Why Pokemon Gen 2 and Gen 9 Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg in the Series
Pokemon's enduring legacy spans two decades, yet it's only now that Scarlet and Violet's DLC has reintroduced the beloved multi-region feature from Gold and Silver The series deserves more such innovative additions in future releases
Highlights
Pokemon regions define each new generation and showcase the focuses of the games through their unique settings and aesthetics.
The recent DLC in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has enabled players to venture into Kitakami, a unique region separate from the game's main setting.
To enhance depth and exploration, future Pokemon releases should contemplate incorporating multiple regions or introducing new territories via DLC expansions.
Pokemon has become one of Nintendo's largest franchises in its 20+ years of existence. The recent success of Scarlet and Violet has only solidified its position, with no signs of slowing down. Throughout the various console releases, players have had the opportunity to explore different regions of the Pokemon world. Each region, from the original Kanto to the modern Paldea, has its own unique setting that shapes the new Pokemon titles.
These regions play a vital role in defining each release, as they showcase the specific focus of each generation. For instance, Hoenn's expansive bodies of water highlight the nature-themed conflict of the Weather Trio. Sinnoh's ancient ruins, on the other hand, set the stage for the epic cosmic drama surrounding the Mythical Pokemon trio. The distinct characteristics of regions like Unova, influenced by America, or Alola, based on Hawaii, make them memorable. However, only a few Pokemon titles have allowed players to venture from one region to another.
The Depth of Pokemon Games Featuring Multiple Regions
Scarlet and Violet’s The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC in The Teal Mask has recently been released, marking the first half of the DLC. This time, players are taken outside of the familiar Paldea region and into the new and traditionally Japanese-inspired land of Kitakami. Unlike Galar's DLC, which introduced new islands but still remained connected to the main region, Kitakami can only be accessed through actual airplane flights. The size of the map and its unique aesthetic further set Kitakami apart. However, this isn't the first time the franchise has benefited from inter-region travel. Pokemon Gold and Silver, a beloved generation among fans, allowed players to explore the entire Kanto region, going beyond just being an optional post-game feature. Game Freak even took it a step further with the remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver, recreating this experience and solidifying it as one of the most definitive Pokemon adventures to date.
Future Pokemon Releases Deserve More Than One Region
Some fans have been disappointed by certain circumstances, such as the absence of a Battle Frontier in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, as well as the lack of Platinum's content in the Diamond and Pearl remakes. It feels like they are not receiving an extra region in these cases. However, recent expansion content has sparked a hopeful trend, starting with The Teal Mask. There are rumors of potential new Pokemon Black and White games, which could potentially expand the world and allow for the exploration of Sinnoh/Hisui, following in the footsteps of the legacy left by Gold and Silver.
Bringing back regions from previous games has the potential to bring the same post-game excitement seen in Kanto to future Pokemon releases. However, Scarlet and Violet's approach is equally valid. With the likelihood of DLC expansions becoming a consistent presence in future titles, introducing a completely new land like Kitakami could bring just as much value to games that traditionally end after becoming the Champion. The Teal Mask's latest featured region continues to be explored by many players, showing that the design of Generation 2 has stood the test of time.
