Episode 1: Aquamuda

[Sunflora Azumarill]

AQUAMUDA
Description: "A popular tourist destination on the South Seas known for its tropical coast, pristine beaches, turquoise coral, and crystal waters. Among its most amazing attractions happen to be the Great Wharf and the Coral Tidefall."

Music Notes: An original day-based Calypso/Caribbean-based music track plays throughout the hub during the daytime. An original night-based Calypso/Caribbean-based music track plays throughout the hub during the nighttime.

Welcome to Aquamuda, where the chosen character was spending his or her vacation before getting rudely interrupted by Team Aqua's strike on the resort. This place is based on the islands of the Caribbean and looks like something you would see in those "Sandals" commercials on TV. There are hotels, huts, and shops lining most of the coast of the hub, palm trees all around, and tourists from various places as well as Caribbean-background locale enjoying the tropical sun. There's also a number of floating TV's to be found throughout the hub that act as signs and indicate what each place is. Here's a description on each of the places within the hub.

Tidal Hotel: This is where you start the game, which is the front doors of the Tidal Hotel, which is celebrating its 14th anniversary according to the man (Christoph) near where you start. If you want, you can head inside and talk to the man (Tito) at the front desk as well as head out the back doors and into an outside pool area. On the right side of the pool are two teenage girls (Risha and Circe), each of which gives you a hint on one of the first two stages in this area. In the pool itself happens to be another girl in a bikini (Layla) that you can swim up to and talk to. Head south from the pool area to find a beach area with several people relaxing. If you go all the way to the water and look all the way to the right, you'll find an X Attack hidden in the water. Now collecting it won't take effect until you enter a stage. West of the pool area happens to be a smaller pool with a teenage couple (Mike and Lani). You can go behind them and over the tiny fence that leads into a small fountain canal. From there, you can head down a series of canals with some tiny rises and find a hidden pool with a fountain in the middle and a green-haired teenage girl (Veria) with a towel wrapped around the swimsuit she's wearing standing in the pool. If you talk to her, she'll ask you if you won't tell anyone about this special place of hers. If you choose "No", she'll give you an Invincibility that will be stored in your inventory, but can only be used in whatever stage you enter next, and it can't be taken through stages. Back inside the hotel, you can head up the stairs and go through a door to enter a hallway with hotel rooms on each side. The one that the chosen character is staying in is Room 1098. If you go inside the room, the screen will fade out, then fade back in, but now it will be nighttime. This is one of several ways to go from day to night and vice versa.

Wave Beach: If you go east from the Tidal Hotel, you'll see a large beach on your right, much larger than the one behind the hotel. Here, you can actually go far out into the water, where you'll find such things as square floating docks with people sunbathing on them as well as a small tower with a diving board where it starts to get a bit deep. On the east side of the water happens to be a small closed off area containing a lighthouse. Also along the beach is a snack bar. However, you won't be able to purchase any snacks. Some of the people on the beach will talk about the attack on the "shrine" far east of the beach. Talk to a middle-aged man (Tom) in a swimsuit near the water of the west side for a free X Defend.

Palm Grove: North of the Tidal Hotel happens to be a large open area filled with palm trees and other tropical plants. There's a few people spread out here admiring the flora and a large Caribbean gardener (Barmado) looking after them. Hidden within the tops of some of the trees happen to be money items of various amounts, but you won't be able to jump up to them until you've collected at least all of the Magic Materia (which isn't possible until later). Once you've defeated Archie, Tails will dock the Tornado within this area. Anytime you want to leave the hub and go to the world map, just talk to Tails.

Tropic Square: North of Wave Beach is one of the hub's two most communal areas, which consists of lots of Caribbean-style huts with soft dirt roads going between them. A Caribbean boy named Nayo has a hint for you pertaining to the Tropical Tide stage that could be useful. You'll also find the Aquamuda Hot Dog Vendor in the northwest corner. Facing the beach happens to be one of two shops here, this one called Island Delights, run by a middle-aged Caribbean man (Jamen). To the right of Island Delights is another shop called Caribbean Cream (ice cream, which here they make themselves), managed by a woman named Jesiya. Here's the list of things you can get at each shop:

Island Delights
Blue Marlin: 300p
Chili Peppers: 250p
Callaloo: 200p
Pepperpot: 250p
Coconut: 250p
Star Fruit: 150p
Mango: 200p
Sliced Pineapple: 150p
Tropic Juice: 150p
Blended Slush: 200p

Caribbean Cream
Ice Cream: 250p
Cookie Dough: 300p
Rum Raisin: 200p
Coral Sundae: 250p
Parfait Dish: 300p
Rainbow Popsicle: 100p
Ice Cream Bar: 100p
Azumarill Snow Cone: 150p
Sunflora Fruit Bar: 150p
Cold Smoothie: 150p

Tropic Dreams: Facing the northeastern corner of Wave Beach happens to be an empty plot of land. A floating TV here says "Future site of Tropic Dreams, where your dreams can come true!" Starting after Archie is defeated, construction of a building will begin and progress over time. Once you've been to Kiyosara at least once, the building will be finished and you'll notice it's now an anime-esque tropical café called Tropic Dreams, staffed by seven teenage female waitresses in two-piece midriff tropical uniforms. The waitress that you'll get to know the most is a girl with teal-green long hair with two long twintails going down the sides of her hair and are tipped with magenta ribbons. This girl's name is Minamo, and she explains that her dream is to become an idol. Since Tropic Dreams' slogan is that it's where dreams can begin, she's working here in hopes of making her dream of being an idol come true. Note that you're unable to buy a food item from this place.

