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Pokémon Champions Early Play Review: From Missing IVs to New SystemsI'm sharing my experience of pre-playing 'Pokémon Champions' by invitation from The Pokémon Company International. Although it was a short 45-minute play session, I gained deep insights into the game's core systems and their potential impact on competitive play. Notably, I focused on the changes to the IV system, the new PP system, and overall improvements in convenience for Pokémon training and battles.
1. 🎮 Early Access to Pokémon Champions & Tutorial
· Ten content creators were invited by The Pokémon Company International to pre-play 'Pokémon Champions' for 45 minutes.
· The gameplay was 'on-rails,' and no filming or recording was permitted.
· Players had to complete four essential tutorials: Single Battle, Double Battle, Physical-Special Split, and Mega Evolution.
· These tutorials comprehensively covered the game's basics, with some including dedicated tutorials for specific mechanics.
· Upon completing the tutorials, a significant amount of VP (Victory Points), the game's main currency, was awarded, which seems useful even for experienced players.
· The gameplay was 'on-rails,' and no filming or recording was permitted.
· Players had to complete four essential tutorials: Single Battle, Double Battle, Physical-Special Split, and Mega Evolution.
· These tutorials comprehensively covered the game's basics, with some including dedicated tutorials for specific mechanics.
· Upon completing the tutorials, a significant amount of VP (Victory Points), the game's main currency, was awarded, which seems useful even for experienced players.
00:08 - 02:14
1. 🎮 Early Access to Pokémon Champions & Tutorial
· Ten content creators were invited by The Pokémon Company International to pre-play 'Pokémon Champions' for 45 minutes.
· The gameplay was 'on-rails,' and no filming or recording was permitted.
· Players had to complete four essential tutorials: Single Battle, Double Battle, Physical-Special Split, and Mega Evolution.
· These tutorials comprehensively covered the game's basics, with some including dedicated tutorials for specific mechanics.
· Upon completing the tutorials, a significant amount of VP (Victory Points), the game's main currency, was awarded, which seems useful even for experienced players.
· The gameplay was 'on-rails,' and no filming or recording was permitted.
· Players had to complete four essential tutorials: Single Battle, Double Battle, Physical-Special Split, and Mega Evolution.
· These tutorials comprehensively covered the game's basics, with some including dedicated tutorials for specific mechanics.
· Upon completing the tutorials, a significant amount of VP (Victory Points), the game's main currency, was awarded, which seems useful even for experienced players.
02:15 - 04:05
2. Pokémon Recruitment and Initial Stat System
· Pokémon recruitment proceeds by selecting from a randomly generated lineup.
· Recruited Pokémon come with their moves, abilities, and nature, with two stats already set to maximum.
· This saves points needed for training, but in the case of Feraligatr, having Attack and Defense maxed out might not be efficient.
· Through the example of Furfrou, we can infer that even for the same Pokémon, two stats might be randomly maxed out, or specific stats might be predetermined for each form.
· The recruitment process is fun like a mini-game, but for veteran players looking to jump straight into competitive play, Pokémon HOME integration might be more efficient.
· Recruited Pokémon come with their moves, abilities, and nature, with two stats already set to maximum.
· This saves points needed for training, but in the case of Feraligatr, having Attack and Defense maxed out might not be efficient.
· Through the example of Furfrou, we can infer that even for the same Pokémon, two stats might be randomly maxed out, or specific stats might be predetermined for each form.
· The recruitment process is fun like a mini-game, but for veteran players looking to jump straight into competitive play, Pokémon HOME integration might be more efficient.
04:06 - 05:11
3. Significant Improvements in Pokémon Training Convenience
· Pokémon training has become much easier compared to previous games.
· Stat training is intuitive with a slider system, and nature bonus points are directly displayed on the slider for easy visual understanding.
· Changing abilities, natures, and moves is also easy with a single click, and it appears that all moves a Pokémon can learn (including Egg Moves) are available from the start.
· It was confirmed that Raichu's 'Fake Out' and 'Sucker Punch' moves were immediately usable despite being Egg Moves.
· Stat training is intuitive with a slider system, and nature bonus points are directly displayed on the slider for easy visual understanding.
· Changing abilities, natures, and moves is also easy with a single click, and it appears that all moves a Pokémon can learn (including Egg Moves) are available from the start.
