"They say this city's always got a promise for you. Might be a lie, an illusion, but it’s there; just around the corner: and it keeps you going."
Hello everyone: welcome to my full review of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, six months later. Despite being another major bestseller, the games have surpassed Pokémon Sword and Shield as the most divisive installments to date among players. However, is that reception warranted; even now? Let’s open them up and find out.
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| Courtesy: Nintendo/Game Freak/The Pokémon Company |
Normally, I would save this section for last; but given the unique nature of this generation; I will lead with it instead. The gameplay is actually a nice compromise between the core mechanics of the previous generations and the more active exploration, battling and captures of Pokémon Legends Arceus. I’m not at liberty to confirm or deny anything others have said about the development cycle; but it would make sense that both titles started development around the same time. So, that’s not too far a leap. The sound is also quite crisp and clear- with both familiar and new monsters having distinctive cries. The music also fits both the setting and the series’ precedents: castanets, accordions and Spanish steel guitars are among the touches I like, and I especially like the arrangement of the “I Choose You” theme. I also enjoy the evolutionary stages of the starters fitting the setting: the singer, the dancer and the magician.
That also means I must address the Phanphy in the room: the graphics and technical issues. Though I honestly don’t mind the stylized visuals personally (everything looks colorful and bright, the human avatars look more like characters in New Pokémon Snap and Pokémon UNITE; and it’s still recognizably a Pokémon game artistically), even I will acknowledge the state of the launch build. It’s honestly a miracle my copies were as stable as they were, and if you are among those seeing this that had legitimate problems and/or refunds, I’m sorry. While there is still room for improvement as I type this; even I will admit each update is helping fix the issues. I am glad that they’re addressing more and more quietly but consistently through updates (there will likely be more by the time you see this), and I don’t expect a repeat of this anytime soon.
Now, onto the story section- because of the multiple storylines and the open-world design concept; I will be splitting this into segments. So, let’s get started with the premise: the Great Treasure Hunt of Paldea! I named my avatar Sergio in Scarlet, and Valentin in Violet.
As a new student in the Paldea region, you receive your first Pokémon from the first of several rivals/allies in the game, Nemona. I chose Fuecoco in Scarlet (named her Blaze), and Quaxly in Violet (named him Dewey). In relatively short order, we’re also introduced to both Arven and Penny, all three of whom play a part in the main quest.
Upon reaching the Pokémon Academy (themed as Naranja in Scarlet and Uva in Violet), the opening ceremony is overseen by Director Clive Clavell; with the main goal being an independent study project called the Great Paldea Treasure Hunt! As this connects to the box legendaries (who quite literally fell in front of us), let’s get to it. I will do my best to keep each storyline in chronological order, factoring in not only which ones I played first; but also breaking sequence to build experience.
Part I- Victory Road
The first storyline I took on was the gym challenge. This time around, you can do the gyms in any order you want; and I will detail my experience in the matter. The first stop is in Artazon, with the grass-type specialist, Brassius! This conceptual artist is also the first of many to show off the main special ability of these games- the Terastal Phenomenon. Using an artifact known as a “Tera Orb,” a Pokémon can assume a crystalline form which grants them a power boost in battle. Some even change depending on what type the ability and monster are.
Next, I went to Cortondo to face the bug-type leader; a cute baker named Katy! She’s not too tough, and is a good one to start on; as is Brassius. To any new players: you’re welcome.
Third in line is Iono, the electric-type master who’s also a streamer and influencer. I do like how her ace is a Bellibolt. That’s also joined the list of my favorite monsters of Paldea; largely because it reminds me of the beta Politoed design.
Breaking sequence, the fourth leader I challenged was the leader of Medali gym: Larry. He looks and behaves like a typical salaryman, who also runs a restaurant on top of being the normal-type gym leader. We’ll come back to him later in this section; but let’s just say that he’s not to be underestimated. He is to be admired, however; as I am one of many who’s taken a shine to him. We all thought we would grow up to be Ash, but in a way; I’m glad I grew up to be Larry.
After that, I had an encounter with my fifth opponent; Kofu. He is a water-type specialist and leader of the Cascarrafa Gym. Due to the aforementioned sequence breaking; I actually encountered him in Porto Marinada to return his billfold. Then, I won an auction for a rare ingredient he was after before I actually fought him. I really like that approach- though the anime has had trainers build a rapport with gym leaders for years; I’m glad the games have reached a level where it can be done now.
Sixth is the psychic master of Alfornada, Tulip. Let me tell you- she’s actually the one I had the most trouble with. Not buying the whole “tearing down” the badge systems, be more accurate to say it’s been revamped. I did have to find a dark type that made a good countermeasure against her Florges; but she actually was tougher than the last couple ones. She is likable enough as a character, and pretty as any model should be.