Cabana Club: If you go to the eastern half of Tropic Square, you'll notice a large hut-style building south of the area called the Cabana Club. If you're playing as a character whose listed age is 21 or older, the man (Caibo) standing outside the front door will let you go inside, where you'll find several adult people conversing and enjoying the place. Towards the back of the club are two doors. The one on your left leads to what is called the Dance Hut, where the manager, a middle-aged Caribbean woman (Maykale) here. Maykale brings up that at night, there's going to be a dance party taking place here. If you go here at night, you'll be able to see the dance party itself. Anyway, the right door leads out onto a concrete patio with a large pool that's located at the back of the patio. The back of the pool actually consists of a fence that allows the water in to flow out into the ocean right behind it. To make things more interesting, in addition to several adults in the pool, there is a small tiki bar right in the center of the pool (the counter is just a foot above the water) and stools in the water surrounding it. You can talk to the Caribbean bartender (Leon) if you like, but you can't purchase anything from him.

Surf Island: While at Wave Beach, if you look out towards the water, you may notice a small island adorned with three palm trees. However, it's too far to swim to as the "invisible barrier" prevents you from going beyond the Wave Beach area. However, there's a sailboat floating on the right side of one of the square docks. If you get on it, you can use it to ride out to the island, where in the middle of the island under an island-style umbrella is an Anime-esque girl with long brown hair, a pair of sunglasses over her head, and wearing a pink bikini and long sarong, sitting down on a towel (her name is Ayana). If you're playing as a character that is around her age, she'll either ask you if you want to spend the day with her (if it's day) or spend the night with her (if it's night). She seems like she wants to date you if you're a male character that is around her age and asks if you want to attract guys to the island with her if you're a female character that is around her age. This is another way to go from day to night in the hub. You can get a Secret Item on the mossy rock at the back of the island and from there can jump up into the palm trees to find 3 500p items.

Great Wharf: If you go east of Tropic Square, you'll find the Great Wharf, a gigantic dock that encompasses the eastern half of the hub and is filled with various buildings of all kinds. This is by far the most communal area in the entire hub and is also where the shops are most concentrated. In fact, due to all the different places on the wharf, here's a road map of the area:

Pier Hotel: A bit east from where you enter the wharf area happens to be another hotel, although quite different from the Tidal Hotel and consisting a bit of a nautical theme. Just outside the main doors happen to be a mother and son (Merith and Jonas). Jonas explains how his mom has taken him all the way to Aquamuda for a vacation, but that he would rather prefer the Tidal Hotel explaining how it has an outdoor pool, not to mention tennis courts, a miniature golf course, and an arcade. Merith explains that the Pier Hotel is cheaper. You can enter the Pier Hotel, but the Caribbean man at the counter (Jambo) explains that they're booked solid.

Pokémon Center: If you go down the path south just before the Pier Hotel, you'll notice a Pokémon Center to your left (all hubs have a Pokémon Center, and each one looks different; this one goes well with the wharf). If you head inside, the music changes to a remix of the Pokémon Center theme from the handheld games. Inside, there are three things you can do. One, you can talk to Nurse Joy, who'll heal your Pokémon much like in the handheld games. (This does nothing really, just an added touch.) Two, you can go up to one of the videophones to the right of the counter and talk to one of several people. At this point, you can only talk to Prof. Oak. Three, you can head up the escalator to the left of the counter to enter an area with a couple bedrooms. If you head inside a vacant one, the screen will fade out, then fade back in, another way to change the time of day.

Seaside Seafood: If you keep heading down the path from the Pokémon Center, you'll notice a restaurant on the southwestern corner. This is called Seaside Seafood, and you can go inside to find out from the woman at the counter (Richal) that you may have to wait a while to get a table, but that there's a pickup window on the east side of the building. Here, you'll find a man (Carter) who will tell you that he can quickly get you a dish to take on the go. Here's a list of the things that you can get at this place:

Seaside Seafood
Lobster Tail: 500p
King Crab: 400p
Coconut Shrimp: 300p
Saltfish: 350p
Fresh Scallops: 300p
Kingfish: 400p
Catfish Dream: 450p
Salmon: 350p
Bistec a la Criolla: 350p
Crab Cakes: 300p

Limonada House: If you go west from Seaside Seafood, you'll notice a Limonada Shake stand, complete with an area with umbrella-covered tables and several people enjoying the shakes. You may remember Limonada Shakes from PPS: The Space Shield Crisis and Pokémon Peace Squad 2, and they work the same way here as they did in those two games. You can go inside and talk to the young woman (Jeina) and get one of twelve different shakes. Here's a list of all the shakes that you'll be able to buy at this stand:

Limonada House
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Plant Shake: 150p; Power +2, Speed +3, Defense -2
Ice Shake: 150p; Power –2, Speed +2, Defense +3
Shock Shake: 150p; Power +3, Speed –2, Defense +2
Fire Shake: 150p; Power +2, Defense +2, Speed +2, -10 HP
Lemon Shake: 100p; Health +1, Jump +1
Lime Shake: 100p; Health +2
Sitrus Shake: 200p; Health +3, Power +2, Defense –2
Pamtre Shake: 200p; Defense +3 +2, Jump -2

Upgrade Shop: If you go a bit more west from the Limonada House and look south, you'll find what is called an Upgrade Shop within the large open area overlooking the ocean. For the record, Upgrade Shops looks like those giant floating TV screens that served as shops from Sonic '06, but much more high-tech-looking. If you go up to the screen, it'll say "Welcome to the Aquamuda Upgrade Shop!" as first the doors on the screen open vertically to reveal digital computer doors that open horizontally. The selection screen looks very 3-dimensional and cyber-like, including a 3D image of whatever item you have the course on to the right. Upgrade Shops are linked, meaning upgrades you can buy here are also buyable from all other Upgrade Shops (each hub has one). However, at this point of the game, your selection of items is small (since you may have just started the game). Anyway, here's what the Shop is offering to you at this point:

Upgrade Shop
Green Program: 1500p; increases the amount of damage you do to enemies in Mach Speed Mode by 10%.
Blue Program: 1500p; increases the amount of damage you do to enemies while hydroplaning (skating along water) by 10%.
In addition to this, any character-exclusive items belonging to any character you've unlocked so far are also available.

