The Pokémon MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) known as Pokémon Unite will be getting an Android beta test in Canada in March 2021.

Eligible players can go to the upcoming game’s Google Play Store page to register for a change to participate.

Here are the eligibility details as listed on the Pokémon website:

• The Pokémon Unite regional beta test is open only to residents of Canada
• Players must be at least 16 years old to participate
• In-game progress will be reset upon the beta’s completion
• Capture or streaming of gameplay is not allowed during the regional beta test

“Since the first reveal of Pokémon Unite nearly a year ago, development has continued to progress. More playable Pokémon have been added, changes and additions have been made to the gameplay, the visuals have improved, and much more.

That said, there’s still plenty to be done to ensure the best possible experience. Now the developers are looking to Pokémon fans to help deliver that experience by participating in a regional beta test in Canada,” the team said.

The game was announced in June 2020 at the Pokémon Presents event, and is among the games celebrating the series’ 25th anniversary this year.

Like in traditional MOBAs, the game will have two teams of 5 characters – each with their own skills, attributes and specials – battling to complete a map objective, which is usually to destroy the other team’s base. What immediately makes the game different is that Pokémon characters will star, presumably bringing iconic moves such as the tail whip or splash.

According to the game’s description on the official Pokémon website though, there will be some changes to the formula, with the game tasking players to catch wild Pokémon on the field – as opposed to selecting a Pokémon to fight as – and ultimately to score more points than the other team.

“In this game, players face off against each other in 5-on-5 team battles. During battles, players will cooperate with teammates to catch wild Pokémon, level up and evolve their own Pokémon, and defeat opponents’ Pokémon while trying to earn more points than the opposing team within the allotted time.”

The game is being developed by mobile MOBA veterans TiMi Studios, the team behind the hit MOBA Honor of Kings, also known as Arena of Valor in other territories. TiMi Studios is a subsidiary of Chinese gaming giant Tencent.

The game is slated for Apple and Android devices, as well as the Nintendo Switch. – Rappler.com