Unveiling the Controversy: Exploring the Case for and Against Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Black and White Transformation

There has been ongoing speculation about the future of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, accompanied by the imminent release of the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLCs. Some fans are even suggesting that this next installment in Generation 9 may be part of a larger plan, potentially leading to sequels for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, similar to the sequels released for Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 in Generation 5. Supporters argue that this could be a positive development, while others believe it would be best if sequels were not pursued. The first four generations of Pokemon games followed a predictable pattern, with two versions at launch and a follow-up version later on that introduced new features, content, and sometimes new Pokemon. However, Generation 5 broke this pattern by releasing two follow-up versions that were genuine sequels, featuring a brand-new storyline that continued from Black and White, rather than simply being enhanced versions of the original games. This approach has not been repeated since then, but it may be possible with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Could Use Sequels

Direct sequels to Scarlet and Violet have the potential to improve upon a captivating region that currently has somewhat lackluster gameplay. While the original Paldea games had their memorable moments, such as the touching Arven and Mabostiff storyline, they often focused too much on aspects like the arbitrary new villain team, rather than exploring the truly intriguing aspects, like the DLC's titular Area Zero and the unexplored school that players are not obligated to return to.

Similar to Black 2 and White 2, sequels to Scarlet and Violet could allow Game Freak to refine the various elements that were introduced in one of its most experimental generations to date. It would also be satisfying to see the total count of available Pokemon increased to a level that hasn't been seen in recent years. Despite the inclusion of DLC, Pokemon Sword and Shield currently offers players the opportunity to capture over 600 Pokemon out of the nearly 900 in existence at that time.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC releases are anticipated to bring about a similar ratio between the two versions. Furthermore, the potential sequels have the potential to feature not only the existing Pokemon but also introduce additional ones. While many have resigned themselves to the belief that future main-series Pokemon games will never include a complete National Dex, the possibility of Scarlet and Violet sequels expanding the roster to accommodate 800-900 Pokemon is quite promising.

Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Sequels Could be Too Much For Game Freak

The release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet failed to meet the expectations of many players, as they were not satisfied with the overall state of the game. Although the core gameplay is commendable, the presence of numerous bugs and technical issues greatly disappointed players, causing them to question Game Freak's decision to prioritize rapid development over quality assurance, especially considering the small team involved. Additionally, the endgame primarily revolves around Tera Raids, leaving players craving for more diverse content.

If no changes are made to the development cycle, there is no reason to believe that the sequels for Scarlet and Violet would be any less buggy than their predecessors. It would be ideal if the new Generation 9 games felt more polished and closer to the intended experience for Scarlet and Violet. However, if Game Freak continues to add too much content, it may end up being as messy as the first time. It's worth noting that Game Freak may not be inclined to change their approach, given the high sales of Scarlet and Violet despite technical performance issues.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently accessible on Nintendo Switch.