Pokémon Scarlet Violet DLC "Treasures of Zero" Part 1: The Mask of Blue" Review: New Pokémon to encounter and a large number of familiar Pokémon join the game, making the collector's soul tremble!

Many people must have been excitedly waiting for the DLC, as there was advance information that they would be able to meet old Pokémon and new Pokémon that did not participate in "Pokémon Scarlet Violet. In this issue, we will report on our actual playing of "Blue Mask," the first part of the "Treasures of Zero" DLC.

Please note that this report is based on playing the "Pokémon Scarlet" version, so there are some differences in the Pokémon that appear in the "Pokémon Violet" version.

The "Pokémon" series is an RPG in which the goal is to become a top Pokémon trainer by catching, befriending, and training Pokémon, which are mysterious creatures that live in towns and in nature everywhere, in a world that is very similar to the present day.

It is surprising that the total number of Pokémon species in the series exceeds 1,000. The secret of the series' popularity can be attributed to the variety of cute Pokémon, but the greatest feature of the "Pokémon" series is that each Pokémon has various abilities and types, which are important in battles. To gain an advantage in battle, various trial-and-error tactics are required. The tactics and strategies used in battles are what make this series so interesting.

The destination of the forest school is a countryside as far as the eye can see?

The story of "Part 1: Blue Mask" begins when the protagonist is chosen as a member of the "Forest School" held annually at the academy he attends with its sister school, Blueberry Academy.

The destination of this year's forest school is called "Kitakami no Sato," a place with a peaceful rural landscape.

As the students read the signs scattered throughout the village, they will discover the truth behind the folktales and the identity of the "azure mask," which is also the title of the story.

Quite unique characters and Pokémon

In this film, many unique people and Pokémon appear, including Briar, a teacher at Blueberry Academy who leads the students through the forest school; Suguri and Zeiyu, the sisters and brothers who become partners during the school; and Ogapon and Iineine, Pokémon from a folk tale in the village.

In particular, "Suguri" and "Zeiyu" are deeply involved in the story, sometimes as rivals and sometimes as partners.

Sazare," a camera-loving traveler in Suiryokutown, is a character in the sub-scenario, but you will have to collect 150 Pokémon living in the village to start the story, so do your best to collect Pokémon.

The Pokémon appearing in this DLC are also noteworthy. Legendary Pokémon "Ogapon," which is deeply involved in the story, and ......

Whether they are friend or foe, "Iiinane," "Mashimashira," "Kichigisu," and other newly discovered Pokémon with unique personalities will be a highlight of how they relate to the story.

Additional Elements to Enhance the Adventure

In addition to the story and characters, this DLC includes a variety of additional elements.

New Pokémon

The "Kitakami Pictorial Book," in which Pokémon that can be obtained in Kitakami no Sato are registered, has been added to the Pokémon Pictorial Book.

The "Kitakami Pictorial Book" can contain up to 200 different Pokémon.

In addition to newly discovered Pokémon from this title, nostalgic Pokémon that did not appear in "Pokémon Scarlet Violet" such as "Rokon" and "Madatsubomi" will also appear.

Many players may have been waiting for this new Pokémon to meet their old Pokémon partners again and embark on new adventures.

New Map

The map around "Kitakami no Sato," which is also the destination of this forest school, is newly added in this DLC.

The new map features a variety of terrain, including "Suiryoku Town," which serves as a base for adventures, peaceful countryside, satoyama, wasteland, and deep forests where people rarely venture.

New "move machines

New "Deed Machines" corresponding to Pokémon appearing in this title are also available. These machines will change battle strategies and allow Pokémon to be powered up even further. For example, you can double the power of Electric-type moves by having your Electric-type Pokémon learn the newly added "Jyuden" move machine, or you can use the "Uchikomi" move machine to turn Hide-type Pokémon to your advantage.

Researching these combinations is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game.

Demon Extermination Fest

The "Oni-Extermination Fest," an event that has been held in Kitakami no Sato for many years, has been added as a mini-game. In this mini-game, players ride their Pokémon, break balloons containing "kimonos" placed on the stage, and carry a predetermined number of kimonos to a pedestal to clear the stage.

The most impressive feature of this mini-game is the "Mochi" that can be obtained by clearing the stage. Mochi can raise a Pokémon's basic points.

Also, with "Mashiara Mochi," you can reset the Pokémon's base points and reassign them as you wish.

Taking Pictures with Sasare

This event is more like a sub-scenario than a mini-game. The scenario begins when you collect more than 150 Pokémon from the Kitakami Pictorial Book and talk to Sazare in Suiryok Town, and the two of you will go to the "Tokoshie no Mori" to take a picture of your Pokémon. It seems that Sazare is looking for a Pokémon. Will she be able to meet the Pokémon she is looking for? ......

Extended camera function

This is a feature that will make those who take pictures as a memory of their adventures very happy.

Lotto Ribo

The "LottoLibo," which is a selfie stick that can be obtained after advancing in the story to a certain degree, allows you to take pictures from farther away than before, which expands the angle of view and allows you to capture more landscapes and subjects.

Changing facial expressions during emotes.

Until now, the pose could be changed when taking a picture, but not the facial expression. However, with this DLC, it is now possible to change facial expressions.

Photo sharing function

If you have friends playing together in Union Circle, you can now share the photos you have taken with them.

"Cue Pokémon."

Until now, it was difficult to take the right photo because the Pokémon you were walking with would move on its own.

Music Playback

This function allows you to play music while in shooting mode, and the Pokémon will react in various ways depending on the type of music. By using this function, you may be able to take pictures of Pokémon that you would not normally be able to see.

It might be a good idea to have a leisurely adventure!

In writing this report, I played through the game until I cleared "Part 1: The Blue Mask," and I found the story, events, new Pokémon, and new elements to be all very interesting. However, in retrospect, I must admit that I also regretted that I should have played more leisurely.

Since there are no clear objectives in this DLC, there is no problem no matter how much you go off on tangents, such as collecting and photographing Pokémon or exploring the map. Of course, there is a general goal of advancing the main storyline, but since there is no particular need to do so, you can go off on any tangent you want.

You can enjoy the relaxing countryside of Kitakami Village, battling new Pokémon that you have yet to meet, or taking Pokémon that you can meet in Kitakami Village to the Jade Region and enjoying battles with them. The second part, "Indigo Disc," will be released in the winter of 2023 or later, so I will be sucking up to this work until then. After finishing this article, I am going back to the village of Kitakami.

I hope that everyone will purchase "Treasures of Zero" and play in the new "Pokemon" world!

Title Information

Pokemon Scarlet Violet: Treasures of Zero (Pokemon)

Distribution date: "Part 1: The Mask of Blue": September 13, 2023 (Wednesday)

Part 2: The Blue Disk: Scheduled for distribution in winter 2023 or later

Compatibility: Nintendo Switch

Price: Download version: 3,500 yen (tax included)

#: (tax included)

*"Pokémon Scarlett/Violet" is required to play this title.

Ⓒ2023 Pokémon. Ⓒ1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME