Pokemon Scarlet and Violet wasn't without its faults, but technical issues aside, it delivered one of the most varied Pokemon experiences in a long time. Part of that variety came from the games' endgame narrative, which dealt heavily with time travel and the concept of prehistoric and futuristic Pokemon. All of it took place in the Paldea region's Area Zero, which players finally got to explore after frequent warnings of its danger throughout the story. To the surprise of many fans, however, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet paid more attention toward making each game's Pokemon unique rather than the area itself. It has since seemed like a missed opportunity, but Scarlet and Violet's upcoming DLC may fix that somewhat.
Area Zero in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are largely the same despite their wildly different Pokemon, but The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC looks to rectify this issue by letting players explore traditional and futuristic settings. Considering how much Scarlet and Violet emphasized their differing styles, it would have made playing one game over the other more consequential if Area Zero was unique from the start. Dedicating entire expansions to the past and future opens up a wealth of possibilities, however, and takes some of the pressure off fans that were on the fence about buying both Scarlet and Violet.
The Teal Mask DLC and its Traditional Style
For those who played Pokemon Scarlet, they were treated to an array of prehistoric Pokemon with names denoting their primal nature. The adventure through Area Zero was also framed by the mystery of Professor Sada's research, whose style emulated the prehistoric appearance of the Pokemon she was studying. The discovery of these ancient Pokemon was a standout feature for many who played Scarlet, and The Teal Mask DLC appears to be expanding on that aesthetic by taking players through the land of Kitakami.
Kitakami has yet to be shown in full, but art for the DLC and details divulged by The Pokemon Company show that The Teal Mask will take cues from the style of Scarlet. Trainers are shown wearing traditional Japanese clothing, paper lanterns frame the street, and the expansion is described as dealing with a mysterious folk tale. One trio of Pokemon revealed for The Teal Mask emphasize this traditional style, as Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti are described as Pokemon who have protected Kitakami in the past. It may not be prehistoric like Scarlet, but it gives players aspect of the past to explore nonetheless.
The Indigo Disk DLC and its Futuristic Style
Pokemon Violet contrasted Scarlet with its futuristic Pokemon, and that aesthetic looks to continue with The Indigo Disk DLC. Even less is known about this expansion, but art for The Indigo Disk shows how players will don sleek clothing and venture to the underwater Blueberry Academy. The Pokemon Company has yet to show what kind of futuristic Pokemon players might encounter in this DLC, but it already appears to exude the highly technological style of Violet. Considering how rocky and plain Area Zero was in Violet despite this, The Indigo Disk looks to give players a truly futuristic location to explore.
The Paldea region was a standout region for many longtime Pokemon fans, but there were areas where it could have more strongly conveyed the aesthetic of each game. Area Zero in particular was a missed opportunity, but The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero could provide a showcase for each style greater than what could have been accomplished in the base game. With The Teal Mask set to kick things off, and Pokemon from previous generations coming to Scarlet and Violet along with it, this DLC has the chance to continue this Pokemon generation's penchant for doing something memorable and unexpected.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on the Nintendo Switch.