Note: this is a change of formula, but something different for some people who are a fan of the Pokemon franchise.
With just two days before the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield, some folks are either going around with how a Pokemon game should be. No, your boy’s not going to be talking about the anger in the fanbase (that’ll be a subject for the Thanksgiving week). I’ve played Pokemon since Generation 1 (for those who might not know, that’s the era of games like Red/Blue/Green(JP) and Yellow) and I’ve loved the franchise for years. One thing i’ve noticed is people have done some challenges to make playing older Pokemon games in an interesting twist. So for those who are impatient on Sword and Shield’s release and want to sate the itch or you’re a long time Pokemon fan, here’s some fun that might make your Pokemon games fun.
The Nuzlocke Challenge
Our first challenge is an old challenge going back to 2010 and started by a 4Chan user named Nuzlocke. The Nuzlocke Challenge is something that’s simple that you play the game like any other. However, there’s a catch for the following.
1. The Pokemon you capture must be nicknamed
2. Must capture the first pokemon you see in the region (failing to do that means you don’t capture and must move on)
3. If said pokemon is knocked out, its considered dead and either must be released into the wild or be sent to the PC (aka Graveyard).
The best thing about Nuzlockes as some have played is that it adds some suspense when a Pokemon is knocked out (sometimes leading to a game over should all your Pokemon faint). Some even add some unique challenges to some such as Wedlocke (which requires you to capture 3 males and 3 females and thus pair them up) or even some additional challenges like not allowing the use of items or Pokemon Centers, forbidding some items, and various other things. It’s a classical challenge that some Pokemon fans that enjoy. However, Nuzlockes aren’t the only challenges out there.
Monotype Challenges
Monotype challenges are another simple challenge that involves a simple thing: capturing only one type of pokemon. For example, if you want to be like the flying type gym leaders or elite four, you must capture only flying type pokemon you see (and it can be the dual types like Zubat or Oricorio). It’s an interesting strategy to see how people would play with one type, sometimes types you wouldn’t expect to use. It’s an interesting thing to pull off when you beat the game with Bug-type Pokemon or pulling a Misty with Water-Types! However, there’s more challenges out there, so let’s continue.
The Roleplay/Story Challenge
Now this is something that your boy here loves. Do you ever wanted to play as Ash while playing your games? Want to have your character feel more unique and others? Then why not role-play or even tell a story about your character. You might get a chance to bond with your Pokemon by creating a backstory for your character. You can Roleplay your character as a Pokemon ranger who only acquires gifted Pokemon, or maybe a Dragon tamer who uses “Dragon” based Pokemon. Heck, you can even roleplay as the greatest trainer in the Pokemon World: Youngster Joey. Speaking of Youngster Joey, there’s one more challenge that can be fun as well.
The Single Challenge
Also known as the one Pokemon Challenge, a challenge that can basically let you play with one Pokemon. Wouldn’t it be awesome to select one starter and have it fight all your battles with no assistance from others and challenging Pokemon that might be stronger than your or challenging full teams though with one partner. The challenge only allows one Pokemon and plenty of Youtubers have shown the various Pokemon being used to beat the game as a whole. Some are typical that use their favorite starter Pokemon while others might take it to some interesting (if not silly examples) like beating the game with just a Rattata or even a Magikarp. The best thing about this challenge is that you can use ANY Pokemon for the challenge, so it adds some fun should you want to see you winning the league through the Youngster Joey path or forge your own path with your favorite Pokemon throughout the whole journey.
Doing your own way
There are SO many challenges and ideas out there that I could be there forever explaining about how to play the game, but the best thing you can do when it comes to challenge. The best thing you can do is to create your very own challenges for playing older Pokemon Games. Maybe an Single Pokemon challenge that adds Roleplaying to the game? Maybe a Monotype Wedlocke that can add some unique variations to difficulty. Heck, you could do what your boy is doing: An Ash Challenge. If you’re curious on how it works is this: You choose one Pokemon (wild or starter, no legendary) and that Pokemon is your “Starter” from the journey. It’s best when playing older games like Gen 3 games (R/S/E/FL/LG) or Gen 4 (D/P/Pt/HG/SS) and beat the game. You then migrate that Pokemon to your next game (your starter only) and continue your adventure like in the anime. You can add your own challenge by either not evolving your Pokemon (just like Ash’s Pikachu) and can choose not to capture no more than 6 Pokemon (just like Ash). It’s not a bad challenge to try out if you want, but that’s my own challenge should you want to try it out. Perhaps you might like to create your own challenge yourself?
And those are some examples of challenges you can do while waiting for Pokemon Sword and Shield (or just wanting to have fun with Pokemon games.) What’s your favorite challenge (examples here or your own challenge) and tell me what you like about it.
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