After the reveal of Mega Dragonite forPokémon Legends: Z-A, I can’t help but think that one original Generation 1 Pokémon is deserving of a major update. The next core entry in the series will take you to a new interpretation of Lumiose City in the Kalos region, the setting forPokémon X and Y.Mega Evolutions will make a comeback, with several returning creatures being able to enter an enhanced state. Now, Nintendo has confirmed that there will be new Mega Evolutions, as teased by the reveal ofMega Dragonite inPokémon Legends: Z-A.
The creature’s new form will pay homage to its evolutionary line, as Mega Dragonite features wings on its head and a pearl on its tail, much like Dragonair.The design was divisive among fans, but it shows how even older creatures can still get creative updates to their designs. There have been other leakedMega Evolutions forPokémon Legends: Z-A, most of which have yet to be confirmed, but the possibility of looking at fresh designs for older Pokémon is exciting.
Nidoran Deserves A New Pokémon Form
The Gen 1 Creatures Are Fan-Favorites
While they are not mentioned in leaks, the Pokémon from Nidoran’s evolutionary lines should be revisited, either inLegends: Z-Aor in future titles. Even though their popularity pales in comparison to Dragonite, for example,Nidoran and its evolutions are considered Gen 1 fan-favorites, and are iconic to the franchise. In the opening credits forPokémon Red & Blue, for example, Nidorino is seen fighting a Gengar.
Nidoran and its evolutions don’t have any type of variants or different evolutions, which seems odd considering their popularity – even Mr. Mime has a Galarian form and a subsequent evolution.It may be because of the evolutionary line’s distinct gender gimmick, which considers the two Nidoran forms as two different speciesrather than the samePokémon with different genders. This, in turn, leads to two evolutionary lines, culminating in Nidoking and Nidoqueen.
How A New Nido Variant Could Work
Nintendo Could Create New Mega Evolutions Or Regional Variants
Although the gender gimmick applied to Nidoran may be something that impedes Nintendo from testing out new variations, there could be workarounds, as long as the company addresses both evolutionary lines.New evolutions, per se, should be impossible considering that both lines are composed of three Pokémon, the limit the franchise has established so far. Even so, theprospect of new Mega Evolutionsfor Nidoking and Nidoqueen shouldn’t be discarded, as that could work quite well in thePokémonfranchise.
Alternatively, Nintendo could work on the Nidoran evolutionary lines via regional variants, something that has worked in the past for a variety of creatures and only makes them more special. Surely, it’s likely that the company would have to make at least two designs, for Nidoking and Nidoqueen, and up to six if it contemplates every evolution starting with Nidoran. Despite the work involved, I believe that Nidoran and its evolutions deserve some more attention, even if it comes after the release ofPokémon Legends: Z-A.
