PokéPark 3: Dreamer's Archipelago

PokéPark III: Dreamer's Archipelago
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)
Platform(s)	Nintendo Switch
Genre(s)	3D Adventure
Series	PokéPark
Release Date(s)	December 12, 2018
Mode(s)	Single Player, Attraction Gallery

PokéPark 3: Dreamer's Archipelago is an upcoming Pokémon spin-off title being released for the Nintendo Switch, released as the third title in the PokéPark side series, more than six years after the previous PokéPark title was released. The game shares similar gameplay to the previous two PokéPark titles, acting as a 3D-platforming adventure game, where the player takes control of a Pikachu who travels to different "zones" across a park inhabited solely by Pokémon, with the purpose of befriending all of the Pokémon in the zones. Corresponding to this structure, the game takes place on the Dreamer's Archipelago, a series of isles structured similarly to the Pokéarth's Alola region, where the entire region is made up of seven islands of different cultures and natural landmarks.

PokéPark 3: Dreamer's Archipelago has similar gameplay to the past two PokéPark titles. The player controls one of several playable Pokémon characters to travel an open-world region and befriend Pokémon. Most Pokémon can be befriended by playing a "skill game" against them. These games range from Chase, Battle, Hide-and-Seek, Quiz, Obstacle Hop, or an exclusive minigame that can differ based on the Pokémon. A few other Pokémon have different requirements based on interactable items in the overworld. The player has several methods of attacking, including a tackle attack, two long-range attacks, and a melee attack that is activated by shaking the Joy-Con.

The game's plot is somewhat disconnected from the storyline of the first two PokéPark titles: the game follows a young Pikachu who lives in the Central Isle, the main island in the middle of the archipelago. Rumors of strange monsters coming to the isles begin to spread, and they reach their peak when one of the "monsters" attacks a civilian of the Isle. The people of the island decide to ask the island’s elder to decide on a hero, and she somehow decides on the Pikachu to travel to the other islands and collected seven "Pure Shards", which can be used to purge the island of its invaders. Along the way, however, the Pikachu stumbles upon a harmless "monster" named Nebby, who comes from the same dimension as the "monsters" and assists him on his journey.

The game is set for a December 12, 2018 release for the Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay

PokéPark 3: Dreamer's Archipelago plays somewhat similarly to the previous two PokéPark installments. Players control one of six playable Pokémon in an open area, interacting with the environment and the other Pokémon in the area. The main aspect of gameplay is befriending Pokémon native to the PokéPark. Most of the time, these Pokémon must be befriended by playing a "Skill Game", a small minigame where the player fights the Pokémon they want to befriend. These Skill Games range from:

• Battle: The player Pokémon fights the rival Pokémon in a battle, in which they use their available overworld attacks to defeat the other Pokémon, by whittling down their health bar before they are defeated. Each Pokémon can “tackle” their opponent, as well as using three different “Special Attacks” against them. Type advantages in the main series apply against the rival Pokémon.
• Chase: The player embarks on a game of tag against the other Pokémon: depending on the Pokémon, the player must either chase after the opposing Pokémon and tag them with a tackle, or evade the opposing Pokémon trying to chase them for a set time. Typically, this game is made easier if the player upgrades their Speed stat in the Central Isle (a service run by Ribombee), or if played by Litten, the fastest playable Pokémon.
• Dash-Off: A new Skill Game introduced in Dreamer's Archipelago, similar to Chase, where the player must race the opposing Pokémon from one point to another. Similar to Chase, this game is made easier by upgrading your speed stat or by using Litten.
• Quiz: A simple question-and-answer game where the opposing Pokémon asks the player 3-10 quiz questions: the player must get all of the questions right to win. If the player gets a question wrong, they must start over. Earlier in the game, the Pokémon will provide hints for the correct answer if a question is answered incorrectly, but, later in the game, Pokémon don’t do this.
• Obstacle Hop: A game in which the player must complete a simple parkour/obstacle course on the map within a time limit. Typically, using Pokémon suitable for the environment is recommended/necessary for completion. The obstacles become more complicated as the game progresses.

The player, in the overworld, can run, jump, use attacks (one of three), and pick up items. You can switch characters at any time (unless you’re swimming as Popplio or in a radiated area as Poipole). You can travel between areas using Nebby's teleportation abilities.

