After 20 years, you might think the Pokémon formula was set in stone. But the seventh generation, Pokémon Sun and Moon, decided to shake things up. Set in the tropical, Hawaii-inspired Alola region, these games broke from long-standing traditions to offer a refreshingly different kind of Pokémon adventure.
🏝️ The End of Gym Battles
The most significant change was the replacement of traditional Pokémon Gyms. Instead of collecting eight badges, your journey in Alola involved completing the Island Challenge. This consisted of a series of unique trials given by Trial Captains, which could involve anything from scavenger hunts to knowledge quizzes, culminating in a battle against a powerful ‘Totem Pokémon’. It was a creative twist that made the journey feel less linear and more integrated with the region’s culture.
🌺 Regional Variants
Sun and Moon also introduced the concept of Alolan Forms. Classic Pokémon from the first generation, like Vulpix, Sandshrew, and even Exeggutor, were given new designs, new typings, and new abilities to reflect how they had adapted to the Alola region’s unique environment. This was a brilliant way to celebrate the franchise’s history while making older Pokémon feel new and exciting again.
💥 Z-Moves and Ultra Beasts
Replacing Mega Evolutions were Z-Moves, powerful, once-per-battle attacks that any Pokémon could use. The story also introduced ‘Ultra Beasts,’ mysterious, extra-dimensional creatures that added a new layer of intrigue to the lore. By bravely departing from the established formula, Sun and Moon delivered one of the most memorable and unique experiences in the entire series.
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*The Story of Pokémon*. 9th ed., Future PLC, 2025.
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