Royal Aquamuda Ship: If you keep going west of the Upgrade Shop, you'll see a large ocean liner docked on the west end of the wharf. This is a Royal Aquamuda Cruise Ship as you'll be able to notice. If you go up to the attendant (Jerry) at the gate, he'll tell you that the ship is full and ready to go and also that since you don't have a ticket, he can't let you on anyway. If you come back here at night, you'll find out that the ship has left and that you can explore the area where it once stood to discover a series of swimmable paths beneath the wharf. It happens to be a semi-maze, but you can find a 500p item, a Secret Item, and also the hub's Max Revive, which is stored in your inventory, but can only be used in whatever stage you enter next, and can't be taken through stages.

Marina Area: South of the Upgrade Shop is a large area of boats and sailboats of various kinds and colors with docks going in between them. Unlike the sailboat seen at Wave Beach, you won't be able to take one for a ride here. There are a couple binocular stands along some of the docks you can pay 25p at to use to see through the hub or out towards the ocean. If you go to the furthest dock during the day, you'll find a middle-aged man (Ahara) who'll ask you if you know Team Aqua. If you answer "We've crossed paths before.", you'll get a Secret Item.

Coral Gift Shop: If you go east of the Upgrade Shop, you'll head into an area of more buildings. Head south from there and go to the edge to find the Coral Gift Shop, which specializes in many things crafted from Corsola shells. This is where you'll be able to buy souvenirs in this hub, which can be used for two things. Once you meet a certain someone later on in the game, you'll be able to give him these. When you give this person souvenirs, he gives extra hints about stages, missions, and bosses, depending on where you bought it from. If you're using a female character, you'll be able to equip the item to her as an accessory. Note that the item can only be on one female at a time. The woman running this shop (Anja) will sell you these things:

Coral Gift Shop
Photo Frame (Aquamuda): 500p
Miniature Flag (Aquamuda): 500p
Coral Tiara: 750p
Seashell Necklace: 500p
Aqua Crystal: 750p
Tropical Flower: 250p
Sapphire Star: 750p
Palm Tree Bracelet: 250p
Pearl Earrings: 500p
Island Fragrance: 1000p
Note: You of course can't equip a Photo Frame of Miniature Flag of any kind to a female character. There are also other items that can't be equipped to a character. Any such items will be denoted with asterisks.

Poké Mart: If you head north from the entrance to Oceantide Park, you'll eventually cross with the path that has the Pier Hotel to the west. On the northwestern corner happens to be a PokéMart (all hubs have a Poké Mart, and each one looks different; this one goes well with the wharf). If you go inside, you'll be able to purchase items that will take effect in whatever stage you enter next. The inventory for each Poké Mart increases over time as you progress through the game. Here's the inventory for when you first come here:

Poké Mart
Potion: 100p**
Burn Heal: 150p*
X Attack: 200p
X Defend: 200p
Foresight Scope: 300p**
Hindsight Scope: 300p**
* -Stored in your inventory until either selected or status condition that the item cures afflicts the chosen character (in which case it's used automatically).
**-Stored in your inventory until selected.

Oceantide Park: The Coral Gift Shop happens to be right next to a sea-theme amusement park aptly called the Oceantide Park. However, if you go up to the front game, the ticket attendant (Erico) won't let you pass due to you lacking a ticket. You'll still be able to view some of the various rides, such as a ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a vertical spinning ride. However, during some special hub missions, you can get a ticket that will allow you to head into the park. Shortly after entering, you'll find a tram that will take you into the park proper. Oceantide Park is pretty big and has a number of rides and areas. The rides and areas are:

Starmie Wheel: A large Starmie-shaped ferris wheel.
Gyarados Coaster: A Gyarados-themed roller coaster that splashes through water.
Mega Slide: A gigantic water slide containing a few tunnels.
Hydro Spinner: A vertical spinning ride that resembles two Kingdra.
Splash Tower: A power-tower ride that touches water found at the bottom.
Showering Geysers: A square area of geysers you can set off.
Soft Cascade: A large gently flowing waterfall you can stand under.
Seaside Carousel: A carousel ride with ceramic Water Pokémon.
Bubble Spring: An area with a bubble generator sending out huge bubbles.
Turquoise Aquarium: An aquarium that contains various Water-type Pokémon. Also contains an underwater tunnel.
Beach Sandbox: An area of sand for little kids with a water pump for making mud. This area is off limits to any member of the Squad.
Aquamarine Bay: An area of open water that's used for swimming, riding jet-skis, or using paddleboats. Fences separate each part of the area and also prevent people from swimming out into the ocean. There's also a playset for kids located in an area of very shallow water.
Palm Island: A small island located in the middle of Aquamarine Bay. Has a number of tables with umbrellas for relaxation purposes.
Aqua Stadium: A Sea World-like stadium with a number of Water-type Pokémon as its stars, like Loraine the Lanturn, Sassy the Sealeo, and Wally the Wailord. The stadium has an opening that leads out into the ocean and the Pokémon come and go as they please, but come and entertain guests.
Coral Diner: A seafood restaurant you can go inside that contains a number of food items. Here's the list of what you can get here:

Coral Diner
Crab Legs: 300p
Grilled Shrimp: 250p
Crab Burger: 350p
Small Lobster: 400p
Blue Clams: 350p
Seafood Deluxe: 450p
Lemon Salad: 200p
Island Fruit Bar: 150p
Lemonade: 150p
Ocean Punch: 150p

