Are three-stage evolutions of Pokémon a complex gameplay mechanic?

[Thomas Wiencek]

My dad thought that three-stages evolutions of Pokémon are a complex gameplay mechanic. Do you actually think that three-stage evolutions of Pokémon are a simple or complex gameplay mechanic? Why or why not? Please let me know, thanks.

 

[Sheep]

How come he thinks it's not simple, curiously? Is it the Pokémon that have less simple evolution methods (trade with item, for example)?

I think they tend to be fine. The most confusing evolutions lately tend to be two-staged Pokémon, like Galarian Yamask and Galarian Farfetch'd from the latest games. I'm okay with evolutions that require trading or evolution stones and don't find them to be too bad.

 

[Zeostar]

If he finds that complex, I wonder what he would think of some of the mechanics that competitive players make important. Such as EV's and IV's.

 

[pkmin3033]

I suppose if you don't know what you're doing then third-stage evolutions that require game mechanics, such as trading or stones, might be considered complex...after all, if you don't have the knowledge of what to do, then it's going to seem complicated. This could also apply to two-stage evolutions with irritatingly convoluted requirements. But as the majority of three stage evos are evolved just by levelling up, I don't think that's especially complex at all: you'll get them just from using the Pokemon in battle.

 

[Couples-Consoling]

I come from a background of reading about complexity in Magic the Gathering, and three stage evolutions, on the whole, aren't inherently complex. If you can figure out one evolution, you can understand that another might happen. I think a lot of the complexity in Pokemon is cleverly hidden - a concept the lead designer for MTG calls "lenticular design." I started trying to describe it, but I'll just let him speak for himself: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/making-magic/lenticular-design-2014-12-15

 

[Megan]

I think it balances itself out. In the beginning of the game fully evolved two stage evolutions are easier to get because they evolve quickly and immediately turn into their final stage. All the while in early game an evolution of a three stage Pokemon only gives you the intermediate stage which means there's still more work to do to get to the final stage. In the early game they also tend to give you some of the three stage trade evolutions (e.g. Geodude).

As you progress in the game, however, you encounter more Pokemon of the intermediate stage, meaning that they kinda sorta turn into two stage Pokemon. Meanwhile especially in late game they give you access to two stage evolutions that require a complex mechanic (most being restricted to trading).

Obviously there are outliers in this. But for the most part GF certainly puts great effort in balancing that part of the gameplay.

 

[Thomas Wiencek]

Look, guys. I've added a poll as ready for you to vote whether or not you think three-stage evolutionary lines are a complex gameplay mechanic. So, want to vote when you're available?