I love sprites. I'm glad they're sticking to having sprite models.

As for the maps, it looks like we get full 3D movement now, which actually supports the theory that it'll have 3DS enhancements, since the 3DS is supposed to have at least one analog. And we all know analog sticks are best for 3D movement.

Battle scenes appear to be fully animated now, by that shot of Zorua vs. Zoroark. The full-back image supports this because, really, that's the only reason you'd WANT to see the entire back side - so you can see them move and react. Additionally, the somewhat low-res sprites OF the battle Pokemon would support this, because I believe they'd up the quality significantly if they were keeping them the original style. Anyways, that's a LOT of animation, but it can actually be simplified a lot by animating them a certain way. You can go with two basic animations for each Pokemon for about 95% of the attacks in the game (one for physical attacks, one for special attacks), with minor edits to make them fit the specific attack (and those edits can actually be one animation, again, for each attack, just using an algorithm to place them in the appropriate spot in relation to the Pokemon).

Finally, the move to fully 3D environments also lends support to the concept of 3DS enhancements. People get used to seeing these games on the DS, but then they see what it can do on the 3DS and how much cooler it is, so they go out and buy a 3DS to enjoy the games more.

Oh wow... a city in a Pokemon game that actually feels like a city? Crazy talk!

Dang, I feel small just by looking at those pictures... really neat.

I also like the field of view in the Pokemon Battle, makes you feel like you're looking at it from the perspective of a Pokemon Trainer, instead of the Pokemon.

Thumbs up so far!

Smeags said: Oh wow... a city in a Pokemon game that actually feels like a city? Crazy talk! Dang, I feel small just by looking at those pictures... really neat. I also like the field of view in the Pokemon Battle, makes you feel like you're looking at it from the perspective of a Pokemon Trainer, instead of the Pokemon. Thumbs up so far!

First thing I thought too!

I like the new full back view too, but I wonder if the animations will actually bring anything to the table or be just something I turn on when I use a new Pokemon or in just some battles and otherwise have turned off, like the "animations" in the current games.

On the surface, it looks like a big change. But looking at it more in depth, it doesn't look like there's going to be much of a change aside from 3D effects and a few alterations to the interface. In other words, if these images are anything to go by, the gameplay will probably be the same exact Pokemon gameplay we've known for every single game and the basic gameplay outside of battles will still focus on buying Potions/Pokeballs/TMs and battling random NPCs.

After playing 6 main Pokemon games already...can't say I'm getting interested in this game simply based on a graphical overhaul.  Maybe if they were at least adding new gameplay elements to the series every incarnation like Dragon Quest.

What do you mean?

But these screens feel a little half-baked. If they're going to do that, they might as well just jump to full 3D (even something semi-chibi like FFIII on DS)

I sense shadow pokemon are making a return

Like, say....

I can use HMs to teach moves to my Pokemon, but I don't have to. Even if nothing on my team knows Cut, as long as something can know Cut, then the TM would allow them to cut down trees. That way I don't have to use it on moveslots.

Are you saying that HMs should be like abilities and not attacks?

I think using them as attacks should be optional.

hm, these screens are for good, definitely improvements from previous games

i just wish they could make them 3DS exclusives not allowing transfer from Ds/gba games... as there are make pokemon made from cheats going around....