Written by. Nick Mosier based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2022-02-28 12:37 JST)

The Pokémon Company has officially revealed Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, along with the game’s starter Pokémon. The designs of these three starters are full of personality and immediately had fans taking notice. Especially Sprigatito, with many hoping it doesn’t become another bipedal Pokémon by the time it reaches its final evolution.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the latest titles in the Pokémon series. The games will feature a large open world where towns and fields are seamlessly interconnected for players to adventure across. Development of the titles are being handled by Game Freak and are expected to launch on the Nintendo Switch in the winter of 2022.

The three starters were revealed to be Sprigatito the grass cat Pokémon, Fuecoco the fire crocodile Pokémon, and Quaxly the duckling Pokémon. Each design is cute and leaves a strong impression. But it sounds like some players are concerned about how they’ll look after evolving. But to know why, we must look back. Back to the history of starter Pokémon and the evolution dilemma.

Ever since the first generation, it’s been a staple of the series for starter Pokémon to have cute designs. Then, as they level up and evolve, grow into cool and strong looking Pokémon. Charmander eventually becomes Charizard, Squirtle becomes Blastoise, and Bulbasaur becomes Venusaur. Each one seeing big changes over the course of their evolution. In a way, it’s tradition for the series. But depending on the game, sometimes a Pokémon’s first and final form can be drastically different.

Two big examples that come to mind are Chespin and Litten. Especially when you consider just how cute they are at the start. Chespin’s final evolution, the spikey armored Chesnaught, and Litten’s final evolution, the pro wrestling heel inspired Incineroar, end up looking quite rugged and tough. As a trend overall, many four-legged Pokémon also end up becoming bipedal as they evolve. And this isn’t just limited to starter Pokémon either. For that reason, we can see a lot of fans speaking up to say they hope these all don’t become bipedal. The Japanese word for “bipedal” was even trending on Japanese Twitter right after the announcement of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, with the word “Incineroar” showing up in trends as well.

The cuteness of Sprigatito has been especially praised. But on social media, in addition to the hopes that it doesn’t become bipedal, are users posting collages of Sprigatito’s face pasted onto larger and stronger Pokémon to poke fun at the trend.

御三家の猫ポケモンは信じるな
最終進化で二足歩行でプロレス始めるぞ pic.twitter.com/MC1OWdkYxt
— なたでぃ (@SPRITE_nico) February 27, 2022

https://twitter.com/0111__0330/status/1497943137498513417

pic.twitter.com/6NOGAf4bZf
— ガノタのやべーやつ (@yabeganota) February 27, 2022

But this doesn’t necessarily mean players are rejecting the final evolutions of starter Pokémon. Pokémon is a story of evolution and growth. Along with the developments of the story and protagonist, their Pokémon partners grow and change as well. Progressing in the game and the growth of player and Pokémon are in sync. Final Pokémon evolutions are also elaborate, beautiful, and cool. While many fans want certain Pokémon to stay cute, there are also fans that love Pokémon like Chesnaught and Incineroar. And like with Sprigatito, maybe it’s because the designs of starter Pokémon are so good that people don’t want them to change.

At any rate, of course Pokémon would cause such an uproar just by revealing some character designs. Fans have also been comparing Quaxly to Donald Duck and Fuecoco to the Crocodile Dentist toy.