Fans of Nintendo's hit Pokémon franchise will likely have mixed feelings about the Pokémon Unite MOBA. After all, the game offers a new take on the MOBA genre. For instance, Nintendo offers Pokémon staples to Pokémon Unit MOBA formula: leveling up, catching Wild Pokémon, and even evolving their chosen Pokémon. However, as an upcoming title, it seems Pokémon Unite has a lot of room to apply both unique and common MOBA elements to spice up its gameplay.
As a MOBA, just what gameplay offerings can the Nintendo multiplayer online battle arena offer? What features should this game have to make it unique compared to others in the market? Perhaps Pokémon Unite can generate maximum appeal by applying some fan-favorite MOBA features.
10 Add: Types
In the gameplay trailer, viewers have been notified that Types don't exist in Unite. However, it's something that devs should consider placing in the game, as Types can add another layer of strategy for players.
For instance, players don't know what Pokémon their enemies will pick. As such, they might find themselves with a good or bad lineup depending on their Type. However, attacks and skills in the games also have Types, meaning certain skill choices may be necessary to counter some enemy Pokémon that the player's Pokémon is weak against.
9 Don't Add: Jungling
One of the most standout features of Unite is its lack of towers, bases, and jungles. Instead of minions and creeps, Pokémon encounter random Pokémon in the wild to defeat and capture. Moreover, the mid lane serves as a battle arena for Pokémon who want to duke it out. As such, Unite might want to keep this set up to keep players focused on the point-gathering aspect of the game.
Other players might be tempted to suggest adding a jungling aspect to the game. After all, it's awesome seeing Pokémon level up immediately after defeating some neutral Pokémon. However, this feature might overcomplicate the game's mechanics.
8 Add: Cosmetics For Pokémon
As seen with most appearances in anime and modern videogames, Pokémon aren't just limited to their base appearances. Some owners and games get creative with Pokémon, often putting clothing items such as hats, scarves, or even costumes to make their Pokémon stand out. Cosmetics or "skins" are often common in MOBAs, and it makes sense for Unite to have their own costumes for Pokémon.
Interestingly, Unite can have a similar option for players if the game decides to have an Item Shop feature. Players may use in-game currency to purchase cosmetic items to add a bit of customization and personalization to their favorite characters.
7 Don't Add: Costumes With Upgrades
Unfortunately, Item Shops often get associated with "pay-to-win" mechanics such as loot boxes and upgrades. If an Item Shop arrives in Unite, not only will it have costumes, it may potentially have costumes with built-in upgrades to Pokémon who wear them. It might be a good call for Unite to avoid having this option as it may upset the balance of the game.
Instead of relying on stat upgrade options in an Item Shop, Unite can bank on personalization or customization features. With these options, players can make their Pokémon or even the battleground unique.
6 Add: Shinies, Regionals, Special Forms
Aside from regular appearances, Pokémon also have rarer and more powerful Shiny variants. However, recent Pokémon installments introduced other variations for select Pokémon. For instance, Generation 7 and 8 introduced Alolan and Galarian Pokémon variants unique to their respective regions. Additionally, some Pokémon can tap into Mega Evolutions to become more powerful.
To add to Unite's already interesting evolution mechanic, the game can perhaps introduce these special Pokémon variations to trainers. Exclusive battlefields may force certain Pokémon to take up their alternate counterparts, while certain costumes might force Pokémon to Mega Evolve. Moreover, buying Pokémon on certain conditions may even give players a Shiny, which immediately adds to the collection appeal of the game.
5 Don't Add: Items, Equipment
Items and equipment remain feature staples in most MOBA as they add another layer of customization to heroes. After all, some item combinations can increase traits such as damage, attack speed, defense, or even regeneration. However, items and equipment might be something Unite should probably forego.
While it's true that items have been a staple in Pokémon games, it might add unnecessary complexity to Unite. After all, its countdown point-based system means matches need to be fast-paced. Moreover, Pokémon already have evolutions and player-selected skills, which immediately adds a ton of variability to playstyles anyway.
4 Add: Special Events
MOBAs often have special events to commemorate holidays like Halloween, anniversaries, and in-game happenings. Like with other titles, these events usually have special offerings such as freebies, discounts, or even unique gameplay options for the duration of the game. Given how titles such as Pokémon GO already have Community Events, it's not too much of a stretch to think Unite should have these as well.
If Unite wants to motivate players into staying for a long time, they ought to include Special Events. Aside from freebies, these events might have limited-time game modes or even rare Pokémon to acquire.
3 Don't Add: Competitions, At Least Not Immediately
Whereas other MOBAs rely on a lot of setups and strategic nuances depending on heroes, roles, items, and skills, Unite focuses on fast-paced gameplay. As such, it makes sense for people to think Unite will make a great eSports title.
However, Nintendo might want to hold off on an immediate eSports inclusion upon launch. It might make sense to build the game as an inclusive title first to get players of all ages into its mechanics. Targeting a niche audience like eSports players might force the game to become too complicated, which can hurt the player-base.
2 Add: Talents, Runes
Interestingly, some staple MOBA features such as Talents (from DOTA 2) and Runes (from League of Legends) make reasonable additions to Unite. For instance, Talents in DOTA 2 are unique traits heroes receive on certain levels. These traits grant a choice between certain bonuses, either of which can affect the overall performance of the hero in the game.
Meanwhile, Runes in League are special customization options that grant innate bonuses to heroes. These Runes help heroes specialize in particular strategies and tactics, which adds a new layer of gameplay in matches. These bonuses might be handy features for Unite, as they expand on the skill-based nature of combat.
1 Don't Add: Standard MOBA Setup
Admittedly, there's an appeal in the three-lane MOBA setup. However, it's something new games can let go in order to introduce new mechanics. Thankfully, Unite's two-lane, the point-based system is a fresh take on the MOBA genre, as this mechanic proves MOBAs aren't always just about base-wrecking.
Hopefully, Unite doesn't add such a mechanic in the future, as doing so may make the game look just like any other MOBA out there. Moreover, the unique mechanics seem very easy to get into. After all, players really only need to pay attention to how skill choice affects overall team synergy. Sticking to the base mechanics will help Unite be a more fun experience, especially given it's also a Switch title.