We've finally got a solid look at the game. I have to say, I'm a lot more impressed than I was in the reveal. From the first trailer, I was cautiously optimistic, feeling that this game could finally be the right direction that Pokemon has been needing for a while, though it clearly needed some more time in the oven. I think this new trailer and footage have shown that it's buckled down and gotten things together.
The first thing that I noticed was the Pokemon were no longer moving at 5 frames per second like that Chingling in the reveal. I'm not one to notice FPS, but I sure noticed that last time. This time, I couldn't spot any issues with how it ran. It also looked like it had been visually improved, though the character models still look kinda fuzzy. But, still an improvement from before. I think it's steadily getting there. Hopefully it continues to do so.
One of my biggest fears for the game was the battle system. There were some leaks that suggested it could have changed from turn-based to active time battle, which I loathe with a fiery passion even more than I dislike turn-based gameplay. Fortunately, it seems that leak wasn't totally accurate, or at least, this isn't the kind of ATB I've experienced before. It's still turn-based, just now the speed stat is more important and affects how often you move. I can accept that.
The open world and its mechanics are very interesting (BotW comparison jokes aside). Nice to see Ride Pokemon returning as a way of exploring, of course, but having to avoid Pokemon attacks that can hurt you, the player, is a pretty neat way to make the world feel more alive than it's ever been in past games. I really like what they're doing with the world interactions. It looks very promising. It also seems like there's a lot to do out there with the Pokemon, like lots of goals and missions to meet.
Overall, this game is looking more promising and brimming with potential. I'm starting to feel like I've got to give it a chance. Pokemon was possibly the oldest thing I've been a fan of as a kid, but recent games have turned me pretty sour on the series as a whole. I really hope this is the game to make me a fan again.
How about you all? What do you think about what we saw today?