Unlocking the Magic: Exploring the Enchanting Worlds of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Academies

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Despite being specifically assigned dorm rooms in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Game Freak missed an opportunity to engage players by creating the Naranja and Uva Academies as more personalized living spaces rather than just generic boarding schools. As players eagerly anticipate Scarlet and Violet's DLC for the remainder of 2023, they have begun to reflect on potential improvements that could enhance various aspects of the base game. One area that fans were particularly critical of was the lackluster dorm rooms in Scarlet and Violet. Many players had hoped for more opportunities to showcase their own personalities and styles within their living quarters.

Considering that Scarlet and Violet's Academies were meant to play a central role in the player's journey, encompassing various storylines, classes, and more, the neglect of the dorm room's development is especially disappointing. The potential for additional customization options is evident, but the dorm room's potential remains largely untapped. It would have been ideal if, despite the initial technical issues encountered in Scarlet and Violet, the dorm room could have at least been gradually decorated and furnished as the player progressed through the game.

Players Could Have Made Scarlet and Violet's Dorm Rooms Their Own

While Scarlet and Violet intended to enhance player customization, their efforts fell short in some aspects. Despite the ability to change personal style and picnic setups, the oversight in neglecting dorm room customization is apparent. The inclusion of personalized dorm rooms for classmates Nemona, Arven, and Penny demonstrates the potential for customization. From Arven's food-themed decor to Penny's tech-inspired solitude, their rooms reflect their unique personalities. Even if limited to furniture and decorations, allowing players to customize their Academy dorms would have made them feel more like home. This could have been achieved by offering options such as bedspreads, carpets or rugs for the floor, or even the color of the walls. Although it may not have reached the level of customization seen in Animal Crossing, these basic choices would have been a minimum expectation to aim for.

Uva and Naranja Dorm Rooms Could Have Developed Alongside Players' Pokemon Journey

Even if the dorms cannot be customized, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet should have utilized the space to reflect the player's progress in the game. Although the player is not required to go back to their dorm often, there are moments where the game brings them back. During these instances, the plainness of the dorm diminishes the player's experience. Despite their extensive journey across Paldea, there is no evidence in their room that they ever lived there or had any adventures.

To avoid this issue, Scarlet and Violet could have made gradual changes to the player's dorm room as they advanced in the game. For instance, defeating each gym could result in a decorative item being added to the room, such as Artazon's Sunflora statues or merchandise from Levincia's influencer Iono. Another possibility is to include a noticeboard in the room where postcards from significant locations, the player's own photos, or helpful tips and tricks from other NPCs could be displayed. By doing this, when the player does return to the dorm, they would be welcomed by a room that truly represents their in-game journey.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.