Unleashing the Power Within: Unveiling the Game-changing Potential of Mega Evolution in Pokemon's Upcoming Generation

Highlights

Despite the success of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans have voiced criticisms about the recent generations of Pokemon games.

The recent gimmick features introduced by Pokemon have failed to maintain the same level of popularity as previous innovations, resulting in a more polarized community. While Mega Evolution had the potential to showcase the abilities of any Pokemon, its shortcomings, such as limited accessibility and lack of balance, would need to be resolved in order for it to make a comeback in the future.

The release of the ninth generation of Pokemon in 2022 with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has been highly profitable for Game Freak and Nintendo. However, longstanding fans of the franchise have expressed numerous criticisms about the games. Despite selling over 20 million copies in less than a year, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have left some players disappointed in certain aspects. Nevertheless, a groundbreaking feature from previous generations could potentially revitalize the perception of Pokemon as it moves ahead into the next generation.

In the early days of the series, the idea of having mainline Pokemon games available for a home console seemed like a distant dream. However, recent Pokemon games have received mixed reviews among fans. Even dedicated supporters of the franchise were surprised and disappointed by the removal of certain Pokemon from the Pokedex in Sword and Shield. This has led to a division within the Pokemon community over the past few years. While the Pokemon Company has achieved significant financial success with spin-off mobile apps and various gimmick features, these recent endeavors have not captured the enduring appeal of past innovations.

Pokemon's Gimmicks Need More Lasting Impact

Pokemon has always incorporated gimmicks, with the use of Hidden Moves (HMs) in the first generation being considered the original example. From the introduction of berries and held items in Pokemon Gold and Silver to the double battles in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, these features not only define the identity of their respective titles but also shape the essence of the series. Despite HMs being notoriously disliked, their long-term presence undeniably contributes to defining the unique gameplay of Pokemon.

As Pokemon remains a prominent franchise and a core pillar for Nintendo, Game Freak continues to innovate by introducing more gimmicks. While Diamond and Pearl brought modernization to the series with online play and the Global Trade System, they also introduced Pokemon Contests, which are now discontinued. Considering the lackluster elements of Poffins and Contest Conditions in those games, it is understandable that future titles would continue to experiment. However, the fifth generation's introduction of rotational and triple battles began a trend of gimmicks that did not endure between titles.

Despite the successes of Mega Evolution, even Pokemon X and Y introduced the often overlooked Sky Battles, where Sky Trainers would engage in aerial combat. As the series progressed with Sun and Moon, Mega Pokemon took a backseat in the post-game content, making way for the prominence of Z-Moves. This marked the beginning of a trend where each new generation replaced the previous gimmick with a fresh iteration. The eighth generation featured the powerful Dynamax feature, while the ninth generation introduced Terastal. These gameplay elements showcased Game Freak's intention to create mechanics that would benefit any Pokemon throughout the entire journey. However, despite their usefulness, these new features have not quite captured the essence and identity that Mega Evolution brought to the franchise.

Mega Evolution's Near-Limitless Potential and Fundamental Flaws

The transition into 3D graphics in the sixth generation marked a significant turning point for the series. However, the introduction of Mega Evolution took the desire for Pokemon to evolve into new and more powerful forms to new heights. This groundbreaking feature brought unprecedented excitement as it bestowed brand-new forms upon 48 Pokemon, expanding upon the additions in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Mega Evolution not only revolutionized the competitive landscape of Pokemon but also enhanced the single-player and multiplayer experiences alike.

During its prime, Mega Evolution had the ability to bring attention to lesser known classic designs such as Mawile and Kangaskhan, as well as push the boundaries of the game with Mewtwo's two forms and the notorious Mega Rayquaza. This feature had the potential to showcase any competent Pokemon. Subsequent features may not have endured, but they undeniably drew inspiration from the influence of Pokemon X and Y's distinctive era.

Despite being one of the most promising mechanics in Pokemon, Mega Evolution proved to have flaws in its execution. With only 48 Megas available out of a roster of over 700 Pokemon at the time, the selection of viable choices for competitive play was significantly limited to a predictable few. It seems that future gimmicks were intentionally designed to address this issue. The introduction of unique Gigantamax forms in Sword and Shield, as well as regional variants in recent generations, arguably fulfilled the need for new transformations, thus further highlighting the shortcomings of Mega Evolution.

There is a compelling argument for completely leaving behind Mega Pokemon and acknowledging that they would require significant updates in order to succeed if they were to make a return. Although Mega Evolutions created a narrow metagame during their peak, a more balanced approach in the next generation of Pokemon could resolve the issues they brought about. The overwhelming reliance on Mega Pokemon in the competitive scene may have led to fatigue among some fans, but it signifies a larger problem with the lack of balance, which has caused many players to adopt external rules to level the playing field.

If the pool of Mega Pokemon had continued to expand after Pokemon X and Y, there would likely be a diverse selection of well-balanced Mega Evolutions available today. By striking a balance between creating new Mega forms for older Pokemon and giving adequate attention to newly introduced Pokemon in the next generation, Game Freak has the potential to address some of the fundamental problems with Mega Evolution. However, since Pokemon's 10th generation is still far away, rumors of Scarlet and Violet's DLC introducing unique Tera Forms have piqued the interest of players as a possible alternative in the meantime.

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