Pokémon games have introduced new fighting mechanics (unofficially known as tricks) as a way to create the standard formula. We have 7th generation Z-Moves, 8th generation Dynamaxing / Gigantamaxing, Styles and Alpha Pokémons, and now we have 9th generation Terastallizing. But above all that was the trick that paved the way for the rest of the sixth generation Mega Evolution.
Mega Evolution was a battle mechanic introduced in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, which allowed the player to temporarily “evolve” Pokémon after its final stage. This shift can have a number of effects, such as an increase in stats, a different ability, and even a change in typing. Most importantly, it changed their appearance. This was performed by a trainer holding a Keystone and a Pokémon holding a compatible Mega Stone. Only a select number of Pokemon types were capable of Mega Evolution, such as Charizard, Gyarados, Alakazam and more.
Mega Evolution was so well received that it stuck with the next pair of games, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. New Mega Evolutions were also introduced, such as the beginnings of the Hoenn, Blaziken, Swampert, and Sceptile regions. In these games, Mega Evolution can be used in Pokémon Contest Spectaculars during the Talent Round, making Pokémon perform a special talent. The mechanic also appeared in the seventh generation of games, Pokémon Sun / Ultra Sun and Pokémon Moon / Ultra Moon, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Pokemon: Let’s Go, Evie! However, no new Mega Evolutions will be added this time around. The feature will be completely removed from major games by the eighth generation, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Although it’s been gone for a while, Mega Evolution had aspects that make it a feature to remember, and one that should definitely return. For starters (no pun intended), it was the beginning of the line of tricks we see throughout the series. Since GameFreak made the leap into 3D with Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, they decided to take the leap in innovating the battle mode with Mega Evolution as well. It’s been much-needed fresh air for franchisees for a long time, and it’s given way to all of the Z-Moves, Dynamaxing, and other things we’ve become familiar with over time.
It also allowed GameFreak to push Pokémon creations to even greater heights. Mega Evolution gave developers a reason to expand on the Pokémon concepts that Mega Evolution was capable of. For others, they turned to different concepts that blended in with the original designs. This provided some of the most exciting transformations and memorable Pokémon designs for the franchise, such as Mega Gardevoir, Mega Absol, and Mega Lucario.
Mega Evolution introduced different Pokemon with just the right time to shine as well. The Pokémon Company owns a huge amount of Pokémon; By the end of the sixth generation, there were 721 species. There must have been some who got more attention than others. Despite this, Mega Evolution still gives Pokémon some spotlight in the franchise.
With that being said, there have also been a few downsides to Mega Evolution, most of which boil down to how poorly it is implemented. There were 46 Mega Evolution capable Pokémon, which means that most Pokémon had a hard time dealing with those 46, as they would be bypassed with the press of a button. Oftentimes, if you want to win a battle, you will need to use Mega Evolved Pokémon.
While some of them offered clever ways to effectively use different combat strategies with a single Pokemon, such as Gyarados or Metagross, others offered huge stat increases or annoyingly effective abilities. A good example is Kangaskan. As Kangaskhan Mega Evolved evolved, not only did she get a boost for almost all of her stats, but she also received a unique ability that allowed her to attack twice at a time with almost any movement. But, on the other hand, there is a Pokemon like Glalie who, despite getting a huge boost in attack, defense and speed, is arguably worse after Mega Evolution with an ability called Refrigerator, which only makes moves from the normal type to the ice type. moves.
Regardless of Mega Evolution’s shortcomings, it was still a great mechanic worth coming back for. There were only 46 types of Pokémon that Mega Evolve could evolve by the time it was taken out of the series. As of now, there are a total of 905, and that doesn’t even count the different forms any of them can have. While they shouldn’t all be capable of massive evolution, there was still a mountain of untapped potential waiting to be explored. Imagine seeing a Mega Evolution of a Pokemon you never expected, like Castform or Toxapex. How about one for a legendary or legendary Pokemon like Celebi?
Mega Evolution also has a long life that other tricks don’t have. Most of the ones we’ve seen, even the new Terastallizing, are related to the region they grew up in because of the way they work. This is not true for Mega Evolution. Thanks to the explanation of the multiverse in the Delta Ring for Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire, it can happen outside the Kalos region, because all that is needed is a Keystone and Mega Stone. Some of these Mega Stones are found in the wild as well, which makes it possible to find undetected Mega Stones for Pokemon that were previously unable to mega evolve.
Mega Evolution has seen the ups and downs of the core games, but throughout it all, it’s remained a concept that has stood the test of time. If GameFreak decides to balance the mechanic similar to what they did with Z-Moves and Dynamaxing, they can bring it back into the series and make something really special.
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