[ Update: 01/23/2015, 16:44 GMT ]
Gameplay footage found on YouTube has been embedded at the end of this article. Although in Japanese, it nonetheless visually shows off what this article details. The footage features Lucario and Pikachu going head-to-head in one-on-one combat, and also shows brief introductions on how players can choose their Support pokémon. Moves and abilities are demonstrated as well.
[ Original Story ]
Tweeted live just a few hours ago by @BulbaNewsNOW and @SerebiiNet, new information Pokken Tournament has been revealed. Broadcasted live from a livestream hosted by Famitsu, various playable pokémon were confirmed as part of the game’s roster, and the game’s dedicated controller (as it currently stands) was also revealed. Gameplay controls were also detailed with their respective button commands, as well as what gamemodes players can anticipated from the pokémon fighting game.
Suicune, Gardevoir and Pikachu were the new player characters that were confirmed during the stream. Instead of a traditional fight stick, Pokken Tournament’s controller will be something more akin to an old SNES controller layout. While in-game, additional pokémon will be able to assist players in battle. Considering the classic mechanic of only being able to carry six pokémon at a time, six supporting pokémon will seemingly be split into three sets of two to aid players in battle – a tag mechanic is suggested from this. Fennec, Snivy, Lapras and Emolga were also shown during this presentation. It’s implied that additional pokemon can be brought into play by activating the Support command, who will support the play as they engage in combat. It has so far yet to be confirmed whether or not Fennec, Snivy, Lapras and Emolga will be playable in the final game, or whether they’ll be only available as supports.
Further detail on the official Serebii website, the game’s arenas will be dynamic. Both pokémon and pokémon trainers will apparently be visible in the background, along with whatever scenery is native to the arena. The arena itself will be fully 3D, which will allow for players to free move around as they see fit. A list of the game’s controls (as they are at the time of writing) have been bullet-pointed below.
- D-pad: Moves character
- A Button: Pokemon Techniques
- B Button: Jumps
- X Button: Weak attacks
- Y Button: Strong attacks
- R Shoulder: Guards
- L Shoulder: Tags in Support pokémon
There’s as a gauge mechanic. When full, the gauge will apparently force you into “Resonance Burst” mode, which enables players to use “Burst Attacks” and deal a lot of damage to their opponents. Players’ chosen pokemon apparently evolves into the Mega Evolution during this time. Unlike some other fighting games, Pokken Tournament’s doesn’t seem to have different levels of attack, such as high, middle or low. All incoming attacks can allegedly be blocked, no matter which level the attacks are coming from.
Pokken Tournament’s gamemodes include a singleplayer mode, along with “Nationwide Battle” (which could allude to a possible local multiplayer mode), “In-store Battle” and “Tutorial”. Public tests for the game have been scheduled in Japan, albeit in certain locations. These tests will last from Friday, January 30th through to Sunday, February 1st, and will cost ¥100 to play. Upon filling out a survey after testing, participants will be awarded with Bandai Namco Passport cards over the course of the game’s public testing: Lucario on Friday, January 30th, Gardevoir on Saturday, January 31st, Pikachu on Sunday, February 1st. A Machamp Bandai Namco Passport card is promised to be distributed at the Japan Amusement Expo on Saturday, February 14th to 500 players who filled out the testing survey. Pokken Tournament is slated to release in arcades first in Japan later on this year.
[ Sources: @BulbaNewsNOW / @SerebiiNet / Serebii ]
Original Author: Kieran Mackintosh