Pokémon Legends: Arceus released for the Nintendo Switch on January 28th. This game introduced new evolutions of Hisui’s past, as well as some very interesting history on the Sinnoh Region. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look into Hisui, and its regional Pokémon. Additionally, we will also be theorizing as to why these creatures no longer exist, or take on their Hisuian forms. As a disclaimer, this is strictly an opinionated and hypothetical article. If you have an opinion of your own, feel free to leave a comment down below.
Before we begin, we must ask ourselves the first question: What is the Hisui Region?
Pokémon Legends; Ancient Hisui:
Hisui Region in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Image from nintenderos.com
Before humans and Pokémon bonded, they were free to roam wherever they chose. Whether it be across vast oceans, or past scorching deserts. While this harsh environment had been inhabitable to most humans at the time, many of Hisui’s people built villages to remain safe. Amongst these villagers was a Pokémon Researcher by the name of Professor Laventon.
This awkward scientist from Galar is the first you’ll encounter alongside the people of Jubilife Village. Joining him is a young adventurer (Rei or Akari depending on choice of player), whom accompanies him to record the first ever Pokédex. It is your mission to assist the Professor to study and record data on all of Hisui’s Pokémon.
While this may sound exciting, Pokémon Legends: Arceus doesn’t exactly make it easy. Especially with its impressive, yet formidable inhabitants.
Hisui’s Regional Variants:
Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark. Image from gamingintel.com
It should come to no surprise that many of the Hisui Region’s Pokémon are of a different type outside their usual findings. For example, Typhlosion found in Hisui are a combination of Fire and Ghost, possibly due to Mt. Coronet’s influence. Additionally, Pokémon such as Hisuian Voltorb are oddly derived from Pokéballs. As we are aware, the Pokéball from Hisui is formed from Apricorns and Tumblestones. It’s possible that electromagnetic interference might have caused this sudden mutation.
As time progressed, most likely due to human influence, these Pokémon either vanished or simply migrated to other regions. Case in point, Zorua and Zoroark can be more easily found in Unova. Other regional variants, such Hisuian Growlithe or Braviary, might have lost their variants due to climate and/or human influence.
Although, some Pokémon had been known to evolve into their Hisuian evolutions based on specific conditions. A perfect example would be Hisuian Growlithe. Although the Scout Pokémon was wild in nature, domestication proved that Growlithe were tamable at a young age. This is especially shown in the noble battle against Hisuian Arcanine, as many of Hisui’s people respected it for its speed and fierceness.
While it remains debatable for the time being, one can simply argue that human interference, and even environmental change had been the result of these Pokémon losing their Hisuian forms.
Hisuian Evolution:
Basculegion (Male). Can also be a mount in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Image from neoseeker.com
Our next topic of discussion focuses on the evolved forms of Hisuian Pokémon. While some species of those found in Hisui are the usual, their evolved forms tell a whole different story. A fine example would be Hisuian Sneasel, and White-Striped Basculin. Their evolved forms, Sneasler and Basculegion respectively, evolve from their prior forms, mostly due to either environmental or spiritual influence.
To emphasize on this, Basculegion’s Pokédex entry states that spirits of deceased Basculin that failed to migrate upstream culminate within this fish. This resulted in Basculegion taking on a more aggressive attitude when threatened. However, over time, it’s possible that Basculegion eventually became extinct, as the region continued to take shape, resulting in Basculin making their way upstream.
As for Sneasler, this Pokémon is highly poisonous. Evolving from Hisuian Sneasel, this Hisuian evolution prefers to be alone. Unlike Weavile, it’s also capable of climbing the steepest terrains using its elongated limbs, making it a very useful mount for travelers. However, I can only deduce that, as time went on, Sinnoh became less steep. To clarify, Sneasel’s habitat change resulted in Sneasler no longer being accessible as an evolution.
As for other Hisuian Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, there was one valiant creature in particular that caught my eye. That being Wyrdeer, Stantler’s ancestral evolution.
Wyrdeer; Legends’ True Extinct Pokémon:
Wyrdeer, reigning nobility amongst Stantler. Image from twitter.com
It goes without saying that while most Pokémon species survived through willpower or tactics, Stantler and Wyrdeer weren’t as lucky. The Pokédex entries for both Deer Pokémon are stated as such;
- Wyrdeer’s pelt can be crafted into very fine cloth for cold weather. As a result, this big horn Pokémon is often sought out by many high-paying collectors who intend to sell its fur for high value.
- Stantler, on the other hand, had it way worse. The black orbs upon its antlers can be crushed down into a fine powder that helps fight Insomnia. Additionally, its antlers are valued as works of art. This had led to Stantler being hunted to near extinction.
In addition to losing its signature move, Psyshield Bash, I can honestly say I do feel sorry for the Big Horn Pokémon. However, considering we can still find Stantler in various locations throughout Johto, (Now) Sinnoh, and Unova, who knows if Stantler will be able to find a new way to evolve into Wyrdeer once again.
Final Hypothesis:
With the research concluded on Hisui, for now, I can say for certain that a variety of factors had caused the changes involved with Pokémon evolution. With this final statement in mind, It’s all debatable. And, that’s where you come in, my fellow geeks! I want to hear your opinion on Hisui’s influence on the various Pokémon found throughout the region. With Pokémon Legends: Arceus available to play on the Nintendo Switch, perhaps you would like to one day begin your journey into Sinnoh of old.
If you would like to see more content from Geek News Now, be sure to check out our Facebook Page. Also, if you’re enjoying the Hisui Region, be sure to leave a comment down below and tell us about your adventures. We’d love to hear from you! As always, Stay Geeky!
