Games

A Pokémon news explosion happened this morning! Nintendo finally gave the world a first look at some of the Pokémon Sun and Moon gameplay, including the 3 starter Pokémon you’ll be able to choose from when you embark on your journey through the brand new Alola region.

Get to know the Pokémon Sun and Moon Starters – Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio!

Rowlet is the grass type starter for Sun and Moon. It’s got an adorable little bowtie made of leaves, and some kick-butt moves. Rowlet is technically a Grass Quill Pokémon, but it’s definitely got an owl thing going on – everything from it’s appearance to it’s ability to turn it’s head 180 degrees. We’re getting total Blathers vibes from this guy. Think any of its evolutions wear argyle vests?

Rowlet is silent and stealthy, able to sneak up on it’s opponents without being noticed. It’s feathers are made up of razor-sharp leaves, which it can use to attack, in addition to it’s extremely powerful kicks. Rowlet can definitely throw down in battle, and seems like a pretty solid choice both as your starter AND your lifelong pal. Plus, look how cute it is!

Litten is a fire type, more specifically a Fire Cat Pokémon. It looks fierce as heck and is always wearing a shifty “I’m about to do something totally wrong and get away with it” kind of look. So basically, every cat you’ve ever met. Nailed it, Nintendo. Nailed it.
The legit cat-ness doesn’t stop there. Litten is described as “logical but passionate”, choosing to keep it’s emotions shoved deep down inside it’s (probably dark and twisty) soul. It’s also rumored that it loves knocking things off tables and one of it’s most powerful attacks is nibbling you mid-belly rub. (Okay, we made most of that up.) When Litten grooms itself, it uses the collected fur in a flaming hairball attack. No, we didn’t make that one up. It’s way too clever, plus, there’s a pic to prove it! That’s what’s happening in the pic above.

Show of paws, who’s making an all-feline Pokémon squad this time around?

Popplio is the water Pokémon of the bunch. It’s a pretty cute sea lion inspired Pokémon that either looks very Shakesperian or very clown-esque due to it’s ruffly neckpiece. It’s official type is Sea Lion Pokémon.
Popplio is an excellent swimmer who is much better at moving in water than on land. When on land, Popplio dazzles and amazes with its circus-like acrobatics, stunts, and jumps. It can also bounce a balloon on it’s nose. Basically if you’ve ever been to the Zoo and seen a sea lion show, Popplio can probably do it.

If you thought Litten’s fiery hairballs were cool, Popplio snorts out snot bubbles to attack with. They’re technically “balloons made of water”, but if they’re bubbly things coming out of it’s nose, it’s definitely snot!

Which Pokémon Sun and Moon starter will you be choosing? Are you ready to team up with Popplio, Litten, or Rowlet?

The game will be released on November 18th. Add it to your calendars, add it to your Christmas lists (everyone starts those like 6 months in advance, right? That’s totally normal?) Hopefully we’ll be getting even more news about the game from Nintendo’s E3 Direct in June.