Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have added many new evolutions that have standout designs. As visuals are the first thing players see when encountering a new Pokémon, it is essential they don't put players off. Many Pokémon have been delegated to lower usage due to poor designs, regardless of stats or excellent background. It is tricky to make every design popular with a fanbase, but luckily for Nintendo, the majority of this new generation has been appealing.
Generation 9 has added the most new Pokémon since Generation 5, another welcomed sight. Although this generation only introduced two new regional forms, it also introduced Convergent Pokémon, which look similar to others but are entirely new, and Paradox Pokémon, which are past and future versions of current Pokémon. The Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet received the most forms of the three, but never-before-seen Pokémon still made up the bulk of this new region.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Skeledirge Redeems The Starters
One area Gen 9 disappointed was in its starter designs, especially after the excellent reception of the base forms. But while Meowscarada and Quaquaval have had somewhat mixed reviews, Skeledirge has been a popular evolution. The Fire starter's design goes for simplicity with clever nuances that help set it apart from its Grass and Water counterparts, such as taking the form of an Alligator in a Symbiotic relationship with the firebird on its jaw, a small but clever detail that helps bring the animal's spirit to life.
This bird also comes into play when Skeledirge uses its signature move Torch Song, as it becomes a microphone and is sent flying at the enemy at its full size. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Skeledirge's jaw is also colored similarly to a skull to show off its ghost typing, while the standard red, white, and traces of black adorn the rest of its body for a simple yet eye-popping colorization.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Kingambit Adds More Personality To Bisharp
Kingambit is an added evolution to the Steel-Dark Bisharp line, a strong line that suffered from a lack of character. Kingambit fixes that problem as it connects back to the franchise's Japanese origin with its samurai look. Even the change from a standing form to its confident seat gives a new aura to the evolutionary line. The armor increases and shapes itself more akin to a samurai, which works beautifully for Kingambit's new ability, Supreme Overlord. The giant sword adorned to its head becomes its primary source of damage and plays into its signature move, Kowtow Cleave. Both of these are perfect examples of how Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Kingambit design can play into gameplay.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Garganacl Is A Simple Yet Ingenious Design
Possibly one of the biggest wins for this generation is turning a block of salt into a creative work of art. Garganacl starts as a little block and grows over its evolution, resulting in this soldier-like salt mountain in its final form. The cube shape adds beautiful creative symmetry and can bring a sense of nostalgia for any Pixelmon fans and the large salt blocks that become makeshift armor help showcase Garganacl's defensive personality while still tying it back to its origins. At the same time, the dirt layers that make up its arms and legs help accomplish this while giving Garganacl more movement than its previous forms. Overall, the little nuances and intelligent design of Garganacl showcase some of the best work of an inanimate object coming to life.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Palafin Embodies A Secret Identity
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Palafin looks rather underwhelming in its base form, as it's simply a slightly larger version of its previous evolution with an added heart on its chest; however, when Palafin's ability, Zero To Hero, is used, it becomes its Superman-like form. The tail becomes a pair of feet for Palafin to stand on as its body bulks up. Gloves, capes, and a pair of goggles are added to the design while its puffed-up chest and stance further compare it to Superman.
Palafin was the first dolphin Pokémon to be added to the series and was heavily anticipated by many fans. This led to many who did not know about Palafin's form change beforehand being caught disappointed, just to change their opinion of it completely when its Hero Form was revealed. The design itself is a relatively simple superhero copy, but how it comes to be and what it stands for is where it excels.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Glimmora Showcases The Duality Of Rocks
Though Glimmora cannot be found until the postgame of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, it is well worth the wait for the underrated design. Glimmora is a living rock that helps embody the Tera Crystals that hold such prevalence in the game. When its petals are closed, it takes the form of a hardened rock ready to defend itself; and its combination of cool colors helps bring out its quiet nature. Glimmora is another example of how a simple design with little nuances can add up to create something beautiful.
As Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were set to bring many new features to the franchise, the critical design element needed to be successful. A considerable part of the games is finding new and exciting Pokémon to catch and train. If this generation had failed or even been as lackluster as some previous ones, the franchise would have been put in a dangerous position. Luckily, although the game launched somewhat bugged, the Pokémon of Gen 9 fulfilled their goal.