Pokken Tournament is a bit of an oddity: it's a Pokemon game, but it's not an RPG...nor is it being developed by Nintendo. Instead, it's a one-on-one fighting game developed by Namco Bandai, the same studio responsible for the Tekken franchise. It's nearly impossible for Pokken Tournament to be further removed from its Pokemon roots - that being said, people are extremely excited.
Until now, the only gameplay footage of Pokken Tournament has been in brief teases - nothing has been released that really shows off the game in motion. Until now, that is - Namco Bandai has released a four-minute trailer for Pokken Tournament, though it might be hard to understand for those outside of Japan...
Even if the trailer is in Japanese, it's easily the most detailed look at the game's mechanics so far. Sure, English-speaking fans might not know the names of specific moves or techniques, but the footage speaks for itself.
From what's in the trailer, it looks like Pokken Tournament will be a blend of Super Smash Bros. and Tekken. Players are allowed to move freely around the stage, but the arenas aren't nearly as complicated as Nintendo's all-star brawler: stages are limited to a flat circle, similar to Tekken's stages. The blend seems to work well, as Pokken Tournament looks both fluid and focused - the best of both games, as it were.
In terms of mechanics, it looks like each character has a number of different attacks, as well as more standard punches and kicks. On top of that, it looks as if each Pokemon has a combo meter. Filling it allows for certain Pokemon to Mega Evolve, and it looks as if each fighter comes equipped with a Super move, similar to Street Fighter IV's Ultra Combos.
Speaking of characters, the trailer does a nice job of showing off the current roster. Pikachu, Lucario, Machamp, Gardevoir and Suicune all make an appearance, as well as several smaller support characters. Pokemon like Lapras, Fennekin and Snivy (among others) can be used in a pinch, either to help throw out additional damage or save players in a pinch.
While the trailer shows off quite a bit, the most surprising thing about Pokken Tournament is that it still hasn't been confirmed for U.S. release. The game is scheduled to hit Japanese store shelves this summer, but Nintendo nor Namco Bandai have yet to announce any plans for an American release.
Until Nintendo gives the word, it looks like Pokemon fans will just have to be jealous of Japanese players...
