Best Mainline Pokemon Story Since Sun/Moon
I know this might be something of a hot take to some people, since I'm aware there's a very vocal community that just actually hates these games. Frankly, I don't understand. I never experienced any of the glitches that are so commonly reported, and I play this game on my Switch 1. There is something to be said for the graphical issues, I will admit. The render distance can be a little wonky, causing some Pokemon and trainers to sorta just pop into existence every once in a while. The thing is, I don't think anyone is really playing Pokemon for high-quality 3D graphics. (If you're making the argument that this should mean the game's price shouldn't be so high, THAT I can at least agree with.)
Really, the highlight to me is the story. I don't hate SWSH as much as some other people do, but I did agree that in many ways its character and main plot fell flat. (I can't speak for the DLC, I've yet to play it.) Scarlet/Violet remedies that issue swimmingly. All 3 rivals are endlessly charming, the teachers at the academy were fun, and I loved the mainline story when it all comes together. The DLC storyline is great too! The characters are just as strong there, if not stronger. I haven't been so attached to the story of a Pokemon game since I played Moon for the first time, and I've always considered the Alola games to have the most well-written storyline.
Speaking of improvements on SWSH, they took the small little wild zone and expanded it to the entire game! It really does feel incredible, finding the Pokemon in their habitats instead of just wandering around the tall grass all the time. The new Pokemon from Paldea are also some of the best they've done in years, I think. I have a Lechonk plushie on my bed! There's also plenty of stuff to do post-game. I enjoyed it enough that this is the first ever Pokemon game where I ever completed any of my Pokedexes!
I will say that it's not reinventing the wheel, here. The gameplay is that of a Pokemon game. If you're looking for more innovative takes on the usual formula, I'd go for Legends Arceus or ZA. Terrastalizing is a pretty fun gimmick, especially with the introduction of the Stellar typing for it. Gameplay-wise, I liked it more than I liked G-Maxing, but not as much as I like Mega Evolution.
If you're a Pokemon fan, the game's worth picking up, but if the price deters you, that I can understand.
Really, the highlight to me is the story. I don't hate SWSH as much as some other people do, but I did agree that in many ways its character and main plot fell flat. (I can't speak for the DLC, I've yet to play it.) Scarlet/Violet remedies that issue swimmingly. All 3 rivals are endlessly charming, the teachers at the academy were fun, and I loved the mainline story when it all comes together. The DLC storyline is great too! The characters are just as strong there, if not stronger. I haven't been so attached to the story of a Pokemon game since I played Moon for the first time, and I've always considered the Alola games to have the most well-written storyline.
Speaking of improvements on SWSH, they took the small little wild zone and expanded it to the entire game! It really does feel incredible, finding the Pokemon in their habitats instead of just wandering around the tall grass all the time. The new Pokemon from Paldea are also some of the best they've done in years, I think. I have a Lechonk plushie on my bed! There's also plenty of stuff to do post-game. I enjoyed it enough that this is the first ever Pokemon game where I ever completed any of my Pokedexes!
I will say that it's not reinventing the wheel, here. The gameplay is that of a Pokemon game. If you're looking for more innovative takes on the usual formula, I'd go for Legends Arceus or ZA. Terrastalizing is a pretty fun gimmick, especially with the introduction of the Stellar typing for it. Gameplay-wise, I liked it more than I liked G-Maxing, but not as much as I like Mega Evolution.
If you're a Pokemon fan, the game's worth picking up, but if the price deters you, that I can understand.
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