The Pokémon franchise is on the cusp of its 30th anniversary, igniting speculation about the future direction of this iconic series. As players anticipate the next installment, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to be the upcoming game, but discussions surrounding Generation 10 suggest it might usher in the most significant transformation the franchise has ever experienced. Given that the core gameplay mechanics have remained relatively consistent over nearly three decades, a comprehensive reboot in Gen 10 could open up new possibilities.
Generation 5 marked a notable attempt at a soft reboot with the introduction of Pokémon Black and White. These games took players beyond the traditional Japanese-inspired settings and focused solely on new Pokémon within the regional Pokédex. While these titles retained established mechanics, Gen 10 has the potential to introduce substantial innovations following the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The franchise might be ready to pivot towards an entirely fresh paradigm in gameplay and storytelling.
Gen 10 May Follow the Path of Gen 5
Time for a Strategic Overhaul in Pokémon
After many generations rooted in the same foundational mechanics, the Pokémon franchise seems ripe for change. Recent titles like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have already hinted at this evolution, introducing elements such as real-time catching mechanics and expansive open-world gameplay. Nonetheless, these releases still cling to familiar structures, including the traditional gym challenge.
Generation 10 could take lessons from previous innovations and implement a full-scale reboot that fuses the strengths of these recent titles, potentially transforming core elements of gameplay and narrative. Innovations could include redefining the gym challenge, expanding party sizes beyond six Pokémon, or even introducing a new starter trio that deviates from the traditional Grass-Fire-Water alignment. The active time battles present in Pokémon Legends: Z-A suggest that Generation 10 has everything it needs to redefine the series’ long-standing formula.
Moreover, Pokémon Sun and Moon already broke the mold by introducing the Island Trial challenges, setting a precedent that Gen 10 could follow for a fresh gaming experience.
Addressing the Growing Challenges of the Pokédex
A significant argument for a reboot in Pokémon Generation 10 revolves around managing the ever-expanding Pokédex. Following the contentious “Dexit”controversy surrounding Pokémon Sword and Shield, modern titles have not included the complete National Dex, especially as the franchise surpasses the monumental 1, 000 Pokémon mark. A focused approach in Gen 10 featuring an exclusive set of 150 new and unique Pokémon could be a beneficial strategy.
Instead of the usual debate over which classic Pokémon to include, Generation 10 could embrace the idea of a limited Pokédex and make prior Pokémon available only through post-game content. While Pokémon Black and White faced initial backlash for this design choice, many fans have grown to appreciate the concept over time. Should Gen 10 pursue this path, it could also allow the inclusion of past creatures through updates or downloadable content, echoing how Scarlet and Violet handled new additions with their expansions.
Alternatively, establishing a brand new roster of 150 Pokémon without any returning species could be a bold yet effective strategy to alleviate the issues stemming from an oversized Pokédex.
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