Pokémon’s new puzzle game will actually challenge fans with Hard mode

Daily brain-teaser games are a staple in the modern world, and the selection offered by the New York Times includes some of the most popular. One of these is Connections, which presents you with a grid of 16 words or things and tasks you with deducing which groups of four all share something in common.

But what if you could do all that, and at the same time test your Pokémon knowledge? Introducing Pokénnection. This is a Pokémon-themed spin on Connections, with the same concept: 16 Pokémon are laid out in a grid, and you must find the four groups. On normal difficulty, these will often be Pokémon of the same type, from the same generation, or in another category, such as baby or legendary Pokémon.

However, hard and hard+ difficulties are also an option, and this is where you’ll need to dive deep into your mental Pokédex. Categories here can range from 4x weakness or resistance to specific types, or those with split evolutions. You’ll also need to think outside the box more; consider aesthetic similarities, such as their shape or limbs.

The most recent update to Pokénnection is perhaps its best though, as it’s added an adventure mode. You can explore the entirety of the Kanto region through thematic Pokénnection puzzles. For example, on Route 1 you’ll need to select the four Pokémon that can be found on Routes 1 and 2, alongside the four starter Pokémon, and a couple of other fairly simple categories.

However, as you progress further, the categories become trickier. Can you select the four Pokémon you can find in Pokémon Tower in Lavender Town? How about remembering the four-Pokémon team for every gym leader? Or the four Pokémon you can win as a prize from the Game Corner? Complete the entirety of Kanto to win, with Johto promised to be coming soon.