Quoted By:
>Region based loosely on pre-1800s America. A few developed cities in the east give way to vast unexplored wilderness in the west.
>Huge region has tiered progression: after getting the first badge, subsequent badges can be obtained in any order in pairs of two. Get badges 2+3 in either order, 4+5 in either order, etc. This keeps level progression fairly stable while allowing the play to choose their own path. Only badges 1 and 8 are set.
>Several dead-end routes in the region are locations where the player can build their own town. The player will have to pay to build things, and battle bandits to protect their town. The player will have the option of building their own gym in the town, taking on challengers over PSS or daily NPC challengers.
>Bottom screen features an icon for each HM available among the HMs learned by your team. Tap the appropriate icon to use that HM out of battle, no "rock is breakable" text needed. There are ten HMs total, but only ~4 are needed to complete the game. The rest are optional exploration or tech HMs (healing, repelling, etc)
>Amie feature is accessed through the "Pokemon" menu, by selecting the Pokemon and then selecting "Play"
>An additional part of the Pokemon Day Care will allow you to play Amie with two Pokemon at once. If these Pokemon can breed, they will be more likely to produce and egg.
>PSS returns and acts more like a real-world radio; exploring certain far-flung locations, like caves and ruins, will display a "NO SIGNAL" on the PSS.
>New Key Item: Shovel. Functions Zelda-style, use it to dig up Pokemon and items you wouldn't normally be able to find. Diglett, Onix, Larvitar (cave), Shellder (beach), Nincada (forest), Baltoy (Ruins), Shards, Fossils, Evolution Stones, Hard Stone, Soft Sand, etc. Items vary by the location you dig.
I have a bunch more stuff going on for this region, but I'm close to character limit and pretty drunk. Feedback appreciated very much!
pic I wish I could use more