We now know a heck of a lot more about the upcoming 9th generation of Pokémon games. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet look to shake up the series' formula in a few different ways such as four-player co-op and a fully open world, but there's one key thing that hasn't changed with the upcoming mainline games.
Scarlet and Violet continue the tradition of releasing two different versions of the same game. Some people might think red is just a cool, bold colour, but there's a certain mystical charm about that shade of purple. But there are a few other things to differentiate the versions — more than normal — that might just sway your opinion.
Let's start with the obvious, the legendaries. The box art beauties this time around are Koraidon and Miraidon, two serpent-looking Pokémon with bold colourings and big, brash designs. Koraidon is exclusive to Scarlet, while you'll be able to find Miraidon in Violet. Despite the similar pose, these two hugely-powerful 'mons are pretty darn different.
Koraidon has a lot of plumage on its head, neck, and arms, complete with kaleidoscopic colouring. It's also standing pretty proudly (more on that in a bit), and it has what looks like a tyre protruding out of its chest. Is that uncomfortable? Are we overthinking this again? Basically, it looks like a prehistoric lizard with feathers and a motorcycle tyre. Yep. It's a lot. Maybe too much? Never! We love that it's a historical-looking legendary.
Miraidon, on the other hand, is much more electrical, unnatural, and futuristic. Remember we said that Koraidon was standing? Well, Miraidon has two jet engines so it's floating in mid-air. Its got thunderbolts for antennae, and its purple skin is very metallic-looking. Add in the robot hands, the metal parts of the tail, the pixelated eyes, and... whatever kind of wheel is in this one's chest, and we have a 'mon of the future. Its sleek design is a lovely contrast to Koraidon, and we love those extra details.
Whichever one you prefer, you can't deny that these two both make a blooming good bit of box art, right?
Next, and maybe the most important difference, is something brand new to the series. Scarlet and Violet will have a different professor depending on what version you choose. Professor Sada, in her sandals, cavewoman attire, and accessories, is Pokémon Scarlet's resident expert. Professor Turo's purple and black bodysuit — which even the shoes are a part of — will be your guiding hand in Pokémon Violet.
That's all we know about those two for now, but the internet has some feelings about these two. Yes, they are quite nice to look at, ahem. But we're mostly getting at the fact that some think that, depending on which version of the game you pick, the other professor will be the villain. We're not sure we can bring ourselves to fight one of these two.
Professor Sada's unusual combination of cavewoman clothing and lab coat is certainly odd at first glance, but again, it's the extra details! The tooth buttons on the coat; the fur around the collar; and its slightly off-white colour. Sada also has the best hair of any Pokémon professor. There. We said it. Professor Turo has a much simpler, more modern design — he also looks a lot more serious and less adventurous than Sada, but his clean-cut look, facial hair, and that bodysuit, make him very easy on the eyes.
The last difference is something else fans, and us, have been speculating about. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet seem to be going for a past versus future theme. The designs of the legendaries and the professors speak for themselves, but so do their names! Miraidon and Koraidon contain the Japanese words for ancient (korai) and future (mirai) in their names, while Sada and Turo refer to the Spanish words of past (pasado) and future (futuro). There are similar naming conventions in other languages too.
If fan theories on the professors prove correct and we are indeed going to be facing off against the other, then that only seems to hammer home the truth that this will be the battle of tradition and modernisation, the clash of the old and the new, the smackdown between the past and the future! Place your bets on who will be the winner now!
For only a three-minute trailer and some details on the official website, that's a nice amount to go off of! Now that we know we'll be able to go on yet another Pokémon journey on 18th November, people are starting to make their minds up on which version they'll be picking up. Besides the legendaries, we don't know what other Pokémon will be exclusive to what version.
So, go on, what version will you be picking up? Does the fiery Scarlet awaken a passion in your heart? Or does the electrifying Violet spark up your life? Vote in our polls below and have a sound off in the comments on what other differences you're hoping to see.
Comments 80
I’ll be buying whichever one my nephew tells me to. 😅
I'll buy the one that is a good game.
Oh wait....Guess I'm not buying either of them then.
I'm not buying it. I refuse to support them with my money until they deliver an actual quality product again.
My son is set on Violet.
I'll be buying Scarlet. I like the past, more traditional vibes and prefer the legendary.
Both ofcourse.
Violet is the superior color!
It has to be Violet.
I'll be picking up Scarlet, the fiancée is getting violet, which is perfect as we'll be able to trade the version exclusives. So basically what we did with Sword/Shield and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
Scarlet, purely because red is my favourite colour
While Scarlet's legendary looks especially gorgeous, purple is my favourite colour, and so I absolutely must default to Violet.
I'll be buying and playing both though (maybe even side-by-side, which I don't normally do), but Violet will be my "main" version.
I'm going with Violet!
Violet for me. I will get Scarlet at some point too.
I'm a woman of simple tastes.
