underrated narratives? let's talk about pokémon violet/scarlet.

Over the last few months, I've so much Pokémon Violet/Scarlet content that my brain is just overflowing with funny glitches and new creatures. Now, until a month ago, I hadn't played the new game yet (though we'll begin referring to it as just Violet because I haven't invested in Scarlet yet) and what I knew was this: most people think it's disappointing. And I'm using a conservative term out of respect for my favourite franchise. From the graphics, to the glitches, to even just the way you interact with Pokémon - people seem to really have it out for Game Freak. But, I think I'm going to turn the tide on this one. I'm going to let you know the reasons I think that this is my new favourite version of the game. And as a ride-or-die of Diamond/Pearl, I think that's saying something. I never thought anything could beat them.

Now, I understand why people might not like it. There are definitely glitches that should've been fixed and that isn't because of the console's power. It's the code. But I don't think those minor glitches are anything to drag the game over, not when there's so much good.

Firstly, this game is packed. Like, completely and totally packed with things to do. There are so many gym badges, some titan badges, and even school gangs to defeat. That's three completely different storylines, all available for when you want to pick them up. And that's a beauty of it - you can do whatever you want whenever, there aren't any awkward road blocks stopping you from progressing because you haven't spoken to Villager 3. The only thing stopping you is your level, and that just provides more satisfaction when you actually become strong enough to battle the bosses you might've failed before. I find the open world aspect so freeing - I can do whatever I want with my game, and only I limit myself. It's a rare thing nowadays to find a game that doesn't restrict you to tasks deemed essential to move to a part of the map you're excited to visit. What has this meant for me? I've been obsessively collecting eeveelutions. An unreasonable amount of my time has been consumed in my search for Eevees, just so I can figure out exactly how to get it from a little weak sheep-dog like creature to something cool like Umbreon. It's been a month and I've procrastinated three gym badges with the accumulative earnings of an Umbreon, an Espeon, and a Vaporeon. I'm so desperate to get a Glaceon that I'm hunched over my switch at three in the morning running around icy mountains trying to find stones. The freedom is relieving.

Also, on the topic of wild Pokémon - I was floored by the progression from wild grass to seeing these cute animals just walking around and interacting with one another. They have little clusters of each Pokémon with various stages of their evolution like delightful herds and the scenes are so beautiful that I would have zero qualms with inserting myself into their world. As I've recently replayed Diamond for bonus points in niche knowledge, throwing myself into this far more advanced world was disorienting, but in the best way. Being able to just smoothly glide through this open world with all these wonderful colours and environments is an experience in itself, even disregarding the purpose of the game. This aspect was everything I wanted and more.

And glide - we can actually glide! We can get places so quickly with the introduction of our classic legendary Pokémon. No longer just a cool picture for the cover of the game, now an actual, crucial part of the game. In Violet, Miraidon serves a purpose to the plot and becomes something we discover more about as time goes on. They look cool, definitely, but I'm pleasantly surprised with the way we're able to utilise them - as we collect more Titan Badges, we unlock new features that ease our access to the rest of the game, such as jump features and the ability to drive faster when we ride them across the treacherous fields between each location. This really increases the replay value - or, at least, the value of searching through areas you've already been through in case of a slightly higher than average cliff that you've obtained the ability to reach now. Maybe there's something in it for you. This has really enriched the gameplay, and I'm glad Game Freak took the suggestions of players in increasing the value of their game cover Pokémon within the games they serve to advertise. As a reminder of how important they are, the general consensus is that the only difference most people see between the two games are the cover Pokémon, and so far, most people have expressed their strong opinions about how much cooler Miraidon is compared to Koraidon, and Violet has beaten Scarlet in game purchases by around 10% (in the UK, at least).

Now, this is my main thought and the most important reason as to why I think Violet is currently underrated, despite having never seen a single comment on this aspect since the games were released: the depth of narrative.

As a game writer myself, I spend an insane amount of time analysing the quality of narratives in the games I play. My life is constantly submerged in either a game or a book, and I understand the thought and effort it takes to create a narrative suited for games at the same level that can be reached in books - basically, it takes a lot more effort in executing a good narrative, since there are so many things to think about beyond just the story. But Game Freak have mastered exactly the right kind of story for a game like this without sacrificing any of the other features that draw in players that prefer focusing on the technical side of games. It's superficial and casual enough that it's easily accessible for kids and a wide variety of people to understand without submerging themselves specifically in the context of the stories. Players who care little for story will be able to understand, despite their lack of interest in retaining that information. But, it has simultaneously managed to create a narrative deep enough to touch the heart of those who feel invested in the story and further enrich the whole experience of the game for them. Such as me. I teared up a little at the Titan storyline - Arven just wanted to save his Mabosstiff, and I found the vulnerability of that plotline so emotional that just that aspect made me crave writing an article like this, something to praise the efforts of the writers who've tirelessly worked to fit a wonderful narrative within such a dense game. And they didn't just do this once. There are three main plotlines with deep and brilliantly balanced stories, one for each path that the player can take. I'm still on my way to finishing the Team Star storyline, and it's one that's set in a world so much like ours, but also so much brighter in that so many people care about the wellbeing of those students. It's so touching to progress through this story and I'm elated that there's such a mainstream game, known for being more on the technical side, utilising narrative powers to enhance the game experience for their players.

I think I've ranted on a bit about everything I feel about this game. Honestly, too many people are focusing on the tiny aspects that could've (and maybe should've) been improved. But those people, I genuinely believe, have to be choosing to pick out the negatives. I'm shocked by how little people talk about how brilliant this game is, because the progression we've seen this franchise take is insane, and they get better (almost) every time. I think it deserves my rambles of praise.

I think it's my game of 2022.

< 89% baked >