Summary
As part of the upcoming DLC forPokemonScarletandViolet, Game Freak is introducing two new evolutions – Dipplin and Archaludon – though Applin’s evolution could have instead helped expand Gen 9’s underdeveloped gimmick of regional fakes. Though they were met with a mixed reception among players,PokemonScarletandViolet’s twist on regional forms was potentially underserved by the small number of Pokemon it included. Just as there were only a handful of Paldean forms added in Gen 9, the new gimmick of regional fakes only included four Pokemon from the Diglett and Tentacool lines respectively.
However, with many players already anticipating future DLC, there was still a chance that Game Freak could make up for the shortfall, so hopes were raised when rumors started to circulate about anew edible regional fake coming toScarletandViolet. Despite the credibility of these leaks originating from Riddler Khu, no such regional fake has been announced so far, but given Dipplin’s candy apple design it’s possible that it was the rumored Pokemon in question. While there could be more new Pokemon yet to be revealed forScarletandViolet’s DLC, it seems that Game Freak should have taken Dipplin in a different direction.
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Another Applin Evolution Feels Out of Place
Within the Pokemon Presents showcase ofScarletandViolet’s DLC, the Pokemon receiving new evolutions seem to be exclusive to Gen 8 for the time being. Until now, cross-generational evolutions and regional forms appeared to be limited to the series' oldest Pokemon, albeit with certain exceptions like Decidueye. But with ongoingcomparisons toSwordandShield’s own DLC, it seems both premature and unnecessary for Applin and Duraludon to have their evolution lines expanded when there are many other older Pokemon that some consider underdeveloped or overdue an update.
Yet while Duraludon has the excuse of previously being a single-stage Pokemon, Applin is more egregious as it already had two split evolutions. It’s likely that the pair were selected for their shared Dragon-type, butApplin’s evolutions were a key partofSwordandShield’s version exclusivity, as initially the items required for Flapple and Appletun were limited to each game respectively. Given the positive response Applin and its evolutions received, it’s possible that Game Freak’s intentions could have ranged from capitalizing on popularity to only wanting to add a new Pokemon inspired by candy apples.
Dipplin Should Have Embraced Gen 9’s New Regional Gimmick
If Game Freak was determined to add Dipplin, then it could have counteracted these potential oversights by instead introducing Dipplin as a newregional fake forScarletandViolet. For instance, Dipplin’s design seems to only be different from Applin’s due to its stem-like horn and candied shell, even though evolutions tend to significantly change Pokemon between stages. While not the only new Gen 9 Pokemon to change little on evolving, others like Palafin or Dudunsparce have their own gimmicks of different forms to justifies it. Dipplin, however, so far seems virtually unchanged after evolving as even its Grass/Dragon typing remains the same.
SinceScarletandVioletonly added four in the base game and fans were quick to believe Khu’s leaks of new regional fakes, it seems that Dipplin was a missed opportunity for Game Freak to improve the gimmick. For example, not only does it fit the regional fake naming convention, but Dipplin could have countered Applin as a Fairy-type influenced by other food-based Pokemon such as Swirlix and Alcremie. Moreover, while Paradox Pokemon were likely Game Freak’s main focus for the base game, Dipplin emphasizes howScarletandViolet’s new DLC Pokemoncould have made up for the underutilized gimmicks of regional forms and fakes.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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