Vending Machines: Several hubs (but not all) also have several vending machines strewn about where you can purchase various items. All of Aquamuda's vending machines are found in the Great Wharf area. Here's a list of the vending machines in the hub and where they are:

Vending Machines
Pika Cola: 100p; equivalent of Potion (three located along the building to the right of the Pier Hotel, one located to the left of the Oceantide Park gate)
Mudkip Fruit Juice: 200p; Defense +3 (one located next to a supply shop in the Marina Area, one located next to the Oceantide Park Pika Cola machine)
Treecko Punch: 200p; Speed +3 (three located along the buildings opposite of the Pokémon Center, one located next to the Oceantide Park Pika Cola machine)
Torchic Energy Drink: 200p; Attack +3 (two located on the building to the left of the Limonada House, one located next to the Oceantide Park Pika Cola machine)
Chaos Soda: 250p; Attack +3, Defense +3, Speed +3, lasts 30 seconds (three are located to the left of the gate to the Royal Aquamuda Ship)
Potato Chips: 150p; Defense +2, Speed +3, Attack –2 (two are located on a path to the right before reaching the path containing the Pokémon Center)
Salad Pack: 250p; Attack +3, Speed +2, Defense –2 (one is located on the left side the Coral Gift Shop; one is located in between the Pier Hotel and Poké Mart)
Rustboro Root Beer: 200p; Attack +2, Defense +3, Speed –2 (two are located east of the Upgrade Shop and north of the Limonada House)
Hartache Cola: 200p; Attack +2, Defense +3, Speed –2 (three are located on the side of a building just before the Royal Aquamuda Ship and two more are located in Oceantide Park (only accessible during specific missions))
Limonada Shake: Effects Varies (two located to the right of the Oceantide gate, four located in Oceantide Park (only accessible during specific missions))

Here's a list of what each Limonada Shake machine has to offer:

>> Machine 1 (Outside Park Left)
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Plant Shake: 150p; Power +2, Speed +3, Defense -2
Fire Shake: 150p; Power +2, Defense +2, Speed +2, -10 HP
Strawberry Shake: 100p; Jump +2
Pecha Shake: 200p; Speed +3, Jump +2, Health -2
>> Machine 2 (Outside Park Right)
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Ice Shake: 150p; Power –2, Speed +2, Defense +3
Shock Shake: 150p; Power +3, Speed –2, Defense +2
Orange Shake: 100p; Health +3, Jump -2
Aspear Shake: 200p; Jump +3, Health +2, Power -2
>> Machine 3 (Oceantide Park)
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Plant Shake: 150p; Power +2, Speed +3, Defense -2
Ice Shake: 150p; Power –2, Speed +2, Defense +3
Banana Shake: 100p; Health +2, Jump +2, Power -1, Speed -1, Defense -1
Iapapa Shake: 200p; Power 2, Speed +2, Defense +2, Health +1, Jump +1, -20 HP
>> Machine 4 (Oceantide Park)
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Shock Shake: 150p; Power +3, Speed –2, Defense +2
Fire Shake: 150p; Power +2, Defense +2, Speed +2, -10 HP
Watermelon Shake: 100p; Jump +3, Health -2
Salac Shake: 200p; Health +2, Jump +2, Power +1, Speed +1, Defense+1, -20 HP
>> Machine 5 (Oceantide Park)
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Ice Shake: 150p; Power –2, Speed +2, Defense +3
Fire Shake: 150p; Power +2, Defense +2, Speed +2, -10 HP
Pineapple Shake: 100p; All Stats +1, -10 HP
Nomel Shake: 200p; Random Stat +5, Random Stat -1
>> Machine 6 (Oceantide Park)
Limonada Shake: 200p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1
Tangy Fruit Shake: 150p; Speed +2, Defense +1
Tropica Shake: 250p; Power +2, Speed +1
Hard Fruit Shake: 200p; Power +1, Defense +2
Plant Shake: 150p; Power +2, Speed +3, Defense -2
Shock Shake: 150p; Power +3, Speed –2, Defense +2
Grapefruit Shake: 100p; Power +1, Speed +1, Defense +1, Health –2, Jump -2
Tamato Shake: 200p; All Stats +3, -30 HP

Alpha Gate: If you go east along the path containing the Pier Hotel and the Poké Mart, you'll reach the most important part of the hub at the edge of the wharf alongside the large grassy hill. You'll notice a tunnel heading into the hill and a late-aged Caribbean man (Mambano) near it. If you talk to Mambano, he'll explain that he is a Gate Guardian and that the tunnel leads to the Alpha Gate, the shrine that Team Aqua attacked. He'll go on to explain that contained deep inside the shrine is what is called the Hydro Plate, which is a crystalline plate the works like the mystical plates found throughout the world, except much more powerful. In fact, the Hydro Plate here is the only one in existence and that Team Aqua managed to steal it. After talking to Mambano, you should head inside.

If you go inside the Alpha Gate, you'll notice that it's much like the Gaia Gates from the Wii-version of Sonic Unleashed (including the music). The motif of the Aquamuda Alpha Gate happens to consist of a wavy-water pattern going along the lower parts of the walls and also small waterfalls coming out of the walls that the water deposits in fountains along the walls. The water from there dumps into a small canal making a circle around the center area of the shrine. There are small bridges that go over the water where needed and four doors, two on the left side and two on the right. You'll need to collect Emblems (by completing stages) to open these doors, which hold small puzzles containing such things as Secret Items. Towards the back of the area is an upper area where a large fountain with a large Aquatica statue sits near the edge. A waterfall from the fountain dumps into the main canal and there are two sets of stairs to the side of the fountain. Go up these stairs to find a set of three doors on the back wall. The one on the left is depicted as "I", the one in the middle "II", and the one on the right "III". These are the doors that lead into the Episode's stages no doubt. There is also an octagonal symbol in front of the second door that will light up once the Episode is cleared. You can use this to go straight to the main boss for the Episode whenever you want a rematch. The first door is lighted up, meaning you'll be able to enter it, once you clear that stage, the second door will light up, and the third door once that stage is completed. Since each first and second stage can only be entered during a certain time of day, if it's the opposite time of day, then the corresponding door will not be lighted up. For the first stage, it needs to be daytime, so make sure it is before heading through.

