Summary
It seems thatPokemon Scarlet and Violethas finally completed their run now, a little more than a year after they came out, and just a month after the release of the final DLC with The Indigo Disk wrapping things up for the most part. The actual ending came in the form of the Mochi Mayhem epilogue on January 11, which told a new self-contained story while also bringing the main cast from the base games and the DLCs together for one final farewell. All this brewed the perfect storm for a “Stranger Things” kind of story, which ended up highlighting the strengths ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet, and also what Gen 10 should do to create an equally successful environment.
Ever since its debut in July of 2016,Stranger Thingsis now a massive multimedia phenomenon, with a TV series wrapping up with its upcoming fifth season and multiple video games, crossovers, tie-in books, and other appearances such as Magic: The Gathering cards. It’s a coming-of-age story with the typical banter between teenagers, all spiced up by secret organizations, individuals with superpowers, and otherworldly creatures. As odd as it may seem, that’s exactly what thePokemon Scarlet and Violetepilogueis about, and it’s something Gen 10 should seek to replicate.
Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Epilogue is a ‘Stranger Things’ Story
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Mochi Mayhem Shares Similarities With Stranger Things
Stranger Thingsvideo game crossoversare nothing new, and even though the Mochi Mayhem epilogue is likely not inspired directly by the TV show, it does share many of the series' vibes and plot points.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetplayers visit the shop of an old lady in Kitakami, and a mysterious Pokemon-like figure vanishes ominously - however, the story immediately regains lighter tones and sees the main character reunite with their friends from Paldea. At this point, after various in-character jokes from the cast as well as some story development, the four decide to head to Kitakami and meet Kieran and Carmine.
However, Carmine begins to act in a weird way as soon as they do, but none of the characters knows why. They decide once again to do lighter stuff, like looking for the community center’s remote to watch something together, but that night things start getting out of hand fast as more and more villagers make a strange dance and can only say the word “mochi.” Players soon find out that this is a Pokemon’s doing, specificallyPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Pecharunt- Gen 9’s Mythical pocket monster.
Stranger Things' story begins with a missing boy and mysterious events, with each character growing in various ways and facing their own challenges. This fits particularly well the Mochi Mayhem ending for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, considering each NPC from the main cast had enough time to tell their story in the base games or the DLCs.
Why Pokemon Gen 10 Should Have Its Own Stranger Things Story
Pecharunt has the unique power to make others do its bidding and is known as the “Subjugator Pokemon,” with a recent official video further explaining its story and how it connects with the land of Kitakami. In fact,Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s true epilogue is Pecharunt’s storyfirst and foremost, showing how it got to Kitakami in order to find gifts for its owners so that they would love it, and it sought the company of three friends - Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti. All of these stories intersect with Ogerpon’s and explain what is happening in the epilogue.
With the epilogue featuring plenty of moments where the main character and their friends have to take things in their own hands because of the mysterious events that unfold, it all seems to be a narrative similar toStranger Things' own, and it perfectly fits Gen 9’s themes. Considering how emotional some stories told inPokemon Scarlet and Violetwere, and how effective some characters' arcs ended up being, Gen 10 should try and emulate the scope and tones of the Mochi Mayhem epilogue, but this time for the overall narrative. There is a lot that thenextPokemongamescan learn from Gen 9, and its story is a great element to keep in mind.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