Story

A young Pikachu wakes up in the bustling town of Quartz Town in the Central Isle, on the morning before a monthly Island Festival, in which denizens of the seven other isles of the Dreamer's Archipelago come to the Central Isle to celebrate the wonders of nature. After helping Pokémon around town prepare (which functions as a tutorial of sorts), the sun sets, and Pikachu joins another Pokémon, Bunnelby, to go off and check the town's look-out for the boat holding the denizens of the Mortem Isle, which always shows up early: strangely, no boat is in sight. Pikachu, however, does see a strange sight: a portal in the sky opens up, and an odd jellyfish-like creature flies out, before vanishing from sight.

Pikachu returns to town, but their news is ignored by the leader Quartz Town, the grizzled Captain Gumshoos. Right after, however, the captain hears of concerning news from a letter written by a Mortem Isle resident: the island has been invaded by “monsters”, as the letter describes. The Captain at first writes it off as a lie, but a scream is heard from the forest outside of town, and the denizens go to investigate. They find that Bunnelby's older brother, Diggersby, is being attacked by the same creature that Pikachu saw earlier. The creature, seeing the mob, flies away, as several Pokémon give chase, while Pikachu and the rest of the townspeople stay behind to safely bring Diggersby home.

Back at Quartz Town Central, the Pokémon who gave chase returned, having lost track of the alien-like creature. The furious Captain Gumshoos berates Pikachu and Bunnelby for not telling him about the creature earlier, but is stopped by Oranguru, the mellow elder of the town. The citizens resolve that there are monsters who have invaded the rest of the isles as well, and they decide the best thing to do is to send someone to save the rest of the islands by combining the Pure Shards: legendary artifacts that, when combined, are said to purify the land of evil. Each of the seven islands is home to one, according to legend. This solution brings arguments, however, as no one can agree on who should go. Gumshoos turns to Oranguru's help, asking her how the problem will be solved. Oranguru complies, and creates a "prophecy veil", which allows her and everyone else to see who will succeed in saving the archipelago. In the veil, much to the shock of the citizens, it is Pikachu who is seen purifying the isles of evil. While Gumshoos is angry and tries to discredit the prophecy, the other citizens trust in Oranguru, and trust in Pikachu. One of them, Bibarel, even builds Pikachu a makeshift boat, so they can travel to the closest isle, the Verdant Isle. The citizens bade them farewell as they sail off, heading towards the lush island.

As the boat makes its way to the Verdant Isle, getting farther away from the Central Isle, another wormhole from ahead appears and opens, at first scaring Pikachu. This Pokémon, however, is small and frail, a stardust-looking creature that, instead of floating out, falls out of fatigue right into Pikachu's boat. The creature wakes up: it doesn’t speak in a distinguishable language at first, but, recognizing Pikachu as a foreign creature, calls itself "Nebby", saying that it and "the others" are unsafe. Pikachu is unsure how to take this at first, but the creature, seeing Pikachu heading to the Swamp Isle, suddenly teleports Pikachu to his destination in the blink of an eye. Fascinated by this power, Pikachu decides to take Nebby with him as he begins to venture into the jungle.

