Why It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Favorite Pokémon Features for Generation 10

The Pokémon franchise has undergone remarkable evolution since the days of its original titles, Red and Green. While some transformations have been immediately noticeable, others have occurred gradually, subtly reshaping the series to cater to a more targeted audience. These adjustments often enhance the gameplay experience, although, in some rare cases, they may detract from the essence that initially captivated fans. Indeed, a particular change within Pokémon’s fundamental structure has diluted the charm that has historically defined the series.

Fortunately, the upcoming Generation 10 Pokémon game presents an opportunity to address many of these shortcomings. From reforming the battle mechanics to introducing deeper, more engaging antagonists, there is a significant amount of enthusiasm among players regarding enhancements they wish to see in the next installment. However, none of these issues overshadow the most critical problem facing the Pokémon series today: a transformation that has not only changed player engagement with each new title but has also revolutionized the core of what made battles feel innovative.

Pokémon Has Lost What Once Made It Great

It No Longer Feels Like An Adventure

Adventure is a cornerstone of the Pokémon franchise, underscoring both its video games and television series. From the moment players embark on their journey from their hometown to their climactic showdown with the Elite Four, each step should encapsulate a unique and thrilling adventure. This journey is guided by the iconic open-world exploration, characterized by various routes, an incremental increase in difficulty, and, equally significant, the anticipation of encountering new Pokémon.

Despite the foundational gameplay concepts remaining intact since the inception of the franchise, the more recent installments—particularly from X and Y through to Scarlet and Violet—have deviated from exclusively introducing new Pokémon. They have instead expanded their rosters to include a wide variety of Pokémon from every prior generation. In Scarlet and Violet, for instance, players encounter a multitude of Pokémon, making it possible to run into almost any creature from past games throughout their adventure.

This approach has altered the dynamics of gameplay significantly. In earlier releases, players would leave their starting towns and quickly discover new Pokémon. In stark contrast, since X and Y, there have been instances where players could explore for up to an hour without encountering a single new Pokémon. Such repetitive experiences detract from the sense of adventure, as it becomes challenging to view each new game as a unique journey when surrounded by familiar faces.

Pokémon Needs To Stop Including The Full Pokédex

It Makes Each Pokémon Feel The Same

For Generation 10 to potentially stand out as the best yet, it must take a bold step by narrowing down the Pokédex. This reduction should focus on introducing only those Pokémon exclusive to the new region, rather than including Pokémon players have captured repeatedly in preceding games. Such a refinement would not only reignite the sense of adventure, as players would encounter unknown Pokémon, but also enhance the challenge level in battles.

The tendency for players to gravitate toward familiar team compositions leads to predictability in combat, often resulting in a lack of strategy as the same moves get cycled through time and again. Even if players strive to diversify their teams, they inevitably face familiar Pokémon they have successfully beaten in previous generations. By limiting the available Pokémon to an exclusive selection, players will have to adapt and learn new tactics, thereby increasing the overall level of challenge.

Pokémon Should Be About The Future, Not The Past

It Is Too Stuck In Its Ways To Move On

The Pokémon franchise has exhibited a tendency to lean heavily on nostalgia, evident through the inclusion of older Pokémon in contemporary games and the Legends spin-off series that revisits past regions and eras. While it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of earlier games, such as the exciting storylines and beloved characters, the series should start focusing on new horizons rather than resting on past laurels.

Although each new release does introduce novel Pokémon, their significance often wanes as they compete with a plethora of established creatures. Therefore, Generation 10 should showcase its new region and unique Pokémon, placing them at the forefront of the gameplay experience. Game Freak possesses the capability to utilize the Legends series to provide nostalgic experiences without overwhelming the main entries with older Pokémon.

Ultimately, to thrive in the future and maintain relevance, the Pokémon series must shift its focus towards innovation while ensuring a thrilling adventure awaits players, rather than becoming entrenched in historical elements.

Source: The Official Pokemon YouTube Channel/YouTube

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