[Released] Pokémon: Legends of the Arena

There can only be one...

Introduction

Legends of the Arena is a fan-made Pokémon game, created using the Essentials Kit for RPG Maker XP. I posted on the Beginner's Showcase back in the early days, but since then I've made significant developments which I felt warranted a separate post. The motivations behind this project were to develop an unconventional Pokémon experience. I was growing tired of the lack of originality present in both official and some fan-made games – they seemed to follow the formula of collecting eight gym badges, defeating the Bad Guys, capturing a legendary and becoming the Pokémon League Champion. It works but often seems lazy, so I wanted to do something different.

Plot

Five years ago the land of Aria was on the brink of a Civil War. A man fighting for a supposedly just cause had divided the population, with some prepared to risk their lives for a greater cause, while others were determined to maintain peace. The cause of this conflict? The International Pokémon Championships.

A tradition for almost thirty years, the IPCs are the most prestigious and widely-known competition for a trainer to prove his worth. Their purpose is to allow anyone the chance for success, for fame, fortune, and honour. Trainers from across the globe come to participate in the annual tradition. Stars have risen and fallen solely on their reputation as a competitive trainer. Yet the IPC's tolerant attitude to its participants was a double-edged sword, as they learnt with the troublesome Bryce, and only through luck did the country avoid societal collapse.

Flash forward five years, and an ambitious young man is applying for the championships with his brother. The Plazadown Qualifiers are imminent, and he's decided to try his luck. He knows it'll be challenging, but it's a challenge he's willing to take, and along with the support of his brother nothing can stop them.

Although it should be said that neither of these young heroes have quite grasped the concept that there can only be one winner…

The Characters



You: You assume the role of the nameable protagonist, who enters the qualifiers in Plazadown City. He talks, is relatively sarcastic and cynical but has a strong bond with his brother.



Max: Your best friend, he's still somewhat naïve, but certainly doesn't lack spirit and enthusiasm. If not for Max you probably wouldn't care about taking part in the IPCs but his encouragement has given you some degree of ambition.



Laura: A fellow contestant, she seems refreshingly blunt in comparison to many other individuals you encounter on your journey. With an interesting past, she seems like one to keep an eye on.



Gabriel: The eccentric host of the competition, it's rare that you'll ever find him wearing something else besides bright purple. Still reasonably new to the process, he still hasn't quite hit his stride, but will provide to be invaluable when it comes to working out the ins and outs of the competition.



Your Fellow Contestants: A range of characters, these contestants will be sharing your journey with you. Some you'll like, some not so much, but you'll undoubtedly have your life changed by their input.



Shadow Master Bryce: A mysterious character, he appeared some years ago as one of the most promising talents on the battling scene, but soon tarnished that reputation by attempting to lead an uprising against the Capitol by establishing the Cult of Shadow. Cast out in exile, his fate is unknown, although there have been reports that he has been seen recently.



Dragon Master Aemon: Bryce's famous adversary, he is the most famous participant of the IPCs, with at least five wins to his name. He retired following the Bryce incident and now lives a life of luxury on his estate.

Screenshots



Maps



Features

This game essentially mixes some of the best elements of Pokémon Colosseum and the core games, as it allows the player to traverse wild grass and routes – but instead of gyms there are championship battles, similar to that of Colosseum. Yet don't make the mistake of thinking this is all borrowed from the actual Pokémon games, as Legends of the Arena takes on a more traditional RPG structure, with chapters and unique storylines and side quests exclusive to a particular area.

The chapters will be as follows;

1. Plazadown City – the qualifying rounds in your character's home city.
2. Maple Town – a lakeside town for the elderly, with a big manor and gardens nearby.
3. Ironside Village – a storm-drenched fishing village, with a lighthouse high up on the cliffs. A very plot-driven chapter.
4. Taproot Town – an oasis in a sparse desert, with some ruins nearby which simply demand to be explored.
5. Salt Spray City – a modern portside town, famous for its underwater nightclub.
6. Sunstone Village – a tropical island off the coast of the continent, overlooked by a dormant volcano.
7. Glacier Town – a desolate industrial area in the North, snowed in by a blizzard.
8. A scientific institute situated in a supposedly haunted forest. Be careful not to get lost on the way…
9. The final – and longest – chapter, situated in the huge city where the Capitol resides. The finals take place here.

Other notable features include;

• Seven Eevee-based starters to choose from, determined by a personality quiz at the start of the game.
• Key characters (including yourself) have face sets when they talk.
• Side quests. Also, most – if not all – of the legendaries are available and will have their own side quests/dungeons to find them.
• Healing stations situated in the middle of routes to prevent Pokémon Centre irritations.
• Some recognisable faces return, including (my favourite) Miror B.
• There's a talking Slowking working at a travelling circus. Seriously.
• Items are now found in Colosseum-style item boxes. It's exciting to me, alright…

Progress

The latest demo is now available! (02/12/14)

LEGENDS OF THE ARENA V1.1

Guide on how to play on Mac

I should give credit to the following people;

• Kyledove
• Chimcharsfireworkd
• Newtiteuf
• Poccil
• Maruno
• Naoshi Mizuta
• Nobuo Uematsu
• Kumi Tanioka

If I've forgotten anyone then please don't hesitate to tell me. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for future updates!​