I just did a big post on FB with all my thoughts about the update so I'll copypasta it here xD;
- I'm extremely excited about Alolan forms. Inventing different versions of pre-existing Pokemon has been a huge trend among fans as of late, and it's cool that Pokemon is now officially tagging along. It's a neat way to breathe new life into Pokemon we already love. Ice!Vulpix, Ninetales, Sandshrew, and Sandslash all look beautiful; it's particularly cute that Sandshrew looks like an igloo. Exeggutor is the new god of Pokememes and I do not understand how a coconut tree is more of a dragon than Charizard or Gyarados. Dat 4th face tho.
- Z-Moves...meh. Seems unnecessary when Pokemon games are already super easy to beat, and I don't see them being allowed in competitive play either. Probably something I'll opt not to use, though I'm sure little kids would get a kick out of them.
- People are theorizing that Pokeride will replace HMs. This would be a welcome change since that means we'd no longer have to carry around HM slaves, but there's not enough info to say much more on this. It does look cool visually, though I wish we could ride any Pokemon we wanted *coughcoughYveltalcough*.
- Seems like the gym system really is gone, but I'm not sure if that's for better or for worse without knowing more. Hoping the trials aren't too easy...but with the way Pokemon has been, it's probably going to be a cakewalk. Pokemon should really have a difficulty adjuster or something.
- Minior creeped me out until it exploded and revealed its insides. Now it's acceptable.
- Lurantis! An orchid mantis! My only complaint is that it isn't bug type, despite its clear inspiration. Dem striped pants.
- DANCING BIRDS. I NEED THEM ALL. It's so cool that they're all based on different dances, and I appreciate how they take a page from Darwin's finches with their island-based variety. I like the Baile and Sensu ones best : D
- If Gumshoos doesn't have a move that builds a wall, I'll be mad.
- Someone pointed out that one of the human characters revealed today was also in an early leaked concept art for Litten's final evolution. So it seems that the rumors are true, and we're getting not only a Popplio evolution that's thankfully not a clown, but also WRASSLING CAT and ROBIN HOOD OWL. I could not be happier about this turn of events. Rowlet is gonna be my favorite starter if he turns into Robin Hoot <3 I also noticed in Robin Hoot's art that he uses his "hoodie strings" as the string for his bow. That's so cute...
Also read
this cool theory!