One of the most compelling elements of any mainlinePokemontitle is the region in which the game takes place in. Whether it bePokemon RedandBlue’s Kanto,Pokemon BlackandWhite’s Unova, or the newest region Galar fromPokemon SwordandShield, it is thrilling to explore the world ofPokemonin new locations. The extra exciting aspect of each region is that they are based on real-world locations. So, with theninth generation ofPokemonto be announcedsometime in the future, there are some interesting possibilities when it comes to the location that the new region could be based on.
Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company have been very busy withPokemonas of late, thanks to the recent release ofPokemon Unite, the soon the be launchedPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl,and the upcomingPokemon Legends: Arceus. However, any information on the mainline generation ninePokemontitle has not yet been shared. That being said, rumors have pointed to what thepossible region could be for the nextPokemongame, and that creates excitement around predicting that region location.
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History of the Regions in the Mainline Pokemon Games
The first four regions in thePokemongames were all based on Japanese locations. The Kanto region fromPokemon RedandBlueis quite literally based on the Kanto region of Japan, which includes Tokyo, the Kanto Plain, and a population of 42 million citizens. Locations within each region are also based on real-life places as well. For example, Viridian City is believed to be based on Hakone Town, Cerulean City is based on Tsuchiura City, and Kanto Power Plant is based on Tokai Nuclear Power Plant.
This same principle holds true for other games, as Johto (fromPokemon GoldandSilver) is believed to be based on the Kansai region of Japan. Meanwhile, Hoenn fromPokemon RubyandSapphireis strikingly similar to Kyushu and its surrounding islands in Japan, andPokemon DiamondandPearl’s Sinnoh looks to be based on Hokkaido. The regions ofPokemoncan be so unique, which is partially what thenew limited seriesPokemon Evolutionis about. So, after four games in one beautiful country, the pocket monster collecting game started to travel the world.
Pokemon BlackandWhiteis based on New York City, and the region is named Unova. Meanwhile, the sixth generation ofPokemon,XandY, is set in Kalos which is based on France.Pokemon SunandMoon’s region is named Alola and it is the second game based in the United States, although quite far from New York City as it takes place in Hawaii. Lastly, the newest mainlinePokemontitle’s region is the Galar region, which is in theUnited Kingdom forPokemon Sword and Shield.All of these real-world locales leave fans wondering wherePokemoncould go next.
Predicting a Region for Pokemon Gen 9: Italy
Some of the recent rumors point to the idea that the newest generation’s region could take place in Italy, which would be a pleasant location for aPokemontitle. Italy is one of the most geographically diverse countries. Parts of Italy are known for their amazing beach towns along the Mediterranean Sea like Amalfi or even the island of Sicily itself. Italy is also known for its massive fields of sunflowers or the cold beautiful Italian Alps. Meanwhile, the history is rich in the European country, asvideo games have long used Rome as a backdropfor storytelling. Meanwhile, it is easy to imagine Game Freak and The Pokemon Company creating aPokemonversion of Venice.
There have already been two games based on European locations with Galar (UK) and Kalos (France). It makes sense to continue the trend with another popular and beautiful country, and it helps that it has a distinctive look from the others. Italy would be a perfect fit for the nextPokemongame, and it could easily be afavorite region forPokemonfans.
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Predicting a Region for Pokemon Gen 9: Australia
Another excellent choice for a region inPokemonwould be Australia. One of the most unique, wild, and dangerous countries in the world, Australia would provide a whole new world to explore for aPokemongame. In terms of variety, Australia has plenty of options, starting with Sydney as the main hub city. From there, players would be able to explore the Daintree Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Victoria Desert, and much more.Australia also has a huge video game audience, so it would be exciting to see aPokemontitle located there.
Predicting a Region for Pokemon Gen 9: California
So far, the United States has seen twoPokemongames based on it, but a third could be possible. The state of California would be wonderful forPokemonbased on how big and diverse it is. It would not be hard to imagine aPokemontitle with the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Mount Whitney, and the Redwood National/State Park. One ofNintendo’s sites is located in Redwood California, so it would be natural to have a game based on a region nearby.
Predicting a Region for Pokemon Gen 9: Chile
Pokemonis beloved all over the world, and South America is no exception. Chile is a country thatPokemonis particularly popular in, so it would make sense for Nintendo to allow the game to be in. Plus, thus far the games have traveled to quite a few continents, but South America is not one of them. A game likePokemon GOhas Pokemon exclusive to regions around the world, such as South America, so it would be splendid to add a game in that area.
There are of course plenty of options to choose from in the continent of South America, but Chile is considered a gorgeous country and an amazing place to travel to. Game Freak and The Pokemon Company could create unique areas to travel to in the game based on the country, including the dryest place in the world in the Atacama Desert, the world’s largest swimming pool, the colorful city of Valparaiso, active volcanos, shorelines, penguins, and Easter Island. There are truly countless options to chose from all over the world, it would be hard to go wrong. In the end, the region with the most diverse locations is likely the best bet. For the sake of anticipation, hopefully the game and the location is announced sooner rather than later, asPokemonfanscannot wait to learn more.
The ninth generation ofPokemonis not confirmed to be in development.
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