Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Diamond/Pearl remakes announced

When Pokemon announced a special presentation to take place over the weekend (Saturday 2:00 am AEDT), we were pretty sure what was coming, thanks to months (even years) of rumours of a Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl remake for the Switch. Unsurprisingly, that's exactly what we got, but fans were also treated to an unexpected treat - an all-new open-world Pokemon game, titled Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's start with the basics. The Sinnoh remakes, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, don't follow the same style as 2018's Let's Go series as originally thought. While combat looks to be similar, it appears the developers are staying true to the original game, albeit giving characters a cute, chubby sort of look. We don't have an exact release date yet, but we do know it'll be out later this year. Check it out below.

Now for the really exciting stuff. An open-world Pokemon game akin to Breath of the Wild has been on fans' wishlists for years, but with no official word from The Pokemon Company, no one expected a reveal any time soon. That's why it blew all of our collective minds when, lo and behold, they announced one.

Titled Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the new game will be set in the Sinnoh region in a period of time long before the Pokemon stories we know and love. Your starter Pokemon for this title are the grass/flying-type Rowlett, the water-type Oshawott, and the fire-type Cyndaquil.

As for gameplay, this is what we can expect, according to the game's press release.

As Trainers explore the natural expanses in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they’ll encounter Pokémon that call these grand vistas home. To catch wild Pokémon, players can study the Pokémon’s behaviours, sneak up to them, then throw Poké Balls. Players can also battle wild Pokémon with their ally Pokémon. By throwing the Poké Ball holding their ally Pokémon near a wild Pokémon, players will seamlessly enter battle. This new gameplay angle is intended to provide Trainers with an immersive experience.

Shut up and take my money.

Get your first look at Pokemon Legends: Arceus below and start the countdown - we won't be getting it until early 2022.