Detective Pikachu Strikes Again, But Leaves One Region Unexplored!

Highlights

In Detective Pikachu Returns, players are transported back to Ryme City, a couple of years following the occurrences depicted in the initial game and film. This time, our protagonists, Tim and Pikachu, embark on a quest to locate Tim's absent father.

In contrast to the franchise's tradition of featuring new creatures in spin-off games, it is intriguing that Paldea Pokemon are noticeably missing despite the abundance of other Pokemon in the game. The emphasis on the Galar region in Detective Pikachu Returns hints at a potential release in Generation 8 rather than Generation 9, adding to the perplexity surrounding the absence of Paldea Pokemon.

Following five years of silence surrounding the development of the latest Pokemon spin-off title, players can now embark on a thrilling journey filled with mysteries in Detective Pikachu Returns for the Nintendo Switch. This adventure takes place two years after the events of the original 3DS game, upon which the Detective Pikachu movie was based. Tim Goodman and his trusty partner, Pikachu, continue their relentless search for Tim's missing father, Harry. Amidst their quest, they find themselves confronted with various other cases and local concerns in Ryme City.

As avid fans of Detective Pikachu are well aware, Ryme City represents a unique haven where humans and Pokemon strive for harmony, coexisting peacefully. In this highly anticipated sequel for the Switch, this symbiosis remains a work in progress due to the disruptive effects of the "R" chemical, triggering a chaotic behavior in numerous Pokemon species. Nevertheless, Ryme City remains a bustling hub where countless Pokemon reside alongside their human companions, fostering an environment of tranquility. Regrettably, one notable absence lies in the complete lack of Paldea Pokemon representation.

Why Pokemon Representation in Spin-Off Games Matters

For over a decade, the Pokemon franchise has maintained a delicate balance between the mainline games created by Game Freak and the spin-off titles developed by other studios. These spin-off games have offered fans an array of unique experiences set in the Pokemon world, serving as an exciting diversion while eagerly anticipating the release of major titles like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This equilibrium has not only kept fans satisfied but also provided a platform for showcasing newer Pokemon species in different ways, beyond what their original games could offer.

The inclusion of iconic characters from recent generations, such as the Hoenn Pokemon in Pokemon Colosseum, or the ever-expanding roster of recruitable creatures in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games, is made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts between Game Freak and other development studios. By sharing confidential information about upcoming mainline titles, Game Freak allows these spin-offs to incorporate these new Pokemon during their own development. This purposeful exchange promotes multiple games simultaneously and fosters a sense of familiarity and connection for fans of newer Pokemon species within the diverse Pokemon spin-off universe.

Detective Pikachu Returns' Lack of Paldea Pokemon Says More Than It Seems

Despite being a successful marketing strategy that has been used for a considerable amount of time, Detective Pikachu Returns, a game released in Generation 9's lifecycle, lacks any Pokemon from its respective generation. Although some players may notice the absence of creatures like Paldea's starters at the beginning of the game, which would be expected in a game like Detective Pikachu Returns, the omission becomes even stranger as the adventure progresses. Every generation is given its own spotlight except for Generation 9.

Interestingly, Galar seems to be the main focus in Detective Pikachu Returns, both in terms of the story and the number of Pokemon from that region appearing in the game. This leads to the assumption that Detective Pikachu Returns was intended to be released in Generation 8 rather than Generation 9. This speculation is supported by the fact that the development of the Detective Pikachu sequel has been publicly acknowledged for at least five years.

Detective Pikachu Returns, developed by Creatures Inc, adds an added layer of strangeness to the situation. Creatures Inc has been involved with the mainline Pokemon titles since the franchise's inception. Considering the possibility that the studio was concurrently working on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the absence of recognition for the Paldea region becomes even more perplexing. During the extensive development period, the developers had the opportunity to include a few pocket monsters from that region. Regardless of the reasoning behind this omission, it appears that other spin-off adventures will now have to showcase the Paldea Pokedex. Detective Pikachu Returns can currently be enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch.