With each generation, more Pokemon get discovered and added to the overall Pokedex. On top of entirely new designs, players have also seen regional forms of Pokemon added to this total list, giving players new designs to enjoy of classic Pokemon. Of these, a recent live-action trailer for the latest game in the series, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, displayed exactly what the Hisuian form of Growlithe would like in real life.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus brings players to a time before the events of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl but still preserves most of the gameplay elements of previous games. There are currently three regional forms that Pokemon can take: Alolan, Galarian, and Hisuian. These regional forms rework the original look of these Pokemon and are unique to a specific region.
Released in January of this year, Pokemon Legends: Arceus has seen sales success thus far and has had a number of trailers released detailing its gameplay and features. In this trailer, the premise revolves around a dramatic scene inspired by a soap opera. The scene starts with a woman speaking to an unknown figure off-camera, desperately declaring her desire to travel the world with this mystery character. She travels all over the room with exaggerated movements, tossing her hands over her head, and acting as though her passion and emotions are overwhelming. The woman declares that she has settled on this unknown character, chosen this character, and that she hopes they will choose her back. The camera cuts to show that this woman has been talking to a real-life version of the Hisuian form of Growlithe.
This unique clip brings to life one of the more interesting regional forms in the Pokedex and through an interesting lens. Just as Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes the Pokemon series in a new direction, so too does this trailer re-imagine what capturing a Pokemon looks like. The Hisuian form of Growlithe was first introduced in the eighth generation of Pokemon and this real-life version looks just as players have likely imagined it would: with an overwhelming amount of fur.
The regional forms of Pokemon are a great way to add new looks to the game’s Pokedex without having to create new creatures from scratch. It not only allows the creators of Pokemon to give a fresh look to designs that have been around for decades, but it also gives players new creatures to hunt down and catch.
Then again, regional forms aren’t exciting for everyone, especially those looking for completely new designs. New looks for older Pokemon may be seen as less than what some in the community are looking for. Either way, this new trailer for Pokemon Legends: Arceus brings to life an interesting version of Growlithe for fans to enjoy.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.