Pokémon Scarlet Violet First Impressions The latest Pokémon game is the first in the series to feature an open world!　We can't stop the excitement of free adventure!

Explore the vast world as you wish!　Enjoy overwhelming "freedom" with an open world and free scenarios!

Pokémon Scarlet Violet is the latest title in the popular RPG "Pokémon" series.

The history of Pokémon began in 1996 with "Pokémon Red and Green" for the Game Boy. Pokémon is now not only a video game but also a very popular series that has been developed in various ways, including animation, card games, and character goods. The total worldwide shipments of Pokémon-related game software are said to be more than 440 million units.

Pokémon Scarlet Violet" is a completely new title in the series after three years since the release of "Pokémon Sword Shield," the previous title in the series.

The Pokémon series is known for its unique system of catching, collecting, raising, and battling Pokémon, the mysterious creatures that live throughout the world, which is its most distinctive feature. Pokémon Scarlet Violet" retains the familiar Pokémon system while adding a variety of new elements, Pokémon, and new systems.

The Pokémon series takes place in different regions, such as the Kantou Region, the Alola Region, and the Galar Region, but this title takes place in the Pardeia Region, with its spectacular nature and rich cityscapes. The main character, the player, becomes a student at the Orange Academy/Grape Academy, the oldest school in the Pardea region, and sets off on an extracurricular "treasure hunt" adventure. The "school life" format, in which school life is at the core of the story, is a fresh and exciting point that has not been seen in the Pokémon series to date.

One of the features of this title is its "open world.

To briefly explain "open world", which is one of the trends in modern video games, it refers to "a game design that allows players to freely and seamlessly explore and conquer a field with no restrictions on movement. It is a game design that allows players to freely and seamlessly explore and conquer a field with no restrictions on movement.

Recently, more and more racing and adventure games, as well as action and RPG games, are adopting the open world style, but this is the first time it has been implemented in the Pokémon series. This allows players to freely go anywhere they like and encounter a variety of Pokémon from the beginning of the game. I felt that the open world style fused with the "sense of adventure" that is a major appeal of the Pokémon series has further deepened the appeal of the series.

Along with the open world, this title also features a "free scenario" system. In general RPGs, the storyline is basically a straight path, and the player follows the story in a predetermined order as they progress through the game. In previous Pokémon series, the basic flow of the story was to challenge the various gyms in a certain order, but in this title, players can challenge any of the eight gyms in the Pardea region. This is a revolutionary system for players of the Pokemon series.

To tell the truth, although I like the Pokemon series, I had been looking forward to the introduction of this free scenario because I had grown a little tired of the old-fashioned "take on a predetermined number of gyms in order" style of the classic RPGs.

In addition to the "Champion Road" storyline, in which players challenge gyms to become champions, there are two other major storylines in this title.

One of these is the "legend route. In this story, the player and his classmate Pepper from the academy search for an ingredient called "secret spice," which is said to instantly revitalize a person's health. The search for the ingredient may sound easier than the gym challenge, but the secret spice is guarded by "Nushi Pokemon" that live in various parts of the Pardea region, so it is not so easy to obtain. The appeal of Legend Root lies in the exciting battles that unfold against the tough Nushi Pokemon, as well as the story that Pepper has been hiding.

Another story is "Stardust★Street. In this story, a group of mischievous students at school form the "Stardust Gang," and they are confronted in their various hideouts around the country.

In order to fight the boss, one must first win a special battle called "Dan Rush" against the "Stardust" gang members. In order to fight the bosses, you must first defeat the Star Clan's Pokémon in a special battle called "Dan Rush," in which you must defeat a predetermined number of Pokémon within a time limit using "Let's Go," a new element of this title that will be explained later.

The bosses are all unique in appearance and personality, and their own stories, which are gradually revealed as they win their battles, are the charm of "Stardust★Street".

These three stories, "Champion Road," "Legendary Route," and "Stardust Street," are the main scenarios in this title. Players can choose any one of these stories to conquer in order. ...... is not an open world and free scenario, so players can choose any of these three stories, and in any way they like. For example, if you capture a certain gym, you will be able to play the same game as the other players.

For example, after conquering a certain gym, you can fight a Nushi Pokémon that lives nearby, and after that, you can ride to the Star Clan's hideout a little further down the road and go to ....... Of course, you can also concentrate on the Champion Road and attack all the gyms before starting the Legendary Route. The real appeal of "Pokémon Scarlet Violet" is that players are free to follow the three major storylines as they wish.

To take it to the extreme, players can even choose not to start any of the scenarios and just focus on collecting Pokémon from various locations. The depth of freedom to do or not to do anything in an open world is the greatest feature of this title.

In addition, this title also supports multiplayer play. The Pokémon series has had a multiplayer component, such as playing against or exchanging Pokémon with other players, since the days of "Red and Green," but this title goes beyond that, allowing up to four players to explore the field and have adventures together. The experience of adventuring in the vast Pokémon world with family and friends is something new and fresh that has never been experienced in the series before, adding new and immeasurable possibilities to the enjoyment of Pokémon.

