For Pokemon: Legends Arceus' release, Game Freak has reinvented most of the franchise's beloved formulas. Everything from the mechanics involved in catching Pokemon, all the way to how the titular creatures then evolve, are unlike anything seen within the series over the last 26 years. When it comes to the Nintendo Switch exclusive's narrative adventure, the situation is just as groundbreaking in that department too thanks to characters like the mysterious Ingo.
Despite being set within the distant past, in a Sinnoh region that’s still known by its ancient Hisui identity, Pokemon: Legends Arceus makes references to every generation of the franchise so far. Most of the named characters that players subsequently rub shoulders with are directly connected to fan favorites from the present day. Ingo is one of the most notable exceptions to this rule, however, thanks to the fact that just like the player’s protagonist, he too is from the Pokemon world’s future. That means there’s a decent chance that long-time fans of the series might have already encountered Ingo before now.
Ingo in Legends Arceus
Ingo first bumps into the player’s character once they’ve successfully helped Palina's Hisuian Growlithe assume its noble destiny. It’s only after they’ve accepted Captain Cyllene’s Coronet Highlands research mission that they become acquainted with him by name. After a brief discussion with Irida, it’s revealed that Ingo is a member and Warden of the Pearl Clan, who just so happens to have appeared within the Hisui region out of the blue in a manner similar to the player. Unlike the protagonist of Pokemon: Legends Arceus though, Ingo’s time traveling journey to the region has left him with a serious case of amnesia.
Following a trip to Coronet Highlands to meet Sneasler, one of the Pokemon in Ingo’s care, the mysterious individual manages to piece together parts of his former identity. Aspects like his modern attire, the concept of HMs, and even memories of a different shaped Electrode, all help to establish the thought within his mind that he’s actually from the future.
Following this revelation and the clarity it brings him, Ingo can then be found at Jubilife Village’s Training Grounds where he helps to organize fights on behalf of the player. At the conclusion of Pokemon: Legends Arceus Ingo is still trapped within the past without his full memory, which suggests that he could reappear down the line a new Pokemon game or DLC expansion.
Ingo’s Pokemon Origins
If players are familiar with Game Freak’s previous exploits, there’s a chance that they might already be familiar with the events that led up to Ingo’s journey to the past. Hailing from the New York-inspired Unova region, Ingo was first introduced to the franchise in Pokemon Black and White as one of the Subway Bosses of Nimbasa City’s battle facility.
Within those games, and their direct sequels Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, Ingo occupies this role alongside his slightly younger twin brother Emmet. While the pair only play a minor role within the 5th generation Pokemon games, their quirky mannerisms and train themed aesthetic makes them some of the more memorable characters thanks to how they stand out from the crowd.
Upon attaining a 20 or 48 Multi Battle win streak within the Battle Subway, Ingo and Emmet will challenge the player using a team of competitive creatures like Haxorus and Chandelure. What’s striking about Ingo’s appearance within Pokemon: Legends Arceus, is the fact that his Pokemon and brother are nowhere to be seen. With the fifth generation of Pokemon theoretically being the next set of adventures in line to receive modernizing remakes, like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, there’s a chance that the events that led to Ingo being separated might be referenced again in the future.
Beyond his Pokemon Black and White origins Ingo has also appeared within the franchise’s extended media, like the Pokemon Masters mobile game. Unsurprisingly both Subway Bosses made a handful of notably anime-based appearances back during the show’s Unova days too, and were even able to best Ash and Pikachu in battle.
While it’s debatable whether the plot points are canon to the games, it should be noted that Ingo was a prominent character in the Pokemon AdventuresBlack and White-era for good measure as well. During his appearances within the manga it was established that Ingo was far calmer than his twin Emmet, and that the pair were hired by the Mayor of Nimbasa City to evaluate the skills of other trainers. In some ways, he continues to fulfill this a task at Pokemon: Legend Arceus’ Training Grounds.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is out now exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
