New Game Ultra Sun, The Pokémon franchise is known for its ability to reinvent itself with each generation while keeping its core gameplay intact. In 2017, Pokémon Ultra Sun (along with its counterpart Ultra Moon) made its debut on the Nintendo 3DS, offering a reimagined version of Pokémon Sun and Moon for players who were looking for a fresh twist on the original storyline. Ultra Sun doesn’t just rehash the events of its predecessor—it introduces new characters, additional story content, and exciting gameplay changes that elevate the experience for both new players and long-time fans of the series.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Pokémon Ultra Sun stand out, from its expanded narrative to the improved gameplay mechanics, and why it’s considered one of the most enjoyable entries in the Pokémon series on the Nintendo 3DS.
1. A New Adventure in the Alola Region
Pokémon Ultra Sun takes place in the Alola region, an island paradise inspired by the Hawaiian Islands. The setting is one of the most vibrant and unique in the Pokémon series, with its sunny beaches, lush jungles, and colorful cities. The game’s story is set against this picturesque backdrop, where players take on the role of a young Trainer who has just moved to the region to begin their Pokémon journey.
While Pokémon Ultra Sun shares the core plot of Pokémon Sun, which involves taking on the island trials and challenging the Pokémon League, Ultra Sun introduces a number of important changes to the narrative. Most notably, the storyline is enhanced with new elements that delve deeper into the mysteries of Alola and its relationship with Legendary Pokémon.
2. Expanded Storyline and New Characters
One of the most notable features of Pokémon Ultra Sun is its expanded storyline. While Pokémon Sun focused on the journey of the player, meeting the island kahunas, and fighting the nefarious Team Skull, Ultra Sun introduces new characters and plot twists that make the game feel more dynamic and engaging.
The Ultra Recon Squad
A major addition in Ultra Sun is the Ultra Recon Squad, a mysterious group of characters who play a crucial role in the new story arc. These new characters are from another world and add depth to the narrative by introducing concepts like the Ultra Wormholes and Ultra Beasts, exotic creatures from alternate dimensions. Players will find themselves involved in new conflicts with the Ultra Recon Squad, and their actions will have significant consequences for the world of Alola.
The Ultra Beasts
Speaking of Ultra Beasts, these otherworldly, alien-like Pokémon were first introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. In Ultra Sun, they take center stage as part of the expanded storyline. Players will encounter more Ultra Beasts, each with their own unique lore and challenges. The presence of Ultra Beasts and the mysterious Ultra Wormholes creates an overarching narrative of exploring dimensions beyond Alola, adding an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to the game.
Lusamine and Team Rainbow Rocket
Another exciting twist comes with the return of Lusamine, the leader of Team Aether, and the reveal of Team Rainbow Rocket. This new criminal organization is led by Giovanni, the infamous Team Rocket boss from the earlier Pokémon games, who brings with him a cast of past Pokémon villains. Players will have to face off against Giovanni and his team in an epic showdown that calls back to the franchise’s roots while also introducing new gameplay challenges.
3. Improved Gameplay Features
While Pokémon Ultra Sun shares the core gameplay with Pokémon Sun and Moon, the game includes several improvements and additions that make it feel like a more polished and feature-rich experience.
Ultra Recon Squad and New Forms of Legendary Pokémon
In Ultra Sun, players are given the opportunity to encounter new forms of the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala, which are given more prominence due to the game’s expanded narrative. The form changes and new story elements revolving around these Legendary Pokémon help bring a fresh dynamic to the gameplay experience.
Ultra Wormholes and Legendary Pokémon Encounters
One of the most exciting new gameplay mechanics in Ultra Sun is the ability to explore Ultra Wormholes, which open up the possibility of encountering Legendary Pokémon from previous generations, including Mewtwo, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. These special portals can also lead to Ultra Beast encounters, adding a whole new layer of excitement to the adventure.
Players can also enter the Ultra Recon’s Ultra Megalopolis to explore new areas and gain access to special Legendary Pokémon battles. This mechanic introduces a unique way for players to experience these encounters, moving beyond the usual set paths to find and capture Legendary creatures.
Battle Features and Alola Forms
Pokémon Ultra Sun also continues to celebrate the Alola Forms of classic Pokémon, such as Alolan versions of Raichu, Meowth, and Marowak, which are exclusive to the Alola region. These Alola Forms offer players the opportunity to experience familiar Pokémon in fresh and unique ways, with different typings and abilities. The game encourages players to use these new regional variants to their advantage as they battle through the island trials and face off against rivals.
Battle Agency and Battle Tree
In addition to the traditional Trainer battles, Ultra Sun introduces the Battle Agency, a new feature that allows players to rent Pokémon from a selection of high-level creatures and use them to battle against other Trainers. This provides a fun twist for those who want to experience battles without needing to train a full team of their own Pokémon.
The Battle Tree, a battle arena for seasoned trainers, also returns in Ultra Sun with new challenges and rewards. Here, players can test their skills against battle-hardened trainers and legendary characters like Red and Blue from the Kanto region. It’s the ultimate challenge for players seeking to test their strategic prowess after completing the main story.
4. Post-Game Content
As with most Pokémon titles, the post-game content in Ultra Sun is rich and rewarding. After completing the main storyline, players can explore Ultra Space, a new dimension with rare encounters and challenging battles. They can also unlock new Legendary Pokémon, including Zygarde from the Kalos region and Necrozma, the mysterious creature that plays a central role in the Ultra versions of the games.
Additionally, the Battle Tree offers exclusive rewards for players who can defeat high-level trainers and earn Battle Points. The post-game also includes various side missions, including completing the Pokédex, and interacting with the numerous characters and areas that weren’t part of the main story.
5. Graphics and Presentation: A Step Forward for the Series
Graphically, Pokémon Ultra Sun is a significant improvement over earlier titles in the series. While still running on the Nintendo 3DS, the game boasts vibrant environments, well-designed Pokémon models, and polished animations. The Alola region’s tropical landscapes come to life with dynamic weather effects, day/night cycles, and detailed cities that capture the beauty of the region.
The user interface and menus are streamlined and intuitive, making it easy for both new and experienced players to navigate the game. The music and sound design are also fantastic, with a tropical, island-inspired soundtrack that perfectly complements the laid-back atmosphere of Alola.
6. Conclusion: Why Pokémon Ultra Sun is a Must-Play
Pokémon Ultra Sun is a brilliant entry in the Pokémon series, offering both new players and long-time fans a more enriched experience than Pokémon Sun. From its expanded storyline to the introduction of new characters, Legendary Pokémon, and gameplay features, the game provides an exciting adventure for anyone looking to explore the Alola region.
With improved graphics, deeper lore, and engaging post-game content, Pokémon Ultra Sun takes what made the original Sun so popular and builds upon it in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon Trainer or a newcomer looking for an introduction to the series, Ultra Sun is an unforgettable journey that offers hours of gameplay, fun battles, and the opportunity to catch legendary creatures from across the Pokémon universe.
