Imported Mechanics
Core Mechanics (Generation I)
Pokemon Journey
In Pokemon, players assume the role of a young Pokemon Trainer who sets out on a journey to become a Pokemon Champion. The goal is to capture, train, and evolve a variety of creatures known as Pokemon.
Pokemon Capture
Players explore the region of Kanto, encountering wild Pokemon in tall grass, caves, and other locations. They can use PokeBalls to capture these Pokemon, adding them to their team. Each Pokemon has unique abilities, stats, and a type that determines its strengths and weaknesses.
Pokemon Battles
The primary focus of the game is Pokemon battles. Trainers engage in turn-based battles against wild Pokemon and other Trainers they encounter. During battles, players choose moves for their Pokemon, considering their type matchups, stats, and strategies to defeat their opponents.
Double Battles (Generation III)
Double battle mechanics were introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the third-generation games released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002. In double battles, trainers send out two Pokémon each, engaging in battles on a larger battlefield with two sides. Move targeting options and spread moves add strategic depth, allowing trainers to hit multiple targets simultaneously. The introduction of double battles brings new strategies and tactics into play, as trainers must consider positioning, move choices, and coordinate with their allies. Moves like "Protect" shield allies from damage, while abilities like "Intimidate" lower opponents' Attack stats. Double battles also offer cooperative play, where trainers team up with friends and combine strategies. These mechanics expanded the range of battle strategies, added depth to competitive gameplay, and fostered social interactions. The introduction of double battles in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire marked a significant milestone, enhancing the tactical aspect of battles and setting the stage for further innovation in subsequent Pokémon games.
Pokemon Follower (Generation IV)
The follower Pokémon mechanic was introduced in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, remakes of the second-generation games. It allowed players to have their lead Pokémon follow them in the overworld, adding immersion and realism to the gameplay. The feature showcased unique Pokémon characteristics, assisted in overcoming obstacles, and enhanced the visual appeal of the game. It celebrated the bond between trainers and their Pokémon partners, creating a nostalgic and cherished experience.
Mega Evolution (Generation VI)
Mega Evolution, introduced in Pokémon X and Y, is a battle mechanic that allows select Pokémon to temporarily evolve into stronger forms. By holding specific Mega Stones and having a strong bond with their trainer, eligible Pokémon can undergo Mega Evolution. During this transformation, Pokémon experience significant changes in appearance, stats, and abilities, granting them increased power and strategic advantages in battles. Trainers can activate Mega Evolution with the "Mega Evolution" move, but only one Pokémon can be Mega Evolved per battle. The effect lasts until the battle ends. Mega Evolution revitalized battles, adding depth and excitement to strategic decision-making. It became a prominent feature in subsequent Pokémon games, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.
Corrupted Pokemon (Colosseum/XD)
Shadow Pokémon, found in Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, are corrupted Pokémon controlled by the sinister organization Cipher. They have closed hearts, lacking emotions and ignoring trainers' commands. Players, as the Shadow Pokémon Trainer, must capture them in Snag Balls and undergo a purification process.
Distinguished by their dark auras and purple movesets, Shadow Pokémon cannot gain experience naturally. Purification involves keeping them in the party, battling, and using specific items and locations. Over time, their hearts open, relearning moves, gaining experience, and evolving. Once fully purified, they become regular Pokémon.
Shadow Pokémon's inclusion adds a compelling narrative, focusing on redemption and the bond between trainers and their Pokémon. Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness offer an immersive journey to save these corrupted creatures and restore their emotions.
Overworld Pokemon (Generation VII)
Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee feature a change to the Pokémon wild encounters. Wild encounters have changed considerably from past games. First, the Pokémon appear on the overworld and encounters start when you walk into it. Each Pokémon may sometimes have an aura. If it's a red aura, the Pokémon will be larger than normal. If it's a blue aura, it'll be smaller than normal. If it has stars above its head and the Shiny Colours, it will be Shiny.
Each area has got a specific limit to the amount of spawns that can be available at any one time, and areas with large spawn areas such as caves and water routes can spawn Pokémon off-screen, otherwise they spawn around the patches of grass. Each area also has a maximum spawn duration which is typically around 150 seconds. However, Pokémon can despawn ahead of that if the spawning of another Pokémon is calculated to happen. Below is a chart showing all the maximum spawns in each area.