'Pokémon Violet' is the first mainline Pokémon game since ‘Pokémon Sword/ Shield’ and this entry is a refreshing inclusion that shakes up the classic formula for the better. Most of the best mechanics of past games have been included and refined in this this game. Many of the open world aspects that the developers were experimenting with in ‘Pokémon Arceus’ have been streamlined and beautifully incorporated in ‘Pokémon Violet’.
While I did not experience the amount of glitches that the game allegedly had at launch, the handful I came across were more amusing than a nuisance. The biggest technical problem I encountered was that the frame rate would often drop after playing for long periods of time, giving various animations a jerky aesthetic. The Nintendo Switch’s specs are perfectly capable of handling this game so this should never have ever been an issue, especially for an A list title like Pokémon.
The traditional route of defeating eight gym leaders and then battling the Elite Four is still part of the narrative of ‘Pokémon Violet’, but the format has been tweaked. There is a test to get into each gym that typically amounts to a mini game, which are usually short, fun, and shake up the game play. Technically the player can fight any gym leader in any order, but a player can’t fully navigate all of the terrain so early on. They would be even less likely able to fight trainers or catch Pokémon in every area as their levels would be much too low for some places.
There is a lot of freedom in ‘Pokémon Violet’ and a lot to potentially do. It is a collector’s haven. Raid bosses are now all over the map instead of in just one area like ‘Pokémon Sword/Shield’ and the potential for attaining tons of useful material seems unlimited. I’ve completed the entire game, clocking in over 40 hours, and there are mechanics I have yet to explore.
‘Pokémon Violet’ also includes special Pokémon Boss battles in which the player attains a different set of badges as well abilities that make navigating the terrain easier. The game developers have also included a special set of trainer bosses. Their battles are structured differently than the traditional Gym battles, once again shaking up the gameplay. In defeating these special bosses the player will earn another set of badges as well as a special currency and rare materials. The final showdown requires the player to earn every set of badges, which is another big change for the series.
The Pokémon games have never been known for their graphics. For the most part, the gameplay makes up for it. The Pokémon franchise's subpar graphics became something unique and even charming, almost an aesthetic itself. Coupled with the brilliant art directions, fans let it slide. I do think we’ve reached a point though where fans of the series should be demanding a little bit more on the graphical front. It does not have to be ‘Final Fantasy’ caliber graphics, but perhaps ‘Wind Waker’ would do.
‘Pokémon Violet’ is an incredibly fun and addictive game that shakes the format up of the mainline series. It is a refreshing shake up of the popular format that will excite longtime fans and engage newcomers as well.
MY STAR RATING: 4/5 STARS
'Pokémon Scarlett' and 'Violet' are available for check out at The Brown Deer Public Library.
