New Pokémon and New Moves Shown in New Pokémon X and Y Trailer

The trailer released today shows a smattering of gameplay – from the ability to ride a Pokémon to the ability to sit on benches – and puts a lot of emphasis on the game’s capital city, Lumiose City.

Speaking of names we now have one for the new France-like region; Kalos. Admittedly it sounds a little sinister, but it’s probably fine.

Then there are the new faces. I’ll let the official line take it from here:

• The cowardly Pokémon Helioptile, a Normal- and Electric-type Pokémon, can generate enough electricity through sunbathing to power machinery. But wise Trainers won’t be deterred by Helioptile’s lack of bravery. It knows Parabolic Charge, a brand-new move where Helioptile attacks everything around it. Helioptile’s HP is restored by half the damage taken by those hit.
• Fletchling, a Normal- and Flying-type Pokémon, sings with a beautiful chirp that is sure to delight any Trainer. Although it is known to be very friendly, Fletchling will suddenly unleash relentless attacks once it’s in battle. For example, when it uses its Fire-type move Flame Charge in battle, in addition to doing damage, Fletchling’s Speed increases every time.
• With a leaf always in its mouth and an intimidating glare that is rarely effective, Fighting-type Pokémon Pancham shows its playful side when it lets out a little smile when its head is pat. Pancham can learn a brand-new move, Parting Shot, which not only lowers an opponent’s Attack and Special Attack, but also allows Pancham to switch out for another Pokémon in a Trainer’s party during battle.
• Pokémon X and Pokémon Y introduce a new method of transportation—riding the brand-new Pokémon, Gogoat. This large Grass-type Pokémon is a reliable way to travel certain parts of Lumiose City. In battle, it can use Horn Leech to recover HP equal to half the damage dealt by this move.

What interests me is the emphasis on dual purpose attacks. It seems that the offensive moves listed here all tend to hurt and heal, obviously improving the survivability of the monsters using them, while Pancham’s Parting Shot is something a little more reactive than usual fare, letting him wound the abilities of a ‘mon before being replaced, instantly, by someone more effective.

Perhaps this shouldn’t be a surprise. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 had a clear bent towards the competitive scene so to see X and Y putting an emphasis on survivability and more immediate, tricksy tactics should provide an ample shake up of current competition trends.

Attempts at intelligent competitive speculation aside, just look at Gogoat. What a hero.

Pokémon X and Y will be released worldwide in October 2013 for Nintendo 3DS