Unveiling the Devastating Potential of Pokemon Legends Johto's Starters!

Highlights

The success of Pokemon Legends: Arceus in revamping the core formula of the series opens up exciting possibilities for a potential series that delves into the history of familiar Pokemon regions.

The upcoming installment of Pokemon Legends could be set in Johto, allowing for potential ties to the Sinjoh Ruins and an opportunity to incorporate elements of Japanese folklore.

For a Pokemon Legends game set in Johto, some potential choices for starter Pokemon are Grookey, drawing inspiration from traditional taiko players, Fennekin, based on the mythological kitsune, and Squirtle, which possesses similarities with the mythological kappa.

Given its popularity and successful refresh of the series' core formula, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is likely just the beginning of a new series of games set in past versions of established regions within the Pokemon universe. Taking players to the past version of the Sinnoh Region known as Hisui, Pokemon Legends: Arceus opens the door for future games to delve into the history of other regions and provide a glimpse of the unique creatures that once inhabited them. If the next Pokemon Legends game focuses on Johto's past, the starters for that game are already evident.

While leaks and rumors suggest a Pokemon Legends Unova game, Johto is also a strong contender for a setting in a sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Fans have noticed the potential connection between the events of Pokemon Legends: Arceus and the Sinjoh Ruins showcased in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, which could lay the groundwork for a Pokemon Legends Johto game to explore them in greater depth. This game would also present an ideal opportunity to offer players a choice between a trio of starters with strong ties to Japanese folklore.

The Pokemon Most Likely to Be Starters in a Legends Johto Game

The Johto Region, inspired by Japan's Kansai Region, holds great historical significance as the former capital and cultural center, Kyoto. Drawing from this rich history, a Pokemon Legends game set in Johto can delve into traditional Japanese folklore. Considering that Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott have already been featured as starters in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, alternative starter options emerge.

For a Grass-type starter, Grookey aligns well with the concept of a traditional taiko drummer due to its design inspired by drummers from the British Invasion era of Rock and Roll. While originally debuting in the Galar Region, influenced by the UK, a regional variant of Rillaboom could be introduced, drawing inspiration from traditional taiko players. Taiko drums are closely associated with kabuki theater performances in Japanese culture, already represented by the Kimono Girls in Ecruteak City's dance theater. Therefore, a taiko-inspired Grookey serves as a natural choice for a starter option.

Focusing on the theme of traditional Japanese culture, Fennekin is the ideal choice for a Fire-type starter due to its design being based on the mythological kitsune. Legends from Japan tell of fox yokai with supernatural abilities that strengthen with age, known for shape-shifting and playing tricks on humans. By featuring Fennekin as a starter in the Pokemon Legends Johto game, not only does it align with the theme of historical legends that underpin these games, but it also provides an opportunity to introduce a mischievous Fire/Dark-type regional variant of Delphox.

While it may not have as strong of a folklore association as the other potential starters, Squirtle is a suitable candidate for a Water-type starter due to its resemblance to the mythological kappa. While other Pokemon, such as Lombre in Generation 3, have a more obvious kappa inspiration, Squirtle shares similarities with the yokai as a turtle-like creature associated with rivers and streams. To further emphasize the connection between the traditional depiction of the yokai and Squirtle, a regional variant of Blastoise could incorporate kappa-inspired design elements.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available for Nintendo Switch.