Pokemon Legends: Arceus was a large departure from the traditional Pokemon game formula and was a huge global success. So that begs the question, will there be another Pokemon Legends game? Continue to read our guesses and theories.
Pokemon Legends Sequel a Possibility?
From its Gigantic Success, Chances are High
Pokemon Legends: Arceus(PL:A) was the first big Pokemon title that diverged from its well-worn formula of turn-based battling, badge-collecting, and Pokemon League-defeating. It featured an open-world formula where players were able to spot live Pokemon roaming through the wilds, contrary to invisibly lurking in tall grass or water like in the previous mainline games. These are but a few reasons why PL:A differs so greatly from the main Pokemon games, and also why it felt like a huge breath of fresh air that shook the Pokemon formula.
These are also the reasons why PL:A grew to such huge success, eventually becoming one of the franchise’s best selling games, reaching over 14.83 million units sold by March 2023. If you compared it to the other mainline games at the top of the list such as Pokemon Sword and Shield(S&W), as well as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet(S&V), you might think that it was still vastly outsold with their insurmountable 25.82 million and 22.10 million units sold. However, if you look at it closer, sales of both versions are always combined, which always lead to them amassing massive numbers.
If we’re to get technical, then a single Pokemon game from either S&W or S&V only amounts to half their specified units sold. S&W would then only individually have sold an estimation of 12.91 million copies each. In the same vein, the S&V games only sold 11.05 million units each. Now, compare both those numbers against PL:A’s 14.83 million, and you can posit that it actually outsells even the mainline Pokemon games!
Regardless of whether you agree with my logic or math, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is still a widely renowned game with critical financial success. It would be remiss for Nintendo to not strike while the iron’s hot and develop a sequel to this fresh, new beloved formula for Pokemon.
Pokemon Legends Sequel Theories
Pokemon Legends: Celebi Set in Johto?
Sophie McEvoy from GamesRadar wrote a very interesting piece of what she thinks a Pokemon Legends: Sequel should be, and that it should be based in Johto.
She speaks of the several legends and lore already residing within the region, most importantly with the three Pokemon that passed in a fire, that were then revived into the three Legendary Dogs by Ho-Oh. The chance is also laid perfectly to make use of Celebi, the adorable time-travel Pokemon, to connect with the “back-to-the-past” event where the main protagonist gets transported back through time to live through the region’s history.
Most importantly of all, as most fans who have played the early Pokemon games know, Johto is tightly connected to the Kanto region, Pokemon’s most iconic region where it all started. Just imagine a Pokemon Legends game where you travel through ancient Johto, finish the main quest, and suddenly be thrust into a brand new region of historical Kanto where you’ll also be free to explore. That certainly sounds like every Pokemon fan’s dream.
Pokemon Legends: Jirachi Set in Hoenn?
Similar to all Pokemon regions, Hoenn has extensive built-in legends and lore that could be expanded upon further. The origin of the ever-iconic and eternal battle between Kyogre and Groudon could be the main feature, with perhaps Rayquaza appearing to play peacemaker for the first time. The eon duo Pokemon Latios and Latias just scream for more opportunities to be had, as the two have yet to be heavily featured in any Pokemon games’ narratives. A personal request would be to feature Deoxys, the shapeshifting alien with many forms. The game could feature another ancient meteorite where other forms or species of Deoxys could originate from.
Of course, following the same line of thought of having an adorable Pokemon with powerful magic powers, Jirachi can be the reason why the player would get transported back to ancient Hoenn. The player might accidentally make a wish to “visit the past,” in which Jirachi interprets literally and makes it come true.
Contrary to Johto, Hoenn in particular isn’t connected to any other Pokemon regions. What it does have, however, is the possibility to become an open world land AND sea adventure game. As Hoenn is somewhat infamous for having “too much water,” it would make an excellent changeup to the traditional on-foot exploration. Imagine encountering Team Aqua as pirates while out in the waters and having to fight them off in a hybrid of ship and Pokemon battles. That will surely be a sight to…sea.
Sources:
VGChartz | Switch Ships 125.62 Million Units as of March 2023 - Sales
GamesRadar | Why a Pokemon Legends Arceus sequel would absolutely need to focus on Johto
