The Pokemon world evolves October 12th with the worldwide release of Pokemon X, Y. Nintendo’s long-running series will make the transition to the 3DS with a host of new features, including the addition of a new Pokemon type and the Nintendogs-esque “Pokemon-amie” feature. Joystiq lists the details along with the full E3 press release.
Pokemon enthusiasts have been speculating as to the type of Eevee’s new evolution, Sylveon, suggesting anything from Flying-type (based on its ribbon-like appendages) to Grass-type (its name comes from the word “sylvan” which means “of, pertaining to, or inhabiting the woods”). Turns out the mysterious Pokemon, along with many others already in existence, such as Gardevoir, Marrill, and Jigglypuff, belong to the Fairy type. This is the 18th Pokemon type and the first to be added in many years.
Game Freak explained in an interview with Kotaku that the addition of the Fairy type as well as the retconning of several existing Pokemon to the Fairy type is an attempt to “restore balance and make it a more balanced game.” To those Poke-nerds in the know, the Fairy type will be the natural counter to the Dragon type, which thus far has only been weak to other Dragon types and Ice-type attacks. How a fairy is supposed to naturally beat a dragon is still a bit beyond me though. Clefairy is going to be strong against Dragonite or Zekrom, really?
The press release also details some of the new moves being added in the game. From the Fairy-type Moonblast, which “calls on the power of the moon to attack an opposing Pokemon” as well as lowering the enemy’s Attack stat, to Boomburst and the hilariously named Struggle Bug, Pokemon X, Y promises to deliver the strategic depth and evolution of the Pokemon franchise that fans have been clamoring for for years.