Why does it feel like newer gens/regions focus less on research and mysteries of the Pokemon world?

[FakeNate0]

I know 1 is going to be for flashy gimmicks to make the region feel distinct and unique from the previous region. Exp. Megas, z moves, dynamic, gigantamax, alphas, and teracrytalization. 2 is going mainstream, perhaps? Why do you think Pokemon shifted the storyline of being the professor's assistant overtime? Lately, it feels like they're mostly going to shove the "new transfer student" who goes to Pokemon school trope. (Looking at you Alola and paldea.) Another question, do you want the next set of avatars to be transfer students for Pokemon school or do you think this trope should be retired soon?

 

[Devalue]

Hm? Still focuses on research and mysteries plenty. Typically makes the new gimmick central to said research and mystery, rather than just a legendary Pokemon.

• X/Y: Discover the mysteries of Mega evolution. Sends you to talk to a Mega evolution guru after the first gym.
• Sun/Moon: Introduces you to a strange Pokemon into Sun/Moon's introductory cutscene. Meets one of the Tapus guarding the island shortly afterward. Visits a laboratory in the second island. What are these ruins Nebby has a connection to? Encounters an Ultra Beast between island #2 and #3. Why are these there? Assists the professor's assistant the whole way.
• Sword/Shield: Smacks right into a spooky fog wolf on Day 1. Meets with Sonia multiple times to discuss the Darkest Day. Relates to Dynamax energy.
• Scarlet/Violet: Gated off all of Area Zero from the outset because of how dangerous it is. Sees a strange Pokemon from there during your journey. Pulls out a book about herbs of legend in the same route. (Helps out Sada/Turo too, by healing Koraidon/Miraidon.) Also ventures into Area Zero to shut off the time machine for the professor. Revolves a whole legend in Kitakami around Ogerpon. Tags along with Briar to learn more about Terastallization.

Never stopped being the professor's assistant, or their assistant's assistant. Still feels pretty central, if not more so than the earlier games. Compare how often you see Oak, Elm, or Birch to Kukui, Sonia, or Sada/Turo. Admittedly sends you more directly towards gyms in the newer games, though. Gave you next to zero reason to challenge gyms in the earlier games, despite being required to advance the plot.

As for the next set of characters: why not go with some other lead-in entirely? Understands why they make you a kid just coming of age or a new arrival in most Pokemon games. Introduces people who are entirely new to Pokemon to the world and its mechanics. Learns right alongside the character. Happens all the time in fiction and games. Prefers not to go down the well-worn path of amnesia. Went the isekai route in Legends: Arceus and Mystery Dungeon (with a side of amnesia).

What would be another good lead-in? Maybe some kind of very sheltered kid? Shielded you from most of the world. Mainly ever interacted with Pokemon. Eventually must leave your home because of some kind of catastrophe. Sounds a bit like N, honestly, or maybe a standard RPG hero. Begs the question of why you want to challenge gyms, though. Probably adds that goal by interacting with someone you meet (who is not a Pokemon professor).

 

[FakeNate0]

What I really meant was, it became less and less about the pokedex more than anything. I'm starting to think these items/moves should have their own pokedex entries, which they probably do? Alola started cutting off Pokemon that can't be found in the region, but are transfer exclusives. Galar, and paldea have some Pokemon not even in their dlc pokedexes. Sure Mewtwo and mew entries can be in bdsps and LGP/LGE Pokedexes, but not in current switch games. I know they are researched to death by now due to them being released extremely early in Pokemon's inception, but does anyone find it weird that some Pokemon are not included in the professor's research? I at least think they're giving Mewtwo a break, Mewtwo was created by team rocket without being asked. I forgot to mention the Alolan starters in gen 8, these are newer and yet don't have entries in galar. I'll also retract the mysteries as there is still some that are left unanswered. As for the student trope, it really isn't that overused. The first 6 gens of avatars were never forced to go to Pokemon school if they didn't want to (ie. It's really only for beginner trainers who want to learn Pokemon basics.) Galar and hisui also didn't force the trainer to go to Pokemon school. Anyone want to have limited wardrobes due to uniforms in the next new region? They could've expanded the clothing options much like galars, but they never brought back the variety of options.

 

[Devalue]

Believes anything you can catch has a Pokedex entry from Sun/Moon onward. Compares it to transferring Pokemon from old games to new games without the National Dex. Would not get an entry for that either.

Views every professor's focus as regional, personally. Starts you off with the regional Pokedex starting in Johto. Upgrades it after you become a champion and plan to travel to other regions or investigate invasions of non-regional Pokemon...or something like that.

Technically forced you into the Trainers' School before Alola. Delivered the package to Barry in Diamond/Pearl. Battled Cheren in Black/White to access the gym leader. Never enrolled in the school in Sinnoh or Unova, of course. Served as a way to funnel players towards basic information, mainly.

Escaped Alola's trainer school without being forced into a uniform. Is more just Scarlet/Violet dropping the ball on clothing options for no good reason (but doing a better job on the trainer themselves).

 

[PoryKid575]

I don't mind the trope much, in Alola, the core progression system was completely changed and the protagonist being new to the region gives the other characters an excuse to explain the new elements without it feeling awkward (if the protag grew up in Alola, it would be odd for them to never hear about island trials before setting out on their journey when they're supposed to be local leaders). And in Paldea, it's mentioned that the region is especially focused on academics and the story would have to be significantly reworked to function without the Academy. I agree that the series shouldn't get too obsessed with the protags being in school, especially when it comes to customization / clothing options. I think the next protags should have a different origin, but I don't think it's an overused trope or anything.