent pre-made teams that were rather strong. This battle simulator could replicate rental teams by allowing players to order their dream team as a rental, and then save the set to use later. These parties could be put to the test in the many different Cups that could also be pulled straight from theclassic Nintendo 64 game.
That doesn’t mean that thisPokemon Stadiumspiritual successor shouldn’t still have ways to transfer old critters into it, though. Far from it, actually, asPokemon Homecompatibilitycould not only allow other Pokemon from this game into it, but other creatures could be traded back into the other mainline titles easily for more fun adventures. The reverse could also be true, where special ranked battle reward creatures from the battle simulator could be made to stand out purposefully in the mainline games, which might be worthwhile compared to previousPokemonranked battle prizes.
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