The Ultimate Game-Changing DLC Feature Missing in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Indigo Disk: A Must-Know!

Highlights

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet initially faced mixed reception due to performance issues and limited exploration mechanics, but Gen 9 games were praised for their open world.

Insufficient flying mechanics in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet hampered exploration and quest advancement, causing difficulties in unlocking features and progressing within the game.

However, the upcoming Indigo Disk DLC will introduce enhanced flight mechanics, enabling players to ascend and have control over their Pokémon's flight. This improvement directly addresses a significant gameplay issue, although some players may have already moved on by the time it is released.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet received mixed reviews upon release due to numerous performance issues and visual glitches in the game's new region, Paldea. However, reviewers eventually praised Gen 9 for its expansive open world and exploration mechanics. Players are able to traverse the region on the backs of Koraidon or Miraidon, earning power-ups upon defeating Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Titans. The overall gameplay experience is generally positive, drawing inspiration from the traversal mechanics of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. However, Gen 9 should have taken note of a lesson from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which appears to be addressed in The Indigo Disk DLC. However, it may potentially be a case of too little, too late.

Pokemon Sword and Shield broke tradition by introducing DLC expansions instead of a third game or sequel. While the base games initially faced criticism, the expansions helped redeem their reputation. These expansions addressed concerns raised by players, such as the limited roster of Pokemon and the lack of a satisfying endgame. In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, players were able to fly through the region on Braviary's back, but were disappointed by the gliding-like flight mechanics. Unfortunately, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet repeated this same error upon their initial release.

Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Needed Proper Flying on Launch

Pokemon games have historically allowed players to use the Fly HM to easily travel to specific locations. However, as the series transitioned to 3D models and worlds, this became a challenge to implement. Pokemon Legends: Arceus introduced various creatures that allowed players to explore its semi-open world in different ways, with Braviary serving as the designated Pokemon for flying. Initially, this mechanic felt exciting due to the freedom of movement, but it ended up resembling more of a glide than controlled flight.

Regrettably, this lack of upward movement carries over to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Koraidon and Miraidon, where flying is limited to descending instead of ascending. This approach hampers the game's focus on exploration, as players are unable to freely navigate the world and uncover its secrets. Additionally, it can pose problems for specific quests and treasure hunts, which are abundant in Paldea.

Unlocking all of the stakes in Paldea in order to eventually encounter the Legendary quartet of Ruin in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet can be quite time-consuming, especially considering the lack of full flying capabilities for players. However, today's Pokemon Presents introduces a solution to this problem with The Indigo Disk DLC. This DLC allows players to temporarily unlock a new power-up that enables their Koraidon or Miraidon to fly upwards and control their flight. Although this is a feature that should have been available from the beginning, it serves as a valuable lesson for future Gen 10 titles.

Regarding the implementation of the improved flight mechanic in The Indigo Disk DLC, it appears to be linked to a story-related trial in the Blueberry Academy. Both the official website and the trailer showcased during Pokemon Presents suggest that this power-up will eventually become a permanent unlock. The exact details of how this will work remain unclear, but it would make sense for the power-up to be permanent. However, if players are able to use it outside of the Blueberry Academy, it may significantly alter the experience in Paldea. On the bright side, this could assist new Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players in exploring the region once the DLC is released, and it could serve as a valuable test for future Gen 10 games.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.