Hub Missions: In addition to the usual stuff that goes on in a hub, you may also partake in several hub-based missions much like those from Sonic '06 (but none are as tedious). None of these missions have to be completed to progress through or clear the game, but you'll get rewards such as Emblems, cash, various items, and more if you do. Each hub has two missions that any character can perform and a number of missions that only one character can do (one for each character in the game). Here's a list of the missions for the Aquamuda Hub:

Paris's Exhibition: Once you've cleared the Paris's Exhibition mission in Star City, you'll find Paris and her Lopunny on Wave Beach near the water. Paris happens to be wearing a teal bikini and light blue skirt-like sarong along with a flower in the left side of her hair and Lopunny is wearing a Gorebyss-style outfit. Paris says that her next line of Pokémon and human fashion is the Gorebyss Swimsuit, which consists of a Gorebyss-like seashell-like top and a pink bottom that also includes a short skirt. If you're playing as a female character whose listed age is anywhere between 14 and 28, you can partake in a mission where you and your Pokémon wear the Gorebyss Swimsuit. This mission puts you in the Tropical Tide stage where you must bank at least 10000p in cash before reaching the end of the stage. Once you've cleared this mission, Paris will consider the Gorebyss Swimsuit a success and then depart for the next part of her World Exhibition tour.

Sunflorazumarill: As it turns out, the strange hybrid Pokémon makes a return in Pokémon Peace Squad 3, but instead of hanging around in stages, she likes to enjoy the hubs. There are two locations for Sunflorazumarill in each hub, one for the day and one for the night. If you go up to her, you can talk to her and in many cases, has something for you such as a lot of cash or a Secret Item. Here's where she can be found in the Aquamuda Hub:

Day: She's standing on top of one of the palm trees in Palm Grove. However, you won't be able to reach her until you've bought all the Magic Materia much later on. If you talk to her, she'll give you Art Book ##.

Night: Go all the way to the right of where the Oceantide Park is and jump into the water. Swimming there is Sunflorazumarill, who'll give you Music CD ##.

[Sunflora Azumarill]

Tropical Tide

Description: "The islands and beaches of Aquamuda. Team Aqua's guards patrol the area leading up to the Coral Tidefall, so don't run too fast."
Objectives:
-Explore Aquamuda's coastline
-Defeat the Team Aqua guards
-Climb the Coral Tidefall
-Reach the secluded palm tree coast

Voice Notes: Prof. Oak uses his voice from the anime. The Team Aqua guards use generic voices.
Background Music: The La Razza Canal (Sunny) theme from Wave Race Blue Storm plays throughout the stage.

Now it's finally time to get to the first of the actual stages! Get ready for a wild ride, as this stage will give you vibes from Sonic Unleashed no doubt! You'll start the stage of a large, long grassy plain with several Caribbean huts on the left side. Your main objective is to defeat every Team Aqua guard you come across. Even at this stage's high speeds, a special Enemy Radar will alert you to human enemies as you approach them so you don't miss any. Not too long after starting this stage, you start running along a beach with a series of docks and huts above you. If you want a Secret Item, homing attack a Masquerain Drone just before the third dock to boost over it and collect the item. Eventually, after a curve in the beach, you'll run through a semi-maze of lower docks along the beach. After this, a Jump Ramp will boost you onto a long dock going over the water. Not long after you make it onto the dock, the screen will shift to a 2D-view as you make your way along beaches, grassy rocks, and docks. Try to get onto the highest plateau for 500p while here. Once you reach a launcher (which look like they do in Sonic Unleashed), you'll return to normal view on a wavy dock that may bring back memories of Sonic Adventure DX and then head under gigantic rock arches. Eventually, you'll reach another beach lined with palm trees. This place is a little dangerous because Crawdaunt Troopers will burst out of the sand when you get close. You'll also have your first run-in with a floating drone equipped with 2 large chaingun batteries and bears the Team Rocket symbol in its top part. This is called a Hover Turret, and its design allows it to direct its chaingun turrets at you as well as turn both halves of it at 360 degrees. If you attack it in any way, a green cube-shaped shield will appear around it. The Hover Turret always generates this shield, making it completely invulnerable to any and all attacks, even Explosion. In other words, all you can do is avoid it. Get used to these, as they appear in most of the game's stages, and some also come equipped with 3D holo-scanners that teleport in more robotic enemies if they catch you. Anyway, next up on your Aquamuda tour, you'll hit a Jump Ramp and land on a trio of rails that grind above the water and past grass-topped spires and formations. As you near an island, the rails spiral around. On the island itself, be careful of a few spiked gates moving up and down. You'll then enter a small turquoise cavern system before you reach a hut and a small dock setup. At the end of the dock is a Jetski that you'll use to go along the water. On your twisting and turning ride, watch out for Lotad Mines, large Team Aqua mines, and even a moving cruise ship later on. After the cruise ship, you'll notice large robotic submarines (these bear the Team Rocket symbol) similar to the submarines in G.I. Joe, the Rise of Cobra surface behind you. They'll attack with surface torpedoes and wide-range lasers, so be careful. After the submarines leave, you'll go in between two long land formations where there are ramps in the water. Here, a large Team Aqua robot called a Pelipper Plane will burst out of the water. It attacks by firing a blue laser from its bill and firing torpedo bombs from its wing cannons. After you get out of this area, you'll now reach coral reefs all around you in various colors. Some of the coral is beneath the waves, and you'll disband the Jetski and make your way along the surface coral. Not long after you reach here, you'll start to notice what looks like a wide waterfall out on the ocean. That is the Coral Tidefall, one of Aquamuda's biggest attractions. As you near the tidefall, you'll dash out onto the water and hydroplane your way there. Be careful of more Lotad Mines and Team Aqua mines, as well as two Laser Lanturns along the way. Once you get close to the tidefall, you'll hit a parasail glider on a small coral island and go flying up over the tidefall. Shortly after clearing the tidefall, you'll land on another beach, this one concealing a few capsule-shaped laser turrets (these belong to Team Rocket) called Ground Turrets. Unlike Hover Turrets, these can be destroyed. Once you reach one more series of docks, a group of Wailord will burst out of the water, destroying the dock in the process (another thing adapted from Sonic Adventure DX) as you hit Dash Panels. After clearing the dock, you'll land on a metal pathway snaking its way around large palm trees on a thin beach. After the pathway, you'll see the Goal Gate on the edge of an unusual palm tree laden area. Go through it to clear the stage (which doesn't really take that long due to speed).

