The upcoming game Pokemon Legends: Arceus will continue the trend of adding regional variants of existing Pokémon, much like how Pokémon Sword and Shield added new forms. When comparing the Galarian and Hisuian variants from both games, it seems that many of the Pokémon designs fit one of three major aesthetic categories: cute, tough, and unique. By comparing how each game's regional Pokémon achieve their intended category, a conclusion can be drawn as to which game better executed the concept.
The idea of regional Pokémon variants originated in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Story-wise, regional variants are the result of a Pokémon species developing differently over time due to the conditions of the region they inhabit. Variants retain the names of their counterparts, but they undergo many changes to features like appearance, typing, Ability, and stats. In addition, regional variants can have different evolutionary paths; the Pokémon Linoone cannot normally evolve, while its variant Galarian Linoone can evolve into Obstagoon. Pokémon variants in Sword and Shield and Legends: Arceus demonstrate similar changes, though only the visuals and types are currently known regarding variants in the latter.
Admittedly, comparing Pokémon Sword and Shield's regional variants to those in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bit unfair to Legends: Arceus due to how few of the game's variants have been revealed. Currently, the game has only shown four Hisuian variants compared to Sword and Shield's 19 Galarian Forms. Still, the designs that have been revealed fit into each of the three aesthetic categories, so the games can be compared on those terms.
Comparing Pokémon SwSh and Pokémon Legends' Cute Pokémon
A number of regional variant Pokémon seem to have been designed in a way that makes them look cute. Pokémon Sword and Shield takes a rather direct approach to this aesthetic with Pokémon like Galarian Ponyta, a Fairy-type unicorn with puffy, cotton candy-colored hair tufts. The variants Hisuian Growlithe and Hisuian Zorua in Pokémon Legends: Arceus also have cute designs, but in a more understated way. Hisuian Growlithe's cuteness comes from its messy hair and energetic smile, while Hisuian Zorua's comes from its subdued demeanor and droopy eyes.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus may have a better selection of cute regional variants than Pokémon Sword and Shield. Aside from Galarian Ponyta, few variants in Sword and Shield seem designed to be cute, whereas Legends: Arceus already has multiple. In addition, the more subtle cuteness employed in Legends: Arceus' designs may be more appealing than Galarian Ponyta's incredibly saccharine looks to some.
Comparing Pokémon SwSh and Pokémon Legends' Tough Pokémon
Other regional variant Pokémon have designs that exude toughness. Pokémon Sword and Shield have many variants who fit this category, ranging from intimidating to downright threatening. Galarian Farfetch'd, for example, sports a scowl and brandishes a heavy leek weapon, while the sinister smile and dark flames of Galarian Moltres make the Pokémon seem dangerous. Similarly, Hisuian Zoroark from Pokémon Legends: Arceus has a menacing appearance. Between its Ghost/Normal-typing and hostile personality, Hisuian Zoroark gives the impression of a vengeful revenant and seems very tough.
In terms of tough-looking Pokémon, Pokémon Sword and Shield have a much wider array of regional variants than Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They prevail in this category both in numbers and in the various ways they portray toughness and intimidation in variant designs. That said, Hisui is a region with harsh environments, so more tough variants that have adapted to the conditions may be revealed in the future.
Comparing Pokémon SwSh and Pokémon Legends' Unique Pokémon
The strength of some regional variant Pokémon designs lays in the uniqueness of their visuals or concept. Pokémon Sword and Shield's Galarian Darmanitan is two references in one; its standard appearance is based on the mythical Abominable Snowman, and when its Zen Mode Ability is activated it resembles an actual snowman. In contrast, Pokemon Legends: Arceus' Hisuian Braviary stands out due to being the opposite of its Unovan counterpart with its solitary personality and Psychic typing.
For now, Pokémon Sword and Shield's regional variants beat Pokémon Legends: Arceus' in the uniqueness category. While Hisuian Braviary has an appealing design, it lacks the referential cleverness of a Pokémon like Galarian Darmanitan, simply acting as the opposite of Unovan Braviary. Galarian Weezing, another regional variant, acts as the opposite to its own counterpart by de-toxifying the air, yet also manages a clever concept. Galarian Weezing's design manages to reference Victorian-era fashion with gaseous facial hair and a top hat-like head as well as smoke stack chimneys.
SwSh and Pokémon Legends' Regional Variants: Which Are Better?
With Pokémon Legends: Arceus not yet released and its full list of Pokémon not fully shown, it seems premature to decide whether its regional variants are better or worse than Pokémon Sword and Shield's. The determination also excludes designs of Pokemon Legends: Arceus' Noble Pokémon, previously unseen evolutions of existing Pokémon like Kleavor and Wyrdeer. Still, Sword and Shield undoubtedly have more variant options, and the variants in those games perform better in two of the three aesthetic categories. Given that, it can be argued that Pokémon Sword and Shield currently have better regional variants than Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Still, more regional variant Pokémon are likely to be unveiled for Pokémon Legends: Arceus leading up to its release. The Hisui Region has a number of different biomes and climates which could lend themselves to the cultivation of numerous new Pokémon variants and species. Moreover, not all of Pokémon Sword and Shield's variant designs look particularly cute, tough, or unique. Galarian Slowpoke, for example, is remarkably similar-looking to Kantonian Slowpoke save for yellow spots on its head and tail and does not seem a strong candidate for any of the three categories.
Competition aside, the regional variant Pokémon that have been shown in Pokémon Legends: Arceus seem that they will enhance the game aside from just visual appeal. Hisuian Braviary's large size will make it useful for helping the player traverse the game's unsettled frontier, and Hisuian Zoroark will add to the game's challenge with its tendency to attack trainers at night. Should Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the new Pokémon within it see enough popularity, the new Hisuian variants may join mainline Pokémon games and have a true place next to the Galarian forms.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus will release for Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.