The Pokémon franchise, spanning over two decades with its inventive monsters and varied worlds, has earned a reputation for continuous evolution and surprise.
One such reinvention came with the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon on Nintendo 3DS in November 2016.
Developed by Game Freak, the seventh-generation titles introduced players to the Alola region and, with it, a new class of mysterious creatures known as Ultra Beasts.
These Pokémon, unlike any before them, stood out for their striking, otherworldly appearances—a deliberate choice rooted in intriguing development history. Recently, Yusuke Omura, the lead Pokémon designer for Pokémon Sun and Moon at Game Freak, shared the inspiration behind the Ultra Beasts' unique designs on social media.
Omura revealed that the Ultra Beasts were conceptually born from his past Pokémon ideas that had previously been turned down by Ken Sugimori, his senior colleague and the original Pokémon illustrator.
According to Omura, the Ultra Beasts represent a creative response to past creative setbacks, serving as reminders of his earlier rejected work.
"I created the Ultra Beasts by referencing design concepts that Mr.
Sugimori had declined in the past," Omura explained on his platform.
"I consciously embraced the very elements that led to those rejections, channeling them into the direction and style of the Ultra Beasts.
In a way, they are a manifestation of my own lingering feelings—perhaps even a little unsettling.
But of course, there's no animosity towards Mr.
Sugimori." This revelation offers invaluable insight into why Ultra Beasts such as Nihilego, Buzzwole, and Xurkitree felt so alien compared to standard Pokémon.
Omura's transparent approach sheds light on the franchise's creative process, showing how past constraints can fuel innovation.
His candid comments also highlight the collaborative spirit at Game Freak and the enduring influence of Ken Sugimori, who has shaped the visual identity of Pokémon since its inception in 1996. Upon their debut, the Ultra Beasts quickly gained a following due to their distinctiveness.
Their unconventional forms and mysterious origins became a focal point, expanding the lore of Pokémon Sun and Moon and sparking fan theories and discussions worldwide.
The Alola titles themselves proved highly successful, selling over 16 million copies globally, reinforcing Game Freak's status as a leader in the RPG gaming space and the enduring popularity of the Pokémon brand on Nintendo platforms—including the eShop and, more recently, the Nintendo Switch. Omura’s story not only enhances the Ultra Beasts’ appeal but also illustrates the resilience and creativity within the Pokémon development team.
While it's unknown whether future games will usher in more Ultra Beasts, the insights shared by Omura serve as a testament to the dynamic, ever-evolving artistry behind one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
One such reinvention came with the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon on Nintendo 3DS in November 2016.
Developed by Game Freak, the seventh-generation titles introduced players to the Alola region and, with it, a new class of mysterious creatures known as Ultra Beasts.
These Pokémon, unlike any before them, stood out for their striking, otherworldly appearances—a deliberate choice rooted in intriguing development history. Recently, Yusuke Omura, the lead Pokémon designer for Pokémon Sun and Moon at Game Freak, shared the inspiration behind the Ultra Beasts' unique designs on social media.
Omura revealed that the Ultra Beasts were conceptually born from his past Pokémon ideas that had previously been turned down by Ken Sugimori, his senior colleague and the original Pokémon illustrator.
According to Omura, the Ultra Beasts represent a creative response to past creative setbacks, serving as reminders of his earlier rejected work.
"I created the Ultra Beasts by referencing design concepts that Mr.
Sugimori had declined in the past," Omura explained on his platform.
"I consciously embraced the very elements that led to those rejections, channeling them into the direction and style of the Ultra Beasts.
In a way, they are a manifestation of my own lingering feelings—perhaps even a little unsettling.
But of course, there's no animosity towards Mr.
Sugimori." This revelation offers invaluable insight into why Ultra Beasts such as Nihilego, Buzzwole, and Xurkitree felt so alien compared to standard Pokémon.
Omura's transparent approach sheds light on the franchise's creative process, showing how past constraints can fuel innovation.
His candid comments also highlight the collaborative spirit at Game Freak and the enduring influence of Ken Sugimori, who has shaped the visual identity of Pokémon since its inception in 1996. Upon their debut, the Ultra Beasts quickly gained a following due to their distinctiveness.
Their unconventional forms and mysterious origins became a focal point, expanding the lore of Pokémon Sun and Moon and sparking fan theories and discussions worldwide.
The Alola titles themselves proved highly successful, selling over 16 million copies globally, reinforcing Game Freak's status as a leader in the RPG gaming space and the enduring popularity of the Pokémon brand on Nintendo platforms—including the eShop and, more recently, the Nintendo Switch. Omura’s story not only enhances the Ultra Beasts’ appeal but also illustrates the resilience and creativity within the Pokémon development team.
While it's unknown whether future games will usher in more Ultra Beasts, the insights shared by Omura serve as a testament to the dynamic, ever-evolving artistry behind one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.
