Draft:Project Sidegames/Structure

This is an instruction manual describing the conventions that Bulbapedia follows when writing about the Pokémon side games and spin-off titles. It aims to create easy-to-read, consistent, and welcoming side-game articles. If there are any unresolved questions regarding adherence to this style, please consult an appropriate staff member or raise the issue on the article’s talk page.

General conventions

The {{Project Sidegames notice}} should be included in all articles under the side-game scope for consistency and navigation, along with any relevant templates. If articles are incomplete, they should also be tagged with {{stub|Game}} to areas that need expansion.

Please ensure that sections and headings are easy to navigate, with a logical structure so readers can easily find information on gameplay, features, versions, or plot.

Infobox guidelines

Use {{Infobox game}} at the top, specifying:

English and Japanese names
Release dates
Platforms, developers, and publishers
Ratings (ESRB/PEGI/CERO , etc.)
If multiple box arts exist, you can show region differences in a gallery or side by side.

In the case of contradictory information, contributors are encouraged to use "footnotes" to provide clarity and maintain accuracy for additional context:

Conflicting dates: For example, when a game has multiple release dates due to announcements, distribution methods (e.g., mail-order vs. retail), or re-releases.
Contradictory official sources: If official materials present differing information, clarify which source is being cited and provide context for the discrepancy.

Article structure

The introduction can be started from an overview of the game’s premise, platform(s), release date(s), and significance in the franchise. For partial or supplementary releases, such as "Detective Pikachu – Birth of a New Duo"), summarize the key information details in a new paragraph following the first. Additionally, when documenting spin-off or side games, use level-2 headings (==Heading==) for major sections, and subheadings (===Subheading===) for the details where applicable.

For large, ongoing, or frequently updated titles (e.g., Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Sleep or other live-service games):

If the game offers multi-arc story expansions, recurring event rotations, or major patch updates, it may be appropriate to break down the sections further. For example, under "Story / Plot," create subsections for each major arc or event storyline; under "Features/Gameplay," you might add multiple sub-subheadings to cover unique mechanics, events, or additional modes. A dedicated "Events" or appropriately titled section or a sub-section under the appropriate subject heading can be added, depending on case-by-case requirements.

It is generally a good practice to use the following structure:

Blurb

If there’s official marketing text or eShop blurbs, they can be documented in italics here. For example <i>Text from official promotional materials here</i>.

Story / Plot

Summarize the main narrative if applicable. Use {{spoilers}} around the section if it reveals major plot points.

Features/Gameplay

Detail core mechanics or special features (e.g., Ranger Sign, Capture Styler, synergy bursts, photography, puzzle-matching).
Mention multiple modes if the game supports co-op, DLC expansions, or post-game missions.
Describe any consumable items (e.g., Mega Start in Pokémon Shuffle, etc.).
Mention any special in-game currencies (e.g., Coins, Hearts, Jewels, etc.) and how players obtain or use them.
For microtransactions, mention how in-game purchases work, what can be bought, and if it’s free-to-play

Locations/Levels/Stages

For games like "Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs," a new region (Oblivia) is introduced. Summarize major locations (including special areas) in a separate article if necessary.
For puzzle games (Battle Trozei), list the zones or how they unlock, especially if the mechanic doesn't have a separate article.
Generally, note key places or chapters.

Compatibility

Mention special expansions (e.g., Ranger Net Missions, cameo expansions, amiibo support, Wi-Fi distributions).
If a feature was removed after a certain eShop shutdown or an update, note that.

Localization changes

Document localization differences or quirks in a dedicated section. Prioritize changes that affect gameplay, the player experience, or cultural references.
Use bullet points for clarity and avoid overly detailed technical explanations.
For example, describe notable changes in dialogue or cultural references between regions (e.g., 'Onigiri' changed to 'Donut').

Reception

Summarize critical reviews from notable outlets (e.g., Famitsu, IGN) and community feedback in a balanced manner. If reviews conflict or the reception is mixed, provide a fair summary.
Highlight both the positive (e.g., innovative gameplay) and criticisms or controversial aspects (e.g., performance issues), and any key point of fan reception, if relevant.
Present official sales figures, if available, to show the game’s commercial performance.

Staff

Summarize or link to sub-pages (like Staff of Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs) for the complete credits.
Note the box art designer (like Kouki Saitou), mention that in the infobox or Staff section.

Music

List details of the game’s soundtrack, notable tracks, and composers, if available.

Version history

If the game has patches or DLC (like free updates for New Pokémon Snap), create a table listing version numbers, release dates, and official release notes.

For mobile or continuously updated games, this section can be used to document major patches, expansions, or name changes (e.g., Pokémon Masters → Pokémon Masters EX).

Gallery

Game articles typically feature several relevant artworks or images; use galleries to showcase visual elements, such as:

Include official box art, screenshots, and promotional artwork relevant to the game.
Position images close to the relevant text they illustrate, and provide clear, informative captions that explain their significance.
Avoid using too many decorative or redundant images that do not add value to the reader's understanding.

You can implement the <gallery> tag by using:

<gallery>
File:ExampleBoxArt.png|Caption
</gallery>

Trivia

Trivia should emphasize meaningful or unique facts about a game.
Avoid generic or overly specific technical details unless they are highly notable (e.g., glitches or missing Pokémon mechanics).
Highlight translation-related quirks only if they provide insight into localization processes.

In other languages

Use {{langtable}} if official names differ across languages. For instance, “Pokémon Link: Battle!” in Europe for Battle Trozei, or French/German titles for Ranger.

References

Use {{reflist}} here to place references at the article’s end.

External links

Provide official websites, archived sources, or any relevant references to press releases.

Categorization

Ensure articles are assigned to relevant categories. Avoid over-categorizing; include only categories that are directly relevant to the subject.

Example: Pokémon GO should be categorized under Category:Games, Category:Mobile games, Category:Pokémon GO and Category:Unity games.

For the respective project page

Abbreviated

It is generally a good practice to follow this format for clarity and consistency, but it is not a hard-and-fast rule:

==Introduction== ==Blurb== ==Story / Plot== ==Features/Gameplay== ==Locations/Levels/Stages== ==Compatibility== ==Localization changes== ==Reception== ==Staff== ==Music== ==Version history== ==Gallery== ==Trivia== ==In other languages== ==See also== ==References== ==External links==

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