ThePokemonfranchise has been around for quite some time. In fact, this year is its 25th anniversary. WhenPokemon RedandGreenlaunched back in 1996, the games prominently featured pixel art, much like other Nintendo titles at the time. However, this trend ceased with the release ofPokemon XandY, though it had slowly phased out the use of 2D art starting withPokemon DiamondandPearl, which showcased a mix of 3D graphics and sprites.
In more recent years, thePokemonfranchise has been dabbling with a number of different art styles. Perhaps those ofPokemon GOare the most iconic, whileBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearlexhibit chibi characters, emulating the same feel of the original pair while modernizing them somewhat.Pokemon Legends: Arceus, might be some of the most impressive graphics, taking inspiration fromBreath of the Wild. Still, many fans miss the old days of pixel art and Game Boy graphics that the franchise started out with. But when it comes to visual modernization and nostalgic sprites,Octopath Travelerhas managed to satisfy both of these requirements in a stunning fashion.
RELATED:A Stardew Valley-style Pokemon Game Would Look Amazing
How Octopath Traveler Elevated Pixel Art
There aren’t too many titles out there with the same visual style, makingOctopath Travelerthe spearheading game with HD-2D graphics. But due to its impressive reception, Square Enix decided to make more games with HD-2D graphics, includingProject Triangle Strategy, supposedly a work-in-progress name.
DuringOctopath’s development process, many factors were considered in order to perfect this aesthetic while maintaining a modern look, including depth, clarity, saturation, resolution, and the photorealistic qualities of some specific elements like water. It stems from the design of older JRPG titles like theearlyFinal Fantasygames. Sprites retain the same quality that some gamers refer to as “8-bit” or “16-bit,” as do some elements like grass and the textures of surfaces. However, mixing this with 3D backdrops, particles, and light rays breaths new life into that beloved style of the 90s. Modernized menus, animated text, and smooth magic aid in this visual design as well.
Pokemon’s Graphics in Modern Day
When Game Freak decided to maintain some 2D graphics afterPokemon DiamondandPearl, it was met with some criticism. Ever since, fans have felt that the franchise has fallen behind graphically, which could be why so manyPokemontitles are playing with various art styles. With the technological limitations of the 3DS, there were many complaints about the way 3D was implemented inPokemon SunandMoon, and it wasn’t untilSwordandShieldon the Switch that the mainline games were able to catch up.
Interestingly, however, many players are now wishing to see the franchise go “backward” instead of forward. However, based on the workOctopath Traveler, it could be possible to meet both of these requests in the middle. While the chibi animations ofBrilliant DiamondandShiningPearlmay have their own charm to them, it’s obvious to long-timePokemonfans that the franchise has held back in seemingly unnecessary ways, whether it being with graphics or gameplay. Perhaps whatever mainline games come after the remakes is The Pokemon Company’s chance to dabble with HD-2D graphics.
Pokemon Brilliant DiamondandShiningPearlrelease on July 24, 2025 for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Shouldn’t be Faithful Remakes on Every Level
