The sixth generation ofPokemongames was able to revolutionize the franchise.Pokemon XandYtook steps in rethinking howPokemoncould be played at both the base level, and when it came to more competitive strategies. This required overhauls of the graphics and playstyles thatPokemonhad used in the past, as well as the introduction of new Pokemon evolutions, the new Fairy type for Pokemon, and 72 new Pokemon forPokemon XandPokemonY. While it’s not the most new Pokemon the franchise has ever introduced at one time, the 72 new Pokemon inPokemon XandYplayed a significant role in pushing the latest games in the direction they’ve taken.
Pokemon XandY’s thematic focus on beauty, bonds, and evolution reverberate throughout the generation’sPokemondesigns. This was done through alternate visual styles for certain Pokemon like Furfrou, leaning into the culinary culture of the Kalos region’s French inspiration, and making Mega Evolutions a significant part of the game. While only one of the new Pokemon introduced in Gen 6 is capable of Mega Evolution, a total of 28 Mega Evolutions, includingthe Mega Evolution of Garchomp, were introduced alongside Kalos’ 72 unique Pokemon.
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What Was Added in Pokemon X and Y
Leading the way forPokemon XandYwere the three starter Pokemon. While they each had their time in the spotlight, Greninja rapidly became a mainstay due to the Pokemon’s overall design and later interpretations that included Ash fromthePokemonanime series. In the anime, and later featured in the games, Ash-Greninja acts as a kind of pseudo-Mega Evolution for the Pokemon, but isn’t true to the mechanic.
The Ash-Greninja form of Greninja comes from its bond with its trainer, and highlights the bond and evolution aspects thatPokemon XandYfocused on. On top of this, the Mega Evolution Mechanic that featured in Gen 6 as a whole reappeared inPokemon SunandMoon, helping to push thePokemonfranchise towards more alternative mechanics forPokemon. This has ultimately led to the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics that are featured inPokemon SwordandShield.
Even though the addition of Mega Evolution was influential, it has since been left behind, butPokemon XandY’s most impactful change has remained.Pokemon XandY’s gameplay and design took advantage of the 3D capable hardware that the Nintendo 3DS had in two great ways. Not only were 3D visual effects capable of giving the games more depth, but the newly introduced 3D overworld and 3D models become a mainstay of thePokemonfranchise. Even in the newly releasedPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearlremakes of Gen 4, 3D models are used over the 2D sprites of Gen 1 through 5, despite the games’ other stylistic choices.
Every New Pokemon in Gen 6
As a wholePokemon XandYhelped to make the modernPokemongames what they are. While the first five generations of games are great, the incredible change from 2D to 3D graphics, as well as new mechanics, has helped to make Gen 6 a defining point in the franchise. Alongside the remakes ofPokemon’s third generation of games,Pokemon XandYmade Gen 6 stand out in ways other generations don’t. This is also thanks to many of the unique Pokemon introduced in Gen 6 and its Kalos region:
As a wholePokemon’s Gen 6 did a lot of work when it comes to “firsts” forPokemon. The gameplay changes are noticeable, but there were also special typings among these Pokemon that helped them stand out. Alongside the addition of Fairy-type, new dual-type Pokemon popped up with combinations that hadn’t been seen before, likeVolcanion being the first Fire and Water-type Pokemon. While some of the features of this generation have been left behind, many of these unique Pokemon continue to stand out thanks to their unique place in thePokemonfranchise.
