As the technologies behind creating new consoles and video games evolve, with ever-improving graphics and in-game features,Pokemonreleases are caught in a weird place because of how limiting it can feel to customize one’s character. Character customization has not always been something thatPokemongames do. While it’s great to see how far the series has come with titles like Gen 8’sPokemon SwordandShield,as well asPokemon Legends: Arceus,Pokemon ScarletandViolettoo should improve on what their predecessors have built.Character customization in Gen 8andPokemon Legends: Arceuswas good, but at times it suffered from either too few options or more of the same.
This could be improved upon in Gen 9 if the player characters were more fleshed out than just avatars with changeable eye color, hair color, hairstyle, or parts of their outfits. These features are great to see, and they were even refreshing at some point, but as the series progresses, more options should be implemented.Pokemon ScarletandVioletare seemingly revolutionizing the way their universe can be explored through afully open-world approach toPokemon, but taking the customization game to the next level could be equally amazing.
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Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Need More Customization Options
While the franchise offers customization for some good, basic character components, there are many more parts of a player character thatPokemongames could make customizable, such as faces, body types, height, weight, and more. It’s important to give players more elements to customize their character in this day and age than just a couple of cosmetic changes when something more substantial would go a long way, especially when it comes to making the experience as immersive as possible.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletcould be the firstPokemongame where the character customization process when starting a new adventure goes beyond simply picking a pre-made avatar picture. This choice can still be partly changed in games likePokemon SwordandShieldorPokemon Legends: Arceus, but it does feel like the characters players control have less flair than they would if they were created from scratch.
More clothing options would also be nice to have, maybe straying from the usual combinations of hoodie and T-shirt plus skirt or pants, which feel like staples in the currentPokemonwardrobe.Pokemon ScarletandVioletcould break away from this pattern by allowing players to create their own in-game clothes, be it when starting a new save or further down the line. Players could select a given logo or image from the games' files, put it on whatever piece of clothing they want, and maybe even resize it or reshape it. Game Freak could take notes from Nintendo’sAnimal Crossingfranchise when designing new clothing mechanics like this.
Considering the emphasis that Gen 8 andPokemon Legends: Arceushave been putting onTrainer Cards, changes like these would not only make all the characters feel fresh and unique, but followPokemon’s current trend of self-expression.Pokemongames have always been about living one’s story in a strange world inhabited by wondrous creatures, and having a better character customization process would make everyone’s experience more intimate.Pokemon ScarletandVioletwill presumably be the main competitive hub of the franchise for a few years, too, and going into Pokemon battles with fully customized avatars could mean a lot to many fans. Hopefully Game Freak makes customization a priority in the next generation.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletrelease in late 2022 for Nintendo Switch.
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