Pokémon Sun and Moon, released globally for Nintendo 3DS in November 2016, introduced several groundbreaking features to the long-running franchise.
Chief among them was the arrival of the Ultra Beasts—a mysterious group of extradimensional Pokémon that added a new layer of intrigue to the seventh-generation titles.
Developed by Game Freak, Pokémon Sun and Moon breathed new life into the series with innovative gameplay ideas, a tropical Alola region, and bold design choices for both classic and new creatures.
Recently, new context about the creation of the Ultra Beasts has come to light, highlighting the creative process that shaped some of the franchise’s most unusual character designs.
According to Pokémon Sun and Moon designer Yusuke Omura, the origins of the Ultra Beasts are deeply tied to a spirit of artistic experimentation and a willingness to challenge established expectations.
Omura shared that, while working on designs for new Pokémon, some of his concepts did not initially make the cut with Game Freak’s veteran art director Ken Sugimori.
Rather than discarding these unconventional designs, Omura looked for a way to integrate their unique qualities into the games. "The Ultra Beasts were created by revisiting designs that Mr.
Sugimori had previously declined," Omura explained in an interview.
"I chose to embrace the characteristics that had led to their rejection, using them as the foundation for the Ultra Beasts’ distinct visual direction.
In a way, these creatures reflect a form of my own creative frustrations—which definitely lends them a somewhat unsettling aura." Omura was quick to clarify that this creative process was not borne out of animosity.
"It’s important to note that I hold no ill feelings toward Mr.
Sugimori," he affirmed, underscoring the dynamic and collaborative nature of the Game Freak development team. Since their introduction, the Ultra Beasts have become a memorable part of Pokémon lore, helping Pokémon Sun and Moon achieve critical and commercial success.
As of 2021, the games together sold over 16 million copies worldwide, continuing the legacy of innovation on the Nintendo 3DS platform.
The Ultra Beasts have also made appearances in subsequent Pokémon titles and events, cementing their role in franchise history. With their origins rooted in imaginative resilience and artistic risk-taking, the Ultra Beasts stand as a testament to Game Freak’s enduring commitment to creative evolution—one that continues to inspire both fans and future game development across the Pokémon series.
Chief among them was the arrival of the Ultra Beasts—a mysterious group of extradimensional Pokémon that added a new layer of intrigue to the seventh-generation titles.
Developed by Game Freak, Pokémon Sun and Moon breathed new life into the series with innovative gameplay ideas, a tropical Alola region, and bold design choices for both classic and new creatures.
Recently, new context about the creation of the Ultra Beasts has come to light, highlighting the creative process that shaped some of the franchise’s most unusual character designs.
According to Pokémon Sun and Moon designer Yusuke Omura, the origins of the Ultra Beasts are deeply tied to a spirit of artistic experimentation and a willingness to challenge established expectations.
Omura shared that, while working on designs for new Pokémon, some of his concepts did not initially make the cut with Game Freak’s veteran art director Ken Sugimori.
Rather than discarding these unconventional designs, Omura looked for a way to integrate their unique qualities into the games. "The Ultra Beasts were created by revisiting designs that Mr.
Sugimori had previously declined," Omura explained in an interview.
"I chose to embrace the characteristics that had led to their rejection, using them as the foundation for the Ultra Beasts’ distinct visual direction.
In a way, these creatures reflect a form of my own creative frustrations—which definitely lends them a somewhat unsettling aura." Omura was quick to clarify that this creative process was not borne out of animosity.
"It’s important to note that I hold no ill feelings toward Mr.
Sugimori," he affirmed, underscoring the dynamic and collaborative nature of the Game Freak development team. Since their introduction, the Ultra Beasts have become a memorable part of Pokémon lore, helping Pokémon Sun and Moon achieve critical and commercial success.
As of 2021, the games together sold over 16 million copies worldwide, continuing the legacy of innovation on the Nintendo 3DS platform.
The Ultra Beasts have also made appearances in subsequent Pokémon titles and events, cementing their role in franchise history. With their origins rooted in imaginative resilience and artistic risk-taking, the Ultra Beasts stand as a testament to Game Freak’s enduring commitment to creative evolution—one that continues to inspire both fans and future game development across the Pokémon series.
