Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: Lackluster Writing Despite Expanded Gameplay

Introduction

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC, The Indigo Disk, concluded in December 2023, introducing the new legendary Terapagos and resolving the plotlines of Kieran and Carmine. While the DLC brought fresh gameplay elements, its writing was deemed lacking compared to the base game’s thrilling finale, The Way Home.

Character Interactions: A High Point

Despite the shortcomings of the DLC’s narrative, character interactions remained a highlight. The dynamic between the player and rivals Kieran and Carmine added depth to the storyline, providing engaging moments and showcasing character growth.

Retreading a Tired Trope: Crushing the Rival’s Dreams

The DLC’s greatest weakness lies in its reliance on a tired trope: the player character inevitably crushing the rival’s dreams. By the time newer Pokémon games attempted to deconstruct this concept, the idea of the player constantly surpassing the rival had grown stale.

Overpowered Player Characters: A Narrative Limitation

The trope’s overuse highlights the overpowered nature of Pokémon player characters. Even by the standards of self-insert avatars, Pokémon protagonists possess extraordinary abilities that often overshadow their rivals. This imbalance undermines the potential for compelling rivalries and realistic character journeys.

Conclusion

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC, The Indigo Disk, offered expanded gameplay but failed to deliver on the narrative front. The retreading of a tired trope undermined the storyline, while the overpowered player character remained a narrative limitation. Despite strong character interactions, the DLC’s writing ultimately fell short of the base game’s memorable conclusion.

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