Do We Want New Pokemon Let’s Go Games?

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The Pokemon series has held a cherished spot in the hearts of many video game enthusiasts since its inception. This is a collection of games that shaped childhood memories, ignited schoolyard competitions, and transformed countless Game Boy devices into arenas for combat.

Back in 2018, when Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! were unveiled, my heart swelled with excitement for a trip down memory lane to the Kanto region. However, when the games actually hit the shelves, the response wasn’t just celebration with confetti – it was more like a mixed bag of emotions.

Some found the refreshing reinvention appealing, but others worried that the essence of Pokémon was being diluted to a level beyond recovery.

To clarify, the “Let’s Go” games refer to “Let’s Go, Pikachu!” and “Let’s Go, Eevee!”, which were published for the Nintendo Switch on November 16, 2018. These titles are updated adaptations of “Pokémon Yellow,” a tribute to the original Red and Blue games with added elements from the Pokémon anime series.

The games offered players a return trip to Kanto, featuring improved 3D graphics, capture mechanics modeled after Pokémon GO, and an emphasis on user-friendly design. Essentially sequels, they navigated the fine balance between traditional role-playing game adventure and casual mobile gaming experience, aiming to connect both longtime trainers and fresh players.

Truth be told, there was much to admire about it. In terms of visual appeal, “Let’s Go” easily stood out as one of the best-polished Pokémon games so far, boasting meticulously designed settings, fluid movements, and vivid colors that breathed new life into Kanto once more.

This time around, the featured Pokémon mechanic was remarkably enhanced. Now, not only can each Pokémon accompany you on your journey, but certain ones can even be mounted, creating a more intimate and engaging experience. Additionally, the scaling of Pokémon sizes has never felt as authentic as it does now.

For numerous individuals, it offered a delightful, sentimental journey enhanced with life-improving amenities, all while retaining a touch of endearing appeal that kept them beaming.

For me, the allure of Pokémon didn’t fade; however, it seems that for some dedicated fans, the novelty wore off quickly with the introduction of the revised catching mechanic. This new method, which replaced wild Pokémon battles with a mechanism resembling Pokémon GO’s throwing system, struck a discordant note with traditionalists.

In the world of Pokémon, battles are fundamental elements that give the game its heart and essence. Eliminating them seemed like stripping away the very soul of the game. To make matters worse, the game’s simplicity in terms of difficulty, due to features like automatic EXP Share and a lack of significant challenges, left players feeling uninspired rather than captivated. Furthermore, the post-game content was sparse, contributing to a sense of boredom among some fans.

The games were gorgeous, sure, but many wondered if they were too streamlined.

As the anticipated arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 draws near and rumors of remakes persist, fans are increasingly wondering if there will be additional installments in the Let’s Go series. Given that Johto appears to be the logical next destination, this question is becoming more common.

Experiencing a journey on Ampharos within Ecruteak City or viewing the Burned Tower in high definition detail is an amazing prospect. However, anticipation is tinged with apprehension. Some enthusiasts fear a reoccurrence of the streamlined gameplay mechanics, whereas others eagerly hope for a refreshed take that balances the appeal of Let’s Go with addressing its errors.

Ultimately, whether we’re eager for fresh installments of the “Let’s Go” series hinges on a single factor: progression. The initial games were daring explorations – not flawless, but visionary. If Game Freak chooses to revisit the formula, fans will be keeping a keen eye. We crave a dose of nostalgia, indeed, but we also yearn for difficulty, depth, and repeatability.

If all the necessary components are available, there’s a chance we could tread on the streamlined path once more, with our loyal Pokémon companion either beside us or resting comfortably on our shoulder.

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2025-04-18 13:43