'Pokkén Tournament' release date: Launch outside Japan could be possible

When The Pokémon Company in Japan revealed the new arcade game called "Pokkén Tournament," hardcore fans of the "Pokémon" franchise were ecstatic to know that a fighting game is being cooked up using their favorite Pokémon. 

Created in partnership between The Pokémon Company and Bandai Namco Games, "Pokkén Tournament" is a full 3D, high-definition Pokémon fighting game, with Pokémon as part of the character roster. The title is set to be released in Japanese arcades this month, and although the exact date for the rollout is still unknown, some speculations place the release on July 16. 

With this, global fans are asking if the game would make it outside Japan, more particularly on consoles like the Wii U. At the moment, there are no solid reports that "Pokkén Tournament" will be released on consoles in North America or Europe. 

However, a recent documentary about the game may have given an inadvertent slip on what direction the game will take. According to game site Nintendo Enthusiast, translating from a Japanese website, the video about the game has hinted that "Pokkén Tournament" may make it stateside. 

When asked about the possibility, The Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara said that it would be a positive move.

"I think the possibility definitely exists," he said. "Basically, as an arcade game we would like to push the boundaries of combining thrilling Pokémon characters with new existing ones in battle." 

In other "Pokkén Tournament" news that recently surfaced, it has been confirmed that one of the fighters to be included in the roster in the fighting game is the iconic Charizard. To stay true to its Pokémon roots, Charizard will come complete with its array of physical and fire-based attacks, as well as a Mega-Evolution. 

Aside from Charizard, another confirmed Pokémon, Weavile, will be among the fighters in the game. 

News
Christians urged to speak out against 'conversion practices' bill
Christians urged to speak out against 'conversion practices' bill

The call comes amid warnings from The Christian Institute that the proposals could threaten parental guidance and pastoral ministry.

Churches challenged to make single Christians feel fully part of church life
Churches challenged to make single Christians feel fully part of church life

Churches need to move beyond assumptions that marriage and family are the normal markers of a fulfilled Christian life and create communities where single people are fully valued, speakers at the inaugural Single Friendly Church Network conference have said. 

Liechtenstein Prince blocks abortion law reform, advocates greater support for mothers
Liechtenstein Prince blocks abortion law reform, advocates greater support for mothers

Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois has refused to approve legislation that would have eased the country’s abortion restrictions, arguing that greater efforts should instead be made to support pregnant women.