Unleash Your Inner Pokemon Ranger with this Epic Pokemon GO Event

Highlights

Pokemon GO brought back Shadow Pokemon in 2019, raising the question of what other neglected spin-offs could be revived in the popular mobile game.

The Pokemon Ranger series, which has been largely overlooked since 2010, could potentially be a perfect match for a temporary event in Pokemon GO. By seamlessly integrating the touch screen gameplay from Pokemon Ranger with the battle mechanics of Pokemon GO, players could have the exciting opportunity to capture powerful Pokemon for a limited time, enhancing their ability to tackle more challenging battles.

In 2019, fans were taken by surprise when Niantic and The Pokemon Company reintroduced Shadow Pokemon, which had been forgotten for 14 years. This revival occurred in Pokemon GO, bringing back a concept originally featured in the GameCube title Pokemon Colosseum, a game that received mixed reviews from fans. Despite the mixed reception, Pokemon Colosseum and its sequel, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, now exist in Pokemon GO as rewards for players who defeat Team Rocket.

Seeing the success of bringing back Shadow Pokemon, one cannot help but wonder which other Pokemon spin-offs could find a new life in the immensely popular mobile game. While there are several titles that have been neglected over the years, one game in particular stands out and might have a special place in Niantic's AR game. This game is the Nintendo DS series called Pokemon Ranger, which has not received much attention since 2010.

How Pokemon GO Can Bring Pokemon Ranger Back from the Brink

Pokemon Ranger's concept poses a challenge when trying to incorporate it into Pokemon GO, a game known for its exploration and collection aspects. In Pokemon Ranger, players temporarily capture creatures to assist with wildlife crises, making the idea of permanent captures counterproductive. However, a potential solution could be introducing limited-time events where players can temporarily capture powerful Pokemon to defeat tougher enemies and bosses.

Despite this challenge, there is one key feature that could seamlessly merge the two games: the touch screen interface. Pokemon Ranger relied on the touch screen for players to draw circles quickly, enabling the captured creature to understand the Ranger's plea for help. Fortunately, Pokemon GO already utilizes similar touch screen mechanics in its current battle system, making it an ideal integration point.

Niantic's popular AR mobile game has features that lend themselves well to a limited-time event. Timed and Special Research Tasks could take players on an exciting adventure with a brand new Pokemon Ranger character exclusive to the game. Participants would be tasked with collecting items and meeting at various locations to encounter a variety of creatures and challenges. There may be opportunities to capture legendary and mythical Pokemon using the Capture Styler tool while facing off against formidable trainers. Of course, rewards would be given to make the adventure all the more satisfying and worthwhile.

If this event were to occur in Pokemon GO, it would provide a fantastic opportunity to bring Pokemon Ranger back into the spotlight after a long time. This would demonstrate the demand for further games and content from HAL Laboratory and Creatures Inc. Typically, the support of players for old spin-offs is what helps revive them into something new in the Pokemon franchise. The revival would depend on the circumstances that have prevented the specific title from re-emerging. In the case of Pokemon Ranger, Creatures Inc. could easily develop it alongside the mainline games already in production.

The franchise's current output is somewhat worrying, but spin-offs like the Ranger games are ideal for bridging the gap between Pokemon's numerous generations. They serve as excellent promotions for the new creatures and adventures they offer. Many nostalgic fans of the Ranger series have been eagerly hoping for a fourth game on the Switch, and Pokemon GO hosting an event would be a great way to gauge potential player numbers.

Even if this event were to happen sooner rather than later, the interest in Pokemon Ranger may result in a game, but it would likely take years before it is released. In fact, it might end up being on the successor to the Switch rather than the Switch itself. However, this may work out for the best since the Nintendo Switch does not have a stylus, and its touchscreen may not handle the same circles required to use the Capture Styler. Keeping this in mind, it could also be a while until the original games are available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Pokemon GO is out now on mobile devices.