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Sun and Moon region revealed: The Alola Region

A first look at the Alola region, the setting of upcoming Pokémon games Sun and Moon.

In a video posted today by The Pokémon Company after a few days of hinting from Jun’ichi Masuda, Pokémon fans were finally treated to a look at Pokémon Sun and Moon. Of particular interest is the region of Alola, which is featured quite heavily in the video.

Your cousin, apparently the island professor’s aide, welcomes you to Alola.
Your cousin Kukui, apparently the local professor’s aide, welcomes you to Alola.

Aloha Alola

Immediately upon looking at images of the local region, you’ll notice a wide variety of tropical elements. The very region name “Alola” — which sounds like the Hawaiian welcome greeting aloha — screams tropical. Various tropical flowers, particularly hibiscus. And palm trees aplenty.

The player walks through a path filled with local, possibly tropical plants. Check out that typical tropical backdrop!
The player walks through a path filled with local, possibly tropical plants. Check out that typical tropical backdrop! Aloha Alola!

If those weren’t enough of a hint, check out the fashion of the region (and also note the fauna and structures):

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What really punches in the tropical, possible Hawaii influence are the presence of statues, perhaps made by the natives. What relevance could these have to the plot?

If you’ve watched too many island-set shows, these statues would probably be less ominous to you.
If you’ve watched too many island-set shows, these statues would probably be less ominous to you.

Other elements include a stage — perhaps for battles, ceremonies (and battles) and rituals (and more battles?). If this counts as a ritual, you get your starter Pokémon on this stage too:

You might wonder what this stage is used for. One thing’s certain: you’ll meet your first Pokémon here.
You might wonder what this stage is used for. One thing’s certain: you’ll meet your first Pokémon here.

It looks like Pokémon Sun and Moon will pull all sorts of stops to give off that tropical island feel — a city by a seaside, a traditional village setting, and some nice ocean views. The preview images also show the various angles you’ll be browsing in the game — a notable departure from the simple top-down view that the games have traditionally stuck with.

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A curious case: we may not even be seeing all of Alola. The footage focuses on a single island with a few areas visible. Knowing that the games traditionally have eight gyms and a lot of towns to visit, the island we see of Alola appears to be really sparse, perhaps suggesting the presence of other islands:

What we see of Alola so far: some routes, some cities, a volcano, a surrounding crescent island, and not much else.
What we see of Alola so far: some routes, some cities, a volcano, a surrounding crescent island, and not much else.

Whatever the case, these games, like every other, seem like something to look forward to! Stay tuned for new information on Alola — perhaps more landmarks or islands to see! — as the game approaches release! (And if you’ve been betting on the region being based off Hawaii or some other tropical area, don’t forget to cash in on your bet!)

 

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon release on November 18, 2016 in Japan and the US, and November 23 in Europe.

Image source: The Pokémon Company
Edited by bobandbill, Charlie Brown and ‎Sylphiel.
This article has been updated on May 10 to include information on Alola’s size.