Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are just around the corner, and fans have many hopes and expectations for the upcoming games. Greater character customization options are on the wishlist of most gamers, and it appears that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will be giving gamers more options than ever. However, with players stuck in school uniforms, things could wind up feeling restrictive and boring.
Scarlet and Violet could avoid this problem by allowing players to go beyond uniforms either in the post-game or in later DLCs. It would also be appreciated if customization options weren't limited to any gender. Even if this isn't the case, some new customization features added are commendable, and they should let players feel more attached than ever to their character as they're out collecting Pokemon.
Character Customization in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Character customization in early Pokemon games was extremely simple, with players only able to pick between a male and female character. Over time, the options have expanded, with the games eventually giving players the option to choose skin tones and purchase clothing. With Scarlet and Violet, more customization options have been added, allowing players to make their characters feel unique. Players will be able to change their character's eye shape, mouth shape, and more. When exploring Paldea, they'll also be able to visit salons to alter their hairstyle, hair color, and eyebrows.
Players will attend either Naranja Academy or Uva Academy, and as such, they will wear a uniform. There will be four different kinds of uniforms, and players will be able to collect accessories from boutiques. The revealed customization options are appreciated, but it does appear that the content could run dry pretty quickly, especially if gamers are stuck in a uniform for the entire adventure. The uniforms go with the theme of attending a Pokemon academy, though there are some ways for greater customization to be added.
How Scarlet and Violet Can Include Better Customization Options
The upcoming games will take gamers to Paldea where they play as a new student in the region's oldest Pokemon academy. Students are tasked with partaking in the great Treasure Hunt which has them exploring the entire region and uncovering new mysteries. Players will have freedom regarding how they choose to tackle the story, and there will be three storylines for gamers to complete in any order.
The Victory Road Campaign follows a more traditional Pokemon story, and it has gamers taking on eight Gym Leaders. It will be possible to tackle the leaders in any order. The second campaign, titled Path of Legends, has players working with Arven the researcher to collect Herb Mystica which are guarded by powerful Pokemon. Lastly, Starfall Street involves Team Star, an antagonistic team composed of the naughtiest students in the academy.
Though being enrolled in an academy and wearing a uniform may limit the customization options, it would be nice if the post-game allowed players to finally shed off their uniform and expand their wardrobe. In addition to giving players a more personalized experience, it would also make the post-game more interesting, which is an aspect that the franchise has neglected for a few generations. For many gamers, playing Pokemon becomes a personal experience where they bond with the critters they collect along the way. Hence, any opportunities for players to identify more closely with their character should be seized by developers. Lastly, to give gamers the space for maximum self-expression, clothing items shouldn't be separated by gender. There aren't good reasons for male and female characters to have uniforms or accessories that the other is restricted from wearing.
Whether players attend Naranja Academy or Uva Academy, they will learn a lot about Pokemon as they go on a treasure hunt that takes them through Paldea. They will also encounter the legendaries Koraidon and Miraidon, and they can also be used as transport. Though newcomers like Wiglett have gotten mixed reception thus far, it appears that an epic adventure lies ahead.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are scheduled to release on November 18 on Nintendo Switch.