From Paldea with love?
Koraidon and Miraidon are, effectively, the embodiment of HMs in Scarlet and Violet.
Though, sadly, Strength is not part of their arsenal.
One of the greatest tools in any Pokemon trainer’s disposal, however, is the Pokedex.
My love for the Pokedex in Scarlet and Violet doesn’t just stem from how it resembles a bookshelf.
you’ve got the option to still experience the thrill of the hunt.
There have been a few which have made me think, ‘What?
Along with one who may take the title of being my most loathed Pokemon from the dreaded Binacle.
On a more favourable note, I love Armarouge, who can be trained into the perfect critical hitter.
And, I’ll admit, I want to know what Fidough tastes like.
This creates a range of strategic possibilities.
With these rules in mind, you face a new conundrum - when do I Terastallize my Pokemon?
When my opponent does or, do I wait?
Trust me, I’ve tried.
It’s one you’ll quickly memorise too, because the same shops and restaurants are present across Paldea.
Some even appear multiple times in the same city.
The populace of Paldea haven’t fared much better.
What does work in Scarlet and Violet, however, is the level scaling.
(Unless visiting north Paldea is your first goal and, if so, I wish you luck.)
The non-linearish approach to storytelling in Scarlet and Violet also suits its open-world design.
Don’t worry - your Rotom phone will break your fall.
Gym Tests do make a return mostly in the form of small challenges occasionally intercut with a trainer battle.
You even fight every member of the Elite Four in the same bland room.
In Path of Legends you assist Arven in finding, and battling, the Titan Pokemon of Paldea.
The Titans themselves act like mini-bosses with their exact levels being hidden.
Their redemption, however, lies in their narratives.
Not to forget the other graphical glitches which persist in the 1.0.1 patch.
In the end, I left Paldea feeling conflicted.
Yet the Pokemon series has a schedule to follow and it waits for no Slowpoke.
