-region is based on Central America, and heavily relies on Aztec culture
-themes of journey and finality
-two rivals, one male, one female
-gyms replaced with temple challenges and Gym Leaders replaced with Temple Guardians
-there is a temple for each type, but only 8 are needed to beat the game
-Temples can be beaten in any order, level scaling implemented early on. If you can get there, you can challenge the temple.
-Emphasis on exploration
-Regional variants return, for the Ocelo region.
-Three main legendaries based on Huitzilopocitl (Beginning Version), Quetzalcoatl (End Version), and Tezcatlipoca. The two main legendaries are based on eagles, and the third one resembles a Jaguar.
-The evil team is a “cult” who worships the game’s legendary who kidnaps one of your two rivals (based on an early game choice) and attempts to sacrifice them on top of the grand temple.
-post story includes finishing the rest of the temples to gain access to the Elite Four and become Champion of the region. After that, as Champion, you are tasked with the arrest of the cult’s members, as well as stopping their resurrection.