Hacker News Reader

Comment by ahoy | Hacker News Reader

I was just thinking today that nintendo has been remarkably conservative with their main-line pokemon games. The core gameplay has changed very little since 1996. I guess they can't be blamed for not changing a winning formula but it's still interesting.

View on HN

I really liked the juxtaposition of the "Technology is Incredible" guy from Pallet Town in the original Red/Blue/Green versus Let's Go Eevee/Pikachu.

The side games are where all the cutting-edge development happens. Someone comes up with an idea, and builds a prototype. If it works well, it gets integrated into the main-line games.

Pokemon Snap tested, "can we render a pokemon in 3D". Pokemon Stadium I and II tested "can we do a 3D battle system". Eventually these made their way into the 3DS titles. More recently, the catching mechanics in Niantic's Pokemon Go made their way into the main-line Let's Go Eevee/Pikachu.

I don't know that I would classify the Let's Go games as main-line Pokemon titles, many people see them more as a bridge leading in that direction for new (or lapsed) fans who were pulled in by Niantic's hit.

I mean a lot of people forget that Nintendo was founded in 1889. A company that old has obviously changed a lot over that time, but the changes that they have made and are making are slow and careful. What I respect about Nintendo is that they stick to the winning formula when it makes sense, and come out with new things when its the right time. They are obviously in it for the long run, and willing to adapt gradually but effectively

Reply on news.ycombinator.com