DeNA's Pokemon Masters is very different than it was at launch, with recent major updates including the addition of a stamina system and revamped training areas. On August 27, the game is being renamed Pokemon Masters EX to celebrate its first anniversary, which will include a number of in-game events and new modes added throughout the rest of the month.
While the name change signifies how much Masters has "evolved since its release," EX also refers to the addition of six-star Sync Pairs that let players further strengthen certain characters and unlock new cosmetics. Sygna Suit Red and Charizard will be the first pair who can jump to EX status, turning Red's outfit black and blue to mimic Mega Charizard X according to an update video from Producer Yu Sasaki and Operations Producer Tetsuya Iguchi.
Another major addition coming August 27 is the "Champion Stadium" mode, allowing players to face off against the Elite Four and Champion of different Pokemon Regions in consecutive battles. Pokemon Masters will use Kanto Region trainers Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, Lance, and Blue for the event's first challenge, and other Regions will be seen in the future.
Leading up to the one-year anniversary, another in-game Legendary Event is live until September 2: "New World Dilemma" allows players to unlock Team Galactic Boss Cyrus and Palkia, while a special summoning spotlight features Sygna Suit Cynthia and Kommo-o. Iguchi said special variant characters, including Sygna Suits and seasonal variants like Pokemon Masters' recent Summer Superstars event, are "popular requests," so there are plans to include more in the future. Halloween-themed trainers are coming next.
Other events introduced by the game's developers and a press release today include a Legendary Arena featuring Latios starting August 19; an Egg Event featuring the Kanto starters; a Story Event featuring Lillie, Gladion, and Lusamine from Pokemon Sun and Moon; and log-in bonuses between now and August 27. The Pokemon Masters Twitter account also announced an art contest, offering fans the chance to win 20,000 gems and be featured in a commemorative video.
Pokemon Masters has been one of Nintendo's more successful mobile ventures, even if it never hit the heights of Pokemon GO and Fire Emblem Heroes, but it had a rocky reception early on. DeNA promised to improve Pokemon Masters last October, and changes seen since then have made the game look stronger than ever heading into its one-year anniversary.
Pokemon Masters is available now on Android and iOS.
Source: Pokemon Masters, YouTube, Twitter