The Pokemon franchise has been around since 1996, and it has evolved in a number of ways over the years. Each mainline title brought new features that slowly came together to form the games that fans enjoy today.
It’s no secret that the first generation is loved by many, including Game Freak themselves. However, it had more than a few areas that could be improved upon gameplay-wise. Unbalanced types and a 20 item bag limit are things fans may have forgotten about.
These issues and more would eventually be addressed in gens II-VII. So, without further ado, here are the best new gameplay changes from each generation of Pokemon.
Generation II
(Gold/Silver/Crystal) – Pokemon Breeding
Pokemon breeding is one of, if not, the biggest new feature to be added in a Pokemon game after gen I. Breeding allows players to obtain a Pokemon egg after leaving two others in either a Day Care or Nursery.
Not all Pokemon are compatible, but there are a few surprising pairs out there. Through some biological miracle, even a pairing like Muk and Chandelure will produce an egg.
Breeding changed things for both casual and hardcore players. It became a relatively simple way to obtain plenty of the same Pokemon, or hatch a Pokemon with desired optimal stats and moves.
Generation III
(Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald) – Pokemon Natures
Starting in gen III, every Pokemon is given a nature that determines how certain stats will grow over time. There are a total of 25 natures, and they usually affect two different stats. For example, a bold nature, like the one above, will increase defense but lower attack.
Pokemon natures are actually one of the reasons that breeding is such an important feature in the series. Players can hatch eggs over and over again until they have a Pokemon with a desired nature.
If your Jolteon’s main electric moves are feeling more like small static shocks, getting one with a modest nature will solve that problem by upping its special attack.
Generation IV (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum) – New Move Categories
Prior to gen IV, a move’s type would determine whether it was a physical attack or a special attack. In Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, each move is categorized as physical or special, regardless of typing.
On top of this, moves that don’t do direct damage are considered “status” moves from these games onward.
It may seem odd now, but every Flying, Ghost, and Poison attack was considered physical before this change was made, for example.
This update allows for more varied move combinations by making a number of attacks more viable choices in Pokemon battles.
Generation V
(Black/White/Black 2/White 2 – Infinite Use TMs
Those stressful moments when you have to choose which Pokemon gets the cool new move no longer exist in gen V. Thanks to infinite use TMs, there are more than enough Ice Beams and Earthquakes to go around.
Some may say that this gameplay change makes the games too easy. On the other hand, it can be a pain grinding an extra nine levels to learn a high-level move naturally, instead of just using a TM. This pain is now alleviated.
Generation VI
(X/Y) – Fairy Types
This new feature is a major one for Pokemon games. Fairy type is the first new type to be added since generation II, and it greatly alters the battle dynamics of every game going forward.
Fairy type was made to counter the overpowered Dragon-type while simultaneously strengthening Steel and Poison-type. A few older Pokemon and moves even had their typing retroactively changed to Fairy.
The introduction of Fairy-type manages to provide some of the same wonder and curiosity that the earlier titles provided while also encouraging the creation of new team builds and strategies.
Generation VII
(Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/ Ultra Moon) – The Island Challenge
In a risky move, the Island Challenge completely replaces gym battles and badges in generation VII.
A parent still sends their preteen child out into the world alone, but this time, the child must complete various trials and defeat island Kahunas instead of seeking out every town important enough to have a gym.
Not every Pokemon fan enjoyed this new feature, but regardless of how you may feel, it’s a bold attempt at spicing up the franchise’s long-running traditions.
If you’re one of those fans, you’ll be happy to know that gyms are on their way back in generation VIII with Sword and Shield. We’ll have to wait until Nov. 15 to see what exactly gen VIII’s best new feature will be, though.
A few great additions like double battles and mega evolutions had to be left out, so be sure to let us know what your favorite Pokemon gameplay feature is in the comments below!
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