Gyms have been a tried and true formula since day one in Pokémon games, but the mechanic is starting to run its course. Seventh generation's Sun and Moon introduced the idea of trials, shaking up the traditional Gym League Challenge and replacing it with the Island Challenge. Th🌜is was an intriguing notion, especially for seasoned players.

It seemed as though a change was in the air, however, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Pokémon Sword and Shield brought back the repetitious Gym Challenges, adding flare while annihilating all difficulty. This brings up speculation as to wh𝔉ether it might be high time for Game Freak to retire the long-standing Gym tradition.

The Thrill of Sun & Moon

Instead of a Gym in every town, Alola hosts a set of trials on each of its four islands. Trials are not lim♕ited to battles, but also include tests of knowledge or tasks such as locating cಞertain items. Totem Pokémon mark the end of trials with a battle, enlisting ally Pokémon to drag the process out and test trainers' stamina.

Alola extends the journey of becoming Champion by breaking the region up into regions of its own. Each set of trials culminates in a Grand Trial, where an Island Kahuna acts as the island's Gym Leader. After defeating all four Kahunas, players face the Pokémon League (Alola's Elite Four). This drawn-out process allows time for trainers to experience all Alola has to offer, instead𝓰 of pushing them through the game, while still posing challenges.

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Galar Gyms Are Flashy Yet Dull

Via polygon.com

Sword and Shield's Galar region brought back the traditional Gyms but tried adding some flare, none of which is all that captivating. Gym battles are televised stadium events in Galar, which adds an initial wow factor and little else. Trainers must complete various challenges before battling Gym Leaders, which are fun but lac♔king complexity and the last few drop the challenge altogether.

Dynamaxing is the game's main attraction, yet it doesn't offer up any additional challenges, only flashy graphics. Gym Leaders use Dynamaxing like clockwork so t♋rainers can always be ready to nullify the effects with their own Dynamax abilities. Furthermore, Dynamaxing may only occur in designated areas, so no risk of being caught unawares.

An Unchallenging Challenge

Outside of the lackluster frills, Galar did away with the Elite Four. The alternative Semi-finals and Finals replacing the elꩵite showdown are extremely easy. Fu෴ll healing effects are provided in the locker room in-between rematches against rivals and Gym Leaders. What's more, opponents don't even battle with a full team of six pokémon.

The Pokémon series would be better off laying the tired Gym formula to rest. At the v🦩ery least new games should incorporate fresh and challenging features rather than dumbing down gam🐭eplay. The developers should break their own mold and test the waters of creativity once again as they did with the Island Trials. It is time trainers took on new obstacles to prove they are the best there ever was.

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