· It was confirmed that Raichu's 'Fake Out' and 'Sucker Punch' moves were immediately usable despite being Egg Moves.
05:12 - 07:47
4. Removal of Individual Values (IVs) System and Its Impact
· It appears that the Individual Values (IVs) system has been removed in 'Pokémon Champions.'
· IVs were factors that determined a Pokémon's unique stats, granting 0-31 additional stat points at Level 100.
· On the positive side, this lowers the barrier to entry for competitive Pokémon and reduces confusion for new players.
· On the negative side, it removes strategic depth through IVs and opportunities for 'skill expression.'
· 'Trick Room' teams, in particular, leveraged minimum Speed IVs for a tactical advantage, but this strategy may be weakened by the removal of IVs.
· Special attackers vulnerable to moves like 'Foul Play' (e.g., Calyrex-Shadow Rider, Lunala) used to lower their Attack IVs to reduce damage, but can no longer utilize this advantage.
· IVs were factors that determined a Pokémon's unique stats, granting 0-31 additional stat points at Level 100.
· On the positive side, this lowers the barrier to entry for competitive Pokémon and reduces confusion for new players.
· On the negative side, it removes strategic depth through IVs and opportunities for 'skill expression.'
· 'Trick Room' teams, in particular, leveraged minimum Speed IVs for a tactical advantage, but this strategy may be weakened by the removal of IVs.
· Special attackers vulnerable to moves like 'Foul Play' (e.g., Calyrex-Shadow Rider, Lunala) used to lower their Attack IVs to reduce damage, but can no longer utilize this advantage.
07:48 - 09:05
5. PP (Power Points) System Changes
· All moves were set to maximum PP, but the overall PP cap has been reduced.
· Moves that previously had 16 PP are now 12 PP, and those with 24 PP are now 16 PP.
· The biggest change is that 'Protect,' one of the most crucial moves in the game, has seen its PP drastically reduced from 16 to 8.
· This is expected to significantly impact the strategies of stall teams.
· The PP reduction could increase the utility of PP-reducing moves like 'Grudge' or the 'Pressure' ability.
· Moves that previously had 16 PP are now 12 PP, and those with 24 PP are now 16 PP.
· The biggest change is that 'Protect,' one of the most crucial moves in the game, has seen its PP drastically reduced from 16 to 8.
· This is expected to significantly impact the strategies of stall teams.
· The PP reduction could increase the utility of PP-reducing moves like 'Grudge' or the 'Pressure' ability.
09:06 - 10:41
6. Pokémon Moves and Item Changes
· Some Pokémon's moves have been changed.
· Gengar can no longer learn 'Encore,' and Incineroar can no longer use its core move 'Knock Off.' This is a significant nerf to Incineroar.
· In the demo version, key items like 'Choice Band,' 'Life Orb,' and 'Assault Vest' were unavailable, but they are expected to be unlocked or included in the full version.
· Many new Mega Evolved Pokémon were not available in the demo, with only Mega Froslass (Snow Warning) and Mega Dragonite (Multiscale) confirmed.
· Mega Froslass's 'Snow Warning' ability, in particular, is an anticipated change.
· Gengar can no longer learn 'Encore,' and Incineroar can no longer use its core move 'Knock Off.' This is a significant nerf to Incineroar.
· In the demo version, key items like 'Choice Band,' 'Life Orb,' and 'Assault Vest' were unavailable, but they are expected to be unlocked or included in the full version.
· Many new Mega Evolved Pokémon were not available in the demo, with only Mega Froslass (Snow Warning) and Mega Dragonite (Multiscale) confirmed.
· Mega Froslass's 'Snow Warning' ability, in particular, is an anticipated change.
10:42 - 15:57
7. Battle Experience and UI/UX Improvements
· Battles were visually stunning with many new animations (e.g., Waterfall), making them enjoyable.
· There are various in-game background music options, but only the default trainer theme was unlocked in the demo.
· Some Pokémon, like Charizard, have new icons.
· Gameplay speed has significantly increased. Small changes, such as the 'Intimidate' ability simultaneously lowering the Attack of two opposing Pokémon, contribute to faster gameplay.
· Information display has become clearer.
· Pressing the X button to enter the Pokémon menu shows multipliers (e.g., x1.0, 3x, 0.5) next to stats, providing an intuitive understanding of stat changes.
