‘Pokémon Sun’ and ‘Moon’ will feature original ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ trainers

By Danny Cowan Published October 27, 2016

Pokémon veterans will get a nostalgic look back at the series’ origins with the upcoming sequels Pokémon Sun and Moon, as Nintendo revealed that the playable trainer characters from Pokémon Red and Blue will return for a pair of high-stakes, late-game battles.

Pokémon Sun and Moon will also feature new variants of returning creatures from Pokémon Red and Blue, giving lapsed fans further incentive to pick up the latest series sequels.

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Launching worldwide in November, Pokémon Sun and Moon introduce the new Alola region of gameplay, which hosts its own unique array of collectible critters. In addition to featuring dozens of new Pokémon species for players to battle and capture, Pokémon Sun and Moon offer up “Alola forms” of fan-favorite characters from the original Game Boy Pokémon Red and Blue games, including Meowth, Raichu, and Marowak.

Data miners who explored the recently released Pokémon Sun and Moon demo found that many more first-generation Pokémon will feature Alola variants in Pokémon Sun and Moon, further establishing the upcoming releases as a trip down memory lane for longtime players.

Video released today of returning trainers Red and Blue indicates that players will encounter the pair at some point during Pokémon Sun and Moon‘s lengthy quest. Pokémon Trainer Blue deploys an Alakazam after engaging in battle, while Pokémon Trainer Red leads with a Pikachu. Both characters are shown with a full slate of six Pokémon in reserve, suggesting that the battles will be especially difficult.

Pokémon’s mobile counterpart Pokémon Go is currently offering its own seasonal event in the weeks leading up to the launch of Pokémon Sun and Moon. Up until the end of the month, Pokémon Go players will receive bonus candy items during gameplay as part of a special Halloween event.

Pokémon Sun and Moon will premiere at retail and digitally via Nintendo’s eShop on November 18.

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