Pokemonhas undergone many evolutions over the franchise’s 25-plus years on the market. With how wildly mainline games differ between generations, two features remain consistent: the core gameplay loop, and the age of their protagonists. Not sinceBlackandWhite 2has the franchise seen a main character well into their teens, and givenPokemon’s latest entriesScarletandViolettake the player back to school, it seems the trend of preteen protagonists will continue. As Game Freak starts expanding its horizons with new types of gameplay and more mature themes, perhaps it’s time to consider allowing the protagonist to grow up too.
These ideas aren’t new toPokemon, but they are underutilized. A first glimpse of the possibilities for new gameplay and storytelling in thePokemonworld goes back to 2003’sPokemon Colosseumand its sequel,Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. Both games deviated from the “coming of age” formula that has remained consistent in mainlinePokemongames, allowing players to explore a new, more mature side of thePokemonworld. While kids are off running around trying to get badges, the player characters ofColosseumandGale of Darknessare stealing corrupted Pokemon from the criminal underground, and this mature tone with older protagonists should get a second shot in Gen 10.
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Fan Desire for a More Mature Pokemon Game
Pokemon Colosseumbroke the mold in more ways than one, due in-part to being created by Genius Sonority. Aside from the story, protagonist, and more arid, nearly post-apocalyptic environments of its Orre region, it was also the firstPokemongame to enter the 3D space. The trend continued withPokemon XD: Gale of Darknessin 2005, and it would be another eight years before Game Freak released its own handheld 3DPokemongame viaX and Y.
ThoughPokemon Colosseumis 20 years old, the desire for new takes onPokemongames is more apparent than ever following thesuccess ofPokemon Legends: Arceus.For a world of monsters, crime bosses, and lore that goes back thousands of years, it’s surprising that it took so long to get another significant break from the mainline series' traditional formula. Perhaps Game Freak will keep that in mind as it develops the next generation.
Pokemon is Full of Untapped Potential
As fun as the main series has been,Pokemon spin-offs have more to offerthan Gym Badges and Victory Road. Decades of games have been spent telling the story of the beginning of a trainer’s journey, but little about what happens after. The next generation should take a page out ofColosseumandGale of Darkness' book, telling the stories of other people within the world ofPokemonsuch as the International Police who have more serious responsabilities on a day-to-day basis. The International Police have been present since Gen 1, but little is known about them outside of Looker’s quests.
A refreshing break from the usualPokemonstory could take inspiration fromColosseum, perhaps with players taking on the role of a detective.Shadow Pokemon could make a return, with the International Police hunting down those responsible for their creation. A brand-newPokemon Rangerseries would also be welcome, keeping with the theme of Pokemon rescue and natural disasters. With the upcoming release ofPokemon ScarletandViolet’s DLC, the next generation of Pokemon will soon start development, and Game Freak should look to the success ofLegends: Arceusas encouragement to try new things with a little more inspiration from the past.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetis out now on Nintendo Switch.
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