Pokémon Moon and Sun: Everything we know

Pokémon Moon and Sun are the newest entries in Nintendo and Game Freak's pocket monster franchise and they mark a huge move for the series. Players will be taken to the Pacific island of Alola where they'll find new rivals, breeds of Pokémon and participate in new battle modes that encourage multiplayer action.

Here's everything we know about Pokémon Moon and Sun.

JUST THE FACTS

Developer: Game Freak

Publisher: Nintendo

Platforms: Nintendo 3DS

Release Date: Nov. 18, 2016

Release Price: Unknown

THE STORY

Like all the other Pokémon games, Moon and Sun follows a young trainer and they leave their childhood home to venture out into the world and become the very best Pokémon Master that there ever was. Unlike older Pokémon games, Moon and Sun will bring players to the Alola region, which is based on Hawaii's geography. Players will have the chance to explore the new territory and add a number of new Pokémon to their new Pokedex's while trying out a bunch of new modes, including the four-person PVP-style mode, Battle Royal.

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Asked and Answered

What is Pokémon Moon and Sun?

Pokémon Moon and Sun is the newest entry in the Pokémon franchise and moves the players away from the normal regions they're used to playing in and moves them to the new Pacific Alola region.

What will you be doing in the game?

In the game, players will try to catch as many Pokémon as they can while trying to defeat they can to become the best trainer in all of the Alola region. Like in previous Pokémon games, there is a linear path players can take to beat the game, including just moving gym to gym until they beat the final Pokémon masters, but the game works much better when thoroughly explored.

Who will you be playing as?

There are two trainer options to choose from in Moon and Sun. The male trainer is outfitted in a blue and white shirt, black snapback and black backpack. The female trainer wears a floral yellow shirt and kooky red hat. They aren't customizable, but players will have their choice of either or at the beginning of the game.

Where does it take place?

Pokémon Moon and Sun takes place in Alola, which is a Pacific region set to resemble Hawaii.

What new Pokemon are there?

Nintendo and game Freak haven't released details on all of the new Pokémon, but a couple have been announced. During its E3 conference, Nintendo confirmed that a new honey badger-looking Pokémon, Yungoos, would be available to catch early on in the game, as well as a new bird-type Pokémon named Pikipek. Before the conference, the publisher also unveiled another new Pokémon that players can get their hands on. Zygarde is a canine-like Pokémon that has two different forms he can take on prior to evolving for the first time.

Who's my rival? New professor?

The first trainer-to-trainer Pokémon battle that you will encounter will be with your new rival, Hau. It's unclear who Hau is — previously, rivals have been friends and relatives — but his first battle with you will take place in front of the entire village. So, no pressure. The new professor is Professor Kakui, who's far younger and hipper than the previous professors have been. He also has an assistant who doesn't like the idea of Pokémon being used to fight one another, but is fascinated by their role in the world.

When will the game be released?

The game will be released on Nov. 18, 2016.