Highlights
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have introduced new mechanics that have been well-received, such as Legendary Pokemon companions and co-op play.
- The Terastal mechanic in the games is likely to be replaced in Gen 10, as previous gimmick features have come and gone.
- Fusion, a concept already explored in previous generations and embraced by the fanbase, could be a game-changing mechanic in the next generation of Pokemon games.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are some of the best-selling in the series yet, with the introduction of several new mechanics having been relatively well-received. Between Legendary Pokemon acting as companions throughout most of the game, and even co-op play with others, new features have been successful experiments for the most part. The new Terastal mechanic, however, is likely another region-exclusive gimmick feature that is to be replaced when Gen 10 comes around. While this constant change has become the norm with each release, the games that follow Pokemon Scarlet Violet could finally tap into a concept that would change the franchise forever.
With fans already theorizing about the direction Gen 10 could take, even the return of older features like Mega Evolution is on the table. Gimmick features in the early generations of Pokemon became staples of the series but the later Z-Moves and Dynamaxing have come and gone, and Gen 9’s Terastal is likely to follow the same path. If the next generation is probably set to include its own new feature, there’s one mechanic with a history in past games and popular community projects alike.
Legendary Pokemon Fusions Are Nothing New
While fusion as a central mechanic would be innovative if it showed up in Gen 10, Gen 5 already featured Pokemon with the ability to fuse together. Players were able to utilize the DNA Splicer in Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 to acquire Black or White Kyurem respectively, all fitting in with the Unova region's established lore about its Tao Trio. The Kyurem forms would be somewhat controversial in terms of design and competitive effectiveness alike, but they wouldn't be the first example of fusion officially appearing.
The fusion concept continued in Gen 7 with Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, as Alola's Light Trio essentially followed the same formula. Necrozma is able to be fused with Solgaleo or Lunala to form its Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings forms in the same manner as Kyurem, as the Legendary's ability to become Ultra Necrozma form is the only mechanical difference. The concept of fusion has even become a sort of trend over the years, with Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra DLC later adding Calyrex, a Pokemon who can be fused with Glastrier or Spectrier by mounting them as steeds.
The Impact of Fan-made Pokemon Fusions
There may be a precedent for fusion in the official games, but Pokemon's fanbase has already taken the idea to the next level. Third-party tool Pokemon Infinite Fusion brought the concept to prominence for even casual fans, known for the novelty of combining any of its limited Pokedex. This tool is actually just one small part of a larger project, an entire fan-made game release of the same name. Pokemon Infinite Fusion has garnered support from large content creators on videos with millions of views, showing just how influential fusion could be if added to the next generation.
Regional Variant species and Paradox Pokemon are both recent examples of variations on existing designs being well-received, and the nearly endless potential of fusions can continue on this path. Although it's an inherently ambitious concept, what Pokemon Infinite Fusion has accomplished as an unofficial project provides players with an unprecedented amount of options. Other franchises like Shin Megami Tensei and Dragon Quest Monsters have always featured fusion mechanics as core systems, and Pokemon catching up to these in Gen 10 would only solidify its position as the top franchise in the monster catcher genre.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.
