Summary

APokemonfan has proposed a theory about why the Pokemon inPokemon Scarlet and Violetdon’t look like fans expect them to, suggesting a quirk with the new models. The newest main-seriesPokemongames featured a major step forward for the franchise, bringing the beloved monster-catching series into a fully open world for the first time.Scarlet and Violetrevolutionized thePokemonformulaby allowing players to tackle its Gyms and main stories in any order they wished, with players able to explore all of Paldea from the outset. However, the games were not without criticism at launch.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violetsaw heavy criticism following the games' release for their graphical performance and the looks of the game. The ninth-generationPokemongames saw numerous performance issues early in its life, with the games experiencing significant problems with “pop-in” and low-res models.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetwere also panned for the “washed out” looks of the game’s graphics, with Game Freak choosing a more realistic approach than the franchise’s traditional cel-shaded look. Now, one fan has a theory about whyPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Pokemon don’t look quite right.

pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-cover-art

Reddit user AeroTheSpaceHorse shared their theory aboutPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s creatures on the officialPokemonsubreddit. The user attributed a significant reason forScarlet and Violet’s models looking strangemay be due to the game’s use of shadows, with Game Freak shifting how it uses its lighting.Scarlet and Violetfeature a more realistic style of lighting than previous games, changing the appearance of the shadows on the Pokemon from those found in the 3DS games andSword and Shield. The change results in shadows feeling “less defined” on a Pokemon’s body.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Fan Shares Theory on Game’s Models

Fans in the replies largely agreed with the user’s theory aboutPokemon’s new lighting, also offering more ideas about changes inScarlet and Violet. One user pointed out thatPokemon Scarlet and Violetmade a major change to Pokemon models, withScarlet and VioletPokemonhaving more detailed models instead of flat textures. Many also pointed out thatPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s lighting negatively impacts the Pokemon’s appearance, making Pokemon appear darker and less colorful.

Despite early criticisms about the games,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetwould go on to see unprecedented success for the Pokemon franchise.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetquickly became Nintendo’s biggest first-party launch of all-time, selling more than 10 million copies within just days of their launch.Scarlet and Violetalso recentlyshattered a majorPokemonrecord, becoming the best-sellingPokemongame in Japan.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetwere monumental entries for the franchise that will surely leave their mark onPokemonfor years to come.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

WHERE TO PLAY

The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.