Put an intelligent woman in a game, make her look fierce and feral, and it will get my interests.
team Scarlet all the way ❤
"Prof Scarlett" looks cooler but the lad wants Violet. So Violet it will be!
I choose Pokemon VIOLET for Professor Turo.
Violet because I always pick the 2nd version, expect when I don't.
Need more info on version exclusives but based on the Legendary its Violet for me plus its one of my fav colours.
I'll be waiting for more information. Like with Sw/Sh I was Sword until Galarian Ponyta was revealed, then I went with Shield. (even though Zacian is my favorite legendary ever. T.T)
@LoveRose_428 Guess you never played Legends then.
If the new mechanics are past and future forms like I think they are, and that past forms are exclusive to Scarlet, and future forms to Violet, this will be a tough choice.
But I'll probably fall for really cool futuristic forms. Like imagine a really rad futuristic Blastoise! Dear Arceus!
Scarlet for me. I like Violet a little better as a color, but professor Sada wins the day. Koraidon's tire shoved in its chest is a little disturbing, but at least it has some nice plumage.
Both for me. Inserting words here so I meet the character or number of words requirement.
As of right now, neither. I went from blindly buying both versions at launch straight to not buying any pokémon game anymore because of the extreme drop in quality over the years. This pokémon fan heart of mine is STILL hurting!
... it's not too late yet for them to win me over again though if they wow me enough. Wow me, please! Wow me so I can love pokémon again!
I’ll have to see the other version-exclusive Pokémon before I decide. I don’t use legendaries much, so those aren’t really a deciding factor for me.
Unless there's some other dramatic difference between the two that changes my mind, I'm going for Scarlet. I don't trust anyone with a partially shaved head.
Violet for myself
As soon as the female professors starts shaving I'll pick HER. But it would make sense now actually that the future female wouldn't shave and the past one would.
Makes no sense for her to be so hairy in the past when in the future the females stop shaving instead
I prefer Miraidon's design and Professor Turo, so I'll be playing violet, provided these games still look good by the time they launch. That said, if I do end up getting these, I might actually get both.
easily Violet. Miradion pixel eyes and cyber design look so good.
Not sure yet, I think I like Miraidon more than Koraidon but Professor Sada more than Turo.
Need to see the exclusives to really say. For the moment I like the Violet mascot more (though not super fond of either) but I'm leaning Scarlet due to the professor and preferring the past aesthetic, but it's pretty up in the air.
Hi Sarah Elizabeth
Pre ordered the double pack
I'm torn, I like the idea of violet (being about the future) but the legendary for scarlet looks better to me. But I may get both if there's more difference between the two versions of the game.
Neither. I got my Pokemon fix from Legends Arceus, that'll be enough for me for a few more years.
Also i think there are far too many Pokemon games on the Switch, it's ridiculously over saturated now.
Blue》Silver》Ruby》Diamond》Black》X》Moon》Shield》Violet
Need to know more.
@AzzyC thats a really bad excuse to not get scarlet over a lady not shaving makes no sense at all.
Didn't know people were attracted to the professors. Will wait to see more.
Undecided as of now. Really like both the Legendary designs, but the Professors aren't a factor since you usually only see them a few times for the whole game.
while i like Sada more
i am gonna get Violet
because the Legendary is slightly cooler (i like both legendaries)
and i like purple more than orange
also Fuecoco will be my starter
Voted Scarlet.
The professors look a lot like Kit and Krysta.
Probably Scarlet? But Idk yet... I wish they'd chosen something other than purple for the red alternative 😂
🗳I voted for 'Violet' but I'll eventually get Scarlet once I've completed Story Mode.
I do wish however that Sada could be the Professor in Violet as I want to be told what to do and bossed around by my mistress/dominatrix..
My sister called dibs on Violet when the game was announced so I'll be getting Scarlet by default.
I mean, I was always inclined to violet because I like the colour more, but now I’ve seen the legendaries, I’m sticking with it.
Though my sister Is jealous I get to pick, because she likes the violet proffessor
Violet. I like future stuff.
@RiasGremory I'm just looking for accuracy is all. In the past, females shaved, in the future they don't. If they're going to be games based on past and future I'd at least like them to be representative of each time period.
I like the cyber end dragon (Yu-Gi-Oh reference) hope the ability is power bond (also Yu-Gi-Oh reference). If you watched the GX anime you will what I mean.
The one that has Poliwhirl in it.
the one that doesn't have wobbuffet...
My wife already told me I'm getting scarlet and she's getting violet 😜
Haven't decided on my level of interest in this game. I tried giving Game Freak another chance, but they are moving at a speed I can't really keep up with.
At first I wanted Violet just because of the font used, but when they revealed legendaries, then I was convinced to get Violet, when it comes to professor I don't really care that much, it's not like professor gonna be around in the game for long (I hope so).
Why’d they name this after the Beauregardes?
@weisske How have you played the games already?
@AzzyC you want historical accuracy in a game where you catch monsters in a tiny ball?
I’d vote in the poll, but the answers are stupid.
