Unleashing the Ultimate Pokemon: Scrutinizing the Enigmatic Squawkabilly in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced fast travel with the inclusion of a Flying Taxi service, replacing Corviknight with Squawkabilly. Game Freak's decision to change the Pokemon for this service was not straightforward, given the history of fast travel in the Pokemon games. In the past, players relied on moves like Dig, Teleport, and Fly to get around, which required keeping specific Pokemon on their team. However, Game Freak has been exploring alternatives, as seen in Pokemon Let's Go's "Secret Techniques" and the use of Ride Pokemon. Ultimately, Flying Taxis became the chosen method for fast travel.

Nevertheless, there is a significant difference in the Pokemon chosen for the Flying Taxi service between Pokemon Sword and Shield and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Corviknight, being the regional bird in Sword and Shield, naturally fulfilled this role, both in representation and actual provision of the service. However, the decision to replace Corviknight with Squawkabilly in Scarlet and Violet contradicted what had been established in the previous games. Although there is some explanation within the game, this change has still confused some players.

Corviknight Makes For A Better Taxi Than Squawkabilly

Corviknight is not only the regional bird of Gen 8, but it also possesses several characteristics that make it a superior choice for a Flying Taxi compared to Squawkabilly. According to its entries in the Sword and Shield Pokedex, Corviknight's large size, impressive strength, high intelligence, and exceptional flying abilities make it an ideal candidate for assisting with the Flying Taxi service. Even in the Sword entry, it is evident that Corviknight is highly respected and renowned in the Galar region. Unlike Squawkabilly from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with its Normal/Flying type, Corviknight's combination of Steel and Flying types, coupled with its reputation, ensures the safety and security of the Flying Taxi service.

Furthermore, even beyond its lore, statistics, and characterization in the game, Corviknight's design directly reflects the inspiration taken from the Galar region in Sword and Shield, which is based on the United Kingdom. Drawing inspiration from corvids such as ravens and crows, Corviknight's armor-like appearance and its name pay homage to medieval knights and the ravens of the Tower of London, prominent symbols in English history and traditions. Although unintentional, the bulky design and color scheme of Corviknight also bear resemblances to the iconic black cabs of Britain, commonly referred to as "hackney carriages." Therefore, there are numerous justifications for Corviknight's role as the Flying Taxi in Sword and Shield.

Reason Why Squawkabilly Actually Makes Sense

However, Corviknight's replacement was not solely influenced by its Galar-Britain design or Game Freak's intention to preserve Scarlet and Violet's Spanish background. The in-game justification for the change is attributed to the new Gen 9 Pokemon, Tinkaton. Scarlet's Pokedex entries directly mention the switch to the Flying Taxi due to Tinkaton's relentless attacks on Corviknight, which would have put passengers at risk. Despite having more suitable contenders such as Bombirdier or Kilowattrel for the role, Scarlet and Violet opted for Squawkabilly as the new driver.

Nonetheless, Squawkabilly aligns with Scarlet and Violet's overall theme. Although it deviates from the usual pattern of regional birds by not having any evolutions, Squawkabilly is one of the first Gen 9 Flying-type Pokemon the player encounters, with a traditional second Normal-type as well. Similar to Oricorio from Sun and Moon, Squawkabilly has multiple forms, each specific to a particular area within the region. Ultimately, Squawkabilly's inclusion as Paldea's prominent regional bird in the context of the Flying Taxi ensures that the Pokemon garners recognition and appreciation from players.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.