Playable Characters

Pokémon	Description
	Pikachu is a young Pokémon who lives in Quartz Town, the most populated civilization in the Central Isle. They’re adventurous and want to set out on their own journey, but their age, as well as their silence, has held them back from being taken seriously by the other Pokémon in the town. That is until the psychic elder of the town has a vision of them saving the archipelago from the invading "monsters". Actions Thunderbolt Electro Ball Iron Tail Overworld Technique Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu can hijack machinery and stop or start it, or force it to function differently than they usually do. This can be used to solve puzzles.
	Rowlet is a hopeful little guy, probably the number one fan of the mysterious vigilante Decidueye. He wants to do big things one day and wants to prove himself to his hero. However, he soon realizes that there are more pressing matters than impressing a supposed hero, and begins taking his adventures with Pikachu more seriously. Rowlet is rowdy and excitable and isn’t exactly calm at the best times, but his determination overpowers his childish tendencies. Actions Leaf Blade Ominous Wind Astonish Overworld Technique Rowlet isn’t capable of unlimited flight, but he can flap a little bit to gain height, allowing him to reach higher areas. He can also use Leaf Blade to shoot targets from farther away.
	Litten is the serious one of the group, a student of Delphox in the Meteor Isle who’s surrounded by clashing ideals: her parents are famous wrestlers, but her mentor believes more in the brain over brawn, and she can’t exactly find even ground. Still, she wants to save the archipelago, and she’s supportive of her friends’ endeavors. Actions Flame Charge Flamethrower Bite Overworld Technique Litten’s Flame Charge can be used to destroy certain fragile objects that other characters can’t destroy regularly. Additionally, unlit torches will be lit when Litten is around them while using Flame Charge.
	Popplio is the goofiest partner Pikachu ends up befriending, a joke-cracking Pokémon who loves being in the water more than anything else. He’s the younger brother of Brionne, who’s extensively worried about his safety, especially when the monsters begin their invasion. Still, even in the face of danger, he’s bright and optimistic and just wants his friends to be happy. Actions Bubble Beam Disarming Voice Aqua Jet Overworld Technique Popplio is a Water-type, so of course he’d be able to traverse bodies of water with ease. Additionally, Popplio can skid across the ice with easy control, rather than slipping and sliding like everyone else.
	Mimikyu is a strange little fellow: he was told when he was young that a Pikachu would save the archipelago when danger came. Thinking he could be that hero, he bore the handmade Pikachu cloth. He’s delusional and self-important, but his drive is needed, as well as his usefulness in the group. Actions Play Rough Shadow Claw Shadow Sneak Overworld Technique Mimikyu’s haunting presence and aggressive nature allow him to use Play Rough against extremely persistent Pokémon, allowing them to comply with their needs. Additionally, Mimikyu can enter paintings as portals, unlocking secret areas.
	Poipole is the final Pokémon to join Pikachu on his journey, meeting her on the Mortem Isle, supposedly taken over by monsters, but truly just being visited by a colony of Ultra Beasts. Poipole is mischievous and independent, and is hard to work with: however, the realization that the Beasts she coexists within, Ultra Space, are in danger turns her attitude around. Actions Poison Jab Fell Stinger Acid Overworld Technique Poipole, as an Ultra Beasts, is immune to Ultra Wormhole radiation, and can enter areas polluted with it. Poipole can absorb venom from bodies of water, purifying them and allowing Popplio to swim in them.

