Pokemon Unite is a long-awaited mobile title combining one of the most popular franchises with a loved, competitive MOBA genre. This alone, delivered by one of the biggest mobile developers, could easily lead to success - but Pokemon Unite didn't stop there, changing how we could see MOBAs.
League of Legends changed gaming and esports years ago, with 2 teams of 5, starting from 2 sides, fighting minions and enemy heroes, until one side is victorious. The same is basically true for the new Pokemon title - but similarities end here. Instead of destroying towers, entering the enemy base, and crushing nexus, you'll be earning points until the round ends. That might not sound too exciting, but it works well. Killing minions, you'll earn points that you'll hold with you (up to some limit) - and killing an enemy player means taking his coins. Then, you'll need to deliver this payload to the enemy goal zone - not an easy task, as rivals can get them faster and they are healed just standing there. When you score enough (just like some magical basketball) zone will disappear, forcing you to dive even further.
That's not the only innovation. The basic layout is 2 lanes instead of 3, but it'll be filled just by neutral creeps - minions won't be spawned at bases. Also, rather than well-known in-battle shop and off-battle runes selection, you'll be just able to select a few items before the match starts. On top of that, You'll be able to choose not only what skills to learn first but also pick upgraded skill variations, dynamically adjusting gameplay.
Pokemon Unite features standard and ranked modes and quick play on some additional (smaller) maps. Outside fights, you'll probably want to discover more characters - pokemon -especially as they come with different playstyles. The consumables (like spells) and battle items could be primarily obtained by just leveling up. Then, the rest is just about consumables - pokemon get "holowear", you can get clothes for the trainer, and even design elements for the player card. It's worth noting that Pokemon Unite features cross-play, allowing you to compete (or cooperate) with players on consoles.
In terms of aesthetics, it'd be hard to expect anything more from a mobile game of this kind. Pokemon models are detailed, nicely painted, shaded, and outlined. Maps are also high quality, with occasional themes applied. UI is heavily packed with features, offers, and events, as in most MOBAs - but it's surprisingly clear and readable.
Pokemon Unite implemented a monetization strategy available only for the best, biggest competitive titles - no gacha, no ads, and IAPs mainly focused on cosmetics.
