Pokémon Meets Zelda in This Massive New RPG

Pokémon crossed with The Legend Of Zelda sounds like a game Nintendo should make itself, but for now this will do.

If you’re looking for a real Pokémon challenge, only for trainers who’ve mastered their skills over several generations, look no further than Project Vanguard.

Simply put it’s a Pokémon game that has more in common with the likes of The Legend Of Zelda. An RPG that features an actual story as well as plenty of critters to catch for your collection.

The description reads: “In Project Vanguard, the role of the Pokémon Trainer is no longer to collect gym badges and become the champion. Instead, Trainers protect the region from criminal organisations, aggressive wild Pokemon, and whatever other conflicts come their way.”

It continues: “As a brand new Trainer, you'll enrol in the Vanguard Academy, a school dedicated to teaching the next generations of Pokémon wielders. As you rise through the ranks, you'll face new challenges, meet new friends, and of course, uncover your mysteries past.”

I already love the sound of this, as Pokémon games very rarely feature a compelling narrative to go along with your usual journey through a region. I can only think of Pokémon Black & White, and their sequels, as Pokémon games that do storytelling well, so this feels very refreshing.

Take a look at the gameplay images and I’m sure you’ll be blown away, as the fan-made project features gorgeous 2D sprites rather than the 3D we’ve been forced to contend with, and the backdrops look highly detailed.

A number of other changes to the usual Pokémon formula have also been made, such as optional route trainers, a non-binary protagonist option, a total of 28 Starters to choose from, and much, much more.

It’s definitely worth checking out, as it’s free, and knowing Nintendo, it won’t be long until this game is placed within their sights.

As for official Pokémon news, we’ve got Pokémon Legends: Z-A on its way this October, with a few more Mega Evolutions announced during this week's Nintendo Direct showcase.

The Direct also confirmed Legends: Z-A will be getting a paid-DLC expansion, which looks quite cool.

The biggest announcement though was a brand-new Pokémon game, and a very weird one I might add. Pokémon Pokopia was announced as what I can only describe as Animal Crossing and Viva Piñata but with Pokémon, where you play as a Ditto and build a new community for your new friends.