Pokemon X and Y are notable for many reasons, and among them is the fact that they are the first mainline games to release on the Nintendo 3DS. On the handheld, the series featured better graphics than ever, allowing players to immerse themselves further into their adventure. Pokemon X and Y also introduced the Fairy-type which gave rise to a host of cute critters and ensured that Dragon-types didn't dominate the playing field so much.
There is plenty that X and Y can be praised for, as they are useful additions that feature memorable characters. However, there are a few reasons the games stick out like sore thumbs. Unlike many other games in the series, X and Y do not feature a third game to round off the story, and they also feature fewer new creatures than any other generation. These quirks have birthed plenty of theories that something happened to cut the games' development short.
Pokemon X and Y Do Not Have a Third Game
For the most part, mainline Pokemon games follow a similar release pattern. At first, two versions of a game are released. For example, Gen 3 features Ruby and Sapphire, and Gen 5 features Black and White. This may seem pointless, but there are slight differences between either version, such as a different selection of Pokemon to catch. This encourages players to trade with others players to complete their Pokedex.
Typically, following the release of the first two games, there will be a third version released. In Gen 3, this came in the form of Emerald, while in Gen 5 there were fully-fledged sequels in the form of Black 2 and White 2. The most recent games outside of Gen 9 are Sword and Shield, which utilize DLC instead to expand the initial games. These post-launch releases serve as a definitive edition, and they help to bring the story to a nice conclusion. With Pokemon X and Y, players expected a third game to be released, and with Zygarde being one of the legendary Pokemon, it was theorized that the sequel would be titled Pokemon Z.
To the surprise of many, Pokemon Z never came, and Gen 6 came and went without a third game to conclude X and Y. Gamers haven't lost hope that Pokemon Z will come eventually, or that Game Freak will do something to conclude X and Y's plot. The latest theories claim that Scarlet and Violet's DLC will tie in with the Kalos region. This is in part motivated by the fact that the initialism of Area Zero is AZ, which could be a reference to a character called AZ who appears in X and Y.
Pokemon X and Y Have the Fewest New Pokemon
One of the most exciting parts of any new Pokemon generation lies in discovering all the creatures that dwell in a new region. These Pokemon open the door for new type combinations, Abilities, and signature moves. Players can also discover new Legendaries and pseudo-Legendaries to strengthen their team, or some cute critters to befriend and keep by their side. With the latest generation, Scarlet and Violet, players can catch 107 new Pokemon, which is more or less the amount of new creatures players expect to encounter.
X and Y buck the trend by featuring far fewer new Pokemon than usual. With only 72 new creatures, it isn't a hard task at all to complete the Pokedex. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as more Pokemon doesn't always mean better Pokemon. Black and White feature 156 new creatures, and Gen 5 is generally criticized for having bad Pokemon designs such as Trubbish and Vanilluxe. Conversely, X and Y with their short roster feature new creatures such as Sylveon that have become fan favorites.
It is worth considering that Gen 6 was the first generation that the mainline games made use of polygonal 3D graphics. Consequently, Game Freak had the hard job of creating 3D sprites for all the past Pokemon. This required the studio to assemble a bigger team than ever to get the job done. Additionally, Game Freak had to consider the new Fairy-type, how to implement it into the meta-competitive scene, and how to design creatures that reflect the typing. As such, it is no surprise that the studio had less time to craft new creatures for the games.
The Legacy of Pokemon X and Y
Despite all their eccentricities, X and Y have left a lasting impact on the series. Most notably, the introduction of the Fairy-type has changed the competitive scene permanently. The type is so strong that some of the most powerful creatures in the series such as Xerneas and Zacian have the typing. It also ensures that it is no longer compulsory to have a Dragon-type on every team. The games also sparked the debate around whether some Pokemon simply look better in 2D as opposed to 3D.
Some fans argue that in the transition to 3D, some Pokemon had their colors dulled, and they lost elements that show off their personality. While some of this may be nostalgic talk, some creatures like Marshtomp and Tropius truly seem bland compared to the 2D sprites that are full of attitude. It appears that Game Freak is aware of the issue, as creatures such as Charizard have had their models improved in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet or in past games.
For some, X and Y feel incomplete due to the short roster and lack of a third game. Nevertheless, it is still a fantastic entry in the series, and it is fun to throw on a pair of rollerskates and go exploring the streets of Kalos. With the Nintendo eShop closing in countries around the world, the need for remakes of the games is more important than ever, especially if Scarlet and Violet hope to reference them.
Pokemon X and Y are available on Nintendo Switch.