The Pokémon franchise’s decline in visual quality after transitioning to 3D in Gen VI is a widely held opinion. A Reddit thread on Sept. 21 proposed that adopting the HD-2D style of Octopath Traveler could rekindle lost love for the series.
One major argument in favor of HD-2D is centered around the latest generation of games, Scarlet and Violet. Since their debut, these games have been plagued by performance issues, including bugs and frame stutters. While the Pokémon received a slight graphical upgrade, it did little to compensate for these problems.
Even when running smoothly, the recent entries have failed to impress audiences. While some players acknowledge that Sword and Shield looked great outside of the wild area, the general consensus is that Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee are the best-looking games in the franchise. However, Legends Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet have been criticized for their visuals. The transition to the Switch has not allowed Pokémon to compete with other visually stunning games.
It is worth noting that Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the Gen IV remasters, were not mentioned in the assessment. These games have received mixed reviews, but I personally believe that their visual style, despite being a chibi overworld, is appealing in its simplicity and can rival Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee.
Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is approaching in 2026, and there are speculations about a Gen V remake or sequel. The idea of an HD-2D return to Unova in the next few years is captivating. Octopath Traveler showcased this visually stunning style, combining pixel sprites with a fully-realized 3D environment.
There is no denying that a Pokémon game with this level of beauty would undoubtedly be the best-looking entry to date. Additionally, it would likely offer smoother gameplay compared to the current options available.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
