Highlights
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, along with the Teal Mask DLC, break traditions and change the classic Pokemon formula to keep the series fresh.
- The Teal Mask DLC honors a classic Pokemon feature by including Snorlax, which has historically blocked roads and required the Poke Flute to wake up.
- The inclusion of Snorlax in the Teal Mask DLC adds a nostalgic touch that long-time fans will appreciate and serves as a nod to the franchise's roots.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are arguably the games that changed the classic Pokemon formula the most, at least alongside the spin-off Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and along the way they broke multiple traditions of the series. Breaking the mold is not unusual for Pokemon games, with each new entry in the series typically trying to make a name for itself by changing what doesn't work and keeping what does. Much like Scarlet and Violet, The Indigo Disk DLC is breaking multiple traditions, continuing this trend for Gen 9, but The Teal Mask expansion does something just as brave in the way it honors a classic feature of Pokemon games that goes back to the roots of the franchise.
With the 30th anniversary of the franchise looming in the distance, there's a strong chance that Pokemon Gen 10 games will either be released by then or take advantage of the date to keep the momentum going in some capacity. There are several lessons that the next set of games could learn from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's launch and post-launch content, and The Teal Mask DLC shouldn't go unnoticed. Alongside compelling character arcs and new Pokemon, as well as a small region brimming with life, the expansion also finds the time to honor Gen 1 in a significant way.
How The Teal Mask Pays Homage to Sleeping Snorlax in Pokemon Games
While some fans may be familiar with the recent addition of Pokemon Sleep to the roster, a noteworthy detail is that many of the critters that appear in the mobile game rest in a Pokedex-friendly way, or simply similarly to how they're portrayed in the series or anime. Among them is the sleepy Pokemon par excellence, and that is Snorlax. With a history of appearing in the franchise as a block on the road that can't be moved and requires the Poke Flute to be woken up, Snorlax is present in multiple games with this gimmick.
Starting all the way back in Pokemon Red and Blue, Snorlax was found asleep on Routes 12 and 16 and blocking the road ahead for trainers until they acquired the Poke Flute, which would wake the creature up and start a battle where it could be caught. Similarly, it blocked the road to Fuchsia City in Pokemon Yellow, FireRed and LeafGreen, and also Let's Go, Pikachu! and Eevee!, while also reappearing in Gen 2's Pokemon Crystal (and then HeartGold and SoulSilver) on the path to Diglett's Cave in Vermillion City.
Lastly, Snorlax also made a similar appearance in Gen 6, with players needing the usual Poke Flute to wake it up on Route 7, prompting a battle. In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Teal Mask DLC, Snorlax returns once more, this time blocking the way to a cave in the Timeless Woods area, where players can retrieve a Masterpiece Teacup to evolve Artisan form Poltchageist into Sinistcha. This time around, players don't have the iconic Poke Flute with them, but throwing a Poke Ball at the wild sleeping critter will still initiate a battle with it.
This little detail is enough to make Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's The Teal Mask all the more nostalgic for long-time fans who have experienced Snorlax encounters across the franchise, and it's a cool nod to Gen 1 that may easily be missed. While there is no release date set for The Indigo Disk DLC just yet, it is confirmed to launch sometime in winter 2023, making November or early December likely candidates for when players will be able to travel to a new location. The Blueberry Academy in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is confirmed to be in Unova, and this too could be a little gesture to pay homage to past games.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.