Terrestals," which make Pokémon shine like jewels, create new strategies for battles!

Battle elements that appear in each Pokémon game, such as Z-Waza and Dymax, are part of the fun of Pokémon, but this title adds a unique new element called Terastar.

Terastar" is a phenomenon unique to the PALDEAR region in which Pokémon glow like jewels, and all Pokémon that appear in the film gain special powers when they terastar.
When a Pokémon is terrestrialized, a terrestrial jewel is generated on its head, its body surface glitters like a cut jewel, and its type changes to a "terrace type. For example, the special Pikachu that was given as an early purchase bonus for this title is an Electric-type Pokémon, but when it is Terastarred, it changes to a Flying-type Pokémon. After Terastal, the power of moves that are the same as the Terastal type is enhanced, and if Terastal is used on the same type as the original type, it becomes even more powerful.

Once Terastal is used, its effect lasts until the end of the battle, but it can only be used once during the battle, so the timing of its use is important. I felt that Terastal, which can change the type of Pokémon, adds a lot of depth and fun to battles, as it can overturn type affinity to catch opponents by surprise and enable various strategies depending on the combination of moves and characteristics. Another interesting point of this system is that it is not only the key to battles, but also functions as a challenging element of "capturing Pokémon of a specific Terrace type.

Related to terra-tal, there is the "Terra Raid Battle. This is a special battle in which four players cooperate within a time limit to fight a wild Pokémon that is terraforming. If you can defeat the Pokémon within the time limit, you will have a chance to get a Terra-Tar Pokémon, and you can also obtain various items. The unique feature of Terra Raid Battle is that while it is the usual command battle, it is a seamless battle system that allows players to continue to act without waiting for other players to choose their actions. The key to victory is to act in sync with the other players, such as boosting the abilities of friends and recovering, while keeping an eye on the situation of the other players, and enjoy a gripping battle that is different from ordinary battles.

In this Tera Rayd battle, a special command called "Ouen" can be used. This is an action that the player performs instead of using a Pokémon's move, and it supports all allies with three types of actions: "Attack/Special Attack Up," "Defense/Special Defense Up," and "Recovery. The existence of "Ouen" makes it possible to casually challenge Tera Raid battles with friends even if your Pokémon has not learned any support moves, thereby expanding the range of battle options and lowering the psychological hurdle to participation in Raid battles.

As a new element related to battles, I would like to mention the "Dexterity Machine Machine.
In this title, players can create their own "Dexterity Machines" by accessing the "Dexterity Machines" located in Pokémon Centers scattered throughout the field. By spending "Pokémon's Lost Property," which is obtained by defeating wild Pokémon, and "LP (League Pay)," a currency that can be obtained at various points along the way, you can create various "Deed Machines," which are crafted by collecting materials to create your own favorite Deed Machines. The PALDEAR region is home to a rich variety of unique characters.

There are many unique new Pokémon in the Pardea region!　Let's deepen your bond with them at picnics!

We have so far introduced mainly the system features of this title, such as the open world, free scenarios, and Terastar, but the appeal of the Pokémon that appear in the game goes beyond the battle aspect: their cuteness and coolness are also indispensable elements when talking about the Pokémon series.

In fact, the cuteness of the visuals of the so-called "Gosanke" Pokémon, the three families of Pokémon, released prior to the release of this game, has created quite a stir, especially on social networking sites. At the beginning of the game, players have to choose a partner from three Pokémon: the whimsical and pampered "Meowha" Pokémon, the laid-back and slow-paced "Hogeta" Pokémon, and the serious and clean-loving "Kwassu" Pokémon. I'll choose this one! before starting the game, you may have made up your mind, but when you see the three adorable Pokémon in action in the game, you may find your heart wavering.

These three Pokémon are the first Pokémon to appear in this title, but needless to say, there are many other new Pokémon in the Pardea region that have not appeared in previous titles in the series. The treasure chest-like Corelli, the ghostly dog Pokémon Bochi, which usually lurks in the ground, and the electric Pokémon Halaberry, which uses its navel-like organ to generate electricity, are just a few of the many unique and unknown Pokémon that you will encounter on your adventures. Running around the vast open-world field in search of Pokémon that interest you is one of the unique pleasures of this title.

A new system in this title that relates to these unique Pokémon is "Let's Go. In this title, Pokémon placed at the top of the handheld can be carried around on the field, and by using "Let's Go," Pokémon can be directed to where the main character points. Pokémon that receive instructions will pick up items or automatically battle with nearby wild Pokémon in "Omakase Battle. This "Omakase Battle" function allows Pokémon to battle in an instant without entering a normal command battle, making it possible to gain experience efficiently and speedily.

