Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a unique entry in the series for a variety of reasons. For one, it is the only Pokemon game to be considered part of the mainline series to not strictly adhere to the traditional JRPG Pokemon formula. It is also the first Pokemon game to revisit a setting without being a sequel, remake, or even a prequel. It provides information about a region whose potential for nostalgia has recently begun. As a result, Legends: Arceus, alongside Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, is the product of a reemerging interest in the Sinnoh region. Predictably, the Sinnoh region returning means that Pokemon living in the region will make an appearance.
When Pokemon fans hear the term “Sinnoh Pokemon” or even the term “Pokemon in Diamond and Pearl”, the first thing that usually pops in their mind is the Pokemon native to the Sinnoh region, the ones introduced in the fourth generation. This instinct is not entirely inaccurate. Indeed, Pokemon: Legends Arceus did bring back every Pokemon that was new when Diamond and Pearl first came out. Despite this, the game did not bring back the full Sinnoh Pokedex, leaving out some Pokemon in a move that might potentially upset players of the Sinnoh games.
The Missing Diamond and Pearl Pokemon
As mentioned beforehand, Pokemon Legends: Arceus successfully brought back every Gen 4 Pokemon, but it did not bring every Diamond and Pearl Pokemon. Despite the game taking place in the Sinnoh region, albeit a much older version of it, there are some Pokemon that unfortunately did not make the cut. These Pokemon all have a few things in common. For one, they were all introduced in one of the first three generations. Additionally, none of the Pokemon listed below have a particular attachment to Sinnoh as a region. This is because they were not among the older Pokemon to get one of many new evolved and pre-evolved forms introduced during the fourth generation. Because of that, their absence is not as noticeable.
Goldeen and Seaking are the only Pokemon introduced in the first generation that were part of the Diamond and Pearl Pokedex that did not make the cut. This is a rather surprising decision, because Legends: Arceus brought back other Water type lines from the Kanto region, such as Magikarp and Gyarados, as well as Psyduck and Golduck. Goldeen and Seaking, unlike some Gen 1 Pokemon like Tangela, Lickitung, and Rhydon, were not lucky enough to get a new evolved or pre-evolved form in Gen 4, which likely contributed to their exclusion from Legends: Arceus.
Johto has a bit of a special relationship with Gen 4. Not only was this the generation that saw the release of HeartGold and SoulSilver, heavily anticipated Gen 2 remakes, but Gen 4 was notorious for giving new evolutions to Pokemon that really needed them. Johto Pokemon such as Gligar, Yanma, Sneasel, and Piloswine were among the most positively affected by this decision. Despite that, there were some Johto Pokemon in the Sinnoh region that were left untouched that did not come back for Legends: Arceus.
- Hoothoot
- Noctowl
- Wooper
- Quagsire
- Marill
- Azumarill
- Houndour
- Houndoom
Hoenn was Sinnoh’s direct predecessor as far as release dates were concerned. Just like with the first two generations, Gen 3 Pokemon inhabit the Sinnoh region, with some of them like Dusclops, Roselia, and Nosepass getting brand new evolved forms. There were even a couple of lines, Ralts and Snorunt, that became branched due to new evolved forms. Nevertheless, some Gen 3 Pokemon found in the Gen 4 games did not make the cut.
- Feebas
- Milotic
- Azurill
- Swablu
- Altaria
- Absol
Overall, Pokemon Legends: Arceus did a good job bringing back most of the familiar Pokemon in the Sinnoh region, but some still failed to make it. At the very least, every Gen 4 Pokemon came back, but it would have been nice to see everyone in the Sinnoh Pokedex return.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available now on Nintendo Switch.
