Pokémon shield and sword on Nintendo Switch shows how far the franchise has advanced since the days of Red and blue, but what would the latest game look like in a similar 8-bit style? A Japanese YouTuber named Hayate Keiunji imagined just that with a new Pokémon video marrying the two generations of Pokémon together. Keiunji’s video is an incredible recreation of the Galar region, and one that seems true to the past and present of the Pokémon franchise. What is even more impressive is that the video lasts 19 minutes in total, and even causes a follow-up!
The video can be found embedded below.
Red and Blue Pokémon started with a battle between two Pokémon: Nidorino and Gengar in Red, and Gengar and Jigglypuff in Blue. Keiunji’s video replicates this opening using two Pokémon that debuted in Generation VIII: Corviknight and Duraludon. From there, the player is taken to a home screen where the protagonist Victor is next to a sprite by the holder Scorbunny. However, when the game starts, it’s clear that it’s not about replicating the story of Sword and Shield. Instead, it is an original tale in which Victor and Hop find themselves waking up in “low resolution”, with no idea what happened!
There is really impressive attention to detail in the video. Everything looks and sounds like a classic Pokémon game should, but the heart of Sword and shield remains intact; there’s even a sequel in which Victor and Hop are chased by a Dynamax Wooloo! According to Keiunji, they created this concept when they wanted to hear a Game Boy version of the city’s background music Sword and shield. When they were unable to locate it, they decided to do it, and this project was the result!
The video is further proof of the creativity of the Pokémon fan base. In the 25 years since Red and green Pokémon released in Japan, fans have found several ways to show their passion for Pokémon, and Keiunji clearly did that with his video. It will be interesting to see where the story goes when they release their second video!
Pokémon sword and shield is now available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. You can check out all of our previous coverage of the game here.
You are a fan of Pokémon sword and shield? What do you think of this video? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp to talk about games!