New Pokemon Snapis a scant few days away from coming out. After years of asking, and multiple consoles and handhelds that seemed made to simulate aiming a camera, fans of the Nintendo 64 classic can finally be satisfied with a new gorgeous entry in thePokemon Snapsub-series. Now that one pipe dream has been fulfilled, perhaps more games from the N64 era could be brought back as well. Most of the first-party franchises and spin-offs featured on the console have been followed up on, but a few haven’t, and one that could definitely use a modern revival isPokemon Stadium.
Pokemon Stadium 1and2were two of the N64’s star attractions. With the ability to use every Pokemon from the first twoPokemongenerations in 3D for the first time, players were smitten. The ability to import one’s favorite Pokemon from the main portable games felt revolutionary, and much time has been spent playing through both titles impressively robust single- and multiplayer modes. They even featured a number of surprisingly fun mini-games that supported up to four players. The games have received callbacks in the multiplayer modes ofPokemon ColosseumandXD: Gale of Darkness, and a spiritual sequel in the form ofPokemon Battle Revolution. However, no truePokemon Stadiumsequel has ever emerged, despite there being an ever-open space for it.
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All About The Fight
Pokemon Stadiumcut all the fat out ofPokemon, and laser-focused on one of its key attributes: competition. No longer did players have any need for traveling around a region, battling roaming trainers, catching new Pokemon, training them, and foiling criminal activity. Now, they could simply rent or import their desired team, and challenge either a variety of tournaments, or hop gym-to-gym for the ultimate Pokemon League challenge. And a challenge it was; many of the rental Pokemon were not terribly good, and beating the game with them took a lot of knowledge and a fair bit of luck.Due toPokemon Stadium’s unique battle rules, players also had to get somewhat lucky with sending in the right three Pokemon to counter the three an opposing trainer chose. Because of that, no two fights against AI trainers were the same.
Right now, thePokemoncommunity is definitely ready to receive a battle-centricPokemonspinoff.The fangamePokemon Showdownhas been wildly successful among competitive players, allowing them to immediately set up any team they want and dive into online battles against other players. Even regulars at officialPokemontournaments have been known to use this game to develop strategies and keep their skills sharp. An officialPokemongame being devoted to emulating this is a no-brainer, and would make fans very happy.
A hypotheticalPokemon Stadium 3, orNew Pokemon Stadium, would allow players to choose a level bracket and a team of Pokemon complete with held items and optimized moves to compete in either single or double battles. Pokemon from the mainline games andPokemon Homecould still be transferred, but rental Pokemon would also be allowed in online play. With so much control at fans fingertips, that alone would surely guarantee aStadium 3’s success.
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Bells and Whistles
Of course, anyStadiumveteran knows that fighting other players, progressing through different tournaments, and challenging the Gym Leader Castle are not all there is toPokemon Stadium, especially in2. Both titles had a mini-game corner, with nine or 12 minigames that could be played with up to four players or on four different difficulties.Stadium 2not only had more mini-games, but more ways to experience them as well. A competitive mode could be played where different players take turns choosing minigames, and compete to earn the most coins. There was also a quiz mode that could be played with either one player or a group.This mini-game corner is an iconic partofPokemon Stadium, and no title that calls itselfStadium 3would be complete without it. It captures the fun and energetic spirit of the series, while also requiring no knowledge of regularPokemongameplay to compete.
That’s not allStadiumhas to offer. While the original games’ Game Boy Tower that allowed the first fewPokemontitles to be played on a TV are redundant now, there are other miscellaneous parts ofStadiumthat deserve to come back. The first isStadium 2’scombination tutorial and campaign mode, titled Earl’s Pokemon Academy. In it, players were brought up to speed on Pokemon battling and thePokemonworld via a real, multi-part course featuring lessons, quizzes, and practical tests using prepared battle scenarios. It’s a combination of a Pokedex and a genuine educationalPokemonclass, and really deserves to show up in a game again.
And of course, a modernPokemon Stadiumwould be the ideal setting for bringing in visible,customizable player charactersfrom the mainline entries. This time, players could have way more customization options than normal, and could earn custom parts from battling on and offline. This could return alongside the Your Room feature fromStadium 2, which gave players an early look at a concept that would go on to become secret bases in laterPokemongenerations. The opportunity to makePokemon Stadium 3into a deeply player-customized experience should not be passed up on, as without the adventuring a typicalPokemontitle would entail, players need hooks to keep them invested. These bonus features, perhaps accompanied by the promise of a supremely difficult rival fight after all of the single-player modes are complete, would keep them going for a long time.
APokemon Stadium 3that does little more than update the roster, graphics, and minigame collection of the original twoPokemon Stadium’s would be a surefire hit. With an online mode included, it would fill the niche of a training room and testing ground thatPokemon Showdownhas held unofficially for years. All in all, after all theexcitement forNew Pokemon Snap, it would be great to see these two old N64 titles get some Nintendo Switch love.
