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Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet has released the first part of its Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC. In this DLC adventure, called Teal Mask, players leave the Paldea region and take a trip to the land of Kitakami. With a new story, content, and, of course, Pokémon, the DLC has been a fun experience thus far. However, as many players know, Pokémon‘s DLC format is a relatively new addition. For some, this has been a mostly positive change. However, Teal Mask is missing a few things that only veteran Pokémon fans can appreciate. This includes a culminating sense of region-based world-building that old entries like Emerald and Platinum used to have to offer.
Rather than focus on DLC like Teal Mask, to follow a major Pokémon release, Nintendo would release an upgrade game. These entries, rather than being a new experience, improve upon the original Pokémon games of that generation. Generally, this includes adding new content, Legendary Pokémon, and opportunities to “Catch ’em All.” For example, after the original Pokémon Red and Blue were released, they were soon followed by Pokémon Yellow, which made some gameplay adjustments, as well as allowing players to use Pikachu as a starter. Out of many generations, these entries tend to be considered the definitive way to play each game. However, with a focus on DLC starting in Generation 8, there’s no need for an entry like Yellow, Emerald, or Platinum to be released.
The Teal Mask Misses The Continuous Lore Of Old Pokémon Games
While at first, this seems like more of a good thing than a bad thing, we lose a lot of great elements that made these upgrade entries special. With a DLC formula, we miss out on the culminating story and world-building that upgrade entries bring. Rather than continuing the adventures in the Paldea region, players leave the zone to explore a completely new area. While this does give some variety, sometimes it can be a bit frustrating to leave behind the previous zone that you grew so connected to. Additionally, the Teal Mask’s new lore is more relevant to the new area of Kitakami, rather than expanding upon what was established in the original Scarlet and Violet. This is in direct contrast to Pokémon‘s upgrade games which helped develop the world-building and lore of their original entries. Seeing the rise of Giratina in Platinum and the development of the Distortion World pushes the idea of the Creation Trio. In direct contrast, Teal Mask abandons the Ride Duo and Treasures of Ruin for the new concept of the Loyal Three and Ogerpon.
Buying One Standalone Game Gives More Purchasing Options Than Getting An Entry Plus DLC
Besides feeling disconnected from the original story, players also lose the ability to start with the upgraded version. Since each definitive Pokémon game is a standalone entry, players can simply start on this version rather than playing the previous games. However, you’ll need to purchase and play a bit of Scarlet and Violet before you can access Teal Mask. For previous generations, a player only needs to buy the definitive edition, like Platinum, for the full experience. However, for the Teal Mask, you need to buy both the base game and DLC. However, the old method does punish players for buying the original game on release, barring them from content. This was a bit frustrating back in the day, but for patient players looking for the cheapest experience, the old system had its advantages.
DLC Messes With Pokémon‘s Sense Of Progression
It’s undeniable just how much content the DLC adds compared to Pokémon upgrade games. The Teal Mask DLC gives players a new map, a handful of new Pokémon, returning moves, and so much more to explore. However, rather than feeling like a huge culmination of the story and world of a generation, the Teal Mask and new Pokémon DLC, in general, feels like side content. Overall, it’s an adventure outside of the main questline that players need to go out of their way to explore rather than feeling embedded into the story. Additionally, Generation 9’s legionaries aren’t developed here in terms of lore, and the Paldea region itself is ditched for a new world. Although the Teal Mask is an amazing and enjoyable experience, it’s hard not to miss Pokémon‘s old style.
