Ready your Pokéballs - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are here!
They’re the latest Nintendo Switch installments of the Pokémon franchise, and boy are they cool. But don’t just take it from us - take it from our resident gaming expert, Jamie. He’s played all the way through Pokémon Scarlet and is ready to share his thoughts. Cheers, Jamie!
For those who don’t know, what are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
They’re the latest Pokémon games in the series. Packed with new Pokémon, a new region called Paldea and a new story.
Jamie’s got it in one. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the ninth-generation of Pokémon games (going allllllll the way back to the Game Boy) and are the first ever true open world Pokémon games. Whilst the early 2022 release Pokémon Legends: Arceus did feel like an open world game, you couldn’t quite go wherever you wanted, whenever you wanted - but you can do exactly that in ScarVi. Curious about what’s over that mountain? Go and find out - and catch a bunch of climate-specific Pokémon on the way!
Most Pokémon regions in previous games are loosely based off real-world places. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Galar region was loosely based on the UK (represent!), and the Alola region in the 3DS’ Sun and Moon was based on Hawaii. Although unconfirmed by developer Game Freak, ScarVi’s Paldea region seems to be based on Spain - so it’s the perfect bit of escapism for those of us currently curled up in our oversized blanket jumpers.
Are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet the same game?
The map is the same, with some slight differences in the story details. As always, there are version exclusive Pokémon in each game. The Paradox Pokémon are unique to each game - I chose Scarlet for the Ancient Paradox Pokémon.
If you’re new to Pokémon, you might be wondering why there’s two versions of every game. Well, its a longtime tradition dating back to the very first Pokémon games: Pokémon Red and Blue. To get the 150 types of Pokémon released in those first ever games, rather than buy both games, players were encouraged to buy one version and trade for Pokémon they wanted with their friends. Since then, every main Pokémon game has released with two versions: both with similar stories but slight differences in characters, Pokémon and in-game locations. It’s pretty neat.
But which version should I choose: Scarlet or Violet?
There’s no pressure - it’s entirely up to you! Apart from their Pokémon differences, Scarlet and Violet focus on different themes: Scarlet embodies the past and Violet embodies the future. Some people (like Jamie) choose their version based on the Pokémon, others on the colour or the cover art they like best - or even by the one that comes first in the title. Either way, you can rest assured that whatever you choose, you’ll be embarking on an incredible open world Pokémon adventure.
Are there Gyms in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, there are 8 Gyms and a Pokémon League. There are a bunch of different challenges along the way also.
Never played a Pokémon game before? Gyms are where Pokémon trainers go to battle Gym Leaders with their very best Pokémon. Each Gym Leader specialises in a certain type of Pokémon - so make sure you tailor your team to give you the edge in battle.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the first open world Pokémon games with Gyms, and you can tackle them in any order you want. Don’t fancy taking on the Grass-type Gym Leader today? Head on over to the Fire-type Gym with your team of Water-type Pokémon. Water trumps fire, so use your best water-based moves… you’ll have that Gym Badge in no time!
However, this time around, Gyms aren’t the only story arc in Scarlet and Violet. In fact, there are three main stories that you can explore in whatever order you choose…
Are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet similar to Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Similar with the open world but just bigger. Although unlike Arceus, Scarlet and Violet are based in the present Pokémon time - so you can buy your items from a shop!
The Pokémon timeline can be a little confusing, but Pokémon Legends: Arceus (released in January 2022) isn’t part of the main game series. It’s a spin-off based in ancient Pokémon times, before Pokémon and humans lived in harmony - in fact, people in the Hisui region fear Pokémon! The main character (you) has been sent from the present day via time travel to catch as many Pokémon as possible and prove that they aren’t to be feared. It’s unclear yet whether there’s going to be more games coming from the Pokémon Legends series - but we sure hope so.
On the other hand, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are part of the traditional Pokémon timeline, following on from the eighth-gen Sword and Shield. As Jamie mentioned above, ScarVi is set in the present day - so yes, you can buy your Potions, Antidotes and Pokéballs from a traditional Pokémart, rather than the General Store that featured in Legends Arceus. Phew.
What was your favourite part of the game?
The open world! There’s so much to do and a massive map to explore. You can go anywhere you want, and the open story means you can start at the second gym and do the first later. In three words, I’d describe it as big, open and fun.
Jamie, we’re right with you - the open world aspect of ScarVi is incredible. Pokémon fans have long been hoping for an open world Pokémon game, and they’ve finally got it. Plus, you won’t be travelling Paldea solely on foot: you’ll have your own Legendary Pokémon to ride!
That’s right - unlike older Pokémon games where the Legendaries were mysterious, rare Pokémon that you’d spend the whole game hoping to catch, you’re introduced to Koraidon (Scarlet) or Miraidon (Violet) from the very beginning in ScarVi. In fact, you’ll become best buddies - and as you progress in the game, you’ll unlock more ways to get around on your powerful Legendary, like gliding and swimming.
It’s a fresh take on the Legendary Pokémon concept, and we’re totally here for it. If only all our IRL vehicles could be replaced with super-cool Pokémon…
Want to find out more about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
We hope Jamie answered your questions, but if you’ve got more, check out our need-to-knows about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or chat to our in-store gaming experts. They’re always happy to help!