Extra Note: If you're wondering what a tidefall is, it's an unusual occurrence out on the ocean where the ocean suddenly rises, creating a short waterfall. This is usually caused by two things; a sudden large drop in the ocean floor and the nature of the tides. Tidefalls usually don't go higher than five feet, but the Coral Tidefall is known for being about 25 feet tall.

Note: When you clear a stage, you're given a number of options on what to do; "Proceed to Next Stage", "Return to (hub name) Hub", and "Save and Quit". When you clear a stage, the time of day changes, meaning if it's day when you clear a stage, it'll now be night. Note that clearing Tropical Tide for the first time is one of two exceptions in the game. If you choose to go to the next stage, the time of day will remain day, allowing you to go into the next stage.

[Sunflora Azumarill]

Palmtree Panic
Description: "A high-tech palm tree reserve located somewhere in Aquamuda. A mysterious island has been recently spotted beyond it."
Objectives:
-Speed through the groves

-Defeat the Team Aqua guards
-Shut down the Aqua Barrier
-Defeat Sean (if he appears)
-Take automated hydro jet to Team Aqua's island

Voice Notes: Prof. Oak uses his voice from the anime. The Team Aqua guards use generic voices. Sean uses an original casting for his voice.
Background Music: A remix of the Good Future theme (Japan/Europe version) for Palmtree Panic from Sonic CD plays throughout. When fighting Sean, a remix of boss music from Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia plays.

This stage is a 3D recreation of Palmtree Panic from Sonic CD on the Sega CD, much like Green Hill was in Sonic Adventure 2 Battle. All three acts are played back-to-back. With the power of the Wii, this stage has also been made to look very vibrant. Another thing you'll quickly notice is that this stage is based on the Good Future version of Palmtree Panic. There is no timetravel of any kind here, so you'll be going through this variation of the stage all the way. Once again, your main objective is to dispatch any Team Aqua guards along the way. In addition to Team Aqua forces, you'll also contend with several robotic Team Rocket foes as well, such as Hover and Ground Turrets. After you exit the first speed tube, the screen will shift to a 2D view, and it's also during this section that you'll start to notice non-organic enemies that you may have seen in Super Smash Bros. Brawl's Subspace Emissary, mainly Glires (wheel-shaped enemies that discharge fire upon you getting close), a robotic version of Auroros (rainbow-winged birds), and a Roturret (a large arrow-shaped turret that floats in the air; this one looks completely robotic and bears the Team Rocket symbol instead of a skull). All such Subspace enemies seen in this game have been made by Team Rocket and appear in various stages. These enemies also happen to be seen in 3D sections as well, so adapt to encountering them there as well. When you reach the part of the stage where the Enemy Transporter was located in the original, the screen goes back to the typical 3D view. If you manage to get onto a high ledge before the Enemy Transporter, you'll find a switch. If you press this switch, several fan-propelled metal platforms will teleport in over the wide expanse, allowing to reach the actual ledge where the Enemy Transporter would be. These switch effects occur in several of the game's stages. Anyway, on the ledge is a 200p item and the stage's Full Restore. In the second act portion of the stage, after shooting through the speed tube that ends with you splashing through a shallow water pool, another 2D-esque section begins. If you can get to where the second act Enemy Transporter would be located, you'll find a Secret Item. Once you exit another speed tube, you'll go back to a 3D point of view. The instant you make it to the start of the Act 3 part of the stage, you'll get a quick cutscene of the ledge drop just before where you fought Eggman in the original. Here, two large blue metal spires will teleport in and a blue barrier bearing the Team Aqua symbol will be instantly created between them. You'll also see large barrier lasers extend from the opposite sides of the spires. This device is called an Aqua Barrier and it functions like the Dark Gaia Barriers from Sonic Unleashed. In order to get past it, you need to locate three items called Aqua Emblems, which are spread out in the Act 3 area. Once you've collect all three, go up to the barrier and the spires will explode, shutting it down altogether. Once that's done, simply head to where the Prison Egg was in the original to find a large hydro jet that's set to head to Team Aqua's base. Simply board it to clear this stage.

However, if you hear the words "What do you think you're doing?" shouted in an unfamiliar voice upon approaching the spot where Eggman was fought, that means you've triggered the small chance Team Aqua Admin Sean is waiting! If this admin appears (he doesn't always appear), you're going to have to fight and defeat him to make it to the hydro jet. Sean is tougher than the guards, but one who knows what they're doing can get past him easily.

