Summary
ThePokemonseries is one where traditions hold a significant place in the eyes of both players and developers for different reasons, and it’s not uncommon for new games likePokemon Scarlet and Violetto break some to reshape the franchise’s formula. Likewise, new traditions are created with modern games, such as each new title having at least some regional forms in it after the gimmick’s success inPokemon Sun and Moon. A recent trend is all about the faces of each generation - the so-called box Legendaries, which all share a unique characteristic with a few notable exceptions. This is the case of Gen 2’s Ho-Oh and Lugia, and it’s the reason why a newPokemonJohto game may be around the corner.
New Johto games have been rumored and discussed for quite some time now, and this possibility was even exacerbated by all the “hints” hidden away inPokemon Scarlet and Violet. In fact,Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Indigo Disk Perrin questawards players a Sport Ball, one of the various rare Poke Balls in the franchise, and this one is from the Bug-Catching Contest in Gen 2 games. Another possible clue is that the Legendary Beast trio was given Paradox forms with Walking Wake as Suicune, Raging Bolt as Raikou, and Gouging Fire as Entei - and they would make a lot of sense as side-mascots for a new Johto game.
Why A Pokemon Johto Game Could Be Next
Pokemon Gen 2’s Ho-Oh and Lugia Don’t Have Alternate Forms Yet
The reason why Ho-Oh and Lugia stand out from every box Legendary Pokemon in the series apart from Gen 6’s Xerneas and Yveltal is that they’re the only ones with no new form.Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Koraidon and Miraidoneven got different forms in their debut game, but both Ho-Oh and Lugia are still waiting for some - and a newPokemonJohto game could not only explain this, but also fix it.
Alternate Forms and Fusions
Ho-Oh and Lugia
Groudon and Kyogre
Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre
Dialga and Palkia
Origin Forme Dialga and Origin Forme Pakia
Reshiram and Zekrom
White Kyurem (Reshiram) and Black Kyurem (Zekrom)
Xerneas and Yveltal
Solgaleo and Lunala
Dusk Mane Necrozma (Solgaleo) and Dawn Wings Necrozma (Lunala)
Zacian and Zamazenta
Crowned Sword (Zacian) and Crowned Shield (Zamazenta)
Koraidon and Miraidon
Sprinting Build, Swimming Build, Gliding Build, and Apex Build (Koraidon) and Drive Mode, Aquatic Mode, Glide Mode, and Ultimate Mode (Miraidon)
While one could argue that, since Xerneas and Yveltal also don’t have alternate forms or fusions, it seems a stretch thatPokemonJohto games could come next, there’s always a possibility they will get them when Gen 6 remakes or new titles are released. Also, Gen 2 games did get remakes already, but they were from a time before the trend of box Legendary Pokemon getting new forms was not yet a thing, soHo-Oh and Lugiadidn’t get any.
As such, especially with all the Gen 5 easter eggs inPokemon Scarlet and Violet, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to believe that bothPokemonJohto and Unova gamesmay be next in line. They could even be complimentary releases in a way, possibly one that’s past-themed and the other future-themed to convey the same ideas behind the Paradox forms of the Legendary Beasts and Swords of Justice.
Regardless of the possibility of Gen 2 and Gen 5 getting games in quick succession, it does seem like the perfect storm for Ho-Oh and Lugia to get another Johto game and dedicated forms. Given that most of the existing alternate forms forLegendary Pokemon in the seriesfocus on aesthetic changes and more powerful moves or Abilities, it’s plausible that new versions of these Legendary birds may gain new battle tools. For example, Ho-Oh is said to have revived the Legendary Beasts upon their original death, so it could gain Revival Blessing fromPokemon Scarlet and Violet; on the other hand, Lugia could finally be given Water as one of its types.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you can join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
