Pokémon Legends Series Navigates Complex Historical Narratives with New Release

As Game Freak launches "Pokémon Legends: Z-A," attention returns to its predecessor, "Pokémon Legends: Arceus," and its controversial engagement with Japanese history. The 2022 title, set in the Hisui region, a historical version of Hokkaido, has drawn scrutiny for its portrayal of the Meiji-era colonization and its impact on indigenous populations. "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" depicted a "rose-tinted" view of the past, specifically the colonization of Hokkaido in the late 1800s. Critics note the game's tendency to gloss over the harsh realities faced by the indigenous Ainu people during this period of Japanese expansion. The game's narrative, centered on the Galaxy Team settling a "vast wilderness," has been likened to the "terra nullius" colonial trope. This framing suggests the land was uninhabited, despite the presence of the Diamond and Pearl clans, who represent the Ainu. Conversely, "Pokémon Legends: Z-A," set in Lumiose City (Kalos), appears to take a different temporal approach. While initially speculated to be a past-set game, strong indications suggest it is set after "Pokémon X & Y," focusing on a modern urban redevelopment project. This new setting in a futuristic or contemporary Lumiose City, inspired by Paris, shifts the historical lens from ancient colonization to urban transformation. The game's theme of "urban redevelopment" draws parallels to Baron Haussmann's controversial 19th-century renovation of Paris. The return of Mega Evolution in "Legends: Z-A" further supports a post-"X & Y" timeline, as this mechanic was not prevalent in the distant past. This decision marks a significant departure from "Arceus'" historical prequel format. Game Freak, the developer behind the immensely popular Pokémon series, continues to explore diverse settings and timelines. The studio's evolving approach to incorporating real-world historical and geographical inspirations remains a key point of discussion among fans and critics.

• "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" is set in the Hisui region, a fictionalized version of Hokkaido during Japan's Meiji era in the late 1800s. This period saw the active colonization of Hokkaido by the Japanese government, leading to the displacement and assimilation of the indigenous Ainu people. The game's setting inherently places it within a sensitive historical context.
• The portrayal of the Galaxy Team's arrival and settlement in Hisui has been criticized for echoing the "terra nullius" colonial narrative. This trope suggests a land is empty or unclaimed, despite being inhabited by indigenous communities, thereby justifying colonial expansion. The game's narrative, while featuring indigenous-coded clans, ultimately depicts their integration into the new societal structure.
• Critics, including Eurogamer, have described "Arceus'" historical engagement as "rose-tinted" or "awkward," suggesting it simplifies or overlooks the painful aspects of colonization. While the game includes elements inspired by Ainu culture through the Diamond and Pearl clans, some argue it ultimately portrays their assimilation into the dominant Yamato Japanese culture.
• The "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" title, in contrast, is set in Lumiose City, the Kalos region's capital, which is inspired by Paris, France. Initial fan speculation about a past setting has largely been superseded by evidence pointing to a future or contemporary timeline, focusing on an "urban redevelopment project" within the city.
• The urban redevelopment theme in "Legends: Z-A" draws direct parallels to Baron Haussmann's controversial transformation of Paris between 1853 and 1870. This historical event involved extensive demolition and reconstruction, leading to significant social disruption, gentrification, and the displacement of working-class populations.
• A key indicator for "Legends: Z-A's" timeline is the confirmed return of Mega Evolution. This powerful battle mechanic was introduced in "Pokémon X & Y" and its widespread knowledge would be inconsistent with a distant past setting, strongly suggesting the game takes place after the events of "X & Y."
• The game also features a museum exhibit in Lumiose City that references the Hisui region from "Legends: Arceus," potentially offering a resolution to the story of Ingo, a character from "Arceus" who was transported back in time. This narrative link suggests a deliberate connection between the two "Legends" titles across different temporal settings.
• Game Freak's decision to tackle historical themes in "Arceus" and urban planning in "Z-A" highlights the developer's continued exploration of real-world inspirations. While "Arceus" faced criticism for its historical sensitivity, the studio's willingness to engage with complex themes, even if imperfectly, indicates an evolving narrative ambition within the Pokémon franchise.