The unique setting, cheery cast, and great selection of Pokémon (including the introduction of modern classics like Mimikyu) help secure its legacy. It might have issues that keep it from being the best Generation outright, but the setting goes a long way, and fans still love Alola.
Over on X, the next Alolan adventure was unveiled, and as it turns out, it's going to be a massive challenge, even for series veterans.
Created by modder Variant Hoop, Pokémon Neo Ultra lets you try out the Alola region again. The idea is that every Pokémon is available, so you can map out your perfect team, with weaknesses and strengths galore.
You'll need that team too, because the game is framed as a challenge for veterans, with more than 50 boss fights and multiple new forms, including "Neo," "Paradox," and "Convergent." Multiple characters have been buffed to ensure you feel powerful while taking on those challenges; gems return, and a ton of quality-of-life mechanics are implemented.
Here's a word from the creator: "Pokémon Neo Ultra is a difficulty hack of Ultra Sun that aims to create a fresh experience with its many new forms and complete Pokédex overhaul, almost every Pokémon has received a significant buff! Inspired by Elite Redux, this hack places a large emphasis on team building and brutal fights. Expect no quarter, the difficulty of this hack is designed to forge a stronger bond between you and your Pokémon, it's your brains against the opponents brawn in a journey that aims to make you feel like just another trainer."
One of the most underrated elements of this particular game is Furfrou now works similarly to Rotom, where different coat trims align with secondary typing, which are all color-based. Galarian Corsola, Hisuian Qwilfish, and the White Striped Basculin are all in, expanding the Pokedex to regional forms, beyond the scope of a larger 'Dex.
Interestingly, there is a catch. Pokémon Neo Ultra hasn't been tested for Nuzlocke runs because the game "scales so quickly" that it's incredibly hard to facilitate a Nuzlocke playthrough. That seems like the only major caveat, which is great news.
With that in mind, I'm stoked to try out Pokémon Neo Ultra, and practically any well-crafted Pokémon fan game that's set in the Alola region. It's a gorgeous, lively location, so I'm happy to return anytime. If Game Freak wants to make an official Alola follow-up, I'm game for that too.
Video Game(s)
Pokemon Red and Blue, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokemon Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Black and White 2, Pokemon X and Y, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Winds and Waves, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Legends Z-A
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