Summary
- Pokken Tournament brought Pokemon into 3D fighting games, offering a Tekken-like experience with unique real-time action gameplay.
- The game was well-received with a roster of 23 playable characters, but there has been no news on a potential sequel since its Switch debut.
- With the massive Pokemon roster and potential for new mechanics, a sequel could bring new life to the IP, offering players a fresh experience.
It is no secret that the Pokemon franchise is one of the biggest multimedia IPs around, and after every release, it grows even larger. Because of that, Nintendo has released a plethora of wild experiences over the years, including taking pictures of critters in Pokemon Snap, going around the world in Pokemon GO, and even finding sleepy starters in Pokemon Sleep. All of that has brought the adorable collectible monsters to dozens of genres, but perhaps one of the best came in the form of the forgotten Pokken Tournament.
Originally released as an Arcade game in 2015, Pokken Tournament brought the franchise to the 3D fighting game space for an experience extremely similar to Tekken. While it may not have been perfect, that blend made for a pretty fun title. And it seemed to be a success as it made its way to both Wii U and Nintendo Switch. But since its Switch port, the IP has seemingly vanished into the shadows, with no news on whether a sequel will ever be made. Even though there is no shortage of Pokemon adventures, Pokken Tournament does not deserve to be left behind like this.
Pokken Tournament Could Be A Major Spin-Off Series If Given the Chance
Pokken Tournament Was a Blast to Play
Pokken Tournament first appeared back in 2015 as a Japanese arcade game. Originally, players could take control of 16 different Pokemon and battle it out against others in exciting Tekken-like battles. Some of the most iconic characters were present, including Charizard, Pikachu, Lucario, Machamp, and Weavile. All of them lent their special talents and abilities to the battlefield, with no two feeling alike. And instead of tying it all to the classic turn-based combat of the series, the entire gameplay loop was built around real-time action, which made for an incredibly unique Pokemon experience.
The game would then end up making its worldwide debut on the Wii U in 2016. About a year later, an updated version known as Pokken Tournament DX would launch on the Nintendo Switch as the console's first major Pokemon title. Along with everything the Wii U version had, this version ended up bringing the roster of playable characters up to 23 thanks to DLC and Switch-exclusive fighters. That meant that the Pokken Tournament fun did not have to end, and based on the accolades it acquired, it felt like it never would.
There is So Much More Nintendo Could Do With the Concept
However, since its Switch debut and the end of its DLC, there has been no news on the future of the Pokken Tournament IP. It has now been six years since the studio touched the concept, and as the years go by, it feels less likely that Nintendo will ever make another. But, there is so much potential to make a fantastic fighting game out of the Pokemon brand, so it would be a shame if this concept was left to gather dust.
Since the release of Pokken Tournament, the Nintendo Switch has become a Pokemon powerhouse, with so many different titles releasing these last couple of years. Players have been treated to two brand-new generations, a whole new open-world adventure in Pokemon Legends, the grand return of fan-favorites Pokemon Snap and Mystery Dungeon, and a plethora of additions to Nintendo Switch Online. So, as the Switch's successor looms on the horizon, it feels like the perfect time to let players explore this concept once more.
Not only does it feel like Pokemon is bigger than ever right now, but there is also so much that Nintendo could still do with the concept. Including 23 playable characters was nice, however, that barely scratches the surface of the IP's massive roster of characters. Additionally, the game could shine with new mechanics like Gigantamax, dozens of new stages, and even a fully-fledged story mode. Although it seems like there may be no plans for another one, the potential alone makes it feel like a must at this point. Hopefully, Nintendo will deliver one day.
Pokkén Tournament DX
- Released
- September 22, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Introducing the first Pokémon title for the Nintendo Switch console. Take direct control of one of 21 prized Pokémon fighters to defeat other Pokémon in arena fights. Call upon Support Pokémon to assist in the fight, then unleash your Pokémon's unique Burst Attack to climb atop the ranks.
With all new modes and new ways to battle with friends, this is your chance to become champion of the Ferrum Region!
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- How Long To Beat
- 9 Hours
