One of the most surprising things about Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee is the fact that the game features no wild Pokemon battles.
Much like previous Pokemon games, you’ll approach Pokemon on the overworld (although you’ll be able to see them in plane sight), but you won’t battle them. Instead, you’ll be presented with a screen very similar to Pokemon GO to catch them and have them join your journey. How you throw the Pokeball effects your chance of being able to catch them, much like it does in the mobile game.
As evident in the trailer, there will still be traditional Pokemon battles, but only with trainers. It’s unclear how big of a part these will play in the game though. It’s also unclear if Pokemon will be able to level up or learn new moves.
One thing is for sure, whether you like it or not. Pokemon Let’s GO is much more casual than previous mainline RPGs and seems to be based more around exploration and building your Pokemon army rather than repetitive battles, which will certainly appeal to a lot of people.
Not all is bad in the world though. There’s a segment of the trailer where the trainer can be seen riding a Charizard, Lapras and even a bloody Onyx. Pokemon will also follow you around as well as Pikachu and Eevee sitting on your shoulder.
It’s also been confirmed that Pokemon trading will be in the game. It’s unclear if Pokemon will be a lot easier to catch, considering you don’t have to battle them (and can literally see them in plain sight).
Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu and Eevee is releasing exclusively for Nintendo Switch on November 16th this year. Pokemon Quest is a free-to-start game that’s available right now on the console and will come to mobile later.
