As The Pokémon Company reveals more Pokémon for the upcoming Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, cracks in the recycled formula of Pokémon designs are starting to become clearer. Each generation begins with a basic set of items on a checklist, like starters: all fire, water, or grass. There are early rodent Pokémon on the beginning routes, and each game still features two prominent legendary Pokémon on the box art of each title.
The Pokémon Company needs to come up with more original ideas and change the basic formula for how new Pokémon are introduced and marketed. While some designs have resembled other Pokémon in the past, sometimes purposefully as is the case with Pokémon like Mimikyu, there are some Pocket Monsters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that are just too similar to other Pokémon from previous generations.
Smoliv Resembles Budew-1.png)
Smoliv was one of the first Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet to be revealed. The similarities between it and Budew are obvious, from the round protrusion on the top of their heads to the overall tiny size of the two Pokémon. They are both also grass type. Budew has poison as its secondary typing while Smoliv's is normal. Although Smoliv's scared and timid personality certainly shines through, the size, shape, and typing of the Pocket Monster make it impossible to unsee the similarities to Budew.
Pawmi Resembles Dedenne-1.png)
The "Pikachu clone" has been a tradition The Pokémon Company has continued ever since the first appearance of Pichu. Pawmi continues the Pikachu clone trend, thus failing to stand on its own as a unique Pokémon. The size and color are very close to Dedenne as well, and while there are some small visual distinctions, the two could easily be mistaken for one another. Dedenne is more interesting to use because of its Electric/Fairy typing, while Pawmi is just electric. Pawmi is charmingly cute but lacks its own sense of originality.
Klawf Resembles Kingler
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Klawf, the most recent reveal from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, has some distinct qualities going for it. Its eyes are striking, and it's a rock type, as opposed to Kingler's water type. However, the red coloring, the size of the Pokémon, and the scale of the claws are extremely similar design-wise. The two have distinct personalities, Kingler's devious grin and Klawf's creepy staring being two prominent examples. However, differing personalities lose their charm when, aesthetically, the designs are so similar. The overall shape and colors of each of these Pokémon are way too alike for one of the largest franchises in the world.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be including fresh, new ideas, such as an open world for players to explore. The non-linear story will also include new options that players have never seen before. However, to truly shake up the Pokémon franchise, the types of Pokémon available early in the game should be different from what's come before and should feature unique designs that match their original personalities.