Prior to and for a little while afterPokemon Sword and Shield’s reveal, there were rumors that the game would feature “Armor Evolutions” as a gimmick. Many didn’t like this idea because it seemed to be that Pokemon was stepping too far back from its roots. Of course, this was revealed to be false with the gimmick actually beingDynamax and Gigantamax, which were better accepted. Now, withPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s reveal, the air is a bit more refreshing.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violethad a very simple reveal, and while there’s a lot left to be shown, this simplicity speaks volumes—as well as the titles. It’s almost certain to have a gimmick, and it’ll be interesting to see what the Pokemon Legendaries are. But the very fact thatPokemon Scarlet and Violetare colors suggests these titles could be a return to form for the franchise.
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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – Colors and Return to Form
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare the first games to feature colors in their title sinceBlack and White, which was 12 years ago. The first two generations used colors –Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Gold,andSilver. Gold and Silveralso work as minerals, which makes sense given the third game wasCrystal.These minerals would also play a big role in Gens 3 and 4, but also their color associations. Just asCrystalwas associated with a light blue,Rubywas with a red,Sapphirewith a blue, andEmeraldwith a green.Platinumalways had a steel grey vibe, whereasDiamondwas a certain tint of blue andPearlwas a certain tint of Pink.
These gens had less of a straight connection with color, but they were always there.PokemonGen 5would keep the color straightforward withBlack and White,but this was the last timePokemongames took such an approach. While each game was thematically tied, the color association didn’t matter at all forX and Y, Sun and Moon,andSword and Shield.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare based on Spain, with an old Spanish flag inspiring the Scarlet and Violet colors. That flag also had yellow on it, which can be seen in thatScarlet and Violetboth shine a yellow tint in the logo. It could be that this particular shade inspires a third version for Pokemon, not something as simple asPokemon Yellowthough (since that already exists), but Pokemon hasn’t released a third version in quite some time.
Nonetheless, the return to simple color association could suggest that the games themselves will be simple in terms of approach.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare open-world gamesin a bigger departure for the franchise, but the gimmick, the Pokemon, and so on remain to be seen. If this is any indication, though, perhaps Game Freak’s goal is simplicity this time around.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare set for release in 2022 on Nintendo Switch.
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