Although a step forward in certain aspects, they are also some steps back in many other ways.
- The Pokemon designs not only are the most forgettable in the franchise, but they feel out of place, incoherent, even BAD.
- Not that Gigantamax was great, but Terracrystalization simply isn't well implemented, like other new mechanics. Once you use it, you have to go back to a Pokemon centerAlthough a step forward in certain aspects, they are also some steps back in many other ways.
- The Pokemon designs not only are the most forgettable in the franchise, but they feel out of place, incoherent, even BAD.
- Not that Gigantamax was great, but Terracrystalization simply isn't well implemented, like other new mechanics. Once you use it, you have to go back to a Pokemon center and recharge it, so you'll end up using it around 10 times in the whole game.
- About the story and structure, one cannot help but compare it to Fire Emblem Three Houses with its multiple paths, the academy, etc., but it looks GameFreak just forgot about a good cast, memorable situations and any sort of good story. And let's obviate the tehcnical optimisation.
However, the new region finds some charm here and there, inspired by the Spanish and Portuguese cultures (as Sword and Shield so well did), mainly in the interior designs and the exterior of houses. The bigger size of the region, helps the game feel more immersive at times, although at the same time, the lack of coherence and engage makes it also feel more inert than ever. It feels rather empty.
Overall, they are fine games. If you're expecting a Pokemon game, these are Pokemon games. But their inspiration and polish leave a lot to desire. It tries more than Sword and Shield. Fails much more than Sword and Shield. Better than Legends Arceus? Sure. Some additions are welcome, but the thing is that for each one of them there are 5 mistakes or downgrades.
With great potential, Scarlet and Violet fall near the bottom of the franchise, but still make for a decent game.… Expand