The Pokemon Company has quietly released a new mobile Pokemon game for both Android and iOS called "Pokemon Duel" where various Pokemon in what seems to be amiibo form, duke it out with the use of traditional turn-based mechanics.
It came as a surprise to players, but the game had already been rolled out in Japan in 2016 under a different name, "Pokemon Comaster." The game developer did not explain the name change.
"Pokemon Duel" is now available and it subverts the conventional Pokemon format. In every match, the player has a duel set which contains six Pokemon counters. The game is another tactic action game on a mapped grid. Players take turns placing Pokemon counters based on their strategies and different places across the grid to reach enemy territory. How far a Pokemon on the grid advances depends on the Pokemon. One creature can only be moved in every turn similar to a game of chess, dictated by alternating tactics and its grid.
The objective of "Pokemon Duel" is to capture and invade the opponent's base with one Pokemon. There are times that the turn-based mechanic paves the way for duels. When a Pokemon fights another, they enter a duel which is based on luck as it comes as a move spinning wheel. The game will come with a tutorial, and those who are already well versed in the game can proceed to League Play or duel with computer opponents right away.
"Pokemon Duel" also comes with its in-game currency which can be exchanged for new Pokemon. This new Pokemon iteration is the second mobile Pokemon game after "Pokemon GO."