Video games are filled to the brim with magical worlds for players to explore, but there are perhaps none more iconic than the world ofPokemon. Although the world ofPokemonis certainly a fantastical place full of adventure and incredible creatures, it actually is based off of real world locations. Given the locations that have already been used, what countries or areas in the real world still remain to be the basis of the nextPokemongame?
For those that don’t know,Pokemongames span over the course of eight generations, or sets of games. Each generation introduces anew region, with new Pokemon, types, mechanics, and more. All of these main entries in thePokemonseries (and even some spin-offs and side games) feature unique regions which are similar to real world locations both geographically and culturally. Throughout the course of eight generations ofPokemongames, many of the world’s most iconic countries, cities, and locales have already been used for inspiration, so where will generation nine’s next bigPokemonadventure take place?
Generation 1 (Red and Blue)
The first generation ofPokemon,Pokemon RedandPokemon Blue,are the games that started it all. Players find themselves in the Kanto region, taking their first steps towards becoming a Pokemon Master. Fans won’t need to apply much critical thinking to figure out what real world area this is based on, as the Kanto region is an actual section of Japan. Even specific cities within the game can be related to real world cities in the Kanto region of Japan. For example,Pallet Town shares many features with creator ofPokemonand current CEO of Game Freak Satoshi Tajiri’s hometown, Machida City.
Generation 2 (Gold and Silver)
Pokemon GoldandPokemon Silvertake place in the Johto region, and are especially notable because they allow players to explore both the Johto region and the Kanto region.Mount Silver separates these two regions in game, representing Japan’s tallest mountain, Mount Fuji. Although it draws inspiration from several regions of Japan, Johto is mainly based off the Kansai region. Notably, the Kansai region is to the west of the Kanto region, just like Johto is to the west ofPokemon’sKanto region.
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Generation 3 (Ruby and Sapphire)
Pokemon’s third pair of games,Pokemon RubyandPokemon Sapphire, brings the player to an island off the coast of Johto, the Hoenn region.The Hoenn region is based off of Kyūshū and its many surrounding islands. Once again, connections can be drawn between cities in game and their corresponding cities in the real world. For example, Slateport City, which features a large shipyard and even a cruise line run by Captain Stern which the player utilizes, relates to Nagasaki City in Japan, where ship building is the main industry.
Generation 4 (Diamond and Pearl)
Generation 4 brings players to the Sinnoh region, which is geographically very similar to the Hokkaido region of Japan, its northernmost islands. Generation 4 begins the trend of having more prevalent cultural references as well.InPokemon DiamondandPokemon Pearl, the legendary Pokemon Dialga and Palkiarelate to time and space respectively, but the third main legendary Pokemon, Giratina, is the master of the distortion world. The distortion world can be entered at Send-off Spring, a location which geographically matches Japan’s Lake Mashu, a mysterious fog covered crater lake which is the center of many Japanese folk stories.
Generation 5 (Black and White)
Pokemon BlackandPokemon Whitemarks an important departure from every otherPokemongame preceding it, particularly a departure from Japan.The Unova region is inspired by New York City, and is the first region not based off an area of Japan. The world map is strikingly similar to that of New York City, and along with many iconic locations (Skyarrow Bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge, the Musical Theatre is Broadway, and the Unity Tower represents the headquarters of the United Nations) features a distinctly American culture.
Generation 6 (X and Y)
Emboldened by the success ofPokemon BlackandPokemon White,Game Freak sought to takePokemonto yet newer destinations.Pokemon XandPokemon Yfeature the Kalos region, and any who stepped foot in Lumiose City or visited the Prism Tower should know that this region is based off of France, with the Prism Tower representing the Eiffel Tower. Some even speculate that the Kalos Pokemon League is actually Notre Dame.
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Generation 7 (Sun and Moon)
While somePokemongames are somewhat more subtle about their location,Pokemon SunandPokemon Moonis a deep dive into Hawaiian culture.The Alola region is a series of volcanic islands almost identical to those of Hawaii, with direct correlations between Melemele island and the real world O’ahu, Akala island and Hawaii’s Maui, Alola’s Poni Island and Kaua’i, and Ula’ula Island representing the Hawaii Island itself. The atmosphere and other features like the dances from Z moves are distinctly Hawaiian.
Generation 8 (Sword and Shield)
Pokemon’s latest installment,Pokemon SwordandPokemon Shieldtakes place in the Galar region, and mirrors the United Kingdom. Just looking at the map it is easy to see certain major cities recreated. Galar region’s northernmost City even has a clock tower and ferris wheel, showing that it is a representation of London.
Generation 9 (???)
Given thatPokemon SwordandPokemon Shieldhave just recently released, it will be some time before the ninth generation ofPokemongames release, but it is still interesting to speculate at what real world regions the next game might occupy. For the sake of diversity, it is likely safe to assume that Pokemon trainers will not be returning to Japan, America, France, or the United Kingdom. There are still several European countries, such as Spain, Italy, and Germany which would make great candidates, and other continents like South America and Australia have yet to be touched. Italy would make for an interesting choice, perhaps Game Freak could deliver a colosseum-esque Pokemon league or battle tower like experience. Germany’s romantic landscapes and frequent castles would also make for a uniquePokemonadventure, and an area like Brazil or Australia provideopportunity for exotic Pokemon and culturesto make their way into the franchise.
However, another popular idea advance have wanted for quite some time is for the next generation ofPokemongames to feature all the current regions in one game, massivePokemonspectacle in which players can travel the entirety of thePokemonworld and collect the over 1,000 Pokemon the series has to offer. For now, players should simply enjoyPokemon SwordandPokemon Shield, as only time will tell what directionPokemon’s9th generation will take.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shieldis out now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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