Pokémon Ultra Sun Nintendo 3DS – Full Game Overview, Features & Gameplay

About This Game

Pokémon Ultra Sun is an enhanced Pokémon RPG developed by GAME FREAK for the Nintendo 3DS. The adventure returns players to the tropical Alola region with a new story, additional Pokémon, new forms, new characters, and several gameplay improvements over Pokémon Sun.

The story focuses heavily on the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma. As the adventure progresses, players uncover secrets surrounding Necrozma and its connection to the Alola region. The game also introduces the Ultra Recon Squad, mysterious characters who arrive from a world beyond an Ultra Wormhole.

Players begin their journey as a new Pokémon Trainer and travel between the islands of Alola. Along the way, they catch Pokémon, train their team, battle other Trainers, complete Island Challenges, and discover new locations.

One of the biggest additions is the Ultra Warp Ride system. Players can travel through Ultra Wormholes and explore different worlds, including areas connected to mysterious Ultra Beasts. These journeys provide additional exploration opportunities and access to Pokémon that were not available in the original Pokémon Sun and Moon.

The game also features more than 400 Pokémon to discover, including Pokémon and forms that were not available in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Version-exclusive Pokémon encourage players to trade with other Trainers to complete their collection. Morphies Law Switch NSP (Update) (eShop)

Key Features

• Explore the tropical Alola region.
• Catch and train hundreds of Pokémon.
• Discover more than 400 Pokémon.
• Experience a new story involving Necrozma.
• Explore Ultra Wormholes.
• Encounter powerful Ultra Beasts.
• Complete Island Challenges.
• Battle powerful Trainers.
• Enjoy Mantine Surf.
• Take photos at the Alola Photo Club.
• Discover new Pokémon forms.
• Customize your Trainer.
• Single-player RPG adventure.

Game Information

Title: Pokémon Ultra Sun
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Genre: RPG, Adventure
Developer: GAME FREAK
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: November 17, 2017
Game Mode: Single-player with local multiplayer features

Nintendo lists Pokémon Ultra Sun as a Nintendo 3DS RPG released on November 17, 2017. The game also supports local and internet-related features, although Nintendo 3DS online communication services were discontinued in April 2024.

Gameplay

Pokémon Ultra Sun combines traditional Pokémon battles with exploration, Pokémon collection, character progression, and Island Challenges. Players travel across Alola, discover wild Pokémon, build a balanced team, and battle other Trainers.

The Island Challenge system replaces the traditional Gym structure used in many earlier Pokémon games. Players complete different trials across the islands while facing Totem Pokémon and other challenging encounters.

The game also introduces Mantine Surf, a fun activity where players ride Mantine between islands while performing tricks to achieve high scores.

Another major feature is the Alola Photo Club, where players can take pictures with their Pokémon and create memorable photos during their adventure.

Pros

• Large Pokémon selection.
• Interesting Alola region.
• Additional story content.
• Ultra Wormhole exploration.
• Fun Island Challenges.
• Many activities outside battles.
• Strong Pokémon progression system.
• Excellent soundtrack.

Cons

• Story can feel familiar to Sun and Moon players.
• Some sections are dialogue-heavy.
• Island Challenges may not appeal to everyone.
• Online features are no longer available.

Game Experience

Pokémon Ultra Sun provides an expanded version of the Alola adventure with additional story content, new Pokémon encounters, Ultra Beasts, new character interactions, and several extra activities.

The focus on Necrozma gives the story a different direction, while Ultra Wormholes provide an interesting way to explore additional worlds. The combination of Pokémon battles, exploration, collection, and side activities makes the game a substantial Nintendo 3DS RPG.

Gameplay Highlights

Explore Alola, catch rare Pokémon, complete Island Challenges, battle powerful Trainers, discover Ultra Beasts, travel through Ultra Wormholes, ride Mantine, take Pokémon photos, build a powerful team, and uncover the secrets of Necrozma.

Tips for New Players

Build a balanced team with different Pokémon types, explore every island carefully, try Mantine Surf for additional activities, experiment with different Pokémon abilities, and keep useful healing items available before difficult battles.

Exploring Ultra Wormholes can also lead to unique encounters, so take time to investigate different destinations rather than focusing only on the main story.

Who Should Play This Game?

Pokémon Ultra Sun is ideal for players who enjoy JRPGs, monster-collecting games, turn-based battles, exploration, character progression, and colorful adventure worlds.

It is especially appealing to Pokémon fans who want an expanded version of the Alola experience with additional story content and gameplay features.

Multiplayer Details

Pokémon Ultra Sun includes local multiplayer features, including battles and trading. However, Nintendo ended online communication functionality for Nintendo 3DS software on April 8, 2024, so online gameplay features are no longer available through Nintendo’s original services.

FAQs

What type of game is Pokémon Ultra Sun?

Pokémon Ultra Sun is a role-playing game featuring Pokémon collection, turn-based battles, exploration, and character progression.

What is the story about?

The story follows a Pokémon Trainer’s journey through Alola while uncovering mysteries involving Necrozma, Solgaleo, Lunala, and the Ultra Wormholes.

How many Pokémon can I discover?

More than 400 Pokémon are available across Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, including Pokémon that were not present in the original Sun and Moon games.

Can I explore Ultra Wormholes?

Yes. Ultra Wormholes allow players to travel to different worlds and encounter mysterious Ultra Beasts and other Pokémon.

Is Pokémon Ultra Sun worth playing?

Yes. If you enjoy Pokémon RPGs, exploration, turn-based battles, collecting Pokémon, and large story-driven adventures, Pokémon Ultra Sun remains an excellent Nintendo 3DS experience.