Pokémon has consistently pushed the boundaries of gameplay by introducing various elements beyond battling. One notable success in this venture is the inception of Pokémon Contests. Despite their innovation, the game’s portrayal of Contests has often failed to capture the same excitement and depth as depicted in the anime.
Pokémon Contests were designed as an alternative mode, allowing players to showcase their Pokémon’s talents without direct conflict. These events remain competitive, with trainers registering their Pokémon to perform in shows scored on attributes such as “Beauty”and “Coolness.”However, significant differences exist between the game and anime formats, leading to diverse evolutions of the concept across the franchise.
Differences Between Pokémon Anime Contests and Game Contests
The Anime’s Take on Contests is More Engaging
Both the anime and the games first introduced Pokémon Contests in the third generation with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. In the game, these contests feature two rounds: an introductory segment for evaluating Contest stats, followed by a Talent Round where Pokémon showcase their moves to charm the audience or disrupt rivals. Players can enhance their Pokémon’s stats with Pokéblocks made from berries, but each contest typically focuses on a specific attribute. Victorious Pokémon earn ribbons as recognition of their performance.
Conversely, the anime’s contest structure also comprises two phases: a Performance Stage and a Battle Stage. During the Performance Stage, trainers and their Pokémon execute choreographed routines rich in visual appeal, while the Battle Stage involves strategic battles with other competitors, aimed at achieving victory through elegance and style. Trainers, known as Coordinators, must hold a contest pass to compete, and unlike the games, where prizes are ribbons for Pokémon, the anime awards ribbons to trainers based on their success, much like gym badges.
Additionally, anime contests in each city serve as qualifiers for the Grand Contest, a prestigious event where winners compete for ultimate glory. This structure elevates the stakes of every single contest. Characters such as May, who competed in contests across Hoenn, Kanto, and Sinnoh, and Dawn, who shined in Sinnoh, illustrate the growing importance of contests in their journeys. While Pokémon XY didn’t feature contests per se, it introduced similar Showcase events in which Serena participated, setting the stage for her later contest adventures in the Journeys series.
The Superiority of Contests in the Anime
Giving Ash’s Companions Their Own Aspirations
A recurring issue within the Pokémon anime was Misty’s vague aspirations to become a Water-type master, often leaving her character development stagnant. However, when May was introduced, she began her journey as a novice trainer seeking her own distinct path through Pokémon Contests. May developed a newfound appreciation for the artistry and charisma required to succeed in Contests, setting her apart from Ash’s journey.
This pattern is echoed in the arcs of Dawn and Serena, who, like May, initially found battling less appealing but ultimately discovered their own unique connection to Pokémon through contests. This narrative approach diversified the protagonists’ journeys, as their development in the world of Contests equaled the prominence of Ash’s gym battles. Episodes dedicated to crafting performance routines and rivalries—featuring characters like Zoey and Drew—enriched the storytelling experience. Even Team Rocket’s Jessie capitalized on this trend, achieving victories in various contests.
Anime contests succeeded in conveying the dramatic tension of battle tournaments while presenting a more harmonious approach to human-Pokémon relationships. This shift in focus served as a vital contrast to the combat-driven mechanics prevalent in the games, delivering a more relatable and impactful experience in the narrative. Contests frequently spanned multiple episodes, introducing personal dilemmas and allowing characters like May and Dawn to navigate the highs and lows inherent in competition.
Potential Evolution of Contests in Future Games
Aiming for an Exciting Revival of Contests
Over time, the significance of Contests appeared to wane within the mainline Pokémon games, notably absent from the 7th generation and continuing through titles like Sword and Shield and Scarlet and Violet. Nevertheless, the revised versions of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl reintroduced Contests, indicating that this gameplay concept has not been entirely abandoned. With the anticipation surrounding future 10th generation games, it is an opportune moment for a grand revival of Contests inspired by their anime representation.
To achieve this, future games could adopt a multi-layered tournament format akin to the anime’s approach, featuring a series of contests that culminate in a Grand Festival. Players could engage in practice routines, timing their moves to create stunning visual displays reminiscent of those by May and Dawn. The innovative 3D graphics found in contemporary Pokémon games could elevate the experience, potentially allowing Contests to evolve into a dedicated story arc, similar to how Scarlet and Violet featured distinct narratives surrounding gym challenges, Titans, and Team Star.
Given the enduring appeal of Contests, they should not be overlooked in Pokémon games. The anime has illustrated how this feature can be enhanced and made more dynamic, and it is crucial for the upcoming generation to integrate these lessons. The revival of Contests should take careful inspiration from the Pokémon anime’s successful implementation for a truly captivating experience.