Pokemon Sun And Moon: An Exploration Of Its Surprisingly Easy Gameplay

Having just finished Pokémon Sun and Moon, I must say, the experience was surprisingly straightforward. Unlike some of the previous titles in the series, I found myself sailing through the Alola region with minimal difficulty. I didn't experience a single blackout, and the amount of grinding required felt significantly less than in other Pokémon games. This raises the question: What makes Pokémon Sun and Moon such an accessible and, dare I say, easy entry in the Pokémon franchise? Let's delve into the various factors that contribute to this perception of ease, exploring the game's mechanics, encounter design, and overall structure.

Exploring the Accessibility of Pokémon Sun and Moon

One of the primary reasons Pokémon Sun and Moon feel easier is their streamlined approach to gameplay. The game introduces several features that reduce the traditional difficulty curve often associated with Pokémon games. For instance, the removal of Hidden Machines (HMs) is a significant change. In previous games, HMs were essential moves required to traverse certain areas, but they often took up valuable move slots on your Pokémon's team. Sun and Moon replace HMs with the Ride Pokémon system, allowing you to summon Pokémon like Tauros for smashing rocks or Lapras for surfing across water, without sacrificing a move slot. This change not only makes exploration more convenient but also frees up your Pokémon to learn more strategically advantageous moves.

Another factor contributing to the game's accessibility is the introduction of the Exp. Share, which distributes experience points to all Pokémon in your party, regardless of whether they participated in battle. While the Exp. Share has appeared in previous games, its implementation in Sun and Moon feels particularly generous. This means your entire team levels up at a relatively consistent rate, preventing any one Pokémon from falling behind and making battles significantly easier. You don't need to meticulously grind individual Pokémon to keep them competitive; instead, your whole team benefits from each encounter. This change drastically reduces the time and effort required to build a well-rounded team, making the game more approachable for newcomers and veterans alike.

Furthermore, the game's design incorporates various tutorials and helpful features that guide players through the Alola region. The Rotom Dex, a talking Pokédex that provides advice and hints, is a constant companion, ensuring you always have a sense of direction and purpose. The game also provides ample opportunities to heal your Pokémon, with Pokémon Centers readily available and healing items relatively inexpensive. These quality-of-life improvements collectively reduce the traditional challenges of Pokémon games, making Sun and Moon a more forgiving experience.

The Impact of Encounter Design on Difficulty

The encounter design in Pokémon Sun and Moon also plays a crucial role in the game's perceived ease. While previous Pokémon games often featured challenging Gym Leaders with specific type advantages, Sun and Moon replace Gyms with Island Trials. These Trials involve completing various tasks and battling Totem Pokémon, which are larger and more powerful versions of regular Pokémon. However, the Totem Pokémon are often accompanied by ally Pokémon, adding a strategic layer to the battles. While this might seem like it would increase the difficulty, the game provides ample information about the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon, making it easier to devise a winning strategy.

Moreover, the game's pacing ensures that you're consistently encountering new and interesting Pokémon, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging. The variety of Pokémon available in the Alola region allows you to build a diverse team with different type matchups, giving you an advantage in various battles. The game also introduces Z-Moves, powerful, once-per-battle attacks that can turn the tide of a difficult encounter. Z-Moves provide a significant offensive boost, making even the toughest battles feel manageable.

Additionally, the AI in Sun and Moon seems less aggressive than in previous games. Opponents are less likely to use status moves or strategic switches, which can often lead to frustrating battles. This more predictable AI allows you to anticipate your opponents' moves and plan your strategy accordingly, further contributing to the game's overall ease. The combination of these factors – the Island Trials, the variety of Pokémon, the introduction of Z-Moves, and the less aggressive AI – makes the battles in Sun and Moon feel less daunting than in previous entries.

The Story and Structure of a More Accessible Pokémon Game

The narrative structure of Pokémon Sun and Moon also contributes to its accessibility. The game features a more linear storyline than some of its predecessors, guiding players through the Alola region with clear objectives and goals. This linearity can be seen as both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, it prevents players from feeling overwhelmed or lost, ensuring they always know what to do next. On the other hand, it can also make the game feel less open-world and exploratory than some players might prefer.

However, the game's engaging story and memorable characters compensate for its linearity. The Alola region is vibrant and full of life, with a rich culture and mythology that draw you into the game's world. The characters, particularly Lillie and Gladion, are well-developed and relatable, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The game's focus on storytelling and character development makes the experience feel more personal and engaging, which can distract from the game's relative ease. You're so invested in the story that you might not even notice how straightforward the gameplay is.

Furthermore, the game's post-game content provides additional challenges for players who are looking for a more demanding experience. The Ultra Beast quests and the Battle Tree offer opportunities to test your skills against formidable opponents, ensuring that there's still plenty to do after completing the main storyline. This post-game content allows players to gradually ramp up the difficulty, catering to those who found the main game too easy while still providing a satisfying conclusion for those who enjoyed the more accessible experience.

A Balanced Perspective on the Difficulty of Pokémon Sun and Moon

While I found Pokémon Sun and Moon to be surprisingly easy, it's important to note that