The Aether Foundation: The Missing Puzzle for Pokemon GO

Pokemon GO's dependence on Team GO Rocket has caused player exhaustion and monotony in gameplay. To mitigate this, the Aether Foundation could be introduced as an alternative to Team GO Rocket, granting players a fresh and distinct experience.

Highlights

Introducing the Aether Foundation to Pokemon GO can bring a fresh dynamic to the game's formula and diversify the gameplay loop. With the current focus on Team GO Rocket, Niantic now has an excellent opportunity to incorporate the Aether Foundation into the game. Not only would this tie-in with the introduction of Gen 6, like the Zygarde event, but it would also provide players with a unique and alternative experience. Lately, players have expressed increasing fatigue with the repetitive use of Team GO Rocket, as evidenced by the numerous events and updates centered around them. Despite the limitations of Pokemon GO's mobile format, Niantic should not overlook the obvious solution to their team dilemma.

Pokemon GO's mainline series has only featured Team GO Rocket thus far. Although there have been rumors about the inclusion of Gen 3's villain teams in the game, Niantic should strive for a more multi-dimensional gameplay experience by introducing a positive counterpart to Team GO Rocket. This would enhance the authenticity of being a trainer in the game. To avoid undoing the progress made with Team GO Rocket, Niantic could introduce the Aether Foundation, allowing players to assist Pokemon instead of solely focusing on completing Research Tasks and defeating GO Rocket leaders.

Pokemon GO Needs More Than Just Team GO Rocket

In the earliest days of Pokemon GO, any changes or additions to the game were groundbreaking. As Niantic worked to bring the Pokemon experience to the app, it was only a matter of time before Pokemon's infamous villain team, Team GO Rocket, was introduced. Over time, Niantic continued to enhance Pokemon GO, and Team GO Rocket evolved alongside it. They brought in new leaders, revived the Shadow Pokemon mechanics from XD: Gale of Darkness, and even included encounters with the anime's Jessie and James, as well as the head of Team Rocket, Giovanni.

However, since its launch in 2016, Pokemon GO has failed to introduce any alternative villains apart from Team GO Rocket. This lack of diversity in villain teams in Pokemon GO is further exacerbated by Niantic's focus on expanding the game across multiple generations, while neglecting the opportunity to include other teams. As a result, the game's narrative growth has been stifled. Players have grown tired of Team GO Rocket, finding them predictable and unimaginative, even as Niantic adds new Rocket-centric features like Shadow Raids, Shadow Shards, and Purified Gems.

The Aether Foundation Would Be Perfect for Pokemon GO

It's evident that Pokemon GO is in need of a substantial shift from its monotonous formula. Instead of merely swapping out Team GO Rocket for other villainous factions, Niantic should contemplate the inclusion of a completely fresh and innovative group. Taking a unique approach to the antagonistic trope of the series, the Aether Foundation could make its grand entrance alongside Team Skull as a force that opposes evil, striving to heal and safeguard Pokemon. This would not only counteract Team GO Rocket's sinister deeds but would also align with the existence of the Aether Foundation as validated by Pokemon GO's Ultra Beasts, Ultra Space wormholes, and Rhi.

Introducing the Aether Foundation as a playable team in Pokemon GO, alongside Team GO Rocket, could bring variety to the gameplay. Players could encounter foundation employees who would engage in battles, testing the bonds between player and Pokemon or their trainers' skills. In addition to traditional battles, they could assign new tasks like using the Buddy mechanics to catch and heal injured Pokemon or sending players on local patrols using the game's routes. Ultimately, if Niantic wants to introduce new antagonists, the Aether Foundation could assist in maintaining the game's balance. Pokemon GO is currently accessible on Android and iOS devices.