Unleash the Ultimate Fun with Pokemon Stadium 2's Epic Mini-Games!

Highlights

The recent announcement of Pokemon Stadium 2's release on the Switch could open the door for Pokemon to create its own spin-off game similar to Mario Party.

Pokemon's spin-off history has had a varied track record, but recent hits such as New Pokemon Snap and Pokemon Unite demonstrate the untapped potential for diverse gaming experiences. Leveraging Pokemon Stadium 2's assortment of mini-games, there lies a promising foundation for a potential Pokemon Party game, allowing for the introduction of fresh Pokemon characters and their distinct powers.

After the recent Pokemon Presents announcement about the arrival of Pokemon Stadium 2 on the Switch, there is a possibility that the spotlight on its mini-games could lead Pokemon to venture into the realm of Mario Party. The growing interest in retro Pokemon games, such as the Pokemon Trading Card Game for the Game Boy Color, which was also revealed at the same showcase, is bringing attention to some of the series' classic titles. While fans eagerly anticipate the return of favorites like Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, the reintroduction of Pokemon Stadium 2 could serve as inspiration for future spin-offs within the franchise.

Although games like Pokemon Stadium and its sequel are often categorized as side games, this should not hinder Pokemon from creating their own spin-off by adapting its mini-games. Additionally, while Pokemon's history with spin-offs has yielded mixed results – from the successful Mystery Dungeon series to the short-lived Pokemon Trozei! games – the franchise has experienced sustained success with mobile apps like Pokemon GO, Masters EX, Sleep, and the recent historical epic Pokemon Legends: Arceus. With Game Freak's current momentum and the expanding variety of Pokemon games, now might be the ideal time for a Pokemon Party spin-off.

Pokemon's History of Spin-Offs Holds Potential

While numerous spin-off games have been added to the Pokemon series over the years, the franchise has been inconsistent in maximizing the success of these games. For instance, despite being beloved by fans, it took two decades for Pokemon Snap to receive a sequel, thanks to its enduring reputation among Pokemon players. The success of New Pokemon Snap, along with other new spin-offs like Pokemon Unite, demonstrates that Game Freak has finally tapped into players' interest in different experiences, and Nintendo has the technology to deliver them.

It is important to acknowledge that in its early days, Pokemon was limited by the consoles developed by Game Freak, which also constrained their attempts to expand the series into new formats. This is likely why games like Pokemon Stadium or Colosseum closely resembled the mainline series. On the other hand, other Nintendo franchises had no hesitation in experimenting with new genres, such as Super Mario venturing into kart racing, RPGs, and party games. With Pokemon Stadium's mini-games resembling those in Mario Party, Game Freak has had the potential for a spin-off just as long as the wait for Pokemon Snap's sequel.

Pokemon Stadium 2 Could Inspire Pokemon Party

The Mario Party formula has evolved over the years, but certain elements of its design have remained consistent, particularly the mini-games. These mini-games, much like those in Pokemon Stadium 2, typically involve four players. This framework can easily be adapted into a hypothetical Pokemon Party game. By drawing inspiration from both Mario Party and Pokemon, the range of mini-games could be expanded to include player team-ups, incorporate newer Pokemon with unique abilities and designs, and more.

For example, the mini-game "Pichu's Power Plant" from Pokemon Stadium 2 could be updated to feature Pikachu clones from each generation. Similarly, a Pokemon Party game could include a mini-game like Mario Party Superstars' "GOOOOOOOAL!!" where one player competes against three others, with Pokemon Sword and Shield's Obstagoon serving as the goalkeeper and Cinderace as the strikers to incorporate the latest games. Apart from mini-game mechanics, a Pokemon Party game should also include elements like Stars, maps, items, and more, which are synonymous with the Mario Party franchise. Additionally, with nine generations of Pokemon and diverse regions, cities, and items to draw from, there is no shortage of material to incorporate into the game.

Pokemon Stadium 2 is now available on Nintendo 64 and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.