What does the Pokemon series need?

So you're curious about what the Pokemon series needs, are ya? I would only assume as much: you are reading this post, after all. Nothing is wrong with the sales of Pokemon games. As always, they tend to be instant best-sellers.

Since the series doesn't necessarily need help, what does it need? I'll end the suspense for you: the Pokemon series needs another adventure similar to Pokemon Colosseum. Gasp!

As I discussed in my review of Pokemon Colosseum, this Gamecube gem does a lot to break free of the typical Pokemon formula. The storyline sees the player controlling a former gang member who turns over a new leaf, instead focusing his efforts on fighting said gang. Having stolen the Pokemon "snagging" machine from his old hideout, he has the ability to capture other trainers' Pokemon. Whoa, right? You can already tell that the storyline is entirely engrossing. It really is. Pokemon Colosseum may be a little rough around the edges, but I think it added something invaluable to the series: a little bit of darkness. Not too much, of course: it's still a children's series, after all.

I would love to see another home console outing in the Pokemon series that follows the trend Colosseum began. Gale of Darkness (Colosseum's sequel) disappointed me because it substantially down-played the mature appeal of Colosseum. Battle Revolution (for Wii) didn't even excel at what it's sole focus was: battling.

What does the Pokemon series need? An epic home console entry that mixes things up, adds a darker tone, but maintains core Pokemon principles: collecting Pokemon, battling to level them up, and so forth. What direction would you like to see the Pokemon series take?