"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth." –Buddha
We've received some exciting new truth from Nintendo and the Pokémon Company. On November 23 gamers in Europe & North America will have access to Nintendo 3DS exclusive games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. From volcano dwellers to land and sea devourers, the Sun and Moon Pokémon boast impressive skills unlike anything we've seen before. The following is a breakdown of the mysterious new Ground-Steel Pokémon, Ultra Beasts, and a glimpse of what to expect from them:
Alolan Diglett: Ground-Steel Pokémon
The punishing climate of a volcano is one which few can inhabit. A harsh volcanic environment is no match however for Mole Pokémon Alolan Diglett. Evolution has blessed these creatures with the remarkable ability to sense their surroundings without having to unmask themselves from the underground tunnels they call home. Metallic whiskers budding from the top of their heads sprout into the dangerous above-ground atmosphere, revealing what their eyes cannot see and thereby protecting them. Opponents may want to think twice before hitting Alolan Diglett with a move as their exclusive Tangling Hair Ability is crippling, slowing the speed by 1 of those they come into direct contact with.
Alolan Dugtrio: Ground-Steel Pokémon
The power of evolution strikes again with Alolan Dugtrio, an evolved form of the aforementioned Alolan Diglett. Superstition surrounds these Pokémon who are said to leave their burrows just before a volcanic eruption. They are exalted as manifestations of the god of land in the Alola region and as they age, their protective whiskers grow larger and resemble golden hair. Woe to those who dare separate Alolan Dugtrio from their precious golden whiskers, their punishment will be swift and severe.
UB-05 Glutton: Ultra Beast
We've got a hungry, hungry beast in UB-05 Glutton who will quickly gobble through whatever it deems worthy of filling its belly. That includes everything from scrumptious earth and mountains to thirst quenching rivers and oceans. Legend has it that this beast uses all of what it ingests as fuel and never needs to... how should we say this... go number 1 or 2. We can't 100% confirm this last claim to be factual but if it is then UB-05 Glutton is essentially a walking black hole. Yikes.
UB-03 Lightning: Ultra Beast
There really isn't much to tell about UB-03 Lightning, as neither Nintendo nor the Pokémon Company has revealed anything beyond its name and frightening image. From the looks of it, this Ultra Beast is truly "out of this world" so to speak. Unlike any Pokémon we've seen before, UB-03 Lightning's apparent lack of a mouth and eyes gives us pause. It appears to be strictly made of rubber, copper wires and a potent dose of electricity. We'll just have to wait until November 23 to fully grasp what this terrifying new beast is capable of.
The Power of Z-Moves
At the beginning of gameplay in both Pokémon Sun and Moon players will be able to select one of three Pokémon to act as their partner throughout their adventure. Once it becomes fully evolved, this partner will have developed their own unique Z-Move. These Z-Moves are as powerful as they are destructive and are total game changers. When possessing a Z-Crystal that assimilates with the Pokémon's distinctive Z-Move, opponents are sitting ducks as they are unable to use Power or Protect moves to fully ward off the attack. Additionally, Z-Moves can be bolstered with Z-Power providing added benefits such as increased stats and healing effects.
There are three Z-Moves in all possessed individually by Primarina, Dedidueye and Incinerator. Primarina's "Oceanic Operetta" Z-Move gives it the ability to maneuver a massive balloon through the utilization of its voice. Once the balloon is hovering over the head of Primarina's latest victim, the balloon ruptures its contents and deals a crushing blow. Decidueye's Z-Move is the "Sinister Arrow Raid", and as Decidueye cuts through the air so do a pack of harmful arrow quills. The quills are followed by the arrows themselves, pulverizing opponents. Perhaps the most impressive Z-Move of all is the one of notorious Pokémon Incinerator, who dawns a flame throwing belt to deliver the "Malicious Moonsault". The belt allows Incinerator to surge into the sky and then plunge downward onto vulnerable foes.
Coming Soon!
So, all in all, pretty stimulating stuff huh? Apparently this is but a snippet of what's to come. We can't wait to get our hands on both of these celestial new adventures in the world of Pokémon on November 23. Until then, you can join us in testing out the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon Special Demo Version which is already available for download at no cost in the Nintendo eShop. Also: BONUS! If you purchase either game between November 23 and January 11 be sure to go online and take advantage of the Mystery Gift function. You'll snag yourself a limited edition Munchlax and a Snorlium Z too!