Delving into the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Indigo Disk DLC after the buzz
The buzz around the second part of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Downloadable Content (DLC), The Indigo Disk, has finally settled since its release less than a month ago. Now, for the big question: was it worth the Pokémon hype?
As we wrap up Pokemon’s ninth generation DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, did The Indigo Disk inject that extra zest into the Scarlet and Violet mix?
Spoiler alert, and I’ll cut straight to the chase: on the narrative front, the conclusion of the ninth generation’s final chapter unfortunately fizzled out rather than ending with a bang.
Rather than neatly addressing lingering questions like the origins of terastallisation – the franchise’s latest gimmick – and its role in the existence of Paradox Pokémon, which conspicuously hints at the prospect of time travel in the Pokémon world, it opted to introduce a slew of new questions and mysteries instead.
That’s not to imply that The Indigo Disk is lacking; quite the opposite. While it may falter in terms of the game’s narrative, it excels in gameplay.
The introduction of new game mechanics and enhancements in quality of life, reflects the essence of this current generation of the franchise, which encourages players to carve out their unique paths and narratives in the Pokémon world.
A philosophy that I believe, aligns seamlessly with my approach to any Pokémon game. In that regard, let me highlight standout aspects of The Indigo Disk.
In The Indigo Disk you find your character being chosen (again) for a student exchange programme at Blueberry Academy, at the recommendation of Carmine, one of the new characters introduced during The Teal Mask.
You soon find yourself at the academy which features the Terrarium, an expansive undersea dome with four biomes housing different wild Pokémon. Undoubtedly, this new map is the most outstanding feature of the game.
From the subtropical savannah, lush coasts, rugged canyon and frigid polar environment, each offers a vivid landscape and a diverse array of Pokémon species.
Exploration is true delight within these biomes, with an abundance of hidden nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. Each biome unearths a world of wonders, complete with subterranean areas that are equally enchanting like cave systems aglow with electric terastral energy.
The Indigo Disk has also brought about a range of new game mechanics and quality of life features, with two particular standouts being the Synchro Machine and the Item Printer.
The Synchro Machine, a novel key item, offers a fascinating experience by allowing your consciousness to merge with your chosen Pokémon.
This means you get to embody the Pokémon and explore the world from its perspective, offering a unique and immersive gameplay element. Numerous trainers have embraced this feature, finding joy in using it to navigate the Terrarium using legendary, kaiju-sized Pokémon like Rayquaza.
Personally, of course, the thrill of zipping through the biomes with Revvaroom, one of the fastest monsters in the game is unparalleled.
Additionally, the Indigo Disk spices things up by focusing more on battles, with all Terrarium encounters adopting the double battle format. And let me tell you, the trainers in this chapter don’t mess around, even if your monster squad is maxed out.
Double battles in Pokémon can be a wild ride, with countless monster combos, abilities, and moves that not only play well together but can totally wipe out your opponent. Think Rain Dance strategies making usually tricky moves like Thunder hit every single time – it’s game-changing!
As someone who’s been on the Pokémon journey since generation one (though more of a shiny hunter than a serious battler), there’s a certain pride that kicks in when I manage to outsmart a trainer using strategy rather than just overpowering them.
Ultimately, as a long-time Pokémon enthusiast, I find that The Indigo Disk, despite its narrative shortcomings, successfully captures the essence of the franchise’s evolving spirit.
In the end, the DLC may not have concluded the story with a resounding bang, but it certainly added a vibrant burst of colour and innovation to the Scarlet and Violet mix, leaving trainers with a tantalising taste of the ever-expanding Pokémon universe. – Wardi Wasil
