Pokemon GOcontinues to prove that, as one of the franchise’s more unusual generational gimmicks, Ultra Beasts deserve another chance in the spotlight in a game that makes the most out of these bizarre but fascinating Pokemon. Alongside other new features (like regional variants) introduced in Gen 7’sPokemon SunandMoonand theirUltracounterparts, Ultra Beasts radically changed how players viewed the games by implyingPokemonwas another gaming multiverse. But while the recentPokemon ScarletandVioletgames attempted to replicate the Ultra Beasts' success with the likes of Paradox Pokemon, these extradimensional Pokemon remain unrivaled and in dire need of a comeback.
Between the latestPokemon GOUltra Beast raids and research events andPokemongames ranging fromScarletandViolettoPokemon Legends: Arceusexploring ideas about space, time, and alternate dimensions, it seems that these underutilized Pokemon can still play a part in the larger series. Unfortunately, even with the substantial amount of lore added inPokemon Ultra SunandUltra Moon, Game Freak has seemingly put Ultra Beasts on ice for the foreseeable future. However, if the once-retired Mega Evolutions can return inPokemon Legends: Z-A, then there may still be hope for Ultra Beasts.
How Ultra Beasts Reshape the Pokemon World
As far back asPokemon’s earliest games, players have been speculating about the true scale of the franchise’s universe, with infamous examples including potentially alien Pokemon like Clefairy, Deoxys, and Elgyem, as well as claims that Arbok was the first-ever regional variant. But theories about aPokemonmultiverse seemed purely fan-made until Gen 7 introduced Ultra Beasts, Ultra Wormholes, Ultra Space, and more. These changes recontextualized several otherPokemongames, such as connecting Giratina’s Reverse or “Distortion” World to Ultra Space or suggesting thatPokemon Omega RubyandAlpha Sapphire’s Looker andLegends: Arceus' Ingo fell through Ultra Wormholes.
In addition to this, other key details introduced during Gen 7’s games raise some arguably stranger questions regarding Ultra Space and Ultra Beasts. For instance, while Pokemon fusions are highly uncommon,SunandMoonfeature an even rarer human-Pokemon fusion between Lusamine and Nihilego. Moreover,Ultra SunandUltra Moonestablished that entire societies existed in Ultra Space at some point, with cities such as Ultra Megalopolis and partner Pokemon like Poipole. The significance of these and many other world-changing details suggests thatPokemon’s strange Ultra Beast gimmickneeds deeper exploration in future games.
Ultra Beasts Offer An Alternative to Legendary, Mythical, and Paradox Pokemon
SinceUltra Beasts are no longer classified as Legendary Pokemonand are more comparable to groups like pseudo-legendaries, they provide Game Freak with a means of introducing powerful Pokemon that are more unique and distinct from most others. Also, whileScarletandViolet’s Paradox Pokemon take on a similar role to Ultra Beasts, being based on existing Pokemon from either the past or the future arguably likens Paradox Pokemon to regional variants. Therefore, only Ultra Beasts offer the best of both worlds, enabling Game Freak to create odd, otherworldly Pokemon like Celesteela, Guzzlord, and Xurkitree while continuing to explorePokemon’s long-running interdimensional canon.
Ultra Beasts Could Be Perfect for a Pokemon Spin-Off
Despite the untapped wealth of potential Ultra Beasts and Ultra Space might have, it’s understandable that Game Freak might prefer to develop new ideas for its mainline games to keepPokemonfresh for players. However, as has since been revealed forLegends: Z-A, there’s nothing to prevent Ultra Beasts from returning in a futurePokemon Legendsor other spin-off game.Legends: Z-Abreaks the moldby returning to a largely abandoned mechanic; in the same vein, Ultra Beasts could be expanded on in a new modern game inspired by Gen 7 which dives into Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Space’s mysterious, untold history.
WHERE TO PLAY
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UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
