While fans missed out on a new spin-off game for the Switch among the new DLC announcement forPokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Pokemon anime could hold the perfect star for a newPokemonspin-off title. The series newest mascot, Captain Pikachu, is set to debut in the upcoming season of thePokemonanimealongside new characters Friede, Liko, and Roy. Longtime series protagonist Ash’s departure from the show is a bittersweet moment, but the introduction of Captain Pikachu lays the foundation for a whole host of potential spin-off games featuring this cute critter.
Although there was a lot of new information regarding DLC forPokemon Scarlet and Violet, the absence of a new major spin-off game for the Switch in the latest Pokemon Presents has some fans worried that series may be shifting towards a focus on mobile titles filling the space that spin-offs likePokemon Mystery DungeonandPokemon Rangeronce held. The lack of true-single player adventures separate from the mainlinePokemonseries seems like a huge missed opportunity, especially when there is a clear market for them. However, the franchise may be gearing up for a return to form with its spin-offs now that they have the perfect mascot in Captain Pikachu.
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What a Captain Pikachu Game Could Look Like
While there is still a lot about these new characters shrouded in mystery, the designs of Friede andCaptain Pikachusuggest that the pair have an affinity for flying planes, with Friede’s jacket and Pikachu’s hat matching those typically worn by pilots. Until more of Captain Pikachu is seen in the upcoming season of thePokemonanime, it will be hard to know for sure what role this critter plays. However, there are a lot of potential game types that could feature Captain Pikachu based on past spin-off games with a similar mascot.
If Captain Pikachu is indeed the co-pilot to Friede, then a game similar to theMarioseries' own captain might be the perfect type of game for this Electric-type mascot.Captain Toad: Treasure Trackerstars the titular explorer Toad from theMariouniverse in a puzzle adventure with the main mechanic being Captain Toad’s inability to jump. A Captain Pikachu game could follow a similar formula of a globe-trotting puzzle adventure that includes a unique mechanic involving Captain Pikachu’s Electric-typeabilities as a tool for solving puzzles.
ThePokemonfranchise also already has a unique Pikachu with his own game that could serve as inspiration for a Captain Pikachu spin-off.Detective Pikachustarted as a mystery adventure game on the 3DS before becoming a successful movie, but the gameplay of the 3DS title could be easily translated into a similar game featuring a different Pikachu. A Captain Pikachu game could still involve the mascot taking flight and traveling around the world, attempting to uncover the mysteries of thePokemonworld, but utilize an adventure/point-and-click style of gameplay. This kind of game would also be a great way to explore other aspects ofPokemon’s lore not covered in the main games.
Even if Captain Pikachu doesn’t receive their own spin-off title, it seems likely that the new mascot would get some sort of love in other existingPokemontitles. Captain Pikachu could easily take the form of a special Holowear for Pikachu inPokemon Unite, or appear as a special Pikachu inPokemon GO. It would also be great to see Captain Pikachu to receive a special distribution event forPokemon Scarlet and Violetas well so trainers can take their own version of the mascot along on their travels across the Paldea Region.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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