Well Pokémon Trainers, the time has come once again to catch ‘em all! Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the next two games in the mainline Pokémon series, finally have a release date. That date, November 18 of this year, was revealed along with a new trailer and new information about the games. As you can imagine, Pokémon fans were excited to catch every detail they could.
Before we dive into some of the new mechanics coming with these entries, let’s talk about the new Pokémon. Fans of the series were already introduced to the starters via the previous trailer: Sprigatito, Fucecoco, and Quaxly. This trailer gave us a few more. First, we got our required electric mouse addition in Pawmi. Next is Smoliv, who is literally an olive pokémon that shoots oil out of its head when it is startled. The two new legendary pokémon were revealed: Koraidon (Scarlet) and Miraidon (Violet). Very serpent-like and strong, not much information was revealed about them, but I am sure we will learn more as release day approaches. Finally, taking the internet by storm, we have Lechonk, the truffle hog! A quick Google search will show you countless videos of fans’ reactions to this adorable chonky boy. The fact that ‘chonk’ is in his name is just incredible. A high standard has been set so hopefully the rest of the new Pokémon will be up to snuff.
Now, let’s talk about game mechanics. In the trailer, we were introduced to two different new professors. It seems that each version of the game has its own unique professor. What that means for the story and how the two versions coexist has not been revealed yet. Speaking of story, these entries will be the first true open world games in the Pokémon universe. Players are free to go wherever they want in any order they like with no story-driven roadblocks or forced directions. I’m sure to complete the main story you’ll have to go to certain places eventually, but how and when you get to that next step is up to you! As you explore how and where you want, you can do so with up to three of your friends. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will include 4-player co-op in a way that looks brand new to the series. Players can have friends join them in their game to explore with them. Based on what was shown in the trailer and on the Pokémon website, it looks like players can explore in different locations as well so you can bring your friends and then go your separate ways in game.
The Pokémon Company seems to have been learning lessons from its different releases over the last few years and is primed to try a lot of new things for players this time around. So start studying that type advantage chart, pack your adventure bag, and get set to explore a whole new region come November 18th!
Image from: Pokémon
