Pokemon ScarletandVioletface a lot of new challenges as the series' first fully open-world game, but one feature it should pull to ease this transition is a diverse and dynamic radio broadcast.Pokemonhas an opportunity tolearn from the successes and failures ofLegends: Arceusto create an immersive world that is believable and engaging by having lived-in towns and cities, wild areas teeming with Pokemon, and NPCs roaming across the region.
Radio broadcasts could make the vast open world ofPokemon ScarletandVioletfeel less empty and full of real characters living their own lives. Many open-world games utilize something similar to create a better sense of character and lore for the world players are in, includingGrand Theft Auto,Saints Row, andCyberpunk 2077. This mechanic could also help guide the player, provide useful tips, or slip them hints about secret areas, rare Pokemon, and special events.
RELATED:How Pokemon Legends: Arceus is Seemingly Influencing Scarlet and Violet
Radios in Previous Pokemon Games
GivenPokemonhas an extensive history of games to pull from, fans might already be familiar with the entries that have included radio broadcasts. Early games likePokemon GoldandSilverprominently featured a radio thanks to its PokeGear, whilePokemon DiamondandPearlhad Jubilife City and its TV station. Using the PokeGear, players could tune into various broadcasts like the Pokedex Show for details about certain monsters, or the Pokemon Music Channel that could play unique music as they continued on their adventure.
These radio broadcasts were also dynamic, varying with the time of day and location where players tuned in. They similarly reflected plot developments like Team Rocket’s takeover of theGoldenrod City Radio Tower. While mostPokemongames typically guide the player along a linear route, acknowledging important narrative events via the radio could be a subtle but effective way to inform players of things they can do in an open world.
Moreover, the radio could be used to serve in-game functions. For example, in the remakesPokemon HeartGoldandSoulSilver, new radio channels were introduced that allowed players to encounter and catch Pokemon from Gen 3 and 4. It was also used in place of the Poke Flute to awakenfan-favorite Snorlax, and in areas like the Ruins of Alph, Lake of Rage, or Mahogany Town, unique transmissions can be picked up owing to in-game events or lore. There’s real potential in using features like a radiofor effective world-building.
Introducing Radio in Scarlet and Violet
Introducing radio into the world ofPokemoncould capitalize on the mechanics of Hi-tech Earbuds fromPokemon SwordandShieldas well as theRotom Phone confirmed to be returning inScarletandViolet. Not only would the player have the freedom to turn on or off the broadcasts at will, they would be able to choose what they’d prefer to listen to, be it informational channels or music stations.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Open-World Evolution is a Logical Step for the Franchise
Another hurdle thatScarletandVioletneeds to overcome for in-game radio to really succeed isintroducing voice acting toPokemon. Game Freak has yet to take active steps in this direction, though it wouldn’t stop the game from using text in place of voices. Doing so in a way that won’t disrupt gameplay might be challenging. If it can overcome this,ScarletandVioletcan tap into radio’s world-building possibilities.
How Using Radio Would Benefit Scarlet and Violet
ProvidedScarletandVioletcan work out the kinks, radio broadcasts would need to be divided into various categories. Some would need to serve very basic functions such as explaining tutorial-levelgameplay features of thePokemonseriesalaFireRedandLeafGreen’s Teachy TV, while others would be standard music stations. SincePokemonhas an extensive library of music it can pull from, creating channels or daily broadcasts that showcase music from each generation would be an unobtrusive way of delivering nostalgia to fans.
Broadcasts can then vary between different regions of Paldea, airing at different times of the day. For example, a morning show might provide players with weather updates and possible Pokemon sightings, while late-night shows could instead provide tips on where to find fellow trainers orTeam Star members across the open world. Broadcasts could also vary between locations, acknowledging local town or city names, becoming scrambled in caves, or even adding lore with mysterious transmissions in certain areas.
Lastly, the radio can be used to provide the player with important details about developing plot points. Following confirmation thatScarletandVioletwill have multiple storylines, using the radio to provide updates on each could help players keep tabs on where they are upon resuming play after a break. Broadcasts could break news stories on in-game events such as which Gym Leader was last defeated, what Team Star is up to, or areas where special events are happening. Radio can not only build up a world and make it feel alive, it can also help players navigatePokemon’snew open world.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare set to release on November 18, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Should Bring Back the Battle Frontier
