As fans look backon 25 years of thePokemonfranchise, it comes with loving memories of the little aspects of numerous games. Through shiny encounters, strangePokemonthemed easter eggs, and even hype for upcoming titles likePokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, fans are squarely focused on theirPokemontales. Yet one moment that every singlePokemonplayer can share fond memories of is that first step of the journey by selecting a starter.
Each game has its own story around the player choosing which Pokemon will accompany them throughout their journey. From your rival choosing your own starter’s weakness inPokemon Red and Blue, to players having to save Professor Birch by selecting a starter inRuby and Sapphire, there are always new ways players start theirPokemongames. Even the more subdued Pokemon selections do come with a charm that players will always remember, like one Redditor who decided to recreatePokemon DiamondandPokemon Pearl’s in a cute way.
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InPokemon DiamondandPokemon Pearl,Professor Rowan of the Sinnoh regionopts for a more direct form of having players decide their journey’s beginnings. Simply enough, Professor Rowen instructs his assistant to open a briefcase that houses the three starting options being Turtwig, Piplup, and Chimchar. While not the most loving of encounters, there are fans who still look back fondly on picking between the Grass, Water, or Fire types respectively. One such person was Redditor smugglehog who used homemade plushies to bring them to life.
Smugglehog opted for a much more simple recreation effort, yet it is one that oozes with an undeniable charm and obvious love behind the project. For the 30 second long video, smugglehog recreated Rowen’s own briefcase and placed three plushies representing the Sinnoh starters. The plushies themselves were handmade by smugglehog who has a history of making knitted Pokemon. Smugglehog provided a closer view of the plushies on their Instagram page, lovebirdloops, which shows some of the others they have done. As for bringing the briefcase to life, smugglehog confirmed that it was made thanks to a painting easel.
To truly add charm to the moment, smugglehog opted to use extra sound effects and music to really create the scene. With the noted help of Redditor saltimmortalsea, the video includes some of the route music ofDiamondandPearlalong with each Pokemon featuring their cry upon close inspection. WithmanyPokemonfans praisingDiamond and Pearl’s amazing soundtrack, it’s not all that surprising it is included here.
While smugglehog’s tribute is to the original 2006 releases ofPokemon’s fourth generation, they also serve as a means of preparing foranother adventure in Sinnoh withPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. With the faithfulDiamondandPearlremakes set to release later this year, smugglehog may have to reuse those plushies for another recreation.
Pokemon Brilliant DiamondandPokemon Shining Pearlrelease exclusively for the Nintendo Switch late 2021.
