Legends: Arceus Finally Acknowledges That Adults Love Pokémon Too

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While there is certainly no age cap for being a Pokémon fan, Pokémon Legends: Arceus provides a much more mature experience than prior entries in the series. Most mainline Pokémon games have followed similar gameplay formulas and story arcs which have become repetitive over time. However, Legends: Arceus has made several updates to the usual Pokémon blueprint that are especially welcomed by more experienced Trainers.

Each Pokémon game is special in its own right but the series has notoriously repeated its formula in most entries. Characterized by battle loops, strictly linear exploration, and stories with characters that can sometimes feel paint-by-number, this formulahas perhaps become stale. Though thisstyle ofgame will always be nostalgic, there are infinite imaginative possibilities in the incredible world of Pokémon to explore.

Related: Pokémon Can’t Go Back After Legends: Arceus

Pokémon is often targeted towards kids even though Trainers come in all ages. There are many adults who have grown up with the franchise or play more recent popular games like Pokémon GO. Promotions for Legends: Arceus set expectations for an advanced experience high, especially among longtime fans. Thankfully, Pokémon Legends: Arceus has acknowledged these players through more thoughtful storytelling and enhanced gameplay.

The plot of most Pokémon games is intense (i.e. a 10-year-old travels a world of monsters alone), but Legends: Arceus’s story and character design are noticeably more mature than othertitles. The story begins with the protagonist falling through space and time; they must then prove themselves worthy to stay in Jubilife Village. Should they fail in this mission, they will be thrown out to certain death in the wilderness.