Seventh is the ghost-type “MC of RIP,” Ryme; who leads the gym in Montenevera. She joins the ranks of several previous gym leaders who are also performing artists, and her style is double battles. I can also imagine her releasing a conscious hip-hop album of her spiritual beliefs.
The eighth and final gym leader is Grusha, the “Sub-Zero Shredder” atop Glaseado. Before facing him (yes, I’ve seen the memes about the character); you also have to do a snowboarding minigame while mounting your box legendary. He even used to snowboard himself before retiring to become a gym leader.
After some leveling in the fields, sparring with Nemona and filling blank spaces in the Pokédex; I finally headed for the Champion Test. A nice young woman named Rika interviewed me, and served as my first opponent. She specializes in ground types, and remember the interview: it will come up again in a moment.
Second is Poppy, a little girl who’s a specialist in steel Pokémon. Her ace is Tinkaton, a monster who’s garnered a following in the fandom among many; including myself. They like to hurl rocks at Corviknight, my favorite monster of the last generation. That’s gleefully mad and I love it.
Third in line is Larry, who is also an Elite Four member using Flying types in this position. Actually rather surprised an associate of mine didn’t like him- He’s the exact audience for this character; and I understand why he’s become an ensemble dark horse. As previously stated, lots of us thought we would grow up to be Ash; but I’m glad that I grew up to be Larry. His ace here is newcomer Flamigo- have to fill the Dex to be sure; but this flamingo does fit the setting of being influenced by Spain and will likely be on my favorites list.
Fourth is Hassel, the art teacher of the Pokémon academy. He’s our Dragon Master, and a bit of a big softy in terms of emotion. His ace is newcomer Baxcalibur, which I will have to remember to look out for when completing the Pokédex.
Though the Champion Geeta may not be the toughest opponent (had more trouble with Hisuian Avalugg in Legends Arceus); the real final opponent of this storyline is none other than fellow champion Nemona! I honestly really like her character: not every rival needs to be a clone of Blue, and satisfaction is subjective. I’m more than happy to keep her as a sparring partner and friend.
Part II- The Quest for the Herba Mystica
The next storyline I pursued was the Path of Legends. Partnering with upperclassman Arven, you assist him with finding herbs that can grant great power and healing qualities to those who consume them. This is especially useful for Arven, who intends to use them to rejuvenate his favorite Pokémon; Mabosstiff.
First off is to engage the Titan scale monsters that guard each type of Herba Mystica. I chose first to face off against the Stony Cliff Titan- Klawf; which is on the list of my favorites of Paldea. Forgive the age of this meme, but it’s a giant enemy crab; and I found ways to attack its weak point for massive damage. This gets us the Sweet Herba Mystica, which can aid the digestion as a dietary supplement. Say that’s worth about 599 US dollars.
The second opponent I picked is the Open Sky Titan- Bombirdier! That is also among my favorites of Paldea so far- I just love the idea of a stork that uses its bundle as a payload. Defeating the Titan grants us the Bitter Herba Mystica, which aids the circulation and immune system.
Breaking sequence again, third in line for me is the Quaking Earth Titan. Depending on which version you play, it’s represented by the primal Great Tusk in Scarlet or the mechanized Iron Treads in Violet. Winning grants us the Sour Herba Mystica, which can help recover from exhaustion.
Fourth is the Lurking Steel Titan, Orthworm! I just love this monster, as it’s a giant worm that eats the metal sediments in the desert. Kind of like the sandworms from Dune. Winning gets us the Salty Herba Mystica, which is tremendously effective at promoting health. It’s especially good for neuropathy. We even have a little meme here when Arven salts the food- cute.
The fifth and final opponent is the False Dragon Titan, which actually has two forms: the massive Dondozo and the smaller Tatsugiri, the latter of which resembles a serving of sushi. This grants us the Spicy Herba Mystica, which can detox the body; revitalizing circulation and metabolism. With one last helping, Mabostiff is healed!
Now, Arven gets a call from the Professor, and it turns out that they’re his long-lost parents! Though he’s hesitant; he does agree to their call, seeing their lab in Area Zero. Before that, we get to battle Arven! He may have provided an assist in each Titan battle, but here; he lets loose and proves how capable he truly is. I really enjoy the resolution of this storyline- sometimes, a good sparring partner is just as satisfying as a clone of Blue/Green, if not more satisfying.
Part III- Starfall Street
Now comes the storyline that provided some pleasant surprises in my playthrough- Operation Starfall. The seed of this story was planted right as we entered the Academy; as it revolves around the villain faction, Team Star! They are made up of a group of students who were accused of bullying; but they actually turn out to be targets of such that ended up walking out 18 months before the game’s events. Their motif builds on what was done with Team Skull and Team Yell, so let’s get started.
