It’s a Year Out, But I’m Worried About Pokemon Legends

It looks like Game Freak and Nintendo are finally making the dive into a full, open-world Pokemon RPG experience, and while the concept of that sounds amazing to me, the trailer shown off during the Pokemon Presents video today for Pokemon Legends definitely left me wanting more. Is it unfair to make judgements based on an introductory trailer for a game we’ve never seen before? Absolutely, it is unfair. Am I going to do it anyways? Of course!

It looked and felt empty. That’s about it. It sounds like you work from a central village, and travel around collecting Pokemon and creating the first ever Pokedex for the region. Cool concept, for sure, but will it miss out on all the other things that make Pokemon great? I love the established regions – the routes that have been created, the bicycles I get to ride, the gyms you get to battle in. That is Pokemon. This? This just doesn’t feel right for some reason.

When I say it looks empty, I’ll openly admit that’s the opinion I had – and perhaps still have? – about the open world elements in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. These open areas, wile often teeming with different Pokemon, still often feel so empty, void of any lasting charm or breathtaking vistas. I’m worried that formula might just be recycled in this experiene, but likely on a grander scale.

I do imagine, however, that more is coming to the world of Pokemon Legends. I’m sure little villages will dot the countryside, amazing caves are waiting to be explored, and so much more. It’s an interesting take for the Pokemon series and one that I’m going to try, regardless of my feelings. Ultimately, I’m still a Pokemon fan, and while I would have preferred a different style of game – personally wanted another Let’s Go experience – I do commend the Pokemon Company International and Game Freak for taking the franchise in a slightly new and different direction. If anyone can make a gem, it’s Game Freak.