The newest trailer for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet showcased more features that will be included in the new games, including an update on the game's original promise: the player will journey through a vast open world. Not only did the trailer deliver in showing off new and exciting scenery, but it also mentioned aspects of the game fans have been craving for years.

While the previous entry, Pokémon Sword and Shield, was a "safer" recreation of the original Pokémon formula, these new games prove that Game Freak has been listening to criticism of the main series games. With all of these new features and additions, along with the tweaking of old traditions for the better, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet looks like the game fans have been asking for.

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A New Take on the Gym Challenge

Grusha from Pokemon

Longtime Pokémon fans are familiar with the traditional gym challenge. The newest trailer introduced Grusha, the ice-type gym leader from the Glaseado Gym. While the inclusion of gyms is nothing new to the franchise, the Pokémon Company revealed that the gyms can be completed in any order, giving full agency to players in how they want to tackle the challenge. They also revealed there will be three separate stories, with the gym challenge being only one of them. This fresh new way of exploring the region is a game-changer and will make Pokémon Scarlet and Violet a unique experience.

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Updated Raids & The Terastal Phenomenon

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trainer in action

Raids will return in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, this time with the new Terastal gimmick. While some fans have been disappointed with gimmicks in the previous main series games (Z-moves and Dynamaxing), the Terastal feature seems more balanced and adds to the value of Pokémon since each individual pocket monster can have its own Tera Type. The raids are quicker and more realistic than in Pokémon Sword and Shield, so it's as if the Pokémon are attacking in real-time, like in Pokémon GO. With a more balanced gimmick and updated raids, the familiar features in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have been improved for the better.

Exploration at the Academy

pokemon scarlet and violet

The newest and perhaps most exciting aspect of these new games is the fact that the player is enrolled in an academy, learning about the world and progressing through the game alongside fellow students. This fresh take on the Pokémon experience is welcome, and the inclusion of Pokémon Legendaries near the beginning of the game encourages exploration very early on. While some fans might be disappointed that the Legendaries will be available so early, the Pokémon will have more of a journey with the player, similar to Cosmog from Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind experience, one that Pokémon fans have never encountered before. Not only can players embark on the gym challenge in any order they want, but they're also enrolled in an academy that has two other main stories to experience. The new, well-balanced gimmick of terastalizing complements the updated raids, and early Legendaries foster ample exploration. All of this considered, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet look to be incredibly unique experiences, and fans only have a few more months until their release.