The Pokemon franchise has always housed unique characters. Across different media, fans have been exposed to Pokemon that subvert expectations of what the creatures are, and that help demonstrate the series’ flexibility. One of the most prominent ways this has been done is through Shadow Pokemon. Originally introduced to Pokemon in Pokemon Colosseum, their designs and concept echo the clone Pokemon that Mewtwo creates in Pokemon: The First Movie. Both styles have shown that at the series’ core is the positive relationships that Pokemon and people share, which can overcome the wrong done by villains.
With hints that Giovanni will be returning to Pokemon GO with a new Shadow Pokemon, this idea is still a major part of the Pokemon franchise. Even as the Pokemon series explores regional variants and modifies mechanics with each new Generation, cool concepts from older games continue to be prevalent. The only problem is that Shadow Pokemon have been relegated to spin-offs rather than its core games. This still makes the Pokemon relevant, but reduces their impact on the series overall.
Bringing in New Shadow Pokemon
As Pokemon GO possibly prepares for more Shadow Pokemon, the franchise should consider bringing them into the main games. With news about Gen 9 still quiet, there seems to be a lot of time to prepare. Fans are focused on Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl as well as Pokemon Legends: Arceus, so revisiting Shadow Pokemon in a future core game could be a great way to show how the series wants to grow while reconnecting fans with older content.
The mechanics around Shadow Pokemon might not need to be revamped much either. The approach used in Pokemon GO could be implemented, as purifying Pokemon would likely relate to the love or friendship levels a player and their Pokemon have - systems already integral to evolving certain Pokemon. Stressing this relationship would also continue to reinforce the positive relationships that Pokemon and people are supposed to have.
It’s a subject that is touched on time and time again, and even comes up in the lore for Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark. These two specific Pokemon highlight the tragedy of people and Pokemon not coexisting peacefully, and thus point to how important that peaceful existence is. A symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties is important, and while creating Shadow Pokemon throws this balance off, cleansing them and working against villains like Cipher from the Orre region reinforces the lesson.
This is also how Pokemon differs drastically from other franchises that have animals as a focus. PETA wants Far Cry 6 to remove its cockfighting, but it has also commented on Pokemon in the past. Claims that the RPG combat emphasizes acts of animal cruelty are understandable, but also detracts from the mutually beneficial relationships that the people in the world of Pokemon are supposed to have with their partners.
This is highlighted by the fact that the mistreatment of Pokemon is largely viewed negatively, with groups that abuse Pokemon or use them for personal gain being classified as villains. Even when the intent might be good, the approach and effects are still considered. While the origin story of Zorua could lead to similar cases for future regional variants, tying the same idea to Shadow Pokemon in a new game could have a greater effect.
This would provide a mechanics-based way for players to view how their actions have an impact. With Shadow Pokemon, players could help realize true physical changes in Pokemon, and show how Shadow Pokemon are able to heal. It would be a fun callback to older games while also taking advantage of how much the Pokemon series has grown over 25 years.