Though the project is a valiant attempt at an all-new design format,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare each disappointing in some key ways. It brings a roster of new and interesting pocket monsters to collect, but it’s also a rather bland and severely undercooked product, with subtle mechanical changes to combat and half-hearted environments that are by no means fitting of the largest fictional property in the world. Fans are thrilled that there’s a newPokemongame to enjoy, but frustrated that it’s yet again failed to truly capturethe Game Freak property’s limitless potential.
AsPokemonmakes its gradual shift to an open-world format, it enters the space of other games and franchises that have been executing the non-linear formula far longer, and with greater effect. It’s become the student in a new genre rather than the industry leader in turn-based, linear JRPGs. Of the plethora of great open worlds, only a handful are revered and played for well over a decade after they released.The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis one such game, finding a home on almost every available platform and never being far from the headlines. It’s a fantastic title, andPokemonis one franchise that would be best served looking to it for guidance.
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Pokemon’s world-building isn’t on Par with Skyrim
Each newPokemongeneration establishes players in a new region, often seeking inspiration from the likes of Paris and theUnited Kingdom, as was evident inSwordandShield. Each generation feels unique and does well to maintain a sense of wonder when stumbling across the next town on the way to the final battle. This allows players to champion a specific place, be it the original games' Kanto, Hoenn fromRubyandSapphire, or one of the new ones. Returning to these settings inPokemonLet’s Go EeveeandPikachuis a delightful reentrance into childhood for many long time fans of the property, but as the franchise gets older, the format is becoming more repetitive.
The Elder Scrollsis a master at crafting a beautiful, well-realized world that feels lived in, and shaped by the people that inhabit it.Skyrimis just the latest example of this in the mainline series, with thestalwart Whiterun or the bustling commerce of Riftenon the banks of Lake Honrich filling players with a sense of awe simply for the way they look and feel. It’s different enough in tone fromMorrowindandOblivionto feel wholly unique while serving the same wider fictional world, and the inclusion of dragons elevates its atmospheric value to new heights.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violethave tentatively branched into the open-worldspace, but it carries forth the same world-building limitations that have plagued the series for generations, which is something that has to be improved if it is going to compete with more efficient open-world games.
Art Style is Critical in the Open-World Genre
Pokemonmade the transition to 3D environments and character models in 2013 withXandY, but it retained much of the lighthearted, anime-inspired art direction that was replicated in thepopularPokemonTV series, making it feel like a natural progression to fit what both the games and the show were going for. It’s a visual style that has been effective for a very long time, but the break from linear level progression this time around was the perfect opportunity to do something different to the way the franchise looks. Art style is very important, but in an open world it’s even more critical to get right. Countless hours will potentially be spent roaming the land in search of side activities and quashing curiosities, so deploying visuals that don’t get boring over time is vital.
Skyrimknows this, as its murky environments contribute so well to the game’s flavor. Comparing it to other open worlds it’s obvious that looks truly do matter, and it’s an essential ingredient in its prolonged success. Add to this the plethora offan-made mods, andSkyrimwields visuals that have the potential to stand out, even today. If the future ofPokemonwants to impress the way early games in the franchise managed to do, then it has to find a way to change or, at the very least evolve (no pun intended) the art style that it currently deploys, because it doesn’t translate to the open-world genre which has plenty of games that are far prettier and more tonally interesting.
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Skyrim’s Levelling System Promotes Different Approaches to Gameplay
The immediate appeal ofSkyrimmay be the wonderful world and engaging side activities, but to truly enjoy such components the progression system has to be fluid and keep players in control of their own destiny. The way that people can carve out their own experience inSkyrimis fantastic, and the litany of skill trees that experience points can be put into makes each character build radically different from the last. This very simple idea makesSkyrimalmost infinitely replayable. Conversely,Pokemonhas always remained rather rigid with its leveling, and two players rarely have a unique experience from one another. The nextPokemongame should give players more agency over the way they level up, perhaps allowing them to prioritize catching certain creature types or boosting efficiency in certain terrains or places.
Nintendo and Game Freak need to maintain a sense of identity withPokemon, as it’s such a beloved property that scores of people have a strong emotional connection to. It’s in a state of change, though, asScarlet and VioletandPokemon Legends: Arceushave flirted with an open-world format, resulting in some severe growing pains. Evolution is a good thing, andPokemonhas so many games to seek inspiration from with its inevitable next game.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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