Pokémon Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire Update: Mega Evolution Starters, Diancie Art Revealed, Steven Stone's 'Mega' Connection

By Michael Oleaga First Posted: Jun 16, 2014 03:32 PM EDT

The official artwork for the Hoenn starters' Mega Evolutions have been revealed, and the region's champion might be carrying a Mega Evolved Pokémon.

Following the reveal of Mega Sableye, new information on Mega Sceptile and Mega Swampert have been confirmed ahead Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire's November launch.

For Mega Sceptile, the pure Grass-type Pokémon gains the Dragon type. Mega Sceptile also gained the Ability Lightning Rod, which absorbs Electric-type attack damages and raises its own Special Attack stats.

Mega Swampert will maintain its dual Water-and-Ground types. Mega Swampert does gain the Swift Swim Ability which doubles the Mud Fish Pokémon's speed if battling under rain conditions.

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While Mega Blaziken has been around since 2013's Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games courtesy of a special event, it will receive "new tools" in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. The Pokémon Company International announced Mega Blaziken will learn Brave Bird, which is considered "extremely rare" for non-Flying-type Pokémon, such as Blaziken, as it's a dual Fire-and-Fighting type. Mega Blaziken's ability will still be Speed Boost, which doubles its Speed stat during each passing turn.

A new Pokémon was also announced it can Mega Evolve. Although Diancie's existence has been known since early this year, The Pokémon Company International finally confirmed the Jewel Pokémon can Mega Evolve into Mega Diancie weeks after it was leaked online. Apparently, while Diancie will soon be available for Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, its Mega Stone will only be in either Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

The Pokémon League Champion from the original Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version will return in the remakes. Although it is unknown if he'll maintain his Champion title or if it'll be given to Water-type specialist Wallace, Steven has been confirmed to play a role with Mega Evolution.

With a fitting last name, Stone has had an interest in collecting rare stones and Mega Evolution requires a Mega Stone. While The Pokémon Company International noted he will "lend his help in the pursuit of the true story behind the origins of Mega Evolution," they didn't confirm if he will have a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve. Based on the new official art of Stone, he is seen wearing a clip featuring a similar orb as a Mega Stone. The clip is not seen on his original artwork from the 2003/2004 Game Boy Advance games. Coincidentally, Stone does have one Pokémon capable of Mega Evolving: Aggron.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will be released on Nov. 21 for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS systems.