In contrast to most other Pokémon games, Pokémon Unite seems to want to deal with Pokémon evolution differently rather than falling into set patterns. Or rather, the "pattern" seems to be already "set" in the sense that it's fixed on specific evolved forms. As such, I've taken to refer to this as "specific evolution" and decided to discuss it in a post, pointing out how it becomes manifested in the Pokémon that are now playable as Unite Licenses.
Considering the history of the game, the pattern has been manifested since the beginning with a certain very popular Pokémon: Pikachu. Any well-versed fan knows that Pikachu can evolve into Raichu, but this is not implemented as such, and Pikachu stays the way it is - obviously to preserve its state of being recognized. It's a "specific evolution" in that it is not meant to evolve... and if it is meant, there would likely be a separate Unite License for this purpose, with a starting Pikachu that then evolves to Raichu in battle.
Meanwhile, Duraludon doesn't evolve to Archaludon, but that's more because Duraludon was implemented well before Archaludon was discovered. It's a "fringe case" of a Pokémon that was current in its generation (eighth) at the time of its implementation but was followed on by an update to its evolutionary line. Following the example of Pikachu, a separate Unite License for Archaludon might very well become the answer for its implementation, making it another (and a special) case of "specific evolution".
About a year ago, Mewtwo was implemented with separate Unite Licenses for its Mega-Evolved forms, suggesting that more Mega forms could be implemented in this way - although no other has yet to be. In any case, this too can be considered a case of "specific evolution", and the paradigm may continue to be established even if more Mega forms are still waiting for their time... which might be a very long time indeed, necessitating further considerations on the inclusion of Mega Evolution in the battles.
There is yet another "fringe case" of "specific evolution": Scizor is actually two Unite Licenses in one, as the selection of a particular move in battle (Dual Wingbeat) will cause Scyther to remain as Scyther and not evolve to Scizor. It's a distinctly different approach from just having Scyther as a Unite License on its own, following the above. Of course, if Kleavor is to be implemented, that will likely be realized as a separate Unite License much as for the postulation for Archaludon and Raichu as above.
With the example of Pikachu, more Pokémon could stand to be included as their own "specific evolution". Meowth, the representative of Team Rocket, could become its own Unite License and Persian could become a separate one, pleasing fans (and non-fans) of either. Further, as revealed in this year's World Championships, a particularly confused Pokémon is to be implemented as a "specific evolution", without it being able to evolve to the next form in line, much to the chagrin of some, but at least preserving the pattern.
Out of all the approaches for evolution (or the lack thereof) seen in different Pokémon games, the "specific evolution" one for Pokémon Unite is quite unique yet in some ways confounding, given the ways of some of the Pokémon included as Unite Licenses in the game. It's still its own "set pattern", even if the overall picture of the grand scheme doesn't show it as being "set" in any way - moreover with all the Pokémon that can still join the fray of the battles.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2023 (Global), Day 2
Two years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022 (Global), Finale
Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/27/2021
Four years ago: Road to the 25th Anniversary
Five years ago: Blogging on Blogs: The Pokémon Go Official Blog
Six years ago: My Pokémon Groups on Facebook
Seven years ago: In-Town vs. Out-of-Town Events
No comments:
Post a Comment
Hi folks! Feel free to comment, but know that I'll be selecting only the most appropriate and relevant comments to appear. Think before you post.