Team Rocket Spotted
Something is brewing as Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon download cards reveal Team Rocket spotted engaging in battle! Found in the lower left hand corner are Team Rocket member mugshots. Though the scan is cut off on the sides, ットだん (ttodan) is visible, which we assume is short for ロケットだん (Roketto-dan). This is the name for Team Rocket in the Japanese version.
Check the scans below to view the reveals in full color.
What is Team Rocket?
Fans who have played the original games would know them as the first villains. They initially appeared in Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, and later Yellow. Members of the organization, under the leadership of Giovanni, took part in a number of crimes such as poaching, extortion, and even murder of an innocent Cubone’s mother. The trainer encounters them in various locations throughout the game.
Source: Youtube
At the time of Generation 1, the bustling city of Saffron was home to Silph Co., a thriving company known for supplying various Pokemon merchandise. The headquarters developed a magnificent capturing device known as the Master Ball, which Team Rocket sought out for their selfish plan. Team Rocket managed to take over Silph Co.’s headquarters, but their plans failed at the hands of Trainer Red.
The attempt to revive Team Rocket
Years later, players encountered them again in Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal where their new leaders, identified as “Rocket Executives,” strove for Team Rocket’s revival as they took over Goldenrod City’s Radio Tower in Johto. With support from Champion Lance, the heroes were able to foil Team Rocket’s devious scheme to call their leader Giovanni back from hiding. Without any Pokemon to aid them, the executive decided to disband the team for good.
Source: Youtube
A chance to revisit the Kanto Region
Speaking of Team Rocket, several instances in the trainer’s trip to Alola bear references to Kanto. In Sun and Moon, there were various hints that displayed Kantonian elements. One instance was Meowth, which traveled alongside the protagonist to reach the region. During the introduction, the mother mentioned that she and her child originally came from Kanto.
As you continued on your journey, you even came across Pokemon that originally came from Kanto. Due to the difference in climate, these species assumed new forms. Halfway through the game, players would find Samson Oak, the cousin of leading Kanto Pokemon Researcher Professor Oak, roaming around Malie City.
Finally, progressing through the last island gave more hints of Kanto lingering through the post-game events. One instance is when Lillie departs with her mom for Kanto, the legendary trainers Red and Blue (Green in the Japanese version) test your abilities along the road to the Battle Tree.
Earlier there was speculation that Ultra Sun and Moon would only focus on Ultra Spaces for new maps. However, with even more references alluding to the Kanto Region, this may change upon release.
Kantonian References in Ultra Sun and Moon
Similarly, Ultra Sun and Moon introduced one particular reference to the Kanto Region which gave rise to speculations. One instance is the location where the trainer encounters the dragon specialist Ryuki, which is similar to Vermillion City’s Gym. The area was dyed dominantly with a light yellow color and had bins lined up just like how it was shown in Vermillion City’s.
Source: The Official Pokemon Youtube Channel
Inspired by Kanto
However, even with an apparent return to the bygone era, there is still no indication that the battle that will take place between the protagonist and Team Rocket members will happen in Kanto. If players recall, the battle between the protagonist and Trainer Red or Trainer Blue did not occur in Kanto but instead remained in Alola.
Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are scheduled for release on November 17, 2017.
Other News
- Maps Limited to Ultra Spaces
- Pokemon Trainer Ryuki Returns
- Will we be able to travel to Kanto and Sinnoh
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