The recent announcement of Pokemon Legends Z-A has stirred excitement among fans, hinting at a return to Kalos and raising intriguing possibilities for the future of the franchise. While past Pokemon games have introduced captivating environments, they have predominantly drawn inspiration from a limited pool of real-world locations. With Pokemon Legends Z-A, the time has come for Game Freak to embark on a truly distinct path.

The origins of Pokemon regions in real-world locations are well-documented. From Kanto's resemblance to central Japan in Red and Blue to Unova's nod to New York City in Black and White

Venturing into Uncharted Territory

While some fans propose European backdrops for the upcoming Gen 10 Pokemon games, many advocate for a departure from the conventional European, North American, and East Asian settings in favor of unexplored territories. With a plethora of untapped possibilities globally, enthusiasts question why Nintendo and Game Freak have yet to draw inspiration from the world's most visually stunning, culturally rich, and ecologically diverse regions.

Embracing India's Richness

India stands out as a promising muse for a new Pokemon region. Long speculated by fans, an Indian-inspired setting could infuse vibrant cultural aspects into the Pokemon universe. From unique architecture and traditional attire to rich mythology and music, India offers a fresh canvas for the franchise, inviting players to immerse themselves in a realm unlike any before. With its unparalleled biodiversity, an India-inspired region could feature snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, lush jungles, and bustling metropolises coexisting on a single landmass. Each town could draw inspiration from Indian festivals, such as a Holi-themed city or a village adorned with Pokemon-themed rangoli from Kerala's Onam festival.

Nigerian Influences and Sci-Fi Visions

A Pokemon setting inspired by Nigeria could introduce a diverse blend of biodiversity and cultural elements, along with a rich seam of Nigerian science fiction for the franchise's futuristic backdrop. With Pokemon already delving into dark themes, Nigeria's diverse religious and social groups could offer a stage for exploring the intersection of progress and tradition, expanding on themes from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Mexican Marvels and Cultural Richness

A Pokemon game set in Mexico could seamlessly blend with the Spanish elements of Paldea, featuring Pokemon like Hawlucha and Ludicolo that resonate with the locale. Speculations have long swirled around a Pokemon game drawing inspiration from Mexico, owing to its abundant biodiversity and rich history. This setting would allow Game Freak to reimagine Aztec temples, cowboys, Dia de los Muertos traditions, Mexican music, and vibrant neighborhoods like Las Palmitas in Pachuca. Gym leaders could mirror iconic figures from Mexican lore, such as a gym leader inspired by Frida Kahlo utilizing Pokemon like Smeargle and Grafaiai.

Embracing a New Frontier

Irrespective of the chosen inspiration for Gen 10's region, the time is ripe for a fresh approach. The franchise eagerly anticipates a region stemming from uncharted real-world locations. As rumors swirl about the upcoming Pokemon games possibly debuting on the Switch 2, Game Freak might seize the moment to explore novel territories, signaling a new era for Pokemon.