Summary
Pokemongames often come with their own gimmicks and unique takes on existing mechanics, which is a great way to build upon solid foundations while also trying to achieve something new or even ground-breaking. Gen 9 may be the ultimate example of this, withPokemon Scarlet and Violetbreaking multiple traditionsthat had been there from the very beginning of the series, such as line-of-sight trainer battles and tall grass random encounters both being removed. However, while every new mainline game tends to do something peculiar that makes it stand out from past entries, there are alsoPokemongames that remain unique in one characteristic that is never found again in other titles.
WhilePokemonGen 10is likely to revisit old, successful features from the series, it’s also probably taking a big step back from some series-long staples - especially if it’s going to be anything like Gen 9 games. On the other hand, Gen 1 was the pathfinder of the series, the first stepping stone in an almost 30-year-old franchise that’s still going strong both in terms of video games and other media or products. As such, it seems strange that one Gen 1Pokemongame remains an exception after almost 30 years of games.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Elite Four Break a Major Tradition Introduced in Gen 1
Why Pokemon Yellow Stands Out Compared to Other Mainline Games
Pokemon Red and Blueand then their third counterpart,Pokemon Yellow, paved the way for the entire franchise to have a given set of rules, features, and traditions that each game typically abides by or shatters in some ground-breaking way. Among them is the fact thatallPokemonstarters in mainline titlescome in three different types that represent a perfect type trifecta where each of them is strong against one and weak against the other, both offensively and defensively. This is true for every generation - except for Gen 1.
WhilePokemon Red and Bluecreated this rule, it didn’t apply toPokemon Yellow, which not only had a fixed starter in the form of Pikachu instead of the typical starter choice, but it also didn’t have a type that belonged to the trifecta in any way. Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokemon, and it’s been the main series mascot ever since the franchise was founded, but what’s interesting is that there has never been an Electric-type starter in mainline titles (given the trifecta rule) and none of the starters ever evolved into an Electric-type either. ThisPokemonfact may seem odd, but it’s deeply rooted in the series.
There have been multiple spin-off games where Pikachu and other Pokemon, such as Eevee, have taken the role of “starters” - most notably with the Let’s Go games. Still, no mainline Pokemon game before or after Pokemon Yellow ever attempted to break away from the perfect type trifecta rule, the three starters rule, and the non-Water/Grass/Fire starter rule.
This would be a goodtradition for Gen 10Pokemongames to break, as it would not only be a nod to one of the first games in the series, but it would also give players new ways to experiment with the concept of starter Pokemon. An example is howPokemon Legends: Arceusused past non-Gen 4 starters and gave them new forms.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk is breaking a starter traditionthat will have huge implications, as it will allow trainers to catch all past starters in one game. With this in mind, it wouldn’t be a stretch for futurePokemongames to finally trace back to thePokemon Yellowexception and make it more like a norm, instead.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you’re able to join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
