Returning Island Challenge:
So no Gyms, it's an Island Challenge revisit. Don't really have much to say. It's nice they're changing them up though then again they'd have too, though at the same time a few don't look like they separate too far from the original mechanic like Mallow's and Sophocles (though they look to give more of a show, probably because they have time to now that they're reusing old assets).
I was excited to see what they cooked up for Mina... and as of right now it just looks like a battle. Because, you know, in SM you only battled her so it's the same thing here. With how laid back and absent-minded Mina is they'd probably use that as an excuse, she didn't have time to create a trail so it's just a battle. Which would be disappointing.
You know, I'm going to request something. The main attraction of the Trials is the Totem Pokemon, yet we only get to battle seven Totem Pokemon. GF, could you maybe add in a location where we battle Totem boosted Pokemon in a row like trainers in a Battle Facility. The first Totem Pokemon wouldn't get such a big boost and/or not be fully evolved but as out win streak gets longer and longer the more powerful the boost and/or stronger the Pokemon we battle. I'd think that would be an interesting feature.
Lillie & Hau, Well, More Focusing On Lillie:
... You know, it's very odd they're putting so much focus on Lillie and her Z-Form even though that happens at the end of the game/last island. And I can't see how they'd have her change earlier than that. So it got me thinking, how could they expand the use of Lillie Z-Form. They're more pushing her to becoming a trainer, so maybe have her do the Island Challenge? It'll give us another reason to revisit the other islands before going to Poni Island, it'll expand the game time, and they can add in more character development and story to flesh things out.
Alola Photo Club:
So, are all the backgrounds/environments the in-battle backgrounds/environments? Not that that's a bad thing, though I do hope they have some unique ones. Otherwise we already talked about this.
Mantine Surf:
I mean, we are in Poke-Hawaii. Alright, looks pretty fun. Yes, we have Charizard Fly, but we still have to get to the other islands first... and there's two other things to it.
First, the points. All I'm going to say about that is it better have a point other than online leaderboards. Otherwise it'll have the same problem as the Poke Finder did: what's the point? I tried to take the best pictures I could with the Poke Finder and all I got were stupid meme comments that lost their charm fast and upgrades to take better pictures which required a ludicrous amount of points to get to. That's it. No items, no unique Pokemon encounters, just being able to take better photos and when you got the final upgrade... you feel like you wasted your time. So, GIVE ME A REASON TO RACK UP POINTS. A simple item reward, especially for rare items, would be sufficient enough. Or money, with all the clothes they're adding in we'll probably need more cash than in SM.
Second, potential. Could Mantine Surf be the next Soaring? I'm seeing plenty of Pokemon in the water, if we hit one does it initiate a battle? That would be a good way to add in more Pokemon. Now it looks like the surfing is pretty linear, but still we're on the wide open ocean in the Pokemon World. Who's to say there might be a split that leads to an isolated island that's not on the Alolan map or maybe a secret beach or cave that normally can't be accessed without using Mantine Surf to get to it?
Poster Clear:
A clearer image of the poster shows the details of the mysterious figure better. I now see the braid on the kid and it does very much look like Lillie's braids. That said, there's something that I just realized: their hair bangs. Remember, another similar trait that Lillie and Gladion share is that they have their father's blocky hair bangs. If you look at the kid, woman, and alone guy's hair, their bang is triangular (alone guy's hair is also zig-zaggy). Note, that is the hair style which Lusamine has, and comparing the hair I do see a bit of Lusamine's hair on the woman. I actually this is an important detail on these character identities. I have two thoughts (and both still stemming from the idea they're from a different dimension/timeline):
- These are completely different characters. The similar details are meant to throw you off, but that one off trait was a clue these aren't the characters you think they are.
- They are the characters you think they are, but how things went in their timeline was very different. Now that alone guy's face is shown, I'm going to take back its Mohn. Instead, according to this theory, I think the woman is Lusamine, the kid is Lillie, and alone guy is Gladion. They indeed found a way to not only explore Ultra Space but other dimensions. Also, I think in their timeline Lusamine was able to "convert" Lillie and Gladion, or at least Lillie. Why? Well not only because of their hair bangs, but those creepy smiles. Lillie has the same creepy smile as Lusamine, which makes me think Lusamine had successfully made this Lillie into a mini-Lusamine. Not sure about Gladion, if that is him as I still have my doubts, the hair bang does indicate Lusamine at least tried to change him and either he is on his mom's side but is just the stern one or, like in other timelines, he ran away though possibly later than others (or Lusamine tried harder to change her children earlier). I'm more leaning toward the latter since he's by himself which indicates he's on his own, probably snuck into Aether Paradise and stole a suit to follow Lusamine, Faba, and Lillie to the other dimension. Why would they go to another dimension? Why, to make ALL worlds beautiful of course... if Lusamine is still as insane.
