Chapter Text
The newer Pokemon games have always been hated on, and I guess I can see why. But you can’t deny that some of these are amazing in one category of their craft- even for the newer generations.
Scarlet/Violet? Well, the gimmicks are really fun, despite being buggy and slow, and not to mention that shiny hunting is easier than ever in the games as well. When I made a sparkling sandwich to shiny hunt, not only did I get a Shiny Characadet- which I refuse to evolve for obvious reasons- I had gotten two Growlithes as well. All I had to do was evolve one. A full Growlithe shiny evolution line, done!
Lets go Pikachu/Eevee? I love how easy it is to bond with your Pokemon in that game. How you can actually interact with Eevee or Pikachu… hell, any pokemon you want to. And the catching gimmick is unique, too, despite it being a little too similar to Pokemon Go… but, regardless, I found it enjoyable.
But out of all of the newer games, there was one game that always stood out to me.
Pokemon Sword/Shield.
Not only is it absolutely stunning to look at- but the music plays like a symphony in my ears; it really riles me up, gets me ready to battle!
So, what’s the next step after I’ve completed the story?
Obviously, do a Nuzlocke!
I stared down at the screen, watching the hack download on my precisely modded Switch, flicking the two joycons back and forth to keep myself entertained.. The hack was called Locke-Key, and it was supposed to keep up with the rules of the Nuzlocke… it was just to ensure that I didn’t step out of line. You could also add some new rules- like Poke-Center and Potion restrictions. It was a handy little tool, I thought, as I opened my fresh copy of Sword on my alternate account in my Switch, so I could keep the save files on my other account.
The rules of the Nuzlocke went as followed:
- If a Pokemon faints, they die, and I have to box them.
- No potions, you have to stick to Poke-Centers.
- I have to nickname my Pokemon.
- No overworld encounters, only encounters in Grass.
- One Pokemon per route.
With the settings set on the Locke-Key database, I set up my Switch on my TV, and watched the entrance to the game, excited to start my Nuzlocke. The switch hums as the data appears on the TV- and I input my name into the prompt.
> Anthony
> CONFIRM?
> Yes.
> Character registered. Enjoy your journey!