Notable NPCs

Pokémon	Description
	"Nebby" is a strange creature from another dimension, the weakest of the "monsters" that have been "invading" the Dreamer's Archipelago. Unlike most of the creatures, it’s capable of communicating with Pokémon, but in a strange, almost broken language. It has the ability to teleport itself and anyone with it at will, which is used to travel from place to place at times. It has a certain spunk to it, but it’s frightful in the face of danger. Some think there’s a certain amount of unseen potential in this small creature.
	Captain Gumshoos is the grizzled Isle Leader of Quartz Town, an exasperated retired sailor who doesn’t take the youth seriously. However, his panic instinct takes over when news of an alien attack comes to the Central Isle. He doesn’t take Pikachu or any of the kids seriously, even when they’re revealed as the heroes of the isles: as such, he isn’t able to be befriended until after the main story. He’s seemingly fond of Elder Oranguru, however.
	Oranguru is the elder of Quartz Town, a highly respected psychic. In times of crisis, however, most citizens of Central Isle don’t believe her when she christens Pikachu as the hero of the prophecy of the archipelago. She’s quiet, but sweet, and is seemingly the only Pokémon in town that Captain Gumshoos treats kindly. Her sister, Passimian, lives in the Verdant Isle.
	Bibarel is a bumbling lumberjack residing in Quartz Town, adept at building wooden contraptions and structures. His services are required several times throughout the story, be it building a boat for Pikachu to travel to the Swamp Isle, or repairing a bridge over a tall cliff in the Meteor Isle. He’s a productive worker, needless to say.
	Ribombee is a spunky fellow, a high-energy Quartz Town resident who wants to share his skill with others. As such, he is willing to tutor party Pokémon and increase their Speed stat with every visit, at an increasing cost. If you max out a Pokémon’s Speed stat under his wing, he will befriend you and can lend his services for an Attraction or two.
	Raichu is a well-liked denizen of Quartz Town: surprisingly, he isn’t actually related to the Pikachu you play as! He’s still friendly enough, but he doesn’t acknowledge you until you save his cousin in the Sunlit Isle: afterward, he offers a service to Pikachu to increase the power of his Thunderbolt. He’s far more uptight compared to his laid-back cousin, but he has a soft spot for Pikachu, eventually seeing him as a younger brother of sorts.
	This Raichu isn’t your typical Electric mouse: she’s the cousin of the Raichu in Quartz Town, and she resides in the Sunlit Isle with Azumarill. At one point, she’s kidnapped by a monster and taken to their domain, but, when Pikachu and the gang rescue her, she feels eternally grateful. After her rescue, she offers a service that increases the range of Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
	Dartrix is an uptight resident of Marsh Isle, who is a passionate crony of Decidueye, almost like a right-hand man. Having been convinced that Decidueye is the true "hero", he’s been recruited to be his spokesperson of sorts. He’s the sort to follow the crowd, and he’s most passionate when he’s defending someone he looks up to, but he may be willing to help Rowlet if you can convince him to act independently.
	Decidueye is a mysterious, silent vigilante who lives in the Marsh Isle, famous for saving several Pokémon, and fighting off criminals. Despite his fame, he doesn’t speak to the denizens of the Isle, for unknown reasons. It’s revealed later, however, that Decidueye is actually a fraud: in actuality, Breloom is the one who truly performs their heroic deeds, but Decidueye, having made a deal with an Ultra Beast, has been using the spores of a strange fungus in Ultra Space that is capable of altering memories to trick everyone into thinking he is the one who performs the heroism.
	Breloom is a well-meaning, meek Pokémon from the Marsh Isle, who is shy around the Pokémon of the Isle. Breloom has a sense of justice, however, and has secretly fought criminals and saved Pokémon in the Isle out of pure selflessness. Unfortunately for him, Decidueye’s abuse of the Ultra Fungus's memory-altering spores has altered the memories of most denizens into thinking he is the hero. Breloom is immune to the spores (being a mushroom himself) and his memories are intact, but feels too helpless to confront Decidueye and set things right.
	Passimian is a competitive Pokémon, the combative older sister of Elder Oranguru. Notably, she runs the Attraction in the Verdant Isle, Safari Shootout, and she holds a record that hasn’t been surpassed by anyone else on the island. She’s aggressive and loves a good fight, and she probably should take a note from her sister about serenity. If you beat her at her own game, however, then maybe she’ll help you out.
	Tsareena is the Isle Leader of the Verdant Isle, a majestic, kind ruler who almost acts like a queen. However, her rule has been in minor disarray ever since her Pure Shard was stolen by an unknown Pokémon. Having assigned Decidueye to investigate, she isn’t sure how to take action. Tsareena, out of the Isle Leaders in the archipelago, has the most control over their respective island, as her rule can be equated to that of royalty.
	Brionne is the older sister of Popplio, an overprotective elder sibling who thinks Popplio is too innocent for his own good. She goes out of her way to keep him out of trouble, which gets her in trouble when monsters come by to attack. She’s always willing to teach her brother new things, however: once her brother proves himself to be semi-responsible, she’ll be willing to help him improve his battle capabilities.
	Primarina is the Oceanic Regulator of the Sunlit Isle, the Pokémon who watches over others while they’re in the oceans surrounding the island. This profession has given her a motherly demeanor, acting like a concerned parent to practically everyone on the island. Despite her calm, caring personality, she has a competitive side, and she’s the Operator for Tropical Throwdown, the Attraction of the island.
	Azumarill is a mellow Sunlit Isle resident, a close friend to Raichu: the one who lives in the Sunlit Isle, at least. She’s much more comfortable swimming on her own in the ocean than anything else, but she is actually the record holder for Tropical Throwdown, despite having only taken part once. She cares quite a lot for Raichu, and is very grateful for the player's rescuing of her.
	Araquanid is the Isle Leader of the Sunlit Isle, a hearty insect with a fondness for the ocean. He doesn’t exactly have a no-nonsense behavior, quite the opposite, actually, since his main concern is dealt with by Primarina. Despite being the island’s leader, he doesn’t hold himself up on a pedestal above others, and he integrates himself into the community nicely.
	Torracat is a citizen of the Meteor Isle, an aspiring fighter who idolizes Litten's parents. He’s an overachiever who typically pushes himself past his limit, all in an attempt to make him seem more impressive than he is. Still, he’s willing to help Litten out when needed, as he can tutor Litten in battle...if you prove yourself to him, that is.
	Incineroar and Blaziken are Litten's parents, two well-known wrestlers who are known for topping several fighting tournaments, as well as being champion record-holders for the Meteor Isle's Attraction, Magma Marathon. Litten often disagrees with their ideals, as, under Delphox's teachings, she believes there’s more to fighting than simple punches.
	Talonflame is the hawkish Attraction Operator of the Meteor Isle, the one who operates Magma Marathon. He also hosts the frequent Battle Tournaments that are held at the base of Mt. Pumice. Truthfully, he’s tired of seeing Incineroar and Blaziken win every time, and wants to spice things up with a new challenger, but he wouldn’t dare try to argue with the powerful duo.
	Delphox is a respected teacher in the Meteor Isle, notably the mentor of Litten. Delphox's philosophy is that it takes a proper mixture of physical and mental prowess to truly succeed in battle: some disagree, but Litten finds this fascinating. She’s considered entering a Battle Tournament to attempt to defeat reigning champions Incineroar and Blaziken, but she doesn’t find it worth it at this point.
	Salazzle may not look like it, but she’s actually the Isle Leader of the Meteor Isle! She’s the youngest of the current Isle Leaders, and she’s certainly far from the most mature, but she gets work done. Maybe with the help of her cronies. For the most part, she's social with the people, but doesn’t actively try to prevent conflict: she finds it entertaining, even.

