Summary
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetthrew the traditionalPokemonformula right out the window. In previous mainlinePokemongames, fans play as a Pokemon Trainer who sets out from their hometown to complete a circuit of routes and gyms with the ultimate goal of becoming the Pokemon League Champion.Pokemon Scarlet and Violetinstead have the main character as a student attending the oldest school in the region where they can attend classes and complete missions for various teachers.
Each teacher inPokemon Scarlet and Violethas a unique personality that the player can get to know through their individual questlines. The player is also given various rewards for completing tasks or meeting milestones set by the teachers. For example, the player who successfully completes the Paldea Pokedex willreceive a Shiny Charm from Mr Jacq. This item will increase the likelihood that a player will encounter Shiny Pokemon.
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Hitting The Books In Scarlet and Violet
Getting rewards from the teachers is great, but there is something extra special about following a teacher’s personal story. For example, there’s Mr. Salvatore, a man who is focused on teaching the player and other students about the languages of both humans and thePokemon of the Paldea region.
After taking a few of Mr. Salvatore’s classes, the player will encounter him in the schoolyard attending to an injured Pawmi. The panicking teacher administers a Potion supplied by the player and resolves to nursethe Paldean mouse Pokemonback to health.
Mr. Salvatore and the injured Pawmi’s story will progress as the player attends more classes and eventually passes the Language final exam. If the player talks to Mr. Salvatore between classes he will reveal that the Pawmi was attacked by a wild Pokemon and that for some reason it will not make a sound. Salvatore can even be found confiding in Mr. Jacq, the biology teacher, who also can’t understand why the Pokemon won’t to use its voice.
Eventually, Mr. Salvatore concludes thatthe Pikachu-like Pawmiis simply shy, and while it is in otherwise good health, it might not survive in the wild if it is unable or unwilling to use its voice. This heartwarming tale concludes when the player suggests that Pawmi belongs with Mr. Salvatore, with the Pawmi finally using its voice to express its approval of the idea, much to the delight of the enigmatic teacher.
Mr Salvatore will give the player a Galarian Meowth as thanks for helping with Pawmi’s recovery. This is a nice reward, but seeing the poor Pawmi recover and bond with Mr. Salvatore who becomes its new trainer is satisfying in and of itself. The character interactions along the way,like the one with Mr Jacqwho also features in The Teal Mask DLC, or the way players help Mr. Saguaro open up about himself, make the world of Paldea feel that much more lifelike.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Teachers are Full of Thoughtful Details
Interestingly, this cutePokemon Scarlet and Violetstory is cleverly foreshadowed by Mr. Salvatore himself when he introduces himself to the students by telling them that his name means “savior” and that he is there to save them from “spooky new languages.” In the end, the man lived up to his name, albeit by saving a cute Pokemon rather than a student.
Mr. Salvatore is just one of several teachersthat the player will get to know inPokemon Scarlet and Violet. They are all well-designed and lively characters that add depth and flavor to theScarlet and Violetexperience. Game Freak might not have perfectedScarlet and Violet,as the open world is often criticized for feeling bland and empty, but the cast of interesting and memorable characters is on point.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetis available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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