"Plus Moves" in Pokémon Games

There is presently an intriguing trend in the moves that Pokémon can use in certain Pokémon games. The moves, which I term "plus moves", are like the moves that the Pokémon in question normally possess, but they have the addition of plus signs at the end. Obviously, they indicate that they are more powerful than the normal moves that they have, but that's not the point of what I wish to discuss. For that, I'd like to discuss where they are currently present and the prospects of their appearance elsewhere, as a further expansion of the trend.

Pokémon Unite is where this trend is significantly and currently present. At very high Pokémon levels in battle, Pokémon will receive upgrades to their two regular moves as a "plus move" of the previously selected regular move. These moves are clearly desirable for what they can do, but it is certain that the Pokémon will have to build up experience during battle with KOs and points in order to get up to those levels (and evolve for sure, for the Pokémon that do). The "plus moves" are therefore vital parts of later stages.

Recently, Pokémon Go has followed the trend. The Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-Oh obtained through the Masterwork Research for this year's Pokémon Go Tour possess their "signature moves" of Aeroblast and Sacred Fire respectively as Charged Moves and "plus moves". If they are so purified, those "plus moves" become "double-plus moves" (as an example, Aeroblast+ becomes Aeroblast++). The trend here is meager and limited - to those who paid for a ticket -but distinct and strong for the Pokémon of concern.

What becomes more intriguing is to see whether the trend will make its way further in (other) Pokémon games. Unite as above is a given, as it is an essential part; for Pokémon Go, Kyogre and Groudon - who might be the subjects of a Hoenn edition of Go Tour - might come with their signature moves of Origin Pulse and Precipice Blades and then as "plus moves" in Shadow form. As for other games, they might or might not be receptive to the concept due to its implications, though this might change at any time.

Evidently, "plus moves" are something more than ordinary run-of-the-mill moves and are extra-special or extra-powerful for the Pokémon of concern, even in different games and settings. As a trend, it might seem superfluous for how Pokémon and their moves are, yet they still do make some sense in some ways. If they can become established somehow over more Pokémon games, and further in those where they are already present, they will surely establish themselves not just as a trend but as a lasting part of gameplay.

One year ago: Thundering into the Vortex

Two years ago: A Taste of the Poison Paradise

Three years ago: Everybody, Polkamon

Four years ago: Action or Strategy?

Five years ago: Thank Heaven for Little Boys