Yesterday's Pokémon-themed Nintendo Direct revealed some exciting news. Sword & Shield, which I argued in my review are good fun but a little bare-bones, will be getting a major expansion. The two-part DLC will bring back a ton of old monsters, new areas, new story elements, new accessories, features, and loads more. It's super exciting!
Among the slew of new features, players can expect new Gigantamax forms for their starter Pokemon's final evolution. Rillaboom whips out a giant set of drums. Cinderace stands atop an imposing massive ball of fire. And Inteleon? Well, Inteleon - the final form of the adorable and innocent Sobble - picks up a sniper rifle and appears to camp at the top of a raised pillar of water.
Yes, Game Freak really seems to have given a Pokémon a gun. Run for your lives, because nobody is safe from the keen aim of Inteleon's rifle.
If you've played Sword/Shield, you'll be aware that Inteleon's standard form was always evocative of a spy or secret service agent of some kind. Its regular pose is a clear nod to James bond, as it stands there with its hand fashioned into a pretend gun. But a Pokémon with a make-believe gun is one thing - Inteleon's Gigantamax form looks like it's about to assassinate JFK.
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This is, as far as I'm aware, the first time Game Freak has given a Pokémon something so evocative of a real-life gun. I know Blastoise has two cannons sticking out of its back, but this feels different. It feels kind of weird. I'm not saying it's a good or bad thing. It's just... peculiar for a franchise that has always embraced whimsy to suddenly give one of its critters something that looks like an actual rifle.
Predictably, the internet has a lot to say about this latest development in the world of Pokémon. Take a look below at just a few of the many, many memes this gun-toting 'mon has inspired.
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The Pokémon Sword/Shield expansion pass is available to buy now. The first part, the Isle of Armor, will release in June 2020 alongside Inteleon's terrifying new form.
Featured Image Credit: NintendoTopics: Game Freak, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Nintendo
