Pokemon's multi-regional remake has a once-in-a-generation golden opportunity that it can't let slip

While the new multiregion Pokemon the game has been on most fans' wish lists ever since Pokemon Gold and Silver allowed players to explore both Johto and Kanto, perhaps the most amazing potential a game like this has comes from the types of creatures it could feature. Gen 7 first introduced the concept of regional variants, and each new generation since then has added some of these regional forms to the pets that came from previous generations. Since the remake would likely only feature existing mons anyway, an emphasis on regional variants not originally found in those regions would be an opportunity that may not be repeated.

A leaked multi-region Pokémon remake may introduce new regional variants for older regions

A multi-region remake with Gen 1-4 regions is bursting with potential, but is likely a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. Going all out on Pokemon previously unobtainable in these regions would be a worthy way to celebrate such a monumental undertaking. To get the most out of this cross-generational Pokedex, with plenty of newer mons getting regional variants for Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, it would give the series a welcome refresh at the most opportune time.

Pre-Gen 7 regions are largely left out of the regional variant lottery

Concept of Regional variants in Pokemon it follows the real scientific idea of ​​Darwinian evolution, where two members of the same species evolve differently over time to adapt to their specific environment. When it was a game-changing feature Pokemon Sun and Moon ​​​​​​​he introduced it because it allowed older Pokémon to get a new paint job and remain relevant to new generations. However, this regional variant revival should go both ways, giving newer Pokémon a chance to spice up older regions with their own variants.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus proves that giving regional variants to older generation regions pays off

technically speaking, Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes place in Hisui, a version of the Sinnoh region more than 100 years in the past. However, it does create a blueprint for what regional variant Pokemon could look like in an older generation region. For example, giving Basculin a regional evolution in the form of Basculeigon was a great way to beef up an underwhelming creature, while giving a Pokémon like Hisuian Voltorb a thematically appropriate form for the environment paves the way for newer Pokémon to adopt a similar design when transferred to an established area.

Pokemon that deserve regional variants and regions that make the most sense

• Rockruff — Johtonian form

• Mudsdale — Sinnohian Form

• Coalosal — Hoennian form

• Arboliva — Johtonian form

• Mabosstiff — Cantonese form

There are potentially dozens of Pokemon from Gens 7-9 that could get regional variants in a multi-region remake of this magnitude. However, a few pets stand out as necessary regional variants based on how well they would fit into the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, or Sinnoh regions.

A post from HoopsandHipHop on X featuring artwork by user RGreywind presents a potential possibility for a regional variant of the Johtonian Rockruff. In this volume, Rockruff changes from a Rock-Type Pokémon to a Ghost-Type creature. Adding more Ghost Types to the Johto Region Pokedex would be a great benefit if the current Gym Leaders from the region were to return, as Morty's Ghost-Type team is seriously lacking in variety and could use a unique member like Johtonian Rockruff on the team.

Another Gen 7 Pokemon begging for a regional variant in this type of multi-regional remake is Mudsdale. Specifically, a Sinnohian Mudsdale regional variant would make the most sense, given that Sinnoh's real-world inspiration, Hokkaido, is known for its horse breeding and is home to some of the country's most famous racehorses. And with Hokkaido's notoriously cold weather, an Ice/Ground-Type Mudsdale would be an ideal option for the region.

After the transition to Gen 8, Galar-native Pokémon are ideal for obtaining the regional variant of Coalossal. Since Hoenn emphasizes the hot springs located in Lavaridge Town and around Mt. Chimney, a Coalossal variant that draws on this environment and the actual sulfur hot springs of Kyushu would make the most sense. Instead of retaining its Fire type, Hoennian Colossal could take on the yellowish tinge of sulfur and its putrid stench to become a Poison/Rock type creature.

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For Gen 9 Pokémon, two critters come to mind as ideal candidates for new regional variants. The first is Arboliva and its pre-development, which is based on olives and olive plants. The presence of Arboliva in Paldea is a reference to the prominence of olive cultivation in the true Mediterranean region. The Japanese island of Shodoshima, located just off the coast of Okayama, is also home to a massive olive industry due to its Mediterranean climate. Johtonian Arboliva could be a great way to refer to this industry, and can be found somewhere between Olivine City and Cianwood City, which are based in the same real world location as this industry.

Mabosstiff is already a Gen 9 icon thanks to Arven's companion and his story in Path of Legends v Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. However, this creature is also perfect for the Cantonese version. His Paldean appearance is based on a cross between a mastiff dog and an Italian mobster. Since the Japanese yakuza organized crime syndicate is so prominent in the real-world Kanto region, it would be very thematically appropriate to have a regional Mabosstiff variant that takes on a yakuza-like appearance and potentially ditches the dark writing and becomes a fighting type mon.

Systems

Released

2027

Multiplayer

Online co-op, online multiplayer