By: Albert Sotto
Pokémon Unite is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that was first released for Nintendo Switch and then on mobile devices. Extremely different from previous games in the Pokémon franchise, this game involves scoring points by defeating “wild” Pokémon and defending your goal zones, which means that getting the highest score or making your opponents admit defeat are the only ways to win. Despite having easily understandable mechanics, the game allows you to show off your skills by planning team compositions, strategizing your attack plan, and strengthening your defense.
Not yet convinced? We’ve got you covered. Here are SEA Wave’s High Five reasons to play Pokémon Unite.
Fast-Paced Gameplay
Pokémon Unite is not your typical MOBA game. While most MOBA games take between 30 to 40 minutes to play, Pokémon Unite has a 10-minute time limit, making clutch moments and turnarounds extremely likely. This makes it more challenging to maintain your lead unless you closely monitor the time limit while playing and consider it for your strategies.
Unique Mechanics
Screengrab from The Pokémon Company/TiMi Studio Group
Most MOBA games require you to defeat your opponent in straightforward combat scenarios, but in Pokémon Unite, winning fights isn’t done through KOs. As mentioned in the intro, in this game, you must score points into the goals of the opposing team. You’ll have the opportunity to score points after “catching” wild Pokémon, which allows you to collect points in a yellow orb. Players will then have to shoot the orb in the opponents’ goal zone to earn points. A mash-up of strategy, combat and basketball, Pokémon Unite’s unique mechanics makes it a refreshing new take on MOBA games.
Different Game Modes and Maps
If you need a break from the typical 5 against 5 competitive matches, don’t worry since Pokémon Unite has a variety of game modes and maps to choose from. It has smaller matchups such as 4 versus 4 and 3 versus 3, giving you more opportunities to play with your friends. However, keep in mind that different maps require different techniques, which will put your abilities and teamwork to the test.
Different generations of Pokémon!
Image from The Pokémon Company/TiMi Studio Group
Not only is it packed with original Pokémon like Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, Pokémon Unite also offers a large number of playable Pokémon across different generations of the franchise. There are 26 playable Pokémon in the game right now, including newer generation Pokémon like Cramorant and Greedent. The game has been out for less than a year though, so expect more fan-favorite Pokémon to become playable sometime soon.
Free to play
I mean, who doesn’t like a free game? You can download Pokémon Unite from the App Store or Google Play for free right now, so give it a try!
Which Pokémon do you want to see next on Pokémon Unite? Share it with us in the comics section!