Pokémon Sword & Shield will introduce new Galarian forms and a new team

The Pokémon Direct earlier today introduced the new Galarian forms, new Pokémon and new team and rivals headed to the upcoming Pokémon Sword & Shield.

Galarian forms are like the Alolan forms; location-specific looks for the pocket monsters. Galarian Weezing resembles a factory churning out fumes from its tall chimneys, and moustachioed with green smoke. Zigzagoon has taken makeup tips from Gene Simmons, turning into a monochromatic rocker badger with a Dark/Normal type.

Some Pokémon will only evolve from the Galarian version. Galarian Linoone becomes the previously unseen Obstagoon, the blocking Pokémon. The evolution is the result of the harsh environment in the Galar region, so perhaps we’ll see more new ‘mons with tough adaptations. As for Obstagoon, we think he looks like the love child of Sonic the Hedgehog, an edgy Hufflepuff and a white wall tyre. It’s a bold choice.

Morpeko is the two-sided Pokémon new to Sword & Shield, who transforms into an angry and volatile shade of itself when hungry. It generates electricity in its cheeks, constantly hungry because of it, and tops off the tanks with Berry seeds. But when Morpeko starts running on empty, it will switch from Electric to Dark type and become very aggressive. Morpeko is adorable, and kind of relatable, so I’ll forgive it any transgression when its ravenous.

Two new rivals were introduced too. Bede is the smarmy, cherubic lad who seems to have ulterior motives behind his quest to become Champion. Marnie carries a Morpeko with her, and her uber-stylish dress sense and daunting skill has won her admirers from all over. Team Yell are her biggest fans, obstructing the player’s ascensions in Gym Challenges and blaring vuvuzelas to intimidate the competition.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will launch on November 15 exclusively for Nintendo Switch. Watch today’s Pokémon Direct below.