Pokémon X and Y (no "Version" on the end anymore!) represent the sixth generation of Pokémon titles, and the first batch to hit 3DS. Taking place in the France-inspired Kalos region, the new titles seem to offer more new stuff than just about any previous sequel in the series. Things like a new type, new ways to battle, and the most ambitious connectivity features yet might just provide enough reason to believe that X and Y are not your typical Pokémon offerings.

Before talking about the good stuff, the first thing immediately noticeable are the new full-3D graphics. The new visuals look substantially better than anything in the series beforehand, with battles that look even more extravagant than the Pokémon Stadium games and cel-shaded graphics that keep the game looking smooth. One more neat touch is that text boxes have been replaced with actual speech bubbles, which make conversations more visually appealing. Granted, this might all still be the same old game with a new coat of paint in some ways, but we at least know that the coat of paint is a spectacular one.

Though we know little about the Kalos region (outside of it being based on France) or the story within, the region is confirmed to be absolutely massive — to the point where the regional Pokédex is split into west (Coastal Kalos Pokédex), middle (Central Kalos Pokédex), and east (Mountain Kalos Pokédex). So far we've seen several towns: Vaniville Town (your hometown where you meet other trainers who act as your friends — which I will not go into for story spoiler's sake), Santalune City (where you challenge Viola, the first gym leader), and Lumiose City (the absolutely huge city seen in every trailer).

As for the Pokémon themselves, there have been nineteen revealed and one new form. I don't know at which point Pokémon species become spoilers, so I'll focus on the commonly paraded ones and a couple of my recently-revealed favorites. The three starters are Chespin (grass), Fennekin (fire), and Froakie (water). Beyond that, the cover Pokémon are Xerneas (of X, who looks like the Great Forest Spirit from Princess Mononoke), and Yveltal (of Y, who looks a bit like a wyvern or dragon of sorts, and looks like a big Y when it takes flight). Though not as fundamental, the other two big Pokémon pushed include Sylveon (Eevee's new Fairy-type evolution — more on that soon) and a new "awakened" form of Mewtwo, who is not a new Pokémon (as previously believed), but a new, sleeker-looking form. Finally, some other favorites of mine include Noivern (a crazy Flying/Dragon bat monster who I am betting money on being the new pseudo-legendary), Gogoat (a Grass-type Pokémon that you can ride around on), and Litleo (an adorable Fire/Normal lion cub who I pray is available early in the game — seen above).

Of course, when talking about the new Pokémon, one would be remiss to not discuss the new Fairy-type revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct at E3. The only thing we really know so far are that Fairy-type moves are super effective against Dragon Pokémon (to give them a much needed balancing), and that five species are confirmed to be the new type. The two new species are the aforementioned Sylveon, and the also-new Flabébé (who has multiple forms that we know little about); old Pokémon that are joining the Fairy-type include Jigglypuff, Gardevoir, and Marill. I don't know if we know enough to predict anything right now, but I would like it if Normal-type moves had an advantage over Fairy, if only to balance the typing a little bit more.

With Ruby and Sapphire introducing Double Battles and Black and White introducing Rotation Battles and Triple Battles, Pokémon X and Y offer two new battle-types of their own: Sky Battles and Horde Encounters. Sky Battles are battles that take place entirely in the air, and are initiated by communicating to a trainer of a different elevation (like on top of a cliff or something) and agreeing to the battle. These battles are unique because the only Pokémon that can participate are creatures that are Flying-type or have Levitate as an ability, and take place entirely in the air. Horde Encounters are encounters where five Pokémon (which can be of one or multiple species) can be fought at a given time. Because of the way the Pokémon are positioned, hitting the right Pokémon with the right move can consequently segue into all five Pokémon being hit at the same time.

A second major gameplay mechanic is that you can ride certain Pokémon in certain circumstances. Gogoat can be mounted in Lumiose City, and Rhyhorn has been seen breaking stones on a rocky mountain. It is unknown how far this can be taken (i.e. whether it is for specific situations or a viable means of getting around), but I wouldn't be surprised if this new feature can make a few of the Hidden Machines (which traditionally have done things like move boulders, break rocks, and surf over water) no longer required.

Speaking of traversal, moving around in X and Y will be a bit different this time around. Instead of a four-direction grid like in all of the previous games, the new titles will be stepping up and allowing players to move in eight directions (similar to Super Mario 3D Land). When I asked during the Pokémon E3 Q&A why this was, Director Junichi Masuda stated that the purpose was because things like wild encounters are easier to calculate on a grid. It was however stated, though, that movement will be more free than previous games. Rollerblades can now be used to get around (I know for a fact bikes are returning thanks to the intro video shown in the roundtable) and that they allow free movement, but I am not sure whether they can only be used in certain situations or even in grassy areas (which relies on the movement grid, as previously stated).

As for the game's new "Pokémon activity that has little to do with regular gameplay," like contests and PokéStar Studios were in previous games, Pokémon-Amie was recently revealed. Somewhat similar-looking to activities in Kingdom Hearts 3D, Ni no Kuni, and Nintendogs, Pokémon-Amie allows you to interact with your Pokémon in an affectionate way never before seen in the franchise. Though we know little about how the mode is accessed or what benefits it provides, the activity allows you to feed, pet, and play with your Pokémon using multiple features on the 3DS. The Pokémon can be displayed on both screens on the system, and some applications shown include making a Snorlax happy by petting it, and having a Pokémon mimic the faces you make from identifying them with the camera. I would hazard a guess by saying that the Fairy-type Eeveelution Sylveon may even have this activity as Eevee's evolution method. If I was to go further, I wonder if this could replace the near-invisible friendship system in previous games, or at least make it more substantial.

One of the other huge new features to X and Y is the Player Search System (PSS), the new online initiative to make the games more connected and the online play easier than ever before. Taking place as a menu on the bottom screen, the PSS allows you to trade with and battle players wherever you are without having to go to a Union Room in a Pokémon Center like in previous games. The PSS is split into three lists: Passerby, Acquaintances, and Friends. Friends are anyone you have noted as such in-game or added from your 3DS friends list, acquaintances are people who you have played with but haven't been designated as your friend, and Passerby are people you have not yet interacted with, but seem to (I can't find full confirmation either way) be found either randomly online or through something like StreetPass.

This allows for an (optional) always-online Pokémon experience, which would be an extreme first for the series. Furthermore, it has been revealed that trading is as functional as it was in the past, but battles have been upgraded to feature multiple rule sets and customizable (although to what extent is unknown) music.

Finally, trainer customization is the last main feature touted for the new games thus far. Though the male and female protagonists are the same and can't be heavily altered, you are now able to select from three presets per gender that offer differences in skin tone and hair. In addition, you can obtain clothing throughout the game that can be changed into at your in-game home to change your appearance.

Pokémon X and Y releases worldwide on October 12 this year.

Credit to Serebii for some minor details