A Pokemon enthusiast has crafted a vision for a hypothetical new Pokemon game version, dubbed Pokemon Viridian. This creative endeavor has reignited a sense of nostalgia among fans longing for the return of unique Pokemon game editions.

The tradition of introducing a third installment in the Pokemon game series dates back to the earliest generations. For instance, Pokemon Yellow introduced a Pikachu-themed twist to the narratives of Pokemon Red and Blue. Even before that, Japan's Pokemon Blue essentially served as an enhanced version of their Pokemon Red and Green, laying the foundation for the globally recognized versions. Although the trend of standalone third versions has waned over time, there remains a subset of fans who yearn for its revival, as exemplified by this fan artist's creation.

Reddit user EliteRobo04 recently unveiled their rendition of box art for a theoretical sequel to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, naming it Pokemon Viridian. The envisioned game sports a green-themed packaging befitting its title, featuring a mutated Cyclizar, borrowing design elements from Miraidon and Koraidon. The creature's physique leans towards Koraidon's structure, showcasing a prominent wheel on its chest and well-defined limbs, while its facial characteristics resemble Miraidon, sporting a rounded contour and a small visor over its eyes, setting it apart from its predecessors.

EliteRobo04 also outlined a storyline concept for a potential continuation post Scarlet and Violet. In this scenario, both professors from Scarlet and Violet construct time machines concurrently. However, synchronizing their activation triggers a reality-altering event, merging elements from the past and future. Although the exact narrative progression remains ambiguous, this plot aligns with the thematic exploration of time evident in recent Pokemon titles like Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

Transitioning Beyond Pokemon Third Versions

Regrettably for enthusiasts of this concept, Game Freak appears to be steering away from the traditional third versions like Pokemon Viridian. The community's focus now shifts towards the upcoming Pokemon Legends installment, anticipating enhancements to the Arceus formula and a smoother launch compared to Scarlet and Violet's debut.

Although some fans yearn for the bygone era of standalone Pokemon editions, the resurgence of third versions seems improbable. Pokemon's evolution towards DLC expansions signifies a paradigm shift in game development. While both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, the escalating costs of games may render expansion releases more appealing to consumers than entirely new titles.