The Pokemon franchise has seen a ton of spinoffs since its introduction back in the early 90s. There have been puzzle games, strategy-filled adventures, and even photography-based titles. Pokemon is a powerful series and one of the best assets in Nintendo's arsenal of family-friendly franchises. Because of this, we're likely going to see spinoffs and fresh Pokemon-based ideas for many years to come. Developers have even cracked into the Mobile scene, giving phone and tablet-based players their own Pokemon titles to conquer.
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Pokemon Masters is one such mobile title, but don't let its platform of choice dissuade you from looking into it. Just because it's found on phones and tablets doesn't mean it can't hold up to other games within the franchise. In fact, Pokemon Masters offers some unique gameplay mechanics not found anywhere else in the Pokemon Universe. Case in point, the ability to play Cooperatively. But how exactly do you start cooperative play in Pokemon Masters and what's it like?
There is a ton of fun to be had in Pokemon Masters but there are quite a few mechanics and gameplay elements that feel hidden from players. Cooperative play is shown to you as soon as you start the game (with a big button located near Singleplayer when looking through missions) but tapping on it won't give you access. It's easy to see why some players may assume their games are bugging out or the feature isn't working as intended but the real issue is in a "level gate" that Pokemon Masters never warns players about.
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To actually access Co-Op mode, you'll need to make it all the way through Chapter 10 of the main storyline. Once the Chapter is completed, the game will actually formally point Cooperative Mode out to you. In fact, you'll need to make your way through at least two tutorials before you'll be given full access to it. It's good that the game will give you guidance but it's a bit puzzling why the mode wasn't locked or greyed out until completing Chapter 10.
Once you're able to select Co-Op Mode properly, you'll be moved to an entirely different section of the game, complete with its own cooperative versions of story missions and events. These quests can be played with two additional people, thanks to Pokemon Master's unique three-versus-three battle system. You're allowed to carry a full-squad of Pokemon in Co-Op Mode but you'll only be responsible for one at a time during battle (with the other two being controlled by your Co-Op partners). For more value and strategy, you're able to swap out your Pokemon for any of the available creatures in your squad.
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Co-Op Mode works just like singleplayer, with one unique addition. Completing quick and successive attacks with your partners will build a specialized gauge, which will unleash a powerful group-based attack once it's full. It's also important to note that you'll be able to take on Co-Op missions from Interlude 1 to Chapter 18 with teammates. The cooperative gameplay adds an extra layer of replayability and excitement to Pokemon Masters, helping to keep the game fresh for veterans and newbies alike.
As of now, the cooperative mode is the only thing available in terms of multiplayer for Pokemon Masters. There has been no talk or plans of a PvP feature but it's fun to imagine what one may look like in the future.