The Dreamer's Archipelago

The Dreamer's Archipelago is a series of seven interconnected islands in the middle of the ocean: six of the islands surround the Verdant Isle, the most prominent of the areas. The other islands consist of the wet but verdant Marsh Isle, the tropical Sunlit Isle, the high-temperature Meteor Isle, the bustling city of the Galvan Isle, the combative Warrior Isle, and the quiet Mortem Isle.

Items

Returning from PokéPark 2, the player character can now collect "items" in the overworld. These items come in two categories: items that are simply collectible that can’t be accessed physically in the overworld, and "holdable" items that can be picked up and used in the overworld. The "collectibles" items can be used for trade, giving to Pokémon, or creating other items, while the "holdable" items can be used to give to Pokémon or can be thrown.

Bold titles indicate holdable items.

Item Name	Description
Big Berry	A berry that is unusually larger than the normal currency in the Archipelago. Some Pokémon love the taste of these treats, so giving them to them can make them happy.
Golden Berry	A rare berry that’s big, and tastes delicious. Typically, if you run into a certain tree, you have a chance of dropping one. Some Pokémon would do anything to get their hands on one.
Lumber Pile	A pile of assorted kinds of wood, often used as firewood or for building wooden structures. These are typically found around different islands: give them to Bibarel, and he can make something out of them.
Quartz Stone	A heavy white stone made of marble material. They can be rolled down hills, or used as weights for puzzles.
Bouncy Ball	A ball made of a rubber material that changes its appearance based on the area. Young Pokémon get a kick out of this.
Cleffa Doll	A stuffed doll resembling a Cleffa. Some Pokémon feel comfortable with this toy's presence.
Wisp Lamp	A glass lamp holding a strange kind of fire. This can be used to light up dark places or to light certain objects on fire.
PokéSpring	A small trampoline that can be placed on the ground and jumped on. This can be used to access certain places that are too high for even Rowlet to fly to.
Sweetleaves	An exotic kind of leaf that doesn’t seem to be from the Dreamer’s Archipelago: it has a very saccharine scent. A favorite with Grass-type Pokémon.
Snowflake Charms	Small pieces of jewelry that glimmer like snow in the night sky. It’s unknown what the charm is made of. A favorite with Ice-type Pokémon.
Rose Bows	A stylish bow with a bright magenta color, and a popular fashion item with many different Pokémon. A favorite with Fairy-type Pokémon.

Trivia

• The original draft of the game was conceptualized in March of 2017, but writing for the page didn’t begin until February 2018, almost a year later.