[Sunflora Azumarill]

Aqua Island

Description: "An artificial island housing Team Aqua's base, this place is a large floating city that's equipped with high-tech hydro defense systems of various kinds to prevent you from getting the Hydro Plate."
Objectives:
-Defeat the Team Aqua Grunts
-Defeat Isabel
-Defeat Shelly
-Defeat Matt
-Locate and retrieve the Hydro Plate
-Escape the base

Voice Notes: Prof. Oak uses his voice from the anime. The Team Aqua Grunts use generic voices. Matt uses the voice that was incorrectly given to Tabitha in the anime. Isabel and Shelly use the same voices they used in the anime.

Background Music: The Telos soundtrack version of the Water City stage from Mega Man Zero 3 plays throughout the stage. When fighting a group of enemies, the night battle theme from Sonic Unleashed plays. When fighting an Aqua Soldier, the night midboss theme from Sonic Unleashed plays. When fighting Isabel, Shelly, or Matt, a remix of the music that plays when facing a team Admin from Pokémon R/S/E plays.

Welcome to Team Aqua's latest base, which consists of hazards and obstacles similar to what you would find at a gigantic aquatic amusement park. Anyway, your main objective here is to defeat any and all Team Aqua Grunts that you come across. The first part of the stage takes place along the shores of Team Aqua's artificial island, where palm trees line the paths and you'll have to make your way along waterfalls using footholds that drop down along them. This area also boasts several water pools that may contain a few items, but be careful of such hazards as Sharpedo Subs, Laser Lanturns, and Lotad Mines. Eventually, you'll reach a large cascade where a launcher will shoot you downward. You'll land and make your way down various catwalks, platforms, ladders, and more cruising down the metallic waterfall, an area similar to Cosmic Fall from Shadow the Hedgehog. At the bottom of the pathway, you'll fight an Aqua Soldier, at which when defeated, the area reaches the bottom of the cascade, where a rainbow can be seen. You're now in the lower areas of the base, which contains a lot of underwater mazes, water geysers, and pipe systems. There are also two turbine tunnels reminiscent of those from 2D Sonic games, where you'll have to grab poles to prevent being rushed into spikes as well as areas with turbines that push you up or down. At the end of this area, you'll end up having to fight Isabel, the first of Team Aqua's Admins. She's tough, but once defeated, you'll be able to continue with the stage. Next up, you'll enter a large area that happens to be iced over and contains a lot of slippery platforms that can send you to your death, since the water here is so cold, you'll instantly become frozen and fail the mission. You'll also run across small icebergs in the water as well while dodging such enemies as Sealeo Mechs, Cloyster Shells, Aggresious Hunters, and Glices. Towards the end of the area, you'll have to activate three switches to open the door leading out of the stage and to another midboss, Shelly, who is a little tougher than Isabel. Next up, you'll go inside the large dome towards the front of the island. This area of the base mainly consists of platforms that move along lines as you move through a marine station-like area. There are also switches that raise the water level inside the dome, allowing you to take platforms floating in the water upward. Aqua Bubbles are abundant here and can get quite annoying while on your trip. You'll also run down water slides and rushing water streams and shoot through a Barrel Cannon sequence later on. At the end of the area, you'll fight Matt, who attacks in an unusual tank filled with water and made out of polyurethane (a very strong plastic), which is quite flexible and absorbs any and all blows made by it. In order to cause damage, you'll need to first attack the cap-like hatch at the top until it breaks, then the boss can be felled. Watch out for the water bombs, ice spikes, and surface torpedoes that Matt sends out at you. After defeating Matt, you'll be able to enter the final section of the base, which resembles a typical Team Aqua interior base. Along the way, you'll have to find the Hydro Plate which Team Aqua stole from the Aquamuda Alpha Gate hidden within a secure room and make sure no one belonging to Team Aqua gets his or her hands on it. Towards the end of the stage, an Aqua Barrier will appear in front of the area leading to the escape point. If you remember the Aqua Barrier from the end of Palmtree Panic, you need to collect 3 Aqua Emblems to drop the barrier. Once you do, head towards the Goal Gate to clear the mission.

[Sunflora Azumarill]

Note: During this cutscene, the boss, and the cutscenes after it, it's always daytime, regardless of the time of day when you cleared Aqua Island.

Cutscene: We go to the outside of Team Aqua's base, where on a large helipad, the chosen character needs to escape before Team Aqua's forces catch him or her. However, one of two things happen depending on the character, either he or she will call out one of his or her Pokémon that can fly, or such a Pokémon will appear, allowing the chosen character to fly away. However, from the main bridge, Archie, the leader of Team Aqua sees the chosen character fly off. At this point, a large video screen appears on the main window overlooking the ocean, and on it happens to be someone cloaked in shadows and his voice distorted. (This person happens to have been seen in Season 1 of the Pokémon Anime, so I think you know who he is.) The mysterious person tells Archie to go and get the Hydro Plate back at all costs, and even go as far as to destroy the entire resort city if he has to! Archie presses a key on the main computer, and a computerized voice alerts the entire base of "Mobile Conversion". Suddenly, we go underwater as what look like massive fins start protruding from the sides of the island and rise out of the water. A trio of fins emerges from the back of the fortress and finally, we see what looks like a large tower rise out of the front of the base, with the top shaped and resembling a Lapras. As it turns out, the fins that came out of the island as well as the structure at the front resemble a Lapras, and the fins activate, sending the entire base into motion. From the control room, Archie says that the chosen character won't get away, and as we go back to the chosen character making his or her way back to the Aquamuda hub, he or she looks behind to see Team Aqua's base gaining up on him or her. The chosen character knows what is to come.

BOSS STAGE: Lapras Turret
When fighting Archie, the Eggman boss theme from Sonic Unleashed plays. When Archie is defeated, the Clear Fanfare 2 music from Sonic Unleashed plays.

