The Pokemon series has long been known for its formulaic mainline releases, with some decrying the expected return of the Gym challenge, side-treks to defeat an evil team, and other common beats. Yet Game Freak has shown a willingness to shake up elements of its formula over the years, such as Sun and Moon versions replacing Gyms with Island Trials. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may be the most radical departure yet.
While a lot of Pokemon's core creature-collecting RPG battle mechanics will remain familiar, Scarlet and Violet appear to represent Game Freak branching out its storytelling. Generation 9's Paldea region will have an open-world map that builds upon the open areas in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and three main storylines will be available for players to discover - including updated Gyms available in any order. One of the most interesting changes revealed so far is Scarlet and Violet's treatment of the box art Legendary duo, though Sword and Shield really started the trend.
How Eternatus Broke Pokemon's Established Mold
Game Freak's original Pokemon Red and Green famously highlighted Charizard and Venusaur, with Blue and Yellow versions putting Blastoise and Pikachu on their covers. The Kanto region's bird trio, as well as true final challenge Mewtwo, were treated like secrets to uncover - even if Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres would live on as icons thanks to games like Pokemon GO.
Pokemon Gold and Silver marked an immediate shift with box art highlighting the Johto region's Legendary duo Ho-Oh and Lugia; meant to be encountered as part of the main story. However, these titles did not have a standalone third Legendary Pokemon who served as an equal or master to the others. Pokemon Crystal instead gave attention to Suicune, one of the three "Legendary beasts" who are generally overseen by Ho-Oh (much like Lugia is connected to the Gen 1 birds).
Emerald then set the series' pattern to be broken for Legendary Pokemon. Ruby and Sapphire hid Rayquaza away for fans to uncover, but the follow-up saw Rayquaza replace Groudon and Kyogre as a major, story-important capture. This held true for Giratina in Gen 4, Kyurem in Gen 5, and Necrozma in Gen 7. Gen 6's Zygarde was in a similar position, but received an expanded role in Sun and Moon rather than its own game. Pokemon Sword and Shield broke this pattern by having box art Legendaries Zacian and Zamazenta appear as allies in the battle against Eternatus' Eternamax form at the end of the main adventure, not becoming catchable until the post-game.
Scarlet and Violet's Legendary Pokemon Could Have a Similar Impact
While Eternatus is perhaps not as popular as Rayquaza or Giratina, the surprise turn makes its story presence in Sword and Shield work. Players meet Zacian and Zamazenta in the Slumbering Weald at the beginning of the game, and much of Sonia's story centers around learning their history with the Darkest Day. The duo is clearly given the same import as predecessors like Reshiram and Zekrom, which made it more interesting to see a climax involving a completely original entity with no presence in marketing. Scarlet and Violet look primed to replicate this sense of discovery.
Koraidon and Miraidon, the box art Legends for Scarlet and Violet, already have established roles in Paldea. They will serve as the region's equivalent of bikes, according to the games' third trailer, complete with functions like gliding and wall-climbing that pull from the rideable Pokemon in Legends: Arceus. Their presence will no doubt have some story connection, but the duo acting more like tools for an entire adventure means a third entity should appear with more to do.
Eternatus combined the best parts of its predecessors; from Mewtwo as an unrevealed challenge to the cinematic battles saved for third versions, like Giratina in the Distortion Zone or Ultra Necrozma. There's a good chance another Scarlet and Violet Legendary will explain the Terastal phenomenon, appearing as the end goal in one of its three main storylines. If so, Game Freak would be smart to focus on Koraidon and Miraidon that way this mysterious entity gets a grand reveal like in Sword and Shield.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18 for Nintendo Switch.