While the core fundamentals of the franchise’s gameplay have remained the same,Pokemongames have evolved exponentially since their arrival on the Game Boy back in 1996. From major technical upgrades to significant visual overhauls, the series has long since abandoned the 8-bit sprites that dominated the likes ofPokemon Red, Green, Blue,andYellow,offering experiences that boast AAA spectacle.
However, one avidPokemonfans seems to be interested in a world where the franchise stuck to its roots, with Japanese YouTuber Hayate Keiunji showcasing a version ofPokemon SwordandShieldthat replicates the style of the series' early outings. According to the creator, they were originally listening to the Postwick Town backing music when they came up with the idea, deciding they were going to recreate the tune in the style of the originalGame Boy classics.
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It seems the project eventually became something much more, as the video showcases both their retro take on the Postwick backing music and an original story complete with locations fromSwordandShieldrendered in the franchise’s original 8-bit style. The dialogue for the game is in Japanese, however, the YouTuber has provided English subtitles, which can be turned on using the captions setting. The footage ventures to several of theSwordandShieldcampaign’s opening locations, including Postwick, Monostoke, and Wedgehurst.
Along the way, the fan-reimagining does a great job of showcasing many ofSwordandShield’sfiner details in its retro style, including putting Wooloo on the sides of certain paths and including several main NPCs in city locations. The YouTuber even goes the extra mile and shows what the game’s cartridges might look like, slotting them into a Game Boy Color. It’s a nostalgic visualization of how farPokemonhas come over the years and a fun glimpse at whatSwordandShieldmight’ve looked like had they released back in the late 90s rather than 2019.
It’s an especially apt video consideringPokemonis celebrating its 25th anniversary later this month, organizing a virtual concert hosted by Post Malone to celebrate. The month will be filled with other funPokemonevents to continue the celebration, with McDonald’s continuing to give awayPokemoncards in Happy Meals andSwordandShieldoffering fans a free singing Pikachu. That’s not all for 2021 though, withNew Pokemon Snaplaunching in April and fans speculating a potentialPokemon DiamondandPearlremake could be on the cards later in the year. Regardless, it’s a great time to be aPokemonfan.
Pokemon SwordandShieldare out now on Nintendo Switch.
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