@Yosher okay genuinely want to know. When did the “extreme drop in quality” take place from a non fan perspective.
I’ve only played like two Pokémon games in the main series (FireRed and Platinum). They were both alright but too similar and nothing to really write home about.
How are Pokémon fans able to even differentiate between quality of each game when the games never fundamentally change in a meaningful way?
@WallyWest I want to try a Pokémon game that is actually different. That’s why I liked the GameCube Pokémon titles.
Is Pokémon Legends a unique experience?
@NinjaNicky Don't need to play them to know the games are going to be terrible. Considering every Pokemon game for the last 20 years has also been unimpressive and failed to keep up with modern gaming.
@ThomastheTankEngine To me, this happened after generation 5. The stories began to feel like an afterthought, the Pokémon themselves began to feel less lively despite the transition to 3D, dumb, and forced mechanics like mega evolution, Z-moves and dynamaxing began being introduced.
Personally I never cared too much about generations 1 to 5 being ''too samey'', because the games around them looked and felt amazing and any mechanics they introduced in them felt natural. But something happened in the transition to 3D that made the games feel less polished. X and Y I can get into because it was their first real foray into a full-fledged 3D adventure (not counting Colosseum or XD: Gale of Darkness because they were developed by Genius Sonority), even if I still didn't like it quite as much as all the previous generations.
Then there's the graphics department. On 3DS they looked fine for what system they were on, never complained about those. But on Switch they just... don't look right. Considering the amount of money this series makes, I think it's fair to expect a bit more quality in this department if nothing else.
And hand-in-hand with the graphics is the animation department. I think we should be past the time where models just awkwardly wiggle in place and have it count as ''performing a move''. Or where the models just awkwardly turn in place in their walk animation, or fly around in their idle animation because they couldn't be bothered to make proper turn-around or flying animations. Not asking for a ton of animations per Pokémon, but surely they could've done better than what they did here.
This is probably a very hot take, but I felt like even the single sprites Pokémon had for battle purposes in the first generations had more personality in them than most do in their 3D models and animations these days.
All just my opinion, of course, and as per usual nobody has to agree with me. But y'know, that's how the cookie crumbles, as they say.
@weisske "Every Nintendo game"* lol
They don't try and keep up because they know most people use their console as a secondary console. Pokemon is great to jump into for an hour just like all Nintendo games.
@Yosher so it was the charm and personality of sprites, which didn’t translate super well to 3D models? I guess that makes sense.
Thanks for letting me know, and the GameCube games you mentioned, that’s 3D models and animations done right.
@ThomastheTankEngine In my opinion, yes, the 3D models and animations in those GameCube games were animations done right.
If you want a simple example, Charizard using Fire Breath actually came from his mouth in those games. In the new games, the fire just appears out of thin air. Back then, they appointed certain parts of Pokémon's bodies where certain attacks should appear from, which I feel added a lot of charm and made them feel like actual creatures rather than lifeless broken holograms or something.
Another example would be Tail Whip, which generally used animations where the Pokémon did swing or swish or at least show their tail. In the new games, the model just 'jumps' to face the other way and then wiggles back and forth, all in their idle animation. Stuff like that.
Of course it's possible that I'm just being super nitpicky. When you're just there for catching them all, or just there for the competitive stuff, then I don't think it's too big a deal. The new games are certainly not terrible games and a lot of people still enjoy them, so, y'know.
@ThomastheTankEngine Its more focused on exploring and catching and has a full 3D world, its not quite open world but more open zones. Visually its not great but it makes a lot of steps forward for the series.
@weisske ok
@weisske no one asked bro…
@WallyWest As long as the gameplay is different in a meaningful way it seems interesting.
@SplatZonez Actually NinjaNicky asked. I decided to be friendly and answer.
Violet. Always the „blue“ edition.
@NerdyBoutKirby Too bad they ended up with a blueberry for a daughter
Team Violet here
Is it just me or does Miraidon actually look more blue than purple? I mean I know Violet is a shade of blue/purple, but Miraidon looks mainly blue to me (which is a good thing imo)
@ThomastheTankEngine
Absolutely different. Graphics aren’t the best but gameplay is unlike other Pokémon games (like the underwhelming Sword and Shield). I would definitely recommend it
@weisske not really but ok
@ThomastheTankEngine
It's like wine. If you don't care about it, it all looks and tastes the same. But if you do care about it, the nuances make for very different experiences.
I've played every generation, and at first I really hated X for the overal dialogue heavy flow and combat... But after re-visiting it, I now like X the most because of the shopping, the berry fields, the day-care setup, the general way the graphics are done and the overall vibe of the world. X is now my primary hub for all my Gen VI breeding, my Enigma berry farm, and it's where I send my Gen IV and Gen V mons to when they can retire (so they can live in France and occasional do some Battle Mansion for sport).
I know it's silly, but it's comforting to know they have a good home there.
While Turo is HOT AF, I’ll be going with scarlet. Ancient and the past sounds more fun to me!
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