Summary
Pokemongames typically come with several new features and gimmicks, as well as changes to past generations' approach to some gameplay elements, such as how Pokemon eggs went from hatching level 5 critters to level 1 Pokemon. For example,Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s regional fakeswere a new spin on the concept of regional forms, and while there were only two species with this approach in the base game and one in The Teal Mask, it’s hard to say whether future generations will bring this back or not. Much like how other generations stood out for some unique features, Gen 4 shouldn’t be an outlier in the series for the unique way in which it treats one critter.
There are various examples ofPokemongames setting unique precedents that are never followed up on, such as how Gen 1 introduced the first-ever non-selectable starter that is also not part of the typicalGrass/Fire/Water Pokemon trifectain the form of Pikachu. There have been spin-off games with other unconventional starters, such as Eevee and Pikachu once again, but never for the mainline series of games. Similarly, Gen 4 was the first to introduce an interesting form-changing mechanic that its successors never expanded upon, making it a strange case.
Gen 5 Through 9 Ignored Gen 4’s Unique Rotom Form Change Gimmick
All Rotom Forms and Type Changes
The remakesPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlare the most recent versions of Gen 4 games, and while they still lacked several quality-of-life improvements thatPokemon Platinumbrought, they share similarities with the originals andPokemon Legends: Arceus. Among them is the fact that Sinnoh introduced Rotom for the first time in the series.Rotom is a Pokemon that can change formand thus type when some in-game items, called appliances, are activated. The concept was a novel and interesting one, making Rotom have five additional forms:
Why Gen 10 and Beyond Should Add More Rotom Forms
This made for a compelling system to change Rotom’s type outside of battle and still retain the same critter, which was a great step forward in accessibility forPokemonVGC tournaments. However, despite the immense potential of this idea, Rotom never received additional appliances and forms to change into for five mainline generations.
This makes Gen 4 stand out as a strange case, introducing a critter that is still competitively viable and also a beloved one while at it, all while making it change form at will between five different appliances, and then abandoning the idea for good with future games. Given that there are 18 Pokemon types, withPokemon Scarlet and Violetintroducing a 19th typetied to Terastallization, there are many other electronics that Rotom could haunt and thus gain new forms and types. The possibilities are endless, but given that this was never followed up on, it remains unlikely that new Rotom forms will ever be released.
It’s a similar situation compared to theEevee evolutions, which could hypothetically be of any type based on lore and the Pokemon’s own tendency to adapt, but only a handful were made and added to the games, with the latest being Sylveon in Gen 6. Not making more forms for Rotom seems like a wasted opportunity, especially considering how popular the critter still is and how crafting teams for competitivePokemonis being made easier with every new title. Unlike Eevee, however, Rotom was introduced with five alternative forms from the get-go and never got another, meaning it’s far less likely for it to ever get new ones compared to Eevee.
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 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.
