DeNA’s mobile gamePokemon Mastershas begun its first-anniversary celebration with a number of major changes and additions, includingchanging its name toPokemon Masters EXin recognition of updates made over the last year. It has featured an event starring Team Galactic boss Cyrus and his Pokemon partner Palkia, a brand-new game mode called the Champion Stadium that stars the Indigo League Elite Four, and soon DeNA will apparently release Facebook and Instagram filters.
These filters were advertised through a short video provided toPokemonnews site and database Serebii, and will allow individuals to turn into trainers likePokemon Black 2andWhite 2protagonist Rosa orPokemon SunandMooncompanion Lillie. TheSunandMooncharacter, alongside her brother Gladion and mother Lusamine, will play a role inPokemon Master’s upcoming “Family Ties” event starting September 9.
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Lillie also appears in a new CG trailer that features a massiveAvengers Endgame-style battle between powerful Pokemon like Rayquaza and Mega Gengar. In fact, the popular character has been a significant part of the marketing aroundPokemon Masters' first anniversary since some of itsmajor updates were announced through a trailer in July.
A number of other events have also begun inPokemon Mastersto celebrate its anniversary. There are daily log-in bonuses in place, and players can try their luck at partnering withSygna Suit variants of Leaf and Bluethrough Poke Fair scouting focuses. Sygna Suit Red and Charizard are also one of the first trainers to be given the new six-star EX status that will offer them a new outfit coloration.
ThoughPokemon Mastersdid not become a cultural phenomenon like Niantic’s AR mobile gamePokemon GO, which just added the Mega Evolution mechanic, it has retained a steady fanbase thanks to the developer’s efforts to improve what was perceived by some as a lackluster experience. Some improvements made to bolster its gameplay include the addition of Sync Grids that offer battling customization for certain trainers, and a stamina bar that contributes to overall player rankings.
DeNA’s mobile game is not the first to play with social media filters, as titles like Young Horses’BugsnaxandNinja Theory’sSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2have tried to boost engagement this way. It will be interesting to see how effective the tactic is forPokemon Masterswhenever its filters become available.
Pokemon Masters EXis available now on Android and iOS devices.
