Sitting here with my new Mewtwo amiibo has made me realize just how much Pokémon fans had to be excited about from yesterday’s Direct. With Super Mystery Dungeon being just a week away (and offering a great looking free 3DS theme for a limited time), Shadow Mewtwo and his amiibo card’s official reveal for Pokkén Tournament, and some fantastic eShop offerings in the near future it’s a great time to be a PokéManiac.
Hot off the heels of Nintendo Badge Arcade, the next “free to start” title was announced in the form of Pokémon Picross, an idea that was attempted back in 1999 on the Game Boy Color. The core game will be a free download and allow the addictive, numerical puzzle gameplay to be enjoyed with a Pokémon twist. By using the numbers at each row and column a Pokémon picture will be revealed. Once found it will be captured and players will be able to organize a party of Pokémon to assist them with unique abilities on future puzzles. These support skills range from clearing a few columns automatically to slowing down time and allow for unique approaches and personal styles to develop.
The paid element comes in the form of Picrites. These will allow players to unlock new, puzzle filled areas and could have other uses to assist in both puzzle solving and maintaining their Pokémon party. While they will be earnable in game, details on how they will be given to players outside of buying them or if there were any other limitations weren’t stated during the presentation. With the promise of over 300 puzzles, including Mega-Evolved and Legendary Pokémon, there should be plenty of to keep free and paid players alike busy. Pokémon Picross is right around the corner, coming out this December exclusively in the eshop.
Nintendo surprised us with the reveal that Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow Versions (with the original Green as well in Japan) will all be coming to the eshop. If asked before this announcement I’d have been all for it but doubtful it could be done due to the original titles’ reliance on trading and battling via the Link Cable. Senior Product Marketing Manager of Nintendo of America Bill Trinen must have been listening because a wireless connection has been added to the otherwise faithful port of the Game Boy classics, making it possible to share and compete locally with no tangled wires. They’ll be available to download on February 27, 2016. This coincides with their original release date as well, making it an anniversary to look forward to!
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Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
