Garrett Lugiano

It seems like Pokémon is in a terrible in-between, trying to pivot to an open-world game while also stepping away from the deliberate, intimate detail that makes an open world worth playing. it seems like they attempted to listen to the older members fanbase by attempting to streamline and trivialize the campaign- and then put them in a toddler’s outfit for the entire game. So much of this game has promise, but none of it works together. Honestly, I know that they know how to specialize; Legends Arceus, Let’s Go, Snap are all wonderfully singular and intentional. If they wanted to make grinding so mindless, why include it at all? Why not just make a Pokémon Stadium-like (that does not allow for trading) for the older demographic who just want to battle competitively? If they are going to put such little life into the open world and its infrastructure, why add that either? In fact, why have nettling at all if you can just automate it? I’d understand quality of life additions, such as quick selecting and shortcuts, but what is the point of taking so much of the effort and difficulty of any of this? Trying to find my way around, as well as the disparity in leveling directly opposes whatever age the auto-battling toddler in a school outfit is meant to appeal to. Their inability to commit genuinely ruined this game. These choices, on their own, are not harmful. However, this is a prime example of why trying to appeal to everyone is a detriment to intentional design. All of this game’s redeeming qualities, though few, are completely undermined by its attempt to appeal to two opposite demographics at the same time. Truthfully, I think it is clear which side has won-out, for nearly a decade. Just try making it a challenging, all inclusive game again- one that younger kids might find less accessible, but more intriguing. There is no demographic in the world that thinks Pokémon is cool after seeing a school kid running around on a motorcycle monster, or a kid riding their Pokémon with a helmet and a booster seat. Or, here’s a thought, just add a difficulty option to the main formula? So many doable options, so many years of questioning what on earth Game Freak is thinking.