While many Pokemon fans are anticipating the next big video game in the mainline series in the form of Gen 10, it is going to be a long while before that happens, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A is filling that void in style this year. Initially thought to be more akin Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A has a lot of aces up its sleeve; between a redevelopment of Lumiose City and zones with different critters to catch, Mega Evolutions coming back, and a much more dynamic combat system with dodge animations, the game has a lot to offer. Yet, its starter trio sparked multiple discussions due to the inclusion of two Gen 2 Pokemon.
Given that its predecessor featured starters from Gen 2, Gen 5, and Gen 7, the most logical assumption for variety’s sake was that Pokemon Legends: Z-A‘s starters would be taken from three different generations of games. However, the upcoming title includes Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile, with the former and the latter both being from Johto. Considering that fans have been waiting for Gen 5 remakes after Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, seeing Tepig can be bittersweet. All the more so, however, for those who were anticipating a return to Johto and Gen 2 games, as having Cyndaquil in PLA first and both Chikorita and Totodile in PLZA can seal the fate of this long-rumored title.
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Pokemon Legends: Z-A May Single-Handedly Shut Down Johto Game Rumors
Between the fact that Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee! were a non-mainline return to Kanto and the fact that Johto has been the longest time without a new game, it only made sense to see new Johto Pokemon games being released soon. This need was further highlighted by fans being vocal about it and recent leaks and rumors regarding new Gen 2 games allegedly in the making, but this could be nipped in the bud by Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Even if The Pokemon Company was indeed working on a return to Johto in some shape or form, having all starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet‘s Indigo Disk DLC and then all three Gen 2 starters between PLA and PLZA could be overkill in terms of representation of the region. Not only that, but seeing Gen 2 starters in multiple games back-to-back and then having them in a new Johto game could make this hypothetical title much less appealing from the get-go.
Starter Pokemon are often a big reason for a given title’s success, or at least they contribute to it, because they are the very first critters a player is supposed to engage with and adventure alongside of. Making Gen 2 starters available in full in Gen 9 and then across two Legends games only for them to reappear in a return to Johto could reduce the hype for this title and not make players excited about their first partners. As such, it seems quite likely at this stage that the long-rumored and anticipated return to Johto may have to wait a bit, unless it happens in a different fashion.
Why a Return to Gen 2’s Johto is Not Off The Table
Given the circumstances, there is one scenario where a return to Johto could be much more interesting after Gen 9, PLA, and PLZA, and it could be the next Legends game. Granted, this will most likely come in a few years if at all, but it could be what the franchise needs to justify a return to Johto and the choice not to use Gen 2 starters, or at least use them in very different ways. An example could be Pokemon based on Gen 2 starters that are instead the so-called “regional fakes” from Gen 9, meaning other species altogether with similar characteristics. This could be a refreshing way for Pokemon Gen 2 games to be remade, but for now, fans will have to wait and see.
