Another new mechanic is introduced: Dash Attacks
Ever played Kid Icarus: Uprising? No? In that game, dashing allows you to dodge attacks with ease and travel faster. Combine an attack with the moment you start dashing, and your attack changes, depending on which direction you face.
Similar case here. Recall dodging from PAX'12. Pressing Q, E, Z, X, and C force you in a certain direction, although quite slowly. In PAX'14, this is changed. The dodging mechanic is now called "dashing". Instead of pressing the aforementioned keys, double tapping a directional key (W,A,S,D) will allow you to gain a temporary slight boost in movement speed. Unlike the dodging, you aren't forced in a certain direction. You can change your direction mid-dash. The dash lasts for a short period, about the same amount of time it takes to fully dodge in PAX'12.
Now back on subject, dash attacks are new to PAX, and in PAX'14, they work similarly to KI:U's dash attacks. To perform one, dash and attack (click) at the same time. Of course, you can't do that right now, 'cause delays. Once you use a dash attack, your attack will probably come out differently than before. Probably because not every move will have this mechanic. The direction you initially dash towards will affect the outcome as well. Dashing forward, sideways(both sides), and backwards will result in different dash attacks.
Here's an example:
Surf -No Dash: Water pours down around the user(just use XY's animation as a visual) -Forward Dash: User rides on a wave of water that goes forward -Side Dash: stuff -Backward Dash: User launches a flat wave of water forward
This expands the amount of options for a Pokemon to attack from four to a maximum of sixteen (taking only moves in mind). However, as stated before, not every move will have dash attacks. Moves like Scary Face (try thinking of something for that) will work as they usually do when used with a dash.
Dash attacks usually won't affect the damage and/or effects of the move. They'll stay the same in most cases. The only significant changes would be the animation, which plays a huge role in battles by determining how moves hit and whatever, and energy usage.
In sum, dash attacks are different variations of a move that can be used when attacking and dashing at the same time. They can be used decisively, whether to get away, or to hit an opponent where they least expect it. My hope is that this mechanic would spice up battles, expanding on players' choices other than just sidestepping and firing the same predictable move that was of old PAX(and OPA).
and dat wuz my essay thx