ThePokemonfranchise has experienced unparalleled success over its long history, and much of that has to do with its consistency. Through new regions, gameplay mechanics, and over a thousand unique pocket monsters, the franchise’s core elements have remained relatively untouched. This has helpedPokemonremain accessible to almost every kind of gamer, but its lack of risk-taking is something that has simultaneously been criticized by some longtime fans. That was until Game Freak deliveredPokemon Legends: Arceuslast year, a bold spin-off that turned many ofPokemon’s traditionson their head.
While some considerPokemon Legends: Arceusa spin-off, it most closely resembles the mechanics of the main series and could go onto become its own established subfranchise. Instead of being restricted to the usual main series gameplay format, however, Game Freak injected action-RPG elements into thePokemonformula. When combined withLegends: Arceus' time-bending narrative, this all made for a compelling package, one that many players are hoping receives another installment. If a newPokemon Legendstitle does come around, it could push the envelope further by breaking tradition once again and taking the form of a true narrative sequel.
Why The Next Pokemon Legends Game Should Be A True Sequel
In the mainlinePokemonfranchise, each new installment is a new adventure relatively separate from those that came before it. Players take the role of a new Pokemon Trainer in a new region, often with completely new Pokemon to catch, and a new cast of characters to interact with. Even with titles that may appear to be sequels on the surface, likePokemon Black 2andWhite 2, there is rarely any narrative connection, and the game is instead treated like a retelling of that generation’s first installment. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with this design choice, but it may not be as effective given the foundation laid byPokemon Legends: Arceus.
Pokemon Legends: Arceustakes place in a bygone era of the Sinnoh region, back when it was called the Hisui region and people were first acclimating themselves with Pokemon. While the premise of games set far back inPokemon’s history is thrilling enough on its own, the circumstances of the protagonist’s arrival in Hisui is far different from what’s been seen in otherPokemongames.Legends: Arceus' protagonist is transported through time by Arceus itself, specifically chosen and tasked with exploring Hisui. It’s a bold narrative choice on the part of Game Freak, and it’s one that shouldn’t be forgotten in a potential new entry.
The formula of a new protagonist and a clean slate with eachPokemongame may make for a lesser barrier to entry, but those who poured over the Hisui region could feel gratified knowing their originalPokemon Legends: Arceuscharacter got a chance to continue their adventures.
If there’s going to be anotherPokemon Legendsgame, it may make the most sense for the franchise to forego its tradition of starting fresh with a new protagonist and instead continuePokemon Legends:Arceus' narrative. The story could follow the same protagonist as they venture to a newPokemonregion, be it ancient versions ofGen 5’s Unovaor the classic Kanto region. Players could encounter a new research team similar to the Galaxy Expedition Team and continue to explore the origins of the modernPokemonworld. A true continuation ofPokemon Legends: Arceuscould additionally make expanding the Pokedex feel like an even grander task.
Pokemon Legends: Arceuswas an innovative title from top to bottom, in many ways offering aPokemonexperience many fans had been begging for. For most,a newPokemon Legendsgamein almost any form would be welcome, but it could be elevated even further if it shirked usualPokemontradition and took the form of a true sequel. The formula of a new protagonist and a clean slate with eachPokemongame may make for a lesser barrier to entry, but those who poured over the Hisui region could feel gratified knowing their originalPokemon Legends: Arceuscharacter got a chance to continue their adventures.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
WHERE TO PLAY
Action meets RPG as the Pokémon series reaches a new frontierGet ready for a new kind of grand, Pokémon adventure in Pokémon™ Legends: Arceus, a new game from Game Freak that blends action and exploration with the RPG roots of the Pokémon series.Explore the Hisui region—the Sinnoh of oldYour adventure takes place in the expansive natural majesty of the Hisui region, where you embark on survey missions from your main base in Jubilife Village. Mount Coronet rises from the center, surrounded on all sides by areas with distinct environments.Build the region’s first PokédexYou are tasked with studying Pokémon to complete the region’s first Pokédex. To do this, you’ll need to catch wild Pokémon by sneaking up and throwing a well-aimed Poké Ball™. You can also toss the Poké Ball containing your ally Pokémon near a wild Pokémon to seamlessly enter battle.
