The Pokemon franchise is one of the most revered franchises in all of gaming. After all, it’s been going on for decades ever since Pokemon Blue and Red, and it’s helped grow not just the Pokemon empire, but Nintendo’s as well. So, earlier in the year when Pokemon Let’s Go was announced, people were both intrigued and confused. For while they knew that a Pokemon game would be coming to the Nintendo Switch, they didn’t expect this, and that bothered some.
Why was that? Well, unlike the core titles (more on that later), these games wouldn’t play with the standard mechanics, instead, it would merge with Pokemon GO to deliver a more “casual” experience. Yes, there are some tried and true mechanics that remain like Pokemon Trainer battles, but capturing Pokemon is just like Pokemon GO.
Some aren’t happy with the changes. However, in an interview with Famitsu, Pokemon Company’s CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara noted that change is part of the franchise:
“Among those who have tried the game, some may feel that is has changed. However, we have been continuously changing the fomula of the games since our inception, and in the end the players have accepted those changes.”
He is right, Pokemon has evolved greatly over the decades, and that’s helped the franchise thrive. And in a way, Pokemon Let’s Go is just an extension of that. Nintendo and the Pokemon Company has made it clear that the titles (both Pikachu and Eevee versions) are meant for those who have a more casual connection to the series. It’s meant to bring them even deeper intro the franchise without overwhelming them.
“In that sense, this time we are doing the same, but that is part of the long tradition of Game Freak and the Pokemon series. We will not go wrong with the basics, so please, trust us.”
Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee arrives November 16th on Switch.
