Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Paradox Pokemon have been an exciting addition, butVioletplayers have not been quite as fortunate as theirScarletcounterparts. While the Paradox Pokemon have added a lot of interesting new options with some being competitive powerhouses, it’s hard to ignore the fact that one game seems to thrive more than the other. Considering that version differences are nothing new forPokemon Scarlet and Violet, the different sets of Paradox Pokemon should be no surprise. However, it’s easy to find oneself wishing thatPokemon Violethad more to offer when it came to Paradox Pokemon.
The addition ofParadox Pokemon inPokemon Scarlet and Violethas been an effective defining feature of Generation 9. Representing versions of preexisting Pokemon as they existed in the distant past or distant future, they are a fascinating presence in the games. Not only do the Pokemon change visually, but they also have different types and power levels as well compared to their original counterparts. Some powerful Pokemon such as Salamence are about on par with their Paradox counterparts, but weaker Pokemon like Delibird and Jigglypuff saw massive power boosts. Paradox Pokemon have made Paldea a more interesting region to explore.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Indigo Disk is Likely to Borrow One Crown Tundra Feature
Pokemon Violet’s Paradox Pokemon Follow a Predictable Trend
A big part of Generation 9’s version split is thedifference betweenScarletandViolet’s Paradox Pokemon, with each game focusing on a time period.Pokemon Violet’s Paradox Pokemon come from the future, which is an exciting prospect. Still, thus far it seems that the developers ended up going the same route with every one ofPokemon Violet’s Paradox Pokemon. All of them look like robotic versions of the Pokemon that they’re based on, with names that start with the word “Iron”. While many of the robot designs look cool, the effect is diminished when every Paradox Pokemon essentially follows the same idea.
The idea of prehistoric Pokemon turned out to have more mileage in terms of design, withPokemon Scarlet’s paradox Misdreavus, Flutter Mane, being one of many examples.Pokemon Scarlet’s Paradox Pokemon don’t follow a specific pattern, leading to many more creative designs. With things such as Sandy Shocks being a Ground-type Magneton that has collected a lot of iron filings, and Slither Wing being a ground-bound Volcarona with Fighting-type moves, it feels like a Paradox Pokemon hailing fromPokemon Scarletcould change in a wide variety of ways compared to their original form, whileViolet’s offerings continued to be robots time and again.
There is a chance that subsequent Paradox Pokemon forPokemon Violetcould find more futuristic ideas to focus on. ButPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Legendary Paradox Pokemonhave continued the same pattern that started in the base game. The Paradox Pokemon based on Virizion and Cobalion, Iron Leaves, and Iron Crown are once again robotic counterparts of the original Legendaries. Rather than unveiling something new for the Legendaries,Violetsimply stuck with the same design concept as its other Paradox Pokemon. Iron Leaves and Iron Crown do look cool, but they effectively confirmed that all ofViolet’s Paradox Pokemon will likely be robot counterparts.
Alongside the Terastal mechanic, Paradox Pokemon are the Generation 9 games' main gimmick and one that has proven quite successful. While there may bemoreScarlet and VioletParadox Pokemon to come, at this point it seems likeViolet’s offerings will remain the same as always. Even with DLC Paradox Pokemon now being revealed, the futuristic side featured inPokemon Violetcontinues to stick to the robot route. While many of these robotic Pokemon are excellent additions,Pokemon Violetplayers are not getting to see the same variety thatPokemon Scarletplayers have benefited from.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for the Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk Elite Four Shouldn’t Start a New Trend
