New Pokémon Sun and Moon set to be released Nov. 18

Pokemon Sun and Moon logo. File Photo

The latest features of the Pokémon gaming franchise Sun and Moon are set to be released next month, and the numerous changes to their gameplay are sure to shake things up.

Apart from the exciting Alola forms of select pocket monsters, The Pokémon Company revealed that the game’s trademark gym battles will be replaced by Island Challenge Trials, while the new Poké Ride feature will eclipse the use of Hidden Machines (HM’s) in the game.

READ: ‘Pokémon Sun and Moon’ adds more variety to series

Both changes, which have been longtime staples of the series, were reportedly made in an attempt to improve the users’ gaming experience, according to Gamenesia.

For instance, the Poké Ride feature, which substitutes for land-based HMs, was introduced to eliminate players from using “HM slaves” who take up a spot on their respective six-creature team.

These slaves are usually low-leveled Pokémon whose only purpose is to spam moves that are needed to advance a player’s journey.  Other HM moves like Surf, Waterfall and Fly will still be present in the game as TMs (Technical Machines).

However, it remains unclear how the Island Challenge Trials will interfere with the previous formula of gym badges allowing you to train your Pokémon to higher levels.

The new changes of Pokémon Sun and Moon will soon debut worldwide on Nov. 18 for Nintendo 3DS users.  Khristian Ibarrola

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