Pokemon GOremains one of the most popular mobile games on the market, but few would argue that it’s a perfect experience. On the contrary, there are still many ways Niantic could improvePokemon GO, and we think one area that needs to be addressed is the game’s lackluster combat system.
For those that haven’t playedPokemon GO, the combat boils down towildly tapping on enemy Pokemonwhile occasionally swiping to the left and right to avoid attacks. It’s dull and requires absolutely no skill on the part of the player, so it would be nice to see Niantic revampPokemon GO’s combat system to be more engaging. With that in mind, we’ve come up with three possible waysPokemon GO’s combat could be improved in future updates.
3Turn-Based
Prior to the game’s launch, it’s safe to say that manyPokemonfans expectedPokemon GOto be like anaugmented reality version of Game Freak’s RPGs. Of course, we now know that’s not the case, and there’s actually very littlePokemon GOhas in common with the mainlinePokemongames when it comes to gameplay features and mechanics. However,Pokemon GOcould benefit from borrowing the turn-based combat system seen in thePokemonRPGs.
Turn-based combat has been synonymous withPokemonsince its inception, and it could serve as a nostalgic throwback to the franchise’s roots. Of course, adding turn-based combat toPokemon GOwould likely require a complete overhaul of the game’s balance, the moves Pokemon have, and other factors, so if Niantic did do this, it would be quite the undertaking.
2Trading Card Game Rules
Another way Niantic could improve the combat inPokemon GOis by taking inspiration from other areas of thePokemonfranchise. For example, thePokemonTrading Card Gameremains immensely popular, and Niantic could mimic its rules and combat system inPokemon GO. Like turn-based combat, adding the Trading Card Game rules toPokemon GOwould likely require a major overhaul on Niantic’s part, as it would also need to add new items and energy cards to the game for it to work. But if it results in a more entertaining combat system, one that may even convince lapsed players to return to the game, then the effort may be worth it.
1Mimic Mobile Fighting Games
Perhaps a more realistic approach to improvingPokemon GO’s combat is by the game mimicking popular mobile fighting games. Many mobile fighting games feature screen mashing gameplay similar toPokemon GO, but also utilize other mechanics to make the combat more strategic. IfPokemon GOcould make its current combat system more involving than just tapping wildly on the screen, then maybe Niantic could still make improvements without starting from scratch.
Beyond changing how combat functions, many fans would like to seePokemon GOadd more ways to battle.PvP battleshave been a long-requested feature, and has been teased for the game since its announcement trailer released two years ago. Others may be interested in random battles against wild Pokemon, which would go a long way in makingPokemon GOfeel more in line with Game Freak’sPokemonRPGs.
While Niantic may just stick with its current combat system, fans can expect tweaks to be made to it here and there. HowPokemon GO’s combat will change in the future remains to be seen, but it will be interesting to see what changes are made to the persistently popular game in the years to come.
Pokemon GOis available now for iOS and Android mobile devices.
