The recent announcement of Magikarp joining the roster of playable characters in Pokemon Unite has thrilled fans of this Gen 1 fish. Although an unexpected choice for a new character in a fast-paced MOBA like Pokemon Unite, the evolution of Magikarp into Gyarados seamlessly integrates with the game's existing roster. However, with this recent addition, Pokemon Unite has the opportunity to enhance the experience by introducing a cosmetic change for this character, paying homage to one of the most iconic incarnations of Gyarados in the franchise.
It seems that Magikarp brings with it some novel mechanics that will bring a fresh perspective to Pokemon Unite's gameplay. The most notable change is the method by which Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, requiring the filling of its effort gauge through basic attacks and moves like Flail and Splash, deviating from the standard level-up system used by other characters. With Magikarp already breaking the mold from a gameplay standpoint, its inclusion in Pokemon Unite presents an ideal opportunity for the game to introduce its first shiny Holowear skin, allowing players to embody the iconic Red Gyarados.
The Case for Shiny Gyarados Holowear in Pokemon Unite
Fans of the Pokemon franchise are likely familiar with Gyarados' shiny red form, as it is one of the most memorable aspects from the Gen 2 games. In the Johto games, players can capture a guaranteed shiny Gyarados at the Lake of Rage after it was forcibly evolved through Team Rocket's radio broadcast. Players can collaborate with Johto's Champion Lance to calm this fierce creature and capture it, granting them access to what was likely many players' first shiny Pokemon.
This narrative in the Johto games has solidified the Red Gyarados as one of the most iconic shiny variants in the entire franchise, hence, it would be fitting for Pokemon Unite to commemorate this significant form with a Holowear cosmetic. In Pokemon Unite, Holowear are cosmetic skins that players can acquire for their characters, typically taking the form of clothing or accessories. While it's delightful to see the available outfits for characters in Pokemon Unite, the Holowear options for some characters could do more to reference their iconic incarnations from the franchise's history.
Presently, there are no Holowear outfits featuring shiny variants of the playable characters in Pokemon Unite. However, this presents an excellent opportunity to introduce the first of its kind by incorporating a Red Gyarados Holowear skin for the new playable character, which is already revolutionizing the game with new mechanics. Even if altering Gyarados' color to red to match its shiny form is unfeasible, providing it with a red suit or a similar attire as a nod to its shiny form via Holowear, without modifying its base model, would significantly demonstrate appreciation for this character.
Amid rumors hinting at a potential new Johto game for the mainline Pokemon series, Pokemon Unite would be in an ideal position to elevate the excitement surrounding these speculations by introducing this Red Gyarados Holowear skin when Magikarp joins the lineup later this month. It seems that everything is aligning for the inclusion of Red Gyarados, to the extent that it would be a prudent move for Pokemon Unite to capitalize on this opportunity and build anticipation among its fanbase.