This Dark Pokémon Fan Game Is Still One Of The Best, But Should The Mainline Games Follow In Its Footsteps?
Over the years, countless Pokémon fan games have been unique in their own way. Each one has something that helps them stand out from the rest, whether it be completely new and original creatures to catch, a new battle mechanic, or even the expansive worldbuilding within a new region. Out of all of them, however, there is one fan game that clearly stands out due to just how dark its narrative can get.
Pokémon Insurgence is a fan-made game that was first released in 2017. It is complete with numerous unique mechanics, a fantastic story, and a large roster of Pokémon leading up to the sixth generation. On top of it bringing back the Delta Pokémon mechanic last seen in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the game was highly praised due to its unique narrative, which often took on a much darker and more serious tone. With how much praise this fanmade Pokémon game gets, it's a wonder if any future official titles can do anything remotely similar.
What Is Pokémon Insurgence?
A Fascinating & Dark Pokémon Fan Game
Pokémon Insurgence is a fan game that takes place in the original region of Torren, which is full of many incredible sights as well as numerous looming dangers. Although there is the option to play on a mode much closer to a typical Pokémon game in terms of its tone, most players tend to gravitate towards the original, much darker narrative. Ultimately, Insurgence is a great game for anyone who wants something different from the typical Pokémon story, and its opening scene is a fantastic indicator of that.
The game starts with the player character being kidnapped by a malevolent, Darkrai-worshipping cult when they are suddenly saved by the mythical Pokémon Mew, preventing their memories from being erased. Upon escaping their cell, the player learns that this cult is entirely willing to go to great lengths to achieve its goals, going so far as to sacrifice their cult members to perform summoning rituals. This scene immediately sets the tone for everything to follow and will not be the only death the player experiences throughout their journey in Torren.
Modern Pokémon Games Have Delved Into Darker Topics
Pokémon Titles Have Begun To Openly Explore Darker Themes
Although no mainline Pokémon game has ever portrayed dark themes in a manner that's on the same level as Pokémon Insurgence, more recent entries in the franchise have begun to explore more serious topics. The most notable example is when Pokémon Scarlet & Violet actively acknowledged that the professor died while in Area Zero rather than trying to leave it vague or up to interpretation. The moment shocked numerous Pokémon fans everywhere, adding a rather somber tone to a usually upbeat game.
In addition, the Pokémon Black & White games tackled the heavy topic of abuse toward the beloved Pokémon creatures themselves. A big question that is posed throughout the game is whether owning Pokémon and having them battle is abusive, primarily thanks to the speeches and actions of the Pokémon's villainous Team Plasma. Such a theme directly addressed the franchise's primary mechanic in an incredibly thought-provoking way while simultaneously addressing the darker side of the Pokémon universe that isn't often explored.
Will Pokémon Ever Have A Mainline Game Like Insurgence?
Official Pokémon Games Won't Be As Disturbing
Although it would certainly appeal to many adult fans of the franchise, it is incredibly unlikely that there will ever be an official game like Pokémon Insurgence. The Pokémon franchise as a whole is primarily targeted toward young children, meaning that the games will stick to much more light-hearted adventures. However, that is not to say that dark themes can't continue to exist in future Pokémon games, just not at the same level as in Insurgence.
Overall, it is pretty clear how Insurgence stands out from many of the other fan games that exist. With its much darker narrative, one cannot help but admire the lengths it is willing to go compared to many official releases. Although it is unlikely that any game in the Pokémon franchise will feature such dark and disturbing content, it should still be a sign that future games should consider taking more risks with their stories and the themes within them.
- Created by
- Satoshi Taijiri, Ken Sugimori, Junichi Masuda
- Video Game(s)
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Snap, Pokémon GO
- First Film
- Pokemon: The First Movie
- Latest Film
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
- First TV Show
- Pokémon
- First Episode Air Date
- April 1, 1997
