Muscle Memory and Pokémon Games

The term "muscle memory" is a unique term for the science of the human body. According to the term, certain muscles of the human body are able to move in certain ways that are programmed after plenty of repetitive actions. Gamers are no stranger to repetitive actions, as they might often execute them in order to succeed in certain parts of the games. It would then come as no surprise that Pokémon gamers would be of no exception, and the repetitive actions they make would lead to the creation of muscle memory. In fact, there are a few situations where muscle memory does matter and in a way becomes a story of its own.

Those who play the main series games will no doubt be no stranger to the changing appearance of battle screens, specifically the "command menu" where they typically pick from the four options of "Fight", "Item/Bag", "Pokémon", and "Run". There is a certain muscle memory that developed when the four options were just a simple menu, and this was demanded to change in later generations as the menu transitioned to adapt for the inclusion of touch screens and multiple buttons. It is quite likely that some might have had a little trouble adapting to the changes, and that may be in part to muscle memory at work initially resisting the change. But then, the muscle memory developed and then changed accordingly.

A similar situation might be considered to have happened recently in Pokémon Go. The addition of the new Tag feature also involved the addition of a menu item to invoke the feature from any individual Pokémon. However, the initial addition also displaced the "Appraise" item, which disrupted the muscle memory of many, and it persisted that way until the menu items were reordered to return "Appraise" where it was, familiar to most. Predictably, this satisfied the muscle memory of most, but it also disrupted those for whom the new muscle memory was beginning to form - though by now most will have had their muscle memory restored. It's a true example of what can and does happen with muscle memory.

For other Pokémon games, muscle memory might not be so evident, but the example may be there. In Pokémon Shuffle, the quickest way to build a party capable of dealing with a stage is to hit the "Optimize" button, which may not always work, but in a pinch may be sufficient. The problem is that for some, it may be too sufficient, and it may lead them to continually hit the "Optimize" button, even after selecting a party that meets exactly the demands of a stage. Then, for the specific stages when the "Optimize" button isn't present as with the Pokémon Safari, it may leave them a bit lost. This too is an example of muscle memory at work, as the gratification it provides allows it to persist.

The concept of muscle memory as it relates to the human body is a fascinating one. The formation of specific triggers after having made muscles accustomed to repetitive actions is probable and in fact very much plausible, including for gamers and specifically those who play Pokémon games. At the same time, it may be helpful and/or become a hindrance depending on what's involved and what may have changed. It is regardless something evident that has to be considered for the experience of playing games, especially Pokémon ones, in order that it may be the best as can possibly be, which might be exactly what players desire.

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