During today’s Pokemon Presents, which just so happened to be onPokemonDay, The Pokemon Company and Nintendo announced the next generation in thePokemonseries:Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. While this looks like a simple return to the standardPokemonformula, there is one important distinction that was made on the game’s official website:Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violetwill be open-world.
During the leadup toPokemonDay, variousPokemontitles likePokemon Unite,Pokemon Masters EX, andPokemon Sword and Shield, received updates or new content as part of the celebration of the series' history. Due to these games getting announcements prior to thePokemonPresents showcase, some speculated that there might be potentially something big in the Sunday video.
RELATED:Pokemon Presents Event Announced for Pokemon Day
WhilePokemon Legends: Arceustoyed with the idea of an open-worldPokemongame, and fans did initially think that’s what the game was going to be, it turned out thatPokemon Legends: Arceuswas not a true open-worldPokemongame.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetreleased a three-minute video showcasing its world, andPokemonwere shown wandering around. However, The Pokemon Company did not clarify if the game was open-world or not, leading to some online thinking that it was going to be more likePokemon Sword and Shield’s Wild Area. The open-world confirmation is clarified on the game’s official website.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet’s website is full of information right out of the gate.The new starter Pokemon players will be able to choose from are already listed, and the playable character designs are also available for players to check out. Gamers can also check out screenshots of the game to take a look at some environments they will be exploring when the game releases later this year.
Some gamers were disappointed thatPokemon Legends: Arceuswas not a true open-world game. This has left some gamers thinking the next mainline games were going to seriously disappoint if there wasn’t a big change. Having a proper open world should reassure players of the future of thePokemonseries moving forward.
Getting a new pair of mainline games in the same year asPokemon Legends: Arceusmight be overkill for some, but the concept of a true open-worldPokemonshould be an enticing feature for gamers. More of these games will need to be shown to truly convince players, but givenPokemon Legends: Arceus' reception from the millions of gamerswho are playing through it already, it should be some solid proof that Game Freak is looking to please some of the more vocal fans.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetwill release in Late 2022 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Source:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet website
