More on Pokémon Stadium

[02.03.00] » New game features, limited edition bundle revealed.

   Another new game mode has been announced for inclusion in Nintendo's soon-to-be-released Pokémon Stadium: the Gym Leader Castle. Here, one human player battles against a series of computer-controlled trainers. There are eight Gyms, each of which contains four trainers (the Gym Leader plus three underlings), followed by a final battle against the Elite Four and Gary. Once a Gym is completed, the next one is opened permanently (even if you later lose), but each time you lose in the middle of a Gym, you'll have to begin that Gym from the beginning.

   The rules in the Castle are almost the same as a regular Pokémon battle, except that both you and your opponent are only allowed three Pokémon per battle instead of six. Before each battle, you'll be able to look over both your and your opponent's six-Pokémon rosters and select which trio you want to use; however, you won't know which specific three Pokémon your opponent is using until the battle actually begins. Also, only one of each type of Pokémon is allowed in your group of six -- but who would want to use more than one, anyway?

   Your reward for victory? Every time you defeat the Elite Four and Gary, you're awarded one of eight randomly-selected Pokémon, which is transferred into your attached Game Boy cartridge and saved to your game there. The available Pokémon include Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Eevee, Omanyte, and Kabuto. All of these Pokémon are ones that cannot be caught in the wild in the Red and Blue versions, making them valuable prizes for trainers looking to complete their collection.

   In addition, Nintendo has also announced plans to offer the game as part of a limited edition Pokémon Stadium Battle Set bundle. This collection includes not only the Pokémon Stadium game and accompanying Transfer Pak, but a Nintendo 64 console, two controlles (one gray and one "atomic purple"), a Pokémon Stadium strategy guide, a poster, and a Pokémon Trading Card Game card. The Battle Set will be available March 27 and carries a suggested retail price of $149.95.

   Pokémon Stadium itself hits stores on March 6th for an estimated $69.95.