Uh-oh! It turns out Archie's not letting us take the Hydro Plate without a fight, and he's sending the entire base our way! For your first major boss battle, you'll be flying backwards while facing the front of the Lapras Turret and must attack the head while dodging its attacks. At the start of the battle, you'll first have to dodge several hydro missiles fired from the turret's mouth. However, when the mouth is open, that's your chance to attack! At every other interval of attack, the Lapras Turret will instead attempt to blast you with a giant water stream equal to 10-20 Hydro Cannons. Wait for the target that appears to flash, then quickly move left or right. About every-fourth of health you take from Archie, the screen will shift to a 2D point of view as the Lapras Turret moves offscreen, but several spinning ice missiles will be fired your way. These travel in rising and falling arcs, so be careful not to hit one of them. After going back to a normal point of view, attack again. When half of Archie's health is gone, things will get tougher as two new things happen, the Lapras Turret will now fire both kinds of missiles during either phase of the battle and the hydro blast will now move back and forth, making it harder to dodge. Also, when going to a 2D view, watch for the Lapras Turret on the left side of the screen, then quickly move up or down to dodge the giant hydrogen freeze cannon that's fired at you. Eventually, you will take the Lapras Turret and the entire fortress down with it.


Cutscene: We go to the Aquamuda hub, where various people are enjoying such things as relaxing on the beach, surfing the waves, and checking out the things in Tropic Square, when a number of them notice Team Aqua's island heading straight for the resort! A number start fleeing at the sight of the base's collision course as others watch in fear. However, we watch as Archie leaves the island in a large Team Aqua hydroplane and says that he "hopes the chosen character has fun at the resort". At this point, the chosen character realizes that there's only one option to stop Team Aqua's base from hitting the resort. Using the Pokémon that he or she's flying on, the chosen character flies into the mouth of the Lapras Turret and hits the inside of it hard, causing the island to dive forward. After going under, we see a large explosion of water rise up, and anyone back at the hub watches in awe at the sight, which also results in a little bit of rain hitting the resort.

Cutscene: We go to out in the water at the beach area behind the Tidal Hotel, and we see the same couple from the fountain pool (Mike and Lani) out on the water and about to kiss. However, just before they do, the chosen character surfaces right in between them, pushing the two apart. After appearing, the chosen character (in most cases) apologizes for interrupting the couple and swims towards the beach with the Hydro Plate in tow.

Cutscene: We go to inside the Alpha Gate as the chosen character wonders where the Hydro Plate goes. Going up to the Aquatica statue in front of the doors where you can enter the hub's stages, suddenly, the Aquatica statue glows a blue color and so does the Hydro Plate. Suddenly, the Aquatica statue sinks into the ground, and suddenly, the chosen character is in an area similar to the inside of the Gaia Temples from Sonic Unleashed. Here, he or she takes the Hydro Plate to the pedestal in the center of the chamber and places the Plate on it. Once the Hydro Plate is back in place, the chosen character quickly heads back to the Aquatica statue and takes it back up to the surface, sealing the path.

Cutscene: Meanwhile, back at Giovanni's space station, Giovanni has just watched the Aqua Island plunge into the water before exploding on a large hologram screen being generated at the edge of his platform. ONNA is present and tells him that Team Aqua lost the Hydro Plate and that it's been returned to the Alpha Gate. As the hologram closes up, Giovanni tells ONNA that he's already aware of what's has just happened, but to continue on with the plan. He brings up that his scanning satellites have pinpointed the location of where the next Super Plate, the Power Plate, is located and that he already has the Go-Rock Squad headed there in order to steal it for him. ONNA replies that it's most logical for the Go-Rock Squad to bring the Power Plate to him as soon as possible. Giovanni replies that that is the best plan of action to take to make sure the Pokémon Peace Squad can't get it in time. ONNA replies to Giovanni's agreement with "Thank you, Master Giovanni." before disappearing.

Cutscene: We go to outside the tunnel leading to the Alpha Gate, where the chosen character has just come out. Greeting him or her there happens to be Tails, and after the two exchange greetings, Tails explains that Prof. Oak called him up and asked him to help the chosen character out with what's going on. Tails goes on to explain that Prof. Oak discovered that a Super Plate like the Hydro Plate is located in San Diales and that it's best if the chosen character heads there right away to make sure no one else steals it. The chosen character agrees and asks Tails how they're going to get there. Tails responds with "You know me, and you also know the Tornado. Whenever you're ready, come to the palm trees and we can leave right away." The cutscene ends once that line is said.

At this point, you regain control of the chosen character. Starting now, you can call Tails from a Pokémon Center videophone if you need to know where to head. Before heading to Palm Grove where Tails is, do whatever else you need to, such as buying items or getting yourself an Invincibility or Max Revive for the road ahead. Once you go to Tails, he'll ask you if you're ready to go. Select "I'm all ready!" to leave the hub and for the first time, head to the World Map.

When you go to the World Map, you'll notice it's the same map as from Sonic Unleashed (along with the same music as in Sonic Unleashed) (except the planet is put together already, of course). There are also 2 options on the left and right. The left arrow takes you to a screen where you can select stages in a fashion similar to past Pokémon Peace Squad games. The right arrow takes you to a screen where you can change your character if needed. Note that the first time you come to the map, the Character Select arrow is disabled. This makes it so that you need to do the first stage of the next location with that Episode's initial character before using any other character. This is also true for all other such instances of clearing an Episode. Once you've cleared an Episode, you'll also be given three options on where to go when you select that Episode's location; Hub, Stage, and Gate. Aquamuda is already on the globe along with a short description and also a picture of the hub. There's only one other place you can go to at this point, and it's called San Diales. Move the earth until you see San Diales on it and select it to go there.