New Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Trailer Reveals New Gamplay Elements

The Pokémon Company International today announced exciting new features and story elements of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, launching in the United Kingdom on November 28th, 2014, for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS systems. A brand new gameplay trailer has also been released, giving fans a deeper look at what they will discover in their new adventure through the Hoenn region.

A new Mega-Evolved Pokémon was revealed today in the form of Mega Metagross. Metagross is the partner Pokémon of Pokémon League Champion Steven, whose deep bond helps it to Mega Evolve into Mega Metagross. Despite helping Trainers throughout their journey, Steven is the last obstacle for Trainers to overcome before becoming the Pokémon League Champion.

Mega Metagross, the Iron Leg Pokémon, is a massive Steel- and Psychic-type Pokémon standing at 2.5 m (8’02”) and weighing 942.9 kg (2078.7 lbs). Upon Mega Evolving, Metagross’s Ability changes to Tough Claws, which increases the power of attacks that make physical contact. Mega Metagross also has a greatly increased Speed stat, with additional increases in its Attack, Defence, Sp. Atk, and Sp. Def, making Mega Metagross primed for both offence and defence.

Another announcement is that Pokémon-Amie returns in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Pokémon-Amie allows Trainers to create close ties with their Pokémon by playing games together, petting them, and feeding them special snacks called Poké Puffs. As a player’s Pokémon become more affectionate, they will be more likely to do such things as evade attacks in battle, land critical hits, and get an overall boost in performance.

Players will see Pikachu like they’ve never seen it before—Cosplay Pikachu—in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Meet Pikachu Rock Star, Pikachu Belle, Pikachu Pop Star, Pikachu Ph.D., and Pikachu Libre! They seem to have a connection to a kind of Contest Hall. Players will also be able to interact with Cosplay Pikachu in Pokémon-Amie. More information about the new Cosplay Pikachu images shown today will be revealed in August!

Also revealed, was more information on Mega Diancie. When Diancie Mega Evolves into Mega Diancie, it will get the Magic Bounce Ability, which makes any status condition or stat-lowering effect bounce back at the Pokémon trying to inflict it. Through Mega Evolution, Mega Diancie receives a big boost to its Speed, as well as boosts to its Attack and Sp. Atk, while experiencing a reduction in its Defense and Sp. Def. The boosts help Mega Diancie with its quick, powerful attacks, such as Diamond Storm and Moonblast.

Check out the trailer below and tell us what you think of this latest Pokémon installment in the comments.