Pokémon Sun / Moon

Pokémon Sun and Moon from 2016 were created for the brand's twentieth anniversary, and Game Freak decided not to play it safe. Instead of repeating the tried-and-true pattern, one of the boldest rewrites of the formula that the series had ever experienced arrived. The tropical Alola region, inspired by Hawaii, is not just a backdrop, but an environment that changes the very structure of the game.

The most visible change was the abolition of the traditional gyms. Instead of collecting badges, you go through the so-called Island Challenge, a series of trials with individual tribal leaders, which culminate in battles with mighty Totem Pokémon. This structure gave the story a different rhythm and atmosphere, and the storytelling here is unusually personal and sharply characterized.

Mechanically, the series brought regional Alolan Forms, that is, new variants of classic Pokémon adapted to the local environment, which pleased veterans longing for a fresh look at old familiar faces. The battles were enriched by Z-Moves, one-time devastating attacks activated by an effectful gesture, which gave the battles a dramatic climax. Pokémon Refresh, in turn, allowed you to care for your buddies and heal their conditions outside of battle.

Game Freak also cleaned up long-standing bad habits. The annoying hidden moves for moving around the map were replaced by the Poké Ride system, where you summon a specific animal as a means of transport. The game is thus smoother and less bound by an inventory of abilities. Visually, Alola radiates sunshine, colors and the relaxed atmosphere of the islands.

Commercially, it was one of the most successful launches in the history of the brand, with sales exceeding sixteen million copies, and Sun and Moon rank among the best-selling titles on the 3DS ever. For many players, it is the entry that most boldly shook up the established formula and showed that even after twenty years, Pokémon can surprise.

Why play it: It offers the boldest rewrite of the Pokémon formula, a fresh tropical Alola and regional forms of favorites. A great choice for anyone who wants the series in its most imaginative form.