Pokemon Scarlet and Violet do a lot to improve the series. No longer are players tied to a single storyline. Instead, they get to explore three separate narratives at their own pace. Some features from past games have also been removed, including tall grass. This has disappointed some gamers, and it has made them far more appreciative of the inclusion of tall grass in the remakes, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
There are several other features that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have included to make the game easier. This includes a TM machine and a new feature called "Let's Go" that allows players to send their Pokemon out of their Poke Ball and engage in auto-battles. This is a convenient way to gain EXP and bond with the critters.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Remove Tall Grass
Scarlet and Violet are set in Paldea, which is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula. Here, players are tasked with catching Pokemon and training them to take on the toughest Trainers around. To find Pokemon, players must travel around Paldea, exploring its various environments. In prior games in the series, players had to dig through tall grass to find certain kinds of critters. Players could not determine what kind of Pokemon they would run into, which made the experience exciting and unpredictable.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Tall Grass Nostalgia
Despite how streamlined and simplified the elimination of tall grass makes Pokemon's gameplay, some gamers are unhappy that it is gone. The main issue is that many gamers feel as though it makes hunting Pokemon a bit too easy. Gamers who are beginning their journey with the series with Scarlet and Violet know nothing of rummaging through bushes and dealing with dozens of Caterpie before they finally find the Pikachu they're searching for. The only trial and error aspect that remains lies with finding a Pokemon with the right Nature and IVs.
For players who feel like they cannot live without tall grass, there is no reason to be dismayed. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are remakes that remain faithful to their source material by still featuring critters hiding in tall grass. Since the launch of Scarlet and Violet, this feature has become far more nostalgic because it is unlikely to ever make a return. Overall, Pokemon has been trending toward becoming easier and more accessible to newcomers and its core audience, which is composed of younger players. If players want to enjoy older mechanics that made earlier games more challenging, they may have to rely on remakes.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.
