Pokémon Sun and Moon is out, and if sales are anything to go by, it certainly seems that people are enjoying the latest in the long-running series. But that doesn’t mean these newest titles are everything they could be. There are a few features the community is still begging for, and Game Freak would do well to address them in an update—or in the inevitable enhanced third version for this generation.
1. Trainer Customization Options
You have some options when it comes to choosing how your trainer looks while exploring the Alola Region, but Nintendo could offer far more for budding Pokémon masters. Male characters only have a handful of hair options, and most of their clothing choices are limited to differently colored shirts and shorts. Sure, we’re exploring an island paradise, but some long sleeves and full-length pants would certainly be appreciated for the cool Alolan nights.
The lack of options is even more disappointing on the girls’ side, since you’d think we should expect sundresses and a far greater variety of tropical attire. But no, it’s another limited selection of shirts and shorts, with just a handful of skirts to round out the fashion choices. If only Game Freak could steal a bit of that Nintendo talent that made Splatoon so fashion-fresh.
2. Field Moves
Sun and Moon did away with HMs, and that’s a very good thing. There’s little more annoying than having to keep around a couple of ‘mons useless for battle so that you can chop down inconvenient trees. Or, worse yet, to have those abilities cluttering up the moves list of your more powerful Pokémon.
But rather than simply getting rid of HM moves, Sun and Moon went a step further by doing away with all moves that are useful outside of battle. That means you can’t Dig your way out of a troublesome dungeon or Teleport to the nearest Pokémon Center. Nor can Chansey or Blissey offer Soft-Boiled succor to their teammates.
It’s a shame the field move baby went out with the HM bathwater here, and we’d love to see these moves make a comeback.
3. DexNav
Catching Pokémon is pretty core to the whole experience—you gotta catch ‘em all, as they say. But when it comes to tracking down precisely the correct critter for your menagerie, it can be tougher than fans would like. The DexNav from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire solved many of those problems, but it’s nowhere to be found here in Sun and Moon.
That makes it way harder to find the particular Pokémon you’re looking for. With the DexNav, you could see in an instant if you’ve caught everything in a given area. You could even search for specific creatures to track down what’s missing from your collection. It wasn’t a full escape from the random encounter table, but it was a nice respite from the harsh rule of the RNG gods. Why must we suffer while hunting in Alola? Game Freak only knows.
4. No-Tutorial Mode
Judging by the resurgent interest in the series from Pokémon Go and the incredible success Sun and Moon have seen so far, it seems evident that these games are in front of a lot of people who haven’t played Pokémon in a very long time. But there are more than a few who’ve followed the series through six generations, and for them the extensive tutorial phase that opens the game might be a little much. Yes, you weaken Pokémon then throw the ball to catch them. Yes, Water beats Fire. Yes, use the button to talk to people. Come on, Pokémon. We get it.
5. National Pokédex
The National Pokédex offers the classic numbering system that’s been around since the original generation, with Bulbasaur at #1 in the list – just as he is in our hearts. Each subsequent generation has had its own numbering scheme, but eventually you could always unlock the option to return to the National Pokédex, familiar numbers, and enjoy the full breadth of the Pokémon roster.
That’s not so in Sun and Moon, but there is good news—the National Pokédex is getting added in an update next year that will also unlock the use of the Pokémon Bank. We’re very thankful for that consideration. You’re adorable, Rowlet, but you’ll never truly be #1.
6. Blissey Bases
If you’re not familiar with the Blissey Base phenomenon, here’s the deal. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire feature little nooks called “secret bases,” which you can deck out with neat furniture and tchotchkes in any way you like. You can also share these with other players, and they can battle an NPC version of you and your party. Blissey—that’s the evolved version of Chansey, if you’re out of the loop—gives a ton XP when defeated in battle. If you download a ton of secret bases who’ve helpfully raised level 100 Blisseys without any offensive abilities, then you’ve got a non-stop ticket to rocket-powered level grinding.
Secret bases and their Blissey-bearing variations are nowhere to be found in Sun and Moon. Of course, it’s not specifically Blissey Bases the community is hungry for. They just want a faster, easier way to get those levels up. Whether your interest is in catching them all or raising powerful Pokémon, you’re looking at a whole lot of time challenging trainers and wild creatures to get there. Any kind of way to speed up that process would be a welcome addition.
What features are you missing in Pokémon Sun and Moon? Let us know, and be sure to check out Bulbapedia and check out their Sun & Moon Pokedex here!
Dustin Bailey
Dustin is a Missouri-based freelancer who most of all enjoys long walks in digital woods. His work has been featured everywhere from Gamepedia to Anime News Network, and when he’s not writing about geeky pastimes, he’s producing videos on them. He and his wife bond best over tabletop role-playing.