· However, it's unclear whether displaying 0.7x for -1 Attack is a change in the actual stat calculation method or simply rounding, which could significantly impact competitive play.
· In the Pokémon switch menu, players can see the HP ratio of the entire opposing team and each Pokémon, making it easier to grasp the battle situation.
· The ability to check Mega Evolution or Terastallization status, even for fainted Pokémon, helps in strategy formulation.
· Move information is also more detailed. 'Waterfall' explicitly states its flinch chance (20%), contact status, and priority.
· 'Smack Down' grants 'grounded status' and mentions 'Sky High status,' clarifying explanations for status conditions.
· The 'Protect' move accurately displays its failure probability on consecutive uses, ensuring all necessary information is available in-game.
· The only drawback was a slight input lag, but it is expected to be improved before the official release.
· A feature to surrender anytime by pressing the '-' button during battle has been added, enhancing convenience.
· There are various in-game background music options, but only the default trainer theme was unlocked in the demo.
· Some Pokémon, like Charizard, have new icons.
· Gameplay speed has significantly increased. Small changes, such as the 'Intimidate' ability simultaneously lowering the Attack of two opposing Pokémon, contribute to faster gameplay.
· Information display has become clearer.
· Pressing the X button to enter the Pokémon menu shows multipliers (e.g., x1.0, 3x, 0.5) next to stats, providing an intuitive understanding of stat changes.
· However, it's unclear whether displaying 0.7x for -1 Attack is a change in the actual stat calculation method or simply rounding, which could significantly impact competitive play.
· In the Pokémon switch menu, players can see the HP ratio of the entire opposing team and each Pokémon, making it easier to grasp the battle situation.
· The ability to check Mega Evolution or Terastallization status, even for fainted Pokémon, helps in strategy formulation.
· Move information is also more detailed. 'Waterfall' explicitly states its flinch chance (20%), contact status, and priority.
· 'Smack Down' grants 'grounded status' and mentions 'Sky High status,' clarifying explanations for status conditions.
· The 'Protect' move accurately displays its failure probability on consecutive uses, ensuring all necessary information is available in-game.
· The only drawback was a slight input lag, but it is expected to be improved before the official release.
· A feature to surrender anytime by pressing the '-' button during battle has been added, enhancing convenience.
15:58 - 17:46
8. VP (Victory Points) System and Pokémon HOME Integration
· VP is not earned in casual battles, so the difficulty of VP acquisition is unclear.
· Pokémon training costs are as follows:
· Transferring Pokémon via Pokémon HOME is expected to be a very affordable way to obtain Pokémon in-game.
· Preparing Pokémon with the correct abilities and natures beforehand can save a lot of VP in-game.
· In an interview with game producer Masaki Hoshino, it was confirmed that there is no cooldown for bringing Pokémon from Pokémon HOME. It is unclear if there is a VP cost for transfers.
· Pokémon training costs are as follows:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Maxing out stats | Approx. 150 VP (relatively cheap) |
| Nature change | 500 VP |
| Ability change | 500 VP |
| Move change (individual) | 250 VP |
· Transferring Pokémon via Pokémon HOME is expected to be a very affordable way to obtain Pokémon in-game.
· Preparing Pokémon with the correct abilities and natures beforehand can save a lot of VP in-game.
· In an interview with game producer Masaki Hoshino, it was confirmed that there is no cooldown for bringing Pokémon from Pokémon HOME. It is unclear if there is a VP cost for transfers.
17:47 - 19:22
9. Overall Impression and Emphasis on Accessibility
· Despite the short 45-minute play session, I could feel the development team's serious efforts towards the game's overall accessibility.
· Discovering numerous quality-of-life improvements in such a short time was very impressive.
· Much of the game's design focuses on making competitive play as easy to enjoy as possible.
· While the removal of the IV system is regrettable, it cannot be denied that it is a change for the healthy development of the game.
· As a competitive Pokémon player, the release of a game specifically tailored for competitive play is a very special and moving moment.
· Discovering numerous quality-of-life improvements in such a short time was very impressive.
· Much of the game's design focuses on making competitive play as easy to enjoy as possible.
· While the removal of the IV system is regrettable, it cannot be denied that it is a change for the healthy development of the game.
· As a competitive Pokémon player, the release of a game specifically tailored for competitive play is a very special and moving moment.