Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the latest entries in the franchise, and although they are fantastic titles, there are a few flaws that have dampened the experience. Many players have noted that there are visual and performance glitches that affect gameplay. Game Freak has tried to mend this, but the solution, which has been to reduce the amount of Pokemon roaming the open world, has left Paldea feeling more boring than ever to explore. Consequently, much older games like Luigi's Mansion 3, feel like they figured out how to make much better use of the environment years ago.
In Luigi's Mansion 3, players quickly learn that while the environments crafted are gorgeously detailed, almost nothing is just for show, and the tiniest things can be interacted with for unexpected rewards. This encourages players to scour every inch of the environment and experiment as much as possible. Games after Pokemon Scarlet and Violet should lean more toward this style of gameplay instead of featuring a vast but empty world.
Paldea's Problem in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Paldea is a region inspired by Spain and the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. It features many towns that players can visit and purchase sandwiches or battle with the various Gym Leaders. Paldea also features Pokemon in the overworld, meaning that players don't have to dig in the grass to discover new creatures to catch. At first glance, it seems like an amazing region full of potential and things to do. However, it soon becomes evident that much of the freedom and depth is illusory.
Although there are many towns to visit, most of them are carbon copies of each other and there isn't anything different to find. Wherever players go, it's the same sandwich shops. Although there is a good variety of environments, they have become far blander since Scarlet and Violet's update that reduced how many wild Pokemon are seen. Consequently, it's not as fun to explore Paldea, and the region can sometimes feel like a flat background.
What Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Can Learn From Luigi's Mansion 3
Luigi's Mansion 3 isn't a game that tries to do anything too fancy. After finding himself in the Last Resort hotel, Luigi faces off against supernatural foes as he searches for his friends. Fortunately, he has a few gadgets at hand, including the Poltergust and the Strobulb. The hotel is large, and players need to solve a few environmental puzzles before they can progress through all the floors. Most of the joy of exploration comes from the little moments where players realize that a bin in the corner can be interacted with, or that a mirror reveals a hidden item. Consequently, no part of the world feels like it's wasted or just filler and players are constantly actively engaging with their surroundings. This is an example of good video game design that should be replicated in Luigi's Mansion 4.
In contrast, with fewer Pokemon than ever in the open world, once players have collected the creatures they want from an area, they can zip past without paying much attention to what's going on around them. Despite all the flaws, Scarlet and Violet are still titles worth playing, and they will be receiving more content with the upcoming DLC The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. The first part, titled The Teal Mask, is set to launch in Spring 2023. This may be an opportunity for Game Freak to present an open world that is far more engaging.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.