In addition, "picnics," which allow players to interact with Pokémon and strengthen bonds with them, can be held freely at any time in the field.
During picnics, you can take your Pokémon out into the field and communicate with them by talking to them or washing them, and you can also take pictures of them with the camera application, allowing you to enjoy their cuteness to the fullest.

At the picnic, you can make sandwiches in the form of a mini-game using ingredients obtained from stores in town. You can make a variety of delicious-looking sandwiches that will make you hungry, and eating these sandwiches will also help you in your adventures, such as making it easier to get a particular type of Pokémon. There are many types of ingredients that can be used, and sandwiches can be made either according to recipes learned during the adventure or in your own way, so I got the impression that there is enough volume to play a lot just by making sandwiches. It seems to me that anyone who enjoys cooking games, as well as those who enjoy the craft element, will be hooked on this game.

This place is amazing! My personal recommendation for "Pokemon Scarlet Violet

Now, let me introduce "my personal recommendation" of this work.

1. An open world that is comfortable and never boring

The most important point for me is the "vast open world," which is one of the main features of this title. After the game starts, there is basically a straight path until the main character enters the academy and completes various events, but after this tutorial-like straight path, the moment the extracurricular lessons begin, I felt a tremendous sense of excitement. I was so excited to be able to freely explore the vast and yet-to-be-discovered world where various Pokémon live! This is a precious gaming experience that can only be obtained through this title. The main story itself is of course interesting, but I strongly felt that it was worth purchasing this title just to experience this moment of departure.

On the other hand, while open-world style games allow you to enjoy the freedom of the world, if you lose your comfort level, you may feel pain in playing the game. In this respect, this title was designed to be comfortable in every aspect, so you can rest assured that you will feel at ease.

For example, you can ride on the "Koraydon/Miraydon" right after starting extracurricular lessons, and you can use the "Soratobu Taxi" to fast-travel to certain places you have visited at any time and from any place.
In addition, the game is seamless in areas that have required screen switching in previous titles in the series, such as entering and exiting towns and battles with wild Pokémon, making for a comfortable and immersive open-world experience.
In addition to wild Pokémon, the field is filled with items and crystals that can be used to challenge Terra Raid battles, and many other things that attract the player's interest. I felt that the ideal form of a "free open world that is nonstressful and never boring" has been realized.

2. Many familiar elements of the series that have been changed to make it easier to play

As well as the aforementioned "move machine machines" and seamless towns and battles, this title boldly takes a scalpel to many elements that have been familiar in the Pokémon series up until now.

One example is battles with Pokémon trainers. In previous Pokémon series, battles were forcibly initiated when the player's eyes met those of a trainer standing along the way. The presence of trainers who initiate battles when their eyes meet has been a traditional element of the series, so some players may feel a bit sad about this change, but I personally felt that this change is a good thing if you prioritize comfort in an open world.

In addition, the "Pokémon Pictorial Book," another familiar feature of the series, has also been changed in this title.
In the past, the Pokémon illustrated books in the series had a simple look, with the names of all the Pokémon you have caught lined up in a row, but this new Pokémon illustrated book has a new interface that looks like an e-book application on a smartphone, with the illustrated books of the Pokémon you have caught arranged on a bookshelf-like area.

In addition, each illustrated book has a stylish magazine cover-style visual with a large photo of the Pokémon, making it fun just to look at them. I personally find the interface of this new illustrated book very appealing, and it has stimulated my desire to collect all the Pokémon at all costs.

In addition to the above, there are other changes made to the existing elements in this title to better match the system and the worldview. While there may be differences in opinion among Pokémon fans, I personally feel that all of these changes are successful in terms of comfort and ease of play.

Let's go on "your own adventure" with "Pokemon Scarlet Violet!

So there you have it, my first impressions of "Pokémon Scarlet Violet".

While maintaining the traditional Pokémon fun of adventure, exploration, and Pokémon collection and training, the game is packed with ambitious new elements such as an open world and multiplayer. Before the release of the game, this writer could not stop being excited whenever new information was released, and even after the release and actually playing the game, I am still in a state of excitement. I am sure that Pokémon fans have already played the game, but if you have never played the Pokémon series or have not touched Pokémon since the Game Boy or Nintendo DS, please give "Pokémon Scarlet Violet" a try. I hope you'll give Pokémon Scarlet Violet a try. You will surely become a fan of the world of Pokémon, which has undergone a revolutionary evolution.

• Title Information
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Pokémon)
• Release date: November 18, 2022
• Compatibility: Nintendo Switch
• Price: Packaged version: 6,578 yen (tax included)
• Download version: 6,500 yen (including tax)
• #: Nero Hyakkabe

Author：Nero Hyakkabe

Freelance writer who buys too many games. Currently have more than 300 games in my stack. Also a novelist. Author of "Yubisaki Kaidan: 140 Scary Stories" (PHP Kenkyujo), "Goa-ken: Unrated Edition" (Kodansha), etc.

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