Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Nintendo Switch) were released about two weeks ago. MeinMMO’s editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski has dived into the adventure and is sure that there is only one true choice for the starter: the goofy Krokel.
If you have ever played one of the main titles of Pokémon, you know how the choice of the starter has been on your mind for months before the release. Starters are the Pokémon you begin your journey with.
All Pokémaniacs have a special relationship with the first starter Pokémon they ever chose. For each new generation, the choice of the first Pokémon remains something special.
For the 9th generation of Scarlet and Violet, there are traditionally three starters to choose from:
- Kwaks (Water)
- Felori (Plant)
- Krokel (Fire)
Most of the time, I have a clear favorite at just the sight of the starters, but this time I found it hard to choose. For weeks, I’ve been pondering which starter it should be this time.
Actually, I was leaning towards Felori, as a grass cat is inherently cool. But then came that look…
Krokel would struggle the most with not being chosen
When you are presented with the choice of which of the three Pokémon you want to choose, you briefly walk with them in Scarlet and Violet.
Then comes a scene where you learn a bit more about the personalities of the Pokémon. Kwaks, as a water duck, sits in a pool, splashing around and letting its stylish tuft blow in the wind. You sense a certain vanity.
The grass cat Felori leisurely sniffs at flowers and the wind blows through its whiskers. It seems to keep a cool head.
And Krokel? It runs towards an apple, sneezes, and accidentally shoots fire through its nose. The apple is burnt. Yes, it is meant to be the little dummy of the group, and it works too well.
But I wasn’t broken yet. What really got me was Krokel’s goofy look when the three Pokémon stand in front of you and look at you!
In my mental cinema, it was clear that Krokel would never understand why it couldn’t go on an adventure with me. It would just be left confused, wondering what it did wrong.
Felori and Kwaks face the choice with ease. Krokel looks up at you like a little puppy, full of emotion and hope. There is no room behind its eyes for more.
I sighed and spontaneously changed my mind: Krokel became my steadfast companion instead of Felori.
Apparently, I was also lucky with my highly professional strategy of choosing a starter. Krokel is now considered the “strongest” starter, because it makes the game a bit easier.
If you’re also caught up in the Pokémon fever like I am: Which starter did you choose and why? Could you resist the enchantment of Krokel’s puppy eyes?
