The Pokémon world was shocked by the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the first-ever entirely open world game in franchise history. Fans have been hoping for an open world Pokémon title for years, but having one come out so shortly after it was teased in the Sword and Shield games was completely unexpected. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set to open a new chapter in the Pokémon series unlike anything that came before it, but technically, it isn't the first Pokémon Legends game.
The original Pokémon Legends is actually a browser-based MMO Pokémon game. The game requires no downloads and is entirely free to play. Pokémon Legends features all the regular trappings of a traditional Pokémon title, but with a handy chat feature and hundreds of other people playing at the same time as the player. The game isn't licensed by Nintendo or Game Freak, but looks nearly identical to some of the other titles in the series. Pokémon Legends is basically the online Pokémon game fans have always dreamed of. It features its own main story, tons of different side quests, as well as the option to fight or trade with other players at any time in the game.
The MMO Pokémon Legends features every Pokémon in the National Dex through Generations Seven, including Legendaries. This allows players the freedom to put together their favorite Pokémon Team without the worry that their favorite Pokémon might not being included in the game. Mega Evolutions are also included, which is nice seeing as it's been dropped in recent Pokémon titles. The game even features its own unique version of Shiny Pokémon called Gold Pokémon, which are another alternate color scheme, as well as the original Shinies. Players start their adventure by picking their starter Pokémon from one of the first seven generations, so there's 21 different Pokémon to choose from. Shortly after that, players are given their first few Poké Balls and can set off on their own. They then have the option of playing through the main game, catching and trading Pokémon, or battling with other players.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Could Learn From Pokémon Legends
While Pokémon Legends: Arceus looks like it will be groundbreaking in a lot of different ways for the Pokémon franchise, it should take some notes from Pokémon Legends. Pokémon Sword and Shield played around with some MMO-type features in the games' Wild Area, but Pokémon Legends: Arceus could take it a step farther, similar to what the original Pokémon Legends has accomplished. Pokémon Legends: Arceus' open world setting gives it a lot more to work with, specifically in terms of online play. There would definitely be some difficulties creating something similar to Pokémon Legends on the Switch considering the drawbacks of the console, but being able to play alongside friends in-game would be a remarkable addition to a Pokémon game.
The biggest thing Pokémon Legends: Arceus should look to borrow from Pokémon Legends is its side quests. Traditional Pokémon games usually feature a rather short story that can be quickly played through, which leave players simply catching Pokémon after they've beaten the game's main campaign. Some games offer post-campaign content, but it isn't always included. While Pokémon Legends: Arceus doesn't look like a traditional Pokémon game, it's tough to get a read on how lengthy the game might be from its debut trailer. Including more side quests, similar to what Pokémon Legends offers, would go a long way towards extending the length of the game. Pokémon Legends: Arceus looks like a much more traditional RPG compared to other entries in the Pokémon series so there could be loads of side quests, but if not, it's something the game should absolutely borrow from its MMO counter part.
The original Pokémon Legends is honestly an impressive game to behold. The game features almost everything a fan could want in a Pokémon title and it doesn't cost a penny to play. It's amazing the game is even still up and running considering how strict Nintendo is with their intellectual properties. Every Pokémon fan should check out the free-to-play MMO while they wait for Pokémon Legends: Arceus' eventual release date sometime in early 2022.
Source: Pokémon Legends