WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD for the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask DLC. Proceed at your own risk.
Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and VioletThe Teal Mask has players trading in their Paldea studies for some festival fun as they travel to the new open world setting of Kitakami. The Teal Mask may be a snack-sized adventure compared to its base game ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet, but the new DLC shares a heartfelt message that makes the gameplay as memorable as every Pokemon adventure before it. In spite of Game Freak giving trainers a break from the academy structure, that hasn’t stopped the developer from tasking the Kitakami cast with teaching the player a valuable lesson.
The new legendary Pokemon Ogerponhas a collection of four masks it can adorn. These masks not only make the childlike Pokemon an intriguing battle partner, but serve as a symbol for the overall theme of The Teal Mask. Just as the masks have a long-dated history in the land of Kitakami, they represent a timeless lesson regarding first impressions and expectations. Ogerpon isn’t the only masked messenger in the DLC either. By having symbolic characters spread throughout the main storyline and sidequests, players see the theme come full circle in a way that leaves an everlasting impression.
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Hide and Seek Battles Hold Hidden Meaning in The Teal Mask
There are many types of masks in the first DLC ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet. Even though the masks and their wearers may differ in appearance, they all offer a similar warning against first impressions and rumors. The sibling pair of Kieran and Carmine had players fooled early on, based on their respective meek and aggressive greetings. However, what really blinds players to the characters’ true natures the Caretaker, who introduces players to the fictitious tale of Ogerpon with his signpost story quest.This team effort of Ogerpon, Kieran, Carmine, and The Caretaker worked wonderfully to carry their game’s theme of false impressions throughout the main storyline.
Other thematic elements inThe Teal Mask came from The Kitakami Oger Clan sidequest. Waiting on the steps of the Kitakami Hall is an NPC that asks the player to battle every member of the Kitakami Oger Clan. This sidequest asks the player to travel all across Kitakami and offers valuable rewards for their efforts. Game Freak uses the NPC’s vague request and the player’s pastPokemonexperiences to suggest similarities between this new battling group and the villainous teams ofPokemonpast.
Similarly to what happens when players complete the main story quest, by defeating the Kitakami Oger Clan, the player’s initial perceptions of the group will be dashed in two ways. Players will not only realize that the random NPC is really the Secret Master of the Kitakami Oger Clan, but they learn the entire challenge was put on to show all the children ofKitakami the fun to be had during Pokemon battles. Once again, the sidequest builds on the DLC’s theme of expectations by obscuring the Oger Clan’s good intentions.
The Teal Maskplanned surprises for players by writing misunderstandings into initial character interactions and NPC dialogue, which creates a false sense of predictability that gets overthrown later in a satisfying way.Pokemongames are known for sharing lessons that can apply to trainers of all ages; it’s a fundamental feature that has made thePokemonfranchise so much more than a run-of-the-mill RPG. The lesson The Teal Mask offers is one of empathy and understanding that’s perfect for the young students going on a study-abroad adventure.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetis available now for Nintendo Switch. The Teal Mask DLC is also available now.
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