Among the new Pokémon and moves shown off in this morning’s brand new trailer for Pokémon Sun and Moon, we were also given a look at brand new forms of already existing Pokémon. These new forms are the result of Pokémon adapting to the different climates of the Alola region.
First up we have Exeggutor, who has not only grown elongated to represent a tall and skinny palm tree, but has also grown a tail that sports a fourth head! The tropical Alola climate has caused the coconut Pokémon to thrive in the strong sunlight. The people of Alola even boast that this is Exeggutor’s “true” form, which isn’t that hard to believe! The fourth head on Exeggutor’s tail is able to protect the Pokémon by attacking opponents that the three taller heads are unable to reach. This new form has not only changed Exeggutor’s appearance, Exeggutor has also been converted from a dual Grass/Psychic-type Pokémon into a Grass/Dragon-type.
Up next we have two evolution lines that have adapted to be the opposite of what you would expect, given Alola’s tropical and sunny climate. Both Vulpix and Sandshrew have foregone their classic typing and become Ice-types, adapting to the year-round snowy climate of the mountains of Alola. Vulpix, who came to Alola alongside humans, didn’t want to disturb the habitats of other Pokémon, and moved up to the high mountains, causing it to take on this new form. It no longer does well in warm climates, but can produce ice from its tail to keep the air around it at a comfortable temperature. Ninetail’s Alolan form is revered as a sacred emissary, living on what is regarded as a holy peak by the Alolan people. It can produce ice crystals from its fur, using them to either defend or attack. While it has a calm nature and willingly helps humans in need, it will quickly turn on anyone who dares to damage its territory. In addition to the new Ice-typing, Ninetails also picks up a secondary typing, the ever wondrous Fairy-type!
Sandshrew was also forced into the snowy mountain climate, since Alola’s deserts are ravaged by volcanic eruptions. This climate caused Sandshrew to develop a shell of ice around its skin, which is as hard as steel. This hard shell prevents Sandshrew from curling into a ball and slows it down due to the weight of the shell. This form of Sandshrew can move quickly along ice by sliding on its stomach. Sandslash’s Alolan form is covered by large, icy spines that stick out of the ground when it buries itself in the snow. Like Sandshrew, this form of Sandslash is slow due the weight of the ice, however it can move quickly in the snow and ice by carving out a path with its claws. Sandshrew and Sandslash also both gain the secondary Steel-typing along with their new Ice-type forms.
What do these form changes mean for other Pokémon? Will we see Vulpix and Sandshrew’s version-exclusive counterparts from Red and Blue get new forms as well? I certainly hope so. While I doubt we’ll be able to revert these Pokémon back into their original forms, I’m sure that we’ll be able to bring their original forms along for the ride from other regions, either from Kalos or Kanto using Pokémon Bank. Which Pokémon do you want to see gain a new, Alolan form? Let us know in the comments, or over on Twitter and Facebook!
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Written by Jaxson Tapp
As a lover of gaming and the written word, Jaxson currently fills his time not only with playing games, but also writing about them. Ready for anything, Jaxson’s passion for puzzle games, JRPGs, tough platformers, and whimsical indies helps him bring a well-rounded opinion to Nintendo Wire’s reporting.
