Yardbarker
x

Pokémon Gen 10 has been in the gaming news recently, after a recent leak indicated the next region that the massively popular JRPG franchise is headed to. While nothing is confirmed, the region has got fans talking, especially around the potential the area offers. Besides those potentials, however, the game also has an opportunity to expand upon the successes of the previous gen Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, while improving upon its flaws. There is one feature in particular, though, that the previous gen featured that Game Freak should focus on in all future entries, starting with Gen 10.

Pokémon Gen 10 Returns to the Islands

As previously reported on in Total Apex Gaming, “According to the data breach leaks, the newest generation of the massively popular JRPG was codenamed Pokémon Gaia. It will have some relationship and inspiration from the Horizons anime, but it also appears to be following a similar location trajectory as Generation 3’s Hoenn. For fans of the series, Gen 3 is known as a bit of a controversial collection of games. They had many strengths, but one of the biggest flaws was the overwhelming amount of water in the island-based region, and in turn, water-type Pokémon. If leaks are to be believed, though, the game appears to be headed back to the islands.”

This water-based location has fans talking about the potential of Pokémon Gen 10. While there remain fears that Game Freak will fall into the same trap they did in Generation 3, requiring an unbalanced amount of water travel and water-type Pokémon, it also leaves the potential for some fantastic Greek theming. The thought of Greek mythology blending into the Pokémon landscape is highly intriguing.

Game Freak has previously taken inspiration from the real-world regions in which their games are designed. Many of the new Pokémon designs reflect that of the setting and history, and the legendary Pokémon will often take the form of the region’s mythology. There may also be openings for new evolutions, as fans suggest, such as Houndoom (Cerberus). While the region remains only a rumor, it is clear that the potential for exciting new designs and thematic storyline offers a rich opportunity for the series.

Pokémon Gen 10 Can Carry Over Gen 9 Features

Image from a trailer for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Courtesy of Game Freak

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have become divisive entries into the legendary franchise. Their launch was riddled with bugs, glitches, and a slew of meme opportunities for fans. There were some flaws with the generation of Pokémon as well, though it was certainly better than some other gens. The positives were also clear, though. The open-world attempt was intriguing and offered players a much more unique opportunity than previous generations. Players having three storylines running in any order was also a well-received opportunity by fans.

It was the smaller feature, though, that was brand new for the franchise. The Gen 9 games, with the multiple paths to follow and depth in storyline and tasks, allowed fans to face off against all 18 Pokémon types at least once, no matter what other trainers and Pokémon are met in the wild. This may be a minor feature, but it is essential for the growth of the series. Pokémon Gen 10 has a chance to continue this legacy and ensure the blend that requires essential strategy from the players.

As Game Rant shares, “Since past Pokémon games have typically only featured up to twelve types split between a region’s eight Gyms and Elite Four, Scarlet and Violet may have set a higher standard for future games, especially if the series sticks to its open-world approach. After Pokémon’s Gen 10 region was supposedly leaked, it may be possible to predict how the next generation of games could achieve the same feat Scarlet and Violet did. By embracing the real-life inspiration behind Gen 10’s leaked region, Pokémon could again endeavor to pit players against each of its 18 possible types throughout its upcoming games.”

There is a ton of potential in this region for Pokémon Gen 10 to truly become one of the strongest entries in the franchise to date. As long as Game Freak works to avoid some of the pitfalls that plagued the games’ inspirations, Gen 3 and Gen 9, fans could look forward to a truly memorable experience. Keep in mind, though, that until Game Freak announces anything regarding Pokémon Gen 10, fans should remain guarded about what they can expect.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!