Are Modern Pokémon Games Losing Their Visual Identity?

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Pokémon has held a top spot among cherished video game franchises for more than 20 years, appreciated not just for the captivating game mechanics, memorable characters, and sentimental appeal, but also for its unique artistic style.

Each era of Pokémon games, from the blocky Red and Blue on Game Boy to the vibrant 2D graphics of Ruby/Sapphire and Diamond/Pearl, had a unique visual style that embodied both the technological advancements of the time and the enthusiasm for Pokémon.

Yet, with the transition of the franchise into fully 3D settings and open-world layouts, there are growing worries that its unique style might be becoming less pronounced – a concern hinting at the potential gradual erosion of the visual essence that initially set it apart from other series.

The significant shift for this transformation came about with the launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield on the Nintendo Switch in 2019. Although this was a major leap in size and ease of use, providing the initial semi-open-world experience in a primary game, it also signified the start of a more standardized, less innovative visual style.

Initially, towns had distinctive cultural flavors that set them apart. However, over time, they’ve started to look visually similar due to homogenization. The roads and surroundings have expanded, yet they lack the intriguing details and captivating history that once made each location feel special and vibrant with purpose.

A significant amount of the visual simplification arises due to the growing emphasis on realism and size over style and creative vision. Interestingly, it was the 2D games from earlier times, with their technical constraints, that excelled at infusing each town, cavern, and gym with unique character.

Towns such as Goldenrod exuded a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere, Fortree harmoniously merged with its natural surroundings, while Castelia reflected the towering majesty of a city in reality.

Compared to previous games, more recent ones like Scarlet and Violet offer a larger geographical map. However, it sometimes feels sparsely populated and inadequately developed. The textures are relatively low-resolution, the landscape design tends to be repetitive, and there are frequent visual glitches such as pop-ins and pop-outs. Additionally, the overall atmosphere lacks the unity and charm that was present in its earlier versions.

Over time, even the Pokémon characters lose some of their unique identities. Although most current designs are creative, transitioning from dynamic to stationary 3D representations hasn’t always been beneficial.

Previously, games skillfully employed pixel art to amplify a Pokémon’s emotion or action. However, despite advancements in hardware, battles can appear static, with animations frequently looking repetitive or awkwardly rigid. One particularly noticeable example is Cinderace using Double Kick in Pokémon Sword.

Revised Pokémon could have more intricate designs, yet they may not seem as lively or vibrant as they used to.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed the variation in visual styles among games, which adds another layer of uniqueness to each title. For instance, Pokémon Legends: Arceus adopted a more muted, watercolor aesthetic that matched its ancient setting, while Scarlet and Violet opted for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired color scheme.

Instead of fully embracing one style or another, these Pokémon games seem to straddle a line, visually speaking. They struggle to decide whether they want to be as realistic as possible or stay true to their cartoon heritage. This blurred approach makes it challenging for me to clearly define what the modern visual identity of these games truly represents.

In contrast to games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, both known for their consistent and striking art styles that significantly contribute to their gameplay, Pokémon appears to lack a clear artistic direction.

1) The franchises have undergone visual changes while preserving their core identity. For instance, Pokémon seems to be grappling with the balance between technical advancement and maintaining a consistent style.

At its core, what makes Pokémon special is not about realistic graphics or expansive landscapes, but rather the way it creates a captivating, emotional, and awe-inspiring world. As the franchise evolves with time, it’s crucial that this transformation doesn’t diminish its visual soul. What gamers yearn for isn’t merely a larger game; they seek one that embodies the essence of Pokémon. Until the developers rekindle that sense of identity, there’s a risk that the series might lose its distinct visual charm in the chase for progression.

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2025-04-07 13:12