 |
| Andrew Barker |
Keldeo's alternate form, a new video, new screens, new gym leader info, version exclusives and more!
06.18.12 - 1:02 AM
I didn't even know where to begin with all this. If you've been looking forward to the upcoming Pokémon Black & White 2 games for Nintendo DS, then this is the news article for you.
Well, let's start with a new video. This newly released trailer shows off some areas we've seen before, but also some new ones along with a brief glance at the game's new medal system (like achievements... sort of) in action. It's kind of a 'best of' trailer, so check it out:
Now that you've seen the game in a nutshell, let's talk about version specifics. We don't yet know all the Pokemon that will be exclusives, but we do know of a few (aside from the Kyurem forms, obviously). White 2 gets Elekid and Skitty while Black 2 gets Magby and Buneary; plus their respective evolutions, of course.
Aside from the Pokemon themselves, there are a couple of unique areas for both games too. Black City and White Forest are returning from the previous games (with new layouts), but now there is also an exclusive cave for both games. White 2 gets a cave filled with lava and Black 2 has one with water. It's yet to be revealed exactly what these differences will effect.
Aside from those zones, there's the new 'Join Avenue' available in both games. By interacting with other trainers wirelessly and via the internet, new trainers will populate your avenue. Once they do, they might open up new shops that sell rare items. This sound a lot like Black City to me, so presumably the two will offer different services.
Finally is the Fes Missions. These are similar in function to Entralink for the last games, but actually include set missions to accomplish. Clearing them will reward you with special items. Of particular interest is that up to 100 players can be involved in them online. It's not clear at this stage exactly what these missions will involve or how co-op may work with it.
Next up is the legendary Pokémon Keldeo in its new form. This is its standard form:
The 'Resolute' form:
At the moment, Keldeo can only change forms when it learns the move Secret Sword. By taking the event Keldeo (which will be released alongside the next movie in Japan and likely internationally at a later date) to Sangi Forest, it can be taught the move.
As for gym leaders, we have a few new screens and some surprising cameos. First is the official art for the popular electric gym leader Elesa:
If you saw the trailer a few weeks back, you will already have known her hair is now black instead of blonde. The question is... which is natural? ...If anyone besides me even cares.
More importantly, a few gym leaders from past games will be making cameos in something called the 'Pokemon World Touranment.' We don't know exactly what this is or how it works yet, but Brock, Misty and Giovanni have all been confirmed to appear. After his cameo in the Celebi event in HeartGold and SoulSilver, I wonder what he's been up to?
To wrap things up, we've got a few new miscellaneous details. At some point after its released, the three Kanto starter Pokemon (Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander) will be distributed in a special event; there are new multi-player mini-games (like past games); new berries will be available; and Pokémon caught with the Dream Radar app will come with their hidden dream world abilities. Good news for collector's and competitive battlers! Gimme my Ninetails with drought!
And don't forget to check out or gallery for a ton of new screens too.
Pokémon Black & White 2 is due for release on June 23rd in Japan, and is expected in November overseas.
