New Features in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

We all know Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of the 2002 Game Boy Advance classics, Ruby and Sapphire. If all Nintendo and Game Freak did was give these titles brand-new 3D graphics and online play, fans would buy the games anyway. 

Thankfully, there’s much more to Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire that, in a sense, make them feel excitingly fresh and brand-new to those who never played the originals. That said, longtime Pokémon players have several reasons to re-experience these smash hits. 

Cosplay Pikachu

Hardcore Pokémon fanatics have donned Pikachu costumes for years. Now it’s his turn to dress up like human beings.  In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, you’ll encounter five Cosplay Pikachu that we know of: Rock Star Pikachu, Pop Star Pikachu, Pikachu Ph.D., Pikachu Belle and Pikachu Libre. At this point, special abilities remain a mystery, but these Pikachu variations share a connection with a place known as the Contest Hall, and you can strengthen the bond with these creatures using the Pokémon-Amie feature. We’ll know a lot more in August. For now, bask in the cuteness. 

Secret Bases 

Numerous video games contain deep customization features, from creating your own wrestlers in the WWE titles to outfitting soldiers in Call of Duty, so it makes perfect sense for players to have freedom of choice in the Pokémon games. For the first time in the franchise, gamers will be able to build their own Secret Bases from the ground up and invite friends with StreetPass or QR Codes. They’re able to set unique Battle Rules, thereby turning the Base into a Gym, and share decorations. In addition, visiting other Secret Bases and swiping flags will let you increase the skills of Secret Pals.  It’s the sort of thing that’ll consume hours of one’s life outside of the main campaign. 

New Mega Evolutions 

Granted, we’ve seen Mega Evolutions before, but 1.) they do not exist in Ruby and Sapphire, and 2.) you’ll take full advantage of new Mega Evolutions in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Chief among them, Mega Metagross and Mega Diancie. The former possesses increased Speed, while the latter employs a Magic Bounce ability that sends status conditions or stat-lowering effects back towards the enemy Pokémon. 

We also learned of Mega Sableye, a Dark and Ghost type Pokémon that concentrates its Mega Evolution energy into a powerful crystal that gives it cover from many attacks. 

On that note, get ready to track down even more Mega Stones, on top of the 28 Stones in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. 

Primal Reversion

Unfortunately, little is know about Primal Reversion, how it impacts the games and the connection to Mega Evolutions. The Pokémon Company confirmed Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, both of which underwent transformations from their Legendary forms. Basically, this causes a Pokémon to reclaim their original powers from nature while becoming stronger. Primal Groudon unleashes magma from its body and adds Fire type to its Ground type attacks, while Primal Kyogre bursts from the sea and is much larger than normal. Extremely vague, we know. 

There’s bound to be more unique features for Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire revealed in the months leading to the games’ November 21 release. Which are you most looking forward to?