The trailers for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's first DLC The Teal Mask have advertised gameplay footage that Pokemon trainers can expect to experience themselves soon. In a continuation of the player’s Pokemon Scarlet and Violet storyline, trainers will be tasked to go on a study abroad adventure to a new Pokemon environment called Kitakami. Players have been eagerly awaiting The Teal Mask DLC's release for the returning Pokemon, new story, multiple minigames, and even more open world fun.

But this DLC is not the first of its kind. In 2020, Game Freak released the first DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor. Similar to the purpose of The Teal Mask, The Isle of Armor was made to give fans more content for its base game. Just as the praise for the wild area in Sword and Shield was the foundation for the open world in Scarlet and Violet, the sneak peeks of The Teal Mask are not without similarities to its DLC predecessor.

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Older Generation Pokemon Return to Battle New Rivals

There are many new characters that are going to be introduced in The Teal Mask, but two characters in particular give distinct reflection of The Isle of Armor. The sibling characters Carmine and Kieran take a note from not just one, but two different past characters. The family’s bang-heavy hairstyle matches the masked legendary Pokemon in their DLC, Ogerpon. That design choice could point back to Mustard, the elderly dojo instructor whose attire matched the Legendary Fighting type of the time, Kubfu. Furthermore, Kieran could remind players of the dojo student Klara or Avery, as he appears to be on the fence about whether to see the player as a friend or an opponent.

These new characters could be tough opponents, but it's all the better excuse to go catch a nostalgic Pokemon to battle with once again. Similar to The Isle of Armor, a lot of Pokemon from past generations of base games are going to be available for players in The Teal Mask. Similar to Galarian Slowpoke, there are also new regional creatures native to Kitakami, such as Kieran’s Dipplin, could be awaiting the player's Pokedex discovery. The make-up of Kitakami, from the trailer’s sneak peek, seems to largely include forest and caves, but just like the island in the Isle of Armor, Kitakami will have its own story to guide the players as they explore the new map.

A Familiar Way of Meeting Legendary Pokemon

Speaking of new Pokemon, the introduction of Ogerpon should have fans of Kubfu and its evolution Urshifu very excited. The theatrical start of The Teal Mask trailer, where the masked Ogerpon sits atop its fanged cliff, is pretty similar to Kubfu’s rooftop spying. This could mean a similar pursuit where players win over the trust and admiration of yet another timid Legendary partner. With any luck, Ogerpon may also have the same battle power that solidified Urshifu as a World Tournament staple.

Unlike The Isle of Armor, The Teal Mask will have four more legendary Pokemon in total to catch. But even the new legendary Pokemon group, “The Loyal Three”, involve a trial reminiscent of Kubfu's. Judging from the story breadcrumbs in the trailer, players will have to bond with either one or all of The Loyal Three to battle Ogerpon and finish the quest.

The Teal Mask is certainly offering more than just a scenic view to catch Pokemon. Treasuring what made the Isle of Armor fun to play, but adding new adventure components for the player, could make The Teal Mask one of the best Switch DLCs yet. For fans of both the past DLC and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, The Teal Mask could be definitely be worth a look.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is available now for Nintendo Switch.

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