After that, I chose to face Atticus. Specializing in poison-types, this fashionable ninja designed the custom uniforms for Team Star. He is a standout, and his departure was linked to liking old-fashioned things.
Don’t worry, I have something prepared for later.
The final captain is the fighting-type specialist, Eri. Though looking like a wrestler you’d see on late-night TV; she cares deeply for her companions and fellow captains. She also led the walkout of recruits; even inspiring fellow targets of harassment at the academy to join her. Just goes to show that sometimes a “crazy” motif can have a more resonant underlying cause, and that this series has moved past merely going “there is villain- fight on.”
Not quite as heavy as Legends: Arceus, but works in a different way.I won’t be directly mentioning them here; but an associate of mine claimed that the assault on them was “deserved” even given the circumstances. I vehemently, but respectfully disagree. It’s inherently clear that the measures taken and leading to their departure were not out of fear; but desperation. I’ve seen this exact scenario play out my fair share of times. There may not have been monsters or modified hot rods, but there were entire futures destroyed by simple misunderstandings and “zero-tolerance” polices not worth the paper they’re printed on. If I’m being completely honest, they’re no worse than anyone I’ve faced in other games. That said, I wouldn’t object to seeing one of those “if villains were charged for their crimes” lists centered around the franchise.
While Clavell initially claims to be Cassiopeia, after battling him; he comes clean that the real one is going to be in the courtyard after dark. It’s Penny, and her roster is made up of evolved forms of Eevee! She agrees to help reform the organization upon winning the battle, with the captains following under guidance from Clavell and the STEM teacher Tyme; Ryme’s older sister.
Now that I’ve cleared all three storylines, the time has come for the denouement in Area Zero. Each one ties into the events and people we’ve faced so far. All three rivals also help in venturing further into the Great Crater of Paldea. Contained within are Paradox Pokémon resembling ones we’re familiar with, taking on new forms of both beast and machine.
After meeting at the entrance, we’re on our way. One by one, we mount the box legendary; the music begins to swell as we enter the first phase of Area Zero, spreading wings and diving in.
I really like how the rivals’ personalities interact even in this first stop; and I wouldn’t mind if this came back in the future.
Anyway, you have to disengage a series of electronic locks at each research outpost in Area Zero; something Nemona even lampshades. I appreciate the moment of levity at the start; as a growing sense of dread takes hold with each successive switch thrown. Area Zero also contains a host of rare Pokémon, including feral Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and iron; mechanized Paradox Pokémon in Violet.
Reaching the last outpost, something is amiss as an ominous transmission from the professor comes over the airwaves. With all four locks open, it’s time to enter the Zero Lab. However, before that happens, Arven suggests letting out the legendary to help. This doesn’t go as planned; as the party is ambushed by a gaggle of Paradox Pokémon and a far more aggressive legendary than our mount! Once the door to the lab is open, it’s time to end this.
Here, we meet the professor, and the big reveal- the professor of each version isn’t just merely dead; their essence has been programmed into an AI with their body and memory. I do like the line about how it’s too advanced for humans to develop; given the discourse and glitches of all these apps. On that note, this actually wouldn’t be a bad explanation for the bugs in visuals and performance, for more reasons I’m about to get into: a way of keeping intruders out of Area Zero.
Placing the Scarlet and Violet books on the pedestal, this triggers the “Paradise Protection Protocols,” and you have to battle a team of Paradox Pokémon from the past and future respectively. This culminates in the box legendary being unleashed; and the true power of our own being unleashed at last! Upon winning, this results in the professor’s essence ascending to another timeline; and Arven accepting the loss of his loved ones.
The main game proper ends on us all taking the long way home from Area Zero, as the credits roll to “Celestial” by Ed Sheeran. It’s a good song, and that’s coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of his music and has not been onboard with the idea of adding voice acting to the main series.
So that’s Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Though I do concede the launch build had issues, on the whole; I have found much more good in the first installments of Generation IX than bad. The idea that they lack the craftsmanship of older titles is utter nonsense. Granted, they didn’t wow me the same way Legends Arceus did; but I still think they’re worth playing. They do share a lot of the same elements, and are an interesting case study of how the same franchise and developer can make two very different takes on the same design concept.
While I don’t know what direction the series will take after the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (talk persists of remakes of Generation V, as does Generation X); I am honestly fine with the open world structure sticking around between this and Legends Arceus. If I must meet the skeptics halfway, I certainly don’t see three main titles launching the same year again anytime soon (the expansion coming instead and the developer wanting to make smaller scale games next helps prove that more).
I still believe that the record sales numbers causing another rough launch is statistically unlikely; and that it would be more likely to happen if people keep badgering the developers online (and that they did the right thing by not responding to the more hostile critiques or punching down at rivals). That will be all for now, and I will opt into the expansion once I have clear release dates for each chapter. Take care everyone.
Thank you, treasured friends.
