Pokemon's Multi-Region Remake has a once-in-a-generation golden opportunity that it can't let slip

While a new multi-region Pokémon the game has been on most fans' wish lists ever since Pokemon Gold and Silver allowed players to explore both Johto and Kanto, perhaps the most exciting potential a game like this has comes from the types of animals it can have. Gen 7 first introduced the concept of regional variants, and each new generation since then has added some of these regional forms to animals descended from previous generations. Since a remake would likely only feature existing mons anyway, it would be an opportunity to emphasize regional variants that didn't exist in those regions.

Pokemon's leaked multi-region remake may introduce new regional variants for older regions

A multi-region remake with the Gen 1-4 regions is bursting with potential, but is likely a once in a lifetime achievement. As such, going all out on Pokémon previously unavailable in these regions would be a worthy way to celebrate such a monumental undertaking. To make the most of this cross-generational Pokedex, with a bumper crop of newer mons getting regional variants for Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh would give the series a welcome refresh at the most opportune time.

Pre-Gen 7 regions are largely left out of the regional variant lottery

The concept of regional variants i Pokémon follows the true scientific idea of ​​Darwinian evolution, where two members of the same species evolve differently over time to adapt to their specific environments. This was a game-changing feature when Pokémon Sun and moon introduced it, as it allowed older Pokémon to get a new coat of color and remain relevant in new generations. However, this Regional Variant update should be allowed to go both ways, giving newer Pokemon the chance to spice up older regions with their own variants.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus proves it's worth giving regional variants to older generation regions

Technically speaking, Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes place in Hisui, a version of the Sinnoh region over 100 years ago. It does, however, create a blueprint for what Regional Variant Pokemon in an older generation's region could look like. For example, giving Basculin a regional evolution in the form of Basculeigon was a great way to improve an underwhelming beast, while giving a Pokemon like Hisuian Voltorb a thematically appropriate form for the setting paves the way for newer Pokemon to take a similar design when translated to an established region.

Pokemon that deserve regional variants and the regions that make the most sense

• Rockruff — Johtonian form

• Mudsdale — Sinnohian Form

• Coalossal — Hoennian form

• Arboliva — Johtonian form

• Mabosstiff — Cantonese form

There are potentially dozens of Pokemon from Gens 7-9 that could get regional variants in a multi-region remake of this scale. But some animals stand out as regional variants that must have based on how well they would fit into the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, or Sinnoh regions.

A post from HoopsandHipHop on X featuring artwork from user RGreywind presents a potential option for a Johtonian Rockruff Regional Variant. In this piece, Rockruff changes from a Rock-Pokemon to a Ghost-Type creature. Adding more ghost-types to the Johto region's Pokedex would be a huge boon if the existing gym leaders from the region return, as Morty's Ghost-Type team lacks much variety and could use a unique member like Johtonian Rockruff on the team.

Another Gen 7 Pokemon begging for a regional variant in this kind of multi-regional remake is Mudsdale. Specifically, a regional Sinnohian Mudsdale variant would make the most sense, given that Sinnoh's true inspiration, Hokkaido, is known for its horse breeding and is home to some of the country's most famous racehorses. And with Hokkaido's notoriously cold weather, an Ice/Ground-Type Mudsdale would be the perfect variant for that region.

Moving on to Gen 8, the ideal Galar native Pokemon to receive a regional variant is Coalossal. Given Hoenn's emphasis on the hot springs in Lavaridge Town and around Mt. Chimney, a variation of Coalossal based on this setting and the real sulphurous hot springs of Kyushu would make the most sense. Instead of keeping its Fire-type, the Hoennian Colossal could take on the yellowish hue of sulfur and its putrid smell to become a Poison/Rock-Type critter.

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For Gen 9 Pokémon, two animals come to mind as ideal candidates for new regional variants. The first is Arboliva and its pre-evolutions, all of which are based on olives and olive plants. The presence of Arboliva in Paldea is a reference to the prominence of olive cultivation in the real Mediterranean region. Japan's Shodoshima Island, located just off the coast of Okayama, is also home to a massive olive industry due to the region's Mediterranean climate. A Johtonian Arboliva might be a good way to refer to this industry, and can be found somewhere between Olivine City and Cianwood City, which are based on the same real-life location as this industry.

Mabosstiff is already an icon of Gen 9 due to the Legacy companion and his story in the Path of Legends quest in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. But this critter is also perfect for a Cantonese version as well. Its Paldean form is based on a cross between a mastiff dog and an Italian gangster. Since the Japanese yakuza organized crime syndicate is so prominent in the real Kanto region, it would be very thematically appropriate to have a regional variant of Mabosstiff that takes on a more yakuza-like appearance and possibly drops the Dark typing to become a Fighting-Type.

System

Released

2027

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer