The Pokémon franchise has taken inspiration from around the globe over the years. We've had regions and monsters inspired by France, Japan, Hawaii, America, and even the UK in the recently-released Pokémon Sword & Shield. The latest games might have only just come out, but I already can't help but wonder where Game Freak might take us next.
As it turns out, the next logical step for Pokémon is Australia. At least, that's what I'm fully convinced off after seeing the fully-developed world created by VivinkArt (via Kotaku). What apparently started off as a stupid joke that blew up on Twitter (Pokémon Yeah & Nah),ultimately blossomed into a comprehensive argument that Game Freak should go down under for the next generation of Pokémon games.
VivinkArt explained to Kotaku that the joke, coupled with all the information that was coming out regarding Pokémon Sword & Shield's uniquely British take on things, inspired them to go ahead and start creating their very own region.
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"Steve Irwin as a Professor/Champion made tons of people happy, which really motivated me to keep going," VivinkArt said. "Seeing so many people positively reacting and being touched by the idea of Irwin being a Pokémon Champ meant a lot."
You can take a look at the gorgeous region map VivinkArt created below. Everything from the massive Australian outback to the modern splendour of Sydney is referenced. Pokémon Sword & Shield dabbles with the idea of an open world-style "Wild Area" of course, and I could totally see VivinkArt's take on the outback working in exactly the same way.
Not content with creating an entire region, VivinkArt also put together a selection of Pokémon that might appear within its many wild nooks and crannies. The monsters themselves seem to have been inspired by a mix of mythical creatures, adorable Australian animals, and the many deadly critters that live in the country that could kill you dead. There's really something for everyone.
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I love Pladdle, the water starter, for example. It's based on a platypus, and we all know that's a super cute creature. Conversely, I do not care for Hunstsmare. It's clearly based on a Huntsman spider, and even looking at it makes me want to throw my laptop across the room in fear. I do not like spiders.
You can check out all the Pokémon VivinkArt has designed so far below. Be sure to keep up with the project by following them on Twitter too, where you'll find regular updates.
On paper, VivinkArt's effort already seems to be full of personality, enthusiasm, and passion. I for one, would be well up for seeing something just like this in the next Pokémon games. And by "just like this," I mean exactly this. Please.
Featured Image Credit: VivinkArtTopics: pokemon, Pokemon, Game Freak, Nintendo
