The Pokemon Company recently hosted a Pokemon Presents event all about the upcoming Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Since Pokemon Legends: Arceus is seemingly set in a past version of the Sinnoh region (which we now know is called the Hisui region), Pokemon fans didn't necessarily except the game to include new Pokemon. However, at least four new Pokemon have now been confirmed for the lineup.
The two completely original Pokemon announced for Pokemon Legends: Arceus are Wyrdeer and Basculegion. Wyrdeer is the evolved form of Stantler, whereas Basculegion is the evolved form of Basculin. These forms are only obtainable in the Hisui region, which is why they haven't appeared in any previous Pokemon video games. As shown by the latest Pokemon Legends: Arceus trailer, players will be able to use both Wyrdeer and Basculegion as transport as well as use them to fight in battles.
The other two new Pokemon confirmed for Pokemon Legends: Arceus are actually regional variants of existing Pokemon. Pokemon Legends: Arceus will be introducing Hisuian Bravery and Hisuian Growlithe to the world of Pokemon when it launches early next year. Like other Pokemon regional variants, Hisui Bravery and Hisui Growlithe are similar to their original forms, but with a distinct look to better-match their region.
Besides confirming new Pokemon for Pokemon Legends: Arceus, The Pokemon Company revealed some other interesting details about the game. For instance, Pokemon battles are getting a significant overhaul for the first time in a main series Game Freak game, with Pokemon all having different battle styles that players will have to utilize while exploring the open world. This is a risky move for sure, but it should ensure that Pokemon Legends: Arceus stands out from the many other Pokemon games out there.
Those who are wary of the changes coming in Pokemon Legends: Arceus and may be more interested in a traditional Pokemon experience. Luckily, it seems as though the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl remakes, titled Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, will be providing just that. Some fresh footage of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl was also shown during the Pokemon Presents event, giving fans a closer look at the gameplay, which appears to be staying very faithful to the original games with some minor changes here and there.
With the Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl release date coming up in November and Pokemon Legends: Arceus following in January, it seems fans of the franchise have plenty to look forward to these next six months or so.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus launches January 28, 2022, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.