So this season of Pokémon GO has been the first time in the game that you can catch Pokémon that can Dynamax, a feature introduced in Generation 8 with a new battle system. Truth be told I didn’t really feel like talking about this when it first came out because it was fine, but there are a couple of things that have been steadily grinding my gears, so let’s get started. First off, none of your pre-existing Pokémon can Dynamax. It only happens to the ones that you catch from Dynamax raid battles. That issue in itself isn’t the worst thing, because I think they want to keep these things special since it is the first introduction of this mechanic. That’s fine. A little disheartening, but fine. However, with the new battles comes a new currency which is called Max Particles. Let me just say this I hate them. Well, not them specifically but more their implementation into the game. You get a certain amount for free per day, but only up to eight hundred. That sounds like a lot until you find out that participation in the lowest tier raid is two hundred fifty. So you are essentially getting only three lower-tiered raids or two medium-tiered ones per day. You can potentially go over the set of eight hundred if you do the math right and gain more bang for your buck, but the problem is that you have a limit of carrying 1,000 particles at a time. So once you go over 1,000, no more particles for you. And guess what is the only way to get more at that point: buy max particles in the shops with coins. Once you hit your limit this is your only way to gain more particles that day. I should also mention that powering up your Dynamax Pokémon requires max particles as well. Trust me, it isn’t cheap.
I wouldn’t mind it so much if they allowed us to increase the cap of max particles by buying something in the store, but nope. We are stuck with this garbage. The grind is bad enough with that, but then this past weekend they introduced Gigantamax raids, which are the new big raid and which also comes from the Gen 8 games. These Gigantamax raids cannot be beaten solo and require raids of around 10-40 people. By the way, 10 is if you are fully optimized so it is realistically 30-40 players. So, if you don’t live in a big community with lots of people organized for these events… too bad. You can’t get them. It should go without saying that there is no way to Gigantamax preexisting Pokémon either. And even if you somehow do get this to work in your favor, guess what? You can maybe do a couple of these at most because they each cost eight hundred particles for participation. Bro, I am not made of money! Who can afford that as a casual player? The only solace is that if you lose the raid you get to keep your particles I guess. Good luck getting those guys. Even if there was an item in the shop to help Pokémon Dynanax or Gigantamax that cost some coins then maybe I could give it a pass, but not right now. I understand this system is still relatively new, but come on and give us some alternatives at least. Heck, the rewards for these raids aren’t even that great. You get better rewards doing regular raids. What’s the point? Before anyone says anything, that was rhetorical.
Look, I’m not mad. I just think this system is flawed and could be better implemented. I get this game has some pay-to-win stuff, but this is just broken. Heck, things would be better if you could even remotely join certain raids by invite only or something. Use your Campfire app for it or something. I am just making a few points that I am sure plenty other of people have felt dearly. Good luck Niantic with the balance patch. Have a good night everyone.
That Casual Gamer Guy 