Following the hit AR mobile game, Pokemon Go, the long-running franchise will see a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) take on the game in the form of Pokemon Unite. For those that do not know, a MOBA is a genre of video game where teams of players compete against each other on a set battlefield, like that in Mobile Legends and Dota 2. However, what makes Pokemon Unite unique is that it will apparently still feature classic Pokemon gameplay elements like leveling up and catching Pokemon. Scroll down below to learn more about Pokemon Unite.
Is Pokemon Unite a MOBA?
Yes and no. While it is true that, earlier, we did refer to Pokemon Unite as a MOBA, Pokemon Company nor Tencent have not exactly gone on to refer to the game as a MOBA themselves. Instead, they’ve only referred to it as a “team battle” game. But, anyone who’s ever played a MOBA title in recent years knows from watching the gameplay footage alone that this is most likely going to be a MOBA title. Further proving that this is a MOBA in all but name already is the fact that it will pit two teams composed of five players each against each other in real-time battles.
Is There a Pokemon Unite Trailer?
Yes, there is. As you can see above, the first-ever Pokemon Unite trailer shows a bit of gameplay footage, the map, and what kind of Pokemon will be available in the game once it releases. So far, we’ve seen classic Pokemon such as Pikachu, Gengar, and Charizard, make an appearance. However, because the game will have an evolution mechanic, it’s highly likely that we’ll see their pre-evolved and evolved forms as well.
What Is The Pokemon Unite Gameplay Like?
Unlike your typical MOBA though, Pokemon Unite won’t have you playing one particular unit. Instead, players will have to roam the map to catch wild Pokemon and score points by standing in an opponent’s goals for a brief period of time. The goal in each game is to rack up more points than your opponents before the time is up. Of course, since this is a MOBA title, even though the developers don’t want to admit it, there are multiple ways to win. For example, you can just run around and rack up points. However, because your opponents likely won’t just sit there and watch, battles between trainers using Pokemon that the two of you just caught can’t be avoided. Not to mention, you’ll want to defend your goals as well and prevent other players from claiming points. What makes the game unique from other Pokemon titles is that typing won’t be a factor. Because of this, fights are more likely to revolve around your strategy and tactics as a team instead of the inherent advantage one type has over another type of Pokemon.
What Are the Pokemon Unite Platforms?
Pokemon Unite is a free-to-play title that will be available for the Nintendo Switch platform, as well as iOS and Android devices. The game will feature cross-play between all available platforms, so you don’t need to be on the same platform with your friends just to play together or against each other.
Will There Be Microtransactions in Pokemon Unite?
Yes. Pokemon Unite will have microtransactions. If you take the time to look closely, you’ll notice an “in-app purchases available” disclaimer in the trailer. To what extent these microtransactions will be is not something we can answer just yet. However, we’re hoping that it’ll be all just cosmetic.
Is Game Freak Involved in Pokemon Unite?
Game Freak is not involved in Pokemon Unite. The studio behind a majority of Pokemon titles will take a backseat on this one as the development will be handled by The Pokemon Company and Tencent. Don’t worry though, because the game is in safe hands. In case you’ve forgotten about it, Tencent is the parent organization of Riot Games, the developers of hit MOBA title, League of Legends. Even though Tencent themselves aren’t developing the game, with a newer studio within Tencent, TiMi, handling development, there’s no denying that there could not have been a better company to make a Pokemon MOBA than Tencent. We can also rest easy knowing that Game Freak will have far more time to focus on whatever mainline Pokemon game they have cooked up with Pokemon Unite in capable hands.
When Is The Pokemon Unite Release Date?
Pokemon Unite doesn’t have a fixed release date as of yet. However, the Pokemon MOBA does have its first public beta lined up already in March 2021. Unfortunately, the public beta isn’t exactly as “public” as it sounds. The game’s first-ever public beta is exclusive only to Canada, for those aged 16 or older, and only for Android devices. This means that the rest of the world and other platforms will have to wait a while before they can get their hands on the game. If it’s any consolation though, there are ways to work around the regional restriction by using a VPN.
