The Pokémon Fighting Game That Should Have Popped Off - Pokken

Pokkén Tournament is a fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment released for Japanese arcades in July 2015, and worldwide for the Wii U in March 2016.

As a fighting game, this title truly had the potential to pop off given its strong IP and universal appeal, but its development as an esport has seen its fair share of ups and downs.

This is the story of Pokkén

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#Pokken #Pokemon #esports

[Akshonesports]

Hey everyone, this was a video that many requested a while back and we're happy to finally have this published after going through weeks of writing, research, and editing to put it all together. Have you played Pokkén Tournament before?

[cloudzintheskyz]

Dude i’m really sad this game didn’t get too mainstream. I love this game and found some of my favorite personalities through it.

[justinrandy]

This is like the game I thought pokemon stadium was gonna be when I was a kid.

[unknownaura]

They should have launched this globally from the start. They lost hype by keeping it in Japan for a year

[victorycry]

Weird to see a Pokémon game being an underdog. Coincidentally, it also looks like the best Pokémon game in years.

[kennyrdskynyrd]

*Pokemon Direct announced*
Everyone: Diamond and Pearl remakes
Me, an intellectual: Pokken 2

[MikeDaddyMCS]

The Pokémon Company needs to get their shit together and put some money into this series, they are sitting on a goldmine but are just not doing anything with it

[BingBangPoe]

When you start seeing all the references Pokken has to Tekken, downright to mimicking character animations, poses and personality traits, it shows how much care and thought was put into this game. A real shame it never became mainstream.

[dlvarcade]

Doesn’t help that this game never goes on sale for people who are mildly interested

[jashinkioshin]

im still confused why we never got hitmonlee and hitmonchan as dlc

[Rothgarrr]

Pokken Tournament really should have become mainstream for real. I am baffled by how this game didn't blow up in popularity. Its unique with mechanics that are fun, and looks so good on the big screen. Not to mention its a Pokemon fighting game, its what im sure most of us dreamed of as kids.

[owneyw]

All I know about this game is that it has Chandelure in it, so I approve

[potato_shard]

This game is super underrated. Although small, the competitive scene is still livin. Unfortunately due to the lack of players I only ever see the same competitive ppl online. It’s rare to see a fighting game roster this balanced as well. Hope this game gets back up to EVO again.

[thedapperdolphin]

Pokémon is such a good fit for a fighting game, given its wide array of uniquely designed, popular characters. You could have a big roster without it feeling stretched thin. Was surprised it took so long to make one, but the gameplay in Pokken was definitely not for everyone.

I’d love to see a 3v3 2D Pokémon fighting game. I think the team format would work well thematically with the series, given the importance team building in the regular games. Team fighters are also pretty popular right now.

[aubreyholdinggun]

You RARELY hear this, a perfectly balanced fighting game. I love love love LOVED how they were always balanced; from a Sceptile player to a goddamn arcade spam Braixen Boredom.
I think this was the final kick to make me buy the game.

[captainmalice]

Reminder that some of the attacks in Pokken are based on the ones from Tekken

[dmfyre]

I was just wondering if you’d ever cover this game! It’s insanely underrated, and it’s great to see a high-quality look at it

[rocny]

i was on a school trip to florida with a few of my friends a few years back and we played this on our friend destros switch in the airport we were yelling and cheering in 1v1s it is one of my favorite video game moments of all time i will never forget this game because of it.

[marcustussuzian]

I’m really sad this didn’t pop off, it was such a amazing idea and it made so much sense but it failed to grow😔

[happypants]

I am shocked to discover this game’s existence. I just found out today, but I’ve been waiting for it FOR 20 YEARS!! Why have I never heard anything about this game?! Nintendo has no idea how to advertise their gems. This could easily be the next Smash. Unbelievable.