Summary

  • Pokemon Scarlet and Violet break traditions by introducing unique features and shattering traditional formulas, while still maintaining familiar elements for longtime fans.
  • The Indigo Disk DLC in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is set in the Unova region and makes numerous references to Pokemon Black and White, hinting at the possibility of Gen 5 remakes.
  • The DLC features various Unova references, such as characters and locations, and allows players to experience features or storytelling tied to the original Gen 5 games.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are unique games in the series because they are very different from the usual formula, and yet they managed to find common ground with past entries, enough to be familiar and nostalgia-inducing for longtime fans. This is achieved by retaining the most important classic formula features that made the franchise what it is and shattering some of them, such as making Professors not central to giving players their starter and Pokedex, and also the final antagonists of the game. The Indigo Disk DLC breaks a big tradition by not only being set in a past region, but also referencing it in multiple ways - enough to make players wonder if Gen 5 remakes are being heavily teased or won't come at all.

All Pokemon games tend to have something unique that is not simply a different battle gimmick, such as Mega Evolutions or Terastallization. For example, Pokemon Gen 3 was the only one to feature two pseudo-Legendaries instead of one like every other title before and after, whereas Gen 4 was the only game where Rotom forms were added, and despite their potential, were never followed up on. Still, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet break many huge traditions, and The Indigo Disk being set in Unova with tons of Pokemon Black and White references is one of the biggest ever.

Why The Indigo Disk Breaks a Big Tradition

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Take Players to a Past Region For the First Time Since Gen 2

Pokemon Gen 2 and Gen 9 break the same tradition, as Pokemon Crystal was the first (and last thus far) entry in the series that allowed players to travel to a different region and even compete against other Gym Leaders, in this case Kanto's. Likewise, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Indigo Disk features not only the Blueberry Academy set in Unova, but also comes with many references to the original Gen 5 games that turn into gameplay features.

Every Unova Reference in The Indigo Disk DLC

While Unova is not explorable in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as a full-blown region, The Indigo Disk DLC features several locations and elements that pay homage to Gen 5's setting. These include:

  • Lacey is the daughter of one of Unova's Gym Leaders, who is assumed to be Clay because of the diamond-like stones on her hair clip that resemble Clay's stone on his hat.
  • Lacey's ace Pokemon is Excadrill, the same as Clay in Pokemon Black and White.
  • Drayton is Drayden's grandson, and he also uses Dragon types like his grandfather.
  • Crispin is from Virbank City in Unova.
  • The Terarium features Chargestone Cavern as a location, based on Chargestone Cave in Unova.
  • The monochromatic color scheme for the Club Room has a Black City and White Forest set of paintings.
  • Unova music can be heard throughout the DLC.
  • Meloetta can be found in The Indigo Disk while spinning around to music and then using the sepia filter on the camera, which is a callback to Gen 5.
  • Duraludon evolves into Archaludon, based on Skyarrow Bridge.
  • All three Gen 5 Legendaries are in The Indigo Disk.
  • Gen 5 Paradox Pokemon based on the Swords of Justice, two of which are in the DLC - Iron Crown and Iron Boulder.

As such, Unova is essentially back in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which also leaves the future of Gen 5 remakes or Pokemon Black 3 and White 3 up in the air. Still, the series is breaking a tradition it didn't break since the Gen 2 era, and now players can visit multiple regions in one single game. This has long been a big request on the players' part, too, and it's interesting to see what the series could do with it in Pokemon Gen 10 or future titles.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-cover-art
6 /10

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
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RPG
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Systems
super greyscale 8-bit logo
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Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 48%
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Released
November 18, 2022
ESRB
E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Game Freak
Publisher(s)
Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
Engine
Proprietary Engine
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
no
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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The school that you’ve enrolled in as you play Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet hosts 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.

Franchise
Pokemon
Platform(s)
Switch
Genre(s)
RPG
How Long To Beat
32 Hours
Metascore
72