Turn-based tactical/simulation RPG ‘Pokémon X Nobunaga’s Ambition’ revealed
Rumors have been floating around for months in regards to a mysterious new Pokémon game that would bring fresh innovation to the franchise. While full details are set to arrive in the January 14th issue of CoroCoro, a few bits of information on the premise, along with some images, have been revealed. This game will be based around the series Nobunaga’s Ambition. While it’s referred to as a “simulation RPG,” battles come in a traditional turn-based strategy form, making it a hybrid of the two genres. It will be released on the Nintendo DS and is a collaboration of Nintendo, Pokemon Company, and Tecmo Koei.
Let’s be honest with ourselves: the majority of Pokemon spin-off games haven’t been that great. For every Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League, there’s also a Pokémon Dash and Pokémon Battle Revolution. Even with poor critical reception, I found the Mystery Dungeon series mildly entertaining. We all have our own tastes, but there’s a general consensus that Pokemon spin-off games are poorer quality than their main series counterparts. Will Pokémon X Nobunaga’s Ambition be the start of a wonderful new spin-off series? Judging on so little information is difficult, but we can answer with an unwavering “maybe” because the concept is intriguing.
To better understand what kind of game this may be, let’s talk about what the Nobunaga’s Ambition series actually is. The simulation aspect comes into play with the overworld map, where you manage different resources, recruit units, adjust taxes, and attempt to expand your land. Combat is based around a rectangular grid, common to many turn-based games. There’s various terrain types too. Grouping up your troops too closely may cause them to become jumbled up and difficult to maneuver, making positioning key to your strategies. Newer iterations offered additional features and more depth, but based on the limitations of the Nintendo DS, they’ll likely take a more conservative approach.
Skills in both micro-management and macro-management are required, making Nobunaga’s Ambition a challenging series. Additionally, this kind of gameplay style has a very niche crowd, meaning it may not be as appealing to US audiences. It’s still a half-Pokémon game though and they sell very well in our region regardless of overall concept, meaning we’ll probably get a release down the road also. Due to the assumedly younger target audience though, our version may end up easier, like many other RPG’s that have transitioned from Japan to the US.
As a strategy game enthusiast, I personally welcome this new approach to the franchise. It won’t be appealing to everyone, but should be a more mentally engaging and satisfying affair than many prior Pokémon spin-offs. Stay tuned as more in-depth details are revealed next month.
Source: Serebii.net and Nintendo Everything
Phil is a college student, musician, and all-around video game enthusiast. He appreciates and enjoys what all gaming systems have to offer using a simple philosophy: don’t focus on what a game isn’t, enjoy a game for what it is. He is VGW’s resident League of Legends expert.
April fools?
If it wasn’t December, and there wasn’t so much photo evidence, I would almost think so. This is the real deal.
I honestly have no idea what to think of this.
Some gameplay footage is in order.
You ordered it, I found it. Added to article.
hmmmm im not sure what to think.. i wanted at least a 3ds Pokemon… right now i dont like it but this is just me being sad that it isnt gray or R/S/E remakes ill need 2 look into it more