Pokémon Through the Ages: The Formative Era

Moving on, there's the next "era" I want to discuss as part of this month's "four fours". It's one that I call the "Formative Era" because it was when many other elements of modern Pokémon - aside from the ones introduced in the previous "Classical Era" - were shaped or "formed", and they remain in mostly the same ways today. The seeds of competitive play were also being sown in this era, and that would grow into the World Championships, which is indeed another way that it is "formative".

This "era" would obviously include the games of the third generation as the next one in line, as well as the fourth generation. It so happens that these games are presently the earliest games for which Pokémon could still be brought to modern systems with the right tools, although that may change soon. As well, a lot of the fans people know, including I myself personally, found their interest in Pokémon during or with these generations; this becomes a different yet similarly related "formative" aspect. 

Games other than those of the main series also started to become a little more numerous and differentiated, as if they're setting themselves up for the happenings of the next "era"... but I'm getting ahead of myself. Compared to the "exposure" of the previous "era", it seems that this one shaped ("formed") Pokémon itself as becoming more of a niche area of gaming, yet still somewhat very popular for those who know. It was a bit of a counter to the general "formative" aspect but didn't detract from it.

For this "era", the process of shaping or "forming" could be described as being not only outwards but also inwards, with the introduced elements as well as general perceptions. Such a process, though, is essential for anyone or anything, and for Pokémon, even that definitely needed to happen. The shape of Pokémon today is somewhat different than when it was shaped in this "era", and yet many of the contributions from this time are still there, so there is a "form" that isn't lost.

One year ago: Increased Irrelevance in Café Remix?

Two years ago: Pokémon Go: Something Extraordinary

Three years ago: Using the Master Ball

Four years ago: Virtual Reality (VR) and Pokémon

Five years ago: Sword and Shield Uptake

Six years ago: Much Ado About Figures

Seven years ago: The Rainbow Feather of Ho-Oh