What region will Gen 9 be based on?

What Region will Gen 9 be Based on?

The long-awaited ninth generation of Pokémon, dubbed Gen 9, has finally arrived. After months of anticipation and speculations, fans finally got their hands on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the new flagship titles. As fans started to dive into the world of Paldea, questions started popping up regarding the new region’s inspiration and architecture. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Paldea and explore what makes Gen 9 unique, along with its inspirations and connections to real-life locations.

Influences from the Iberian Peninsula

Gen 9’s region, Paldea, is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, home to Spain and Portugal. The developers behind Pokémon Scarlet and Violet aimed to capture the essence of the Iberian Peninsula, blending its rich history, culture, and architecture to create a unique setting.

Here are some of the key inspirations that influenced the creation of Paldea:

• Topography: Paldea’s geography is characterized by mountains, hills, and beaches, all inspired by the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse landscapes.
• Architecture: Paldean buildings are adorned with Moorish arches, baroque details, and Islamic motifs, drawing from the architectural styles found in the Iberian region.
• Wildlife: Paldea is home to unique Pokémon, plants, and wildlife, all influenced by the Iberian Peninsula’s diverse flora and fauna.
• History and Culture: Paldean towns and cities are modeled after real-life cities and towns in the Iberian region, such as Barcelona, Granada, and Porto.

Additional Insights

In a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, a lead developer from Game Freak provided some additional insights on Paldea’s inspirations and creation:

• Game Designer’s Words: "We wanted to create a region that would inspire and transport players to another world, while also acknowledging and paying homage to our love for the Iberian Peninsula."
• Attention to Detail: The team put a significant emphasis on recreating the architectural and cultural details, often referred to as the "minutiae."

Table: Comparing Real-Life Locations and Paldea’s Inspirations

Conclusion

The influences of the Iberian Peninsula are evident throughout Paldea, as Game Freak aimed to blend its rich history, culture, and architecture with its unique vision. While drawing inspiration from real-life locations, the developers went beyond mere imitation, using it as a foundation to create something entirely new. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet showcase an innovative approach to regional design, setting the standard for future generations of Pokémon.

Stay tuned for further explorations of Gen 9’s world and inspirations in our next articles.