Replaying Pokémon: A Reflection of Its Themes
Pokémon was the game/manga/anime phenomenon that first took the world by storm upon their release in 1996. The worldwide sensation whisked players into a realm populated by pocket monsters. These creatures inhabited the land, sea, and the skies of its world. Despite the existence of these strange phenomenon, the world of Pokémon was also not quite different from our own. The game takes players through a virtual journey where the goal is to capture the beings, raise them, and use them to battle. While it was a global hit, Pokémon has not been without its critics. While some people have challenged it for teaching about evolution, it also has been criticized for its outlook on battling the little monsters and using them for competitions. Others have also challenged the idea that the game teaches you to believe in yourself rather than believing in an outside power.
As a child, I remember growing up and having friends who played it. However, being raised in the strict background that I was, I could not even vocalize my desire to play the game let alone even play it. At the time, I didn't understand why my father had forbidden me to play. It wasn't until I had gotten a hold of the game from a friend that I began to realize what was going on. The little monsters...as you battled them... oftentimes would go through a changing state called evolution. While they were not necessarily a different species altogether...the creatures often did look different. Not only did the game teach us though that our monsters evolve, but it also spoke about how the journey of a trainer and humanity was always evolving. Pokémon taught us that humans are just as much a part of the world as the little creatures that inhabited it. This was in complete contrast with the worldview that my father was raising me in—which viewed the world as something sinful, shameful, and only as a tool for God and humans.
What results in the grounding worldview in Pokémon is an interactive, fun game that has captured the hearts and minds of youth and those who appreciate the story of these digital creatures. Some people recall the first game they ever played and the first Pokémon they chose. They also remember the trials and tribulations they endured. Pokémon and humans often find their fates intwined with one another. The destruction of the environment, abuse, negligence, friendship, teamwork, and competition are all themes that are explored throughout the gameplay. What we learn from the series is that yes, competition is a fact of life and humans do need to compete with one another. The little creatures they built relationships with both in the wild and in their own possession are unique and must be approached with respect. However, there are always those who want to exploit the world and the creatures that call it home for their own benefit. Understanding the symbiotic relationships that humans have with the world around them is one of the themes that gets explored often.
What also makes Pokémon unique is that while it condemns evil, it gives villains and heroes the chance to be human. They have their own motivations, their obstacles, and their own personal development that they endure. This is more emphasized in the hit-anime, but also prevalent in the gameplay and the manga. The stories themselves also take us on a philosophical journey through what it means it be human, a champion, a rival, and a friend. Ultimately, the measure of a person's character is seen in the choices they make on their journey rather than the results.
Pierre Trouvé from the Le Monde wrote how the series became a global name, and how it serves as an excellent example of globalization. I do agree with Trouvé's assessment of Pokémon and how it became a hit. But I reflect on how people like me, who have loved Pokémon since they were young, still find it inspiring today even after the initial introduction. Pokémon is still relevant because the gameplay is fun but also the mediums used to further tell the stories of Pokémon in-depth are rich with meaning and philosophical exploration. How Ash (Sacha in Japanese translation) and Pikachu interact with the world around them and the characters they encounter is just as fascinating. Pokémon is a rich phenomenon that draws on inspirations from Japanese folklore, the natural world, the sciences, among other influences. The characters themselves also wrestle with their own faults.
While it was a great marketing ploy and business venture to make certain monsters available only in particular games, the fact that there were certain exclusions was great for fostering community. Just like the characters in the anime/manga, players can participate in battles with their peers and trade their Pokémon. Some of the battling has been raised with concerns. This comes from a perspective that views the domestication of animals for sport is an unethical practice. The point of this post is not to degrade one worldview or another. Instead, I would like to point out that unlike many animal competitions where the fighting may accrue injury and death, the monsters of the Pokémon world are uniquely gifted with amazing abilities and have evolved alongside humans to act as partners and comrades. It represents a symbiotic relationship where the Pokémon are trained to obtain feats that they otherwise wouldn’t have in the wild.
The fact that this world also promotes belief in self is nothing less than essential. Some argue that this teaches an agnostic view-- or lack of faith in a higher power. However, the Pokémon series revolves around the idea and principle that humans are connected to the natural world and something else outside of the one they know. Many of the Pokémon are connections between the sacred and the mundane. Legendary ones in particular—who boast powers beyond belief and whose roles are metaphysical— often bring the characters on journeys that help them grasp with some of the most pressing ethical questions that humanity faces. The presence of the fantastical creatures also serves as a vehicle to express ideas and concepts that otherwise would have been left in an abstract form. The characters and the player/viewer are invited to reflect on these lessons without being pushed to believe in one particular ideal.
Overall, this series and its various renditions have a special place in my heart. Nostalgia I feel whenever I revisit it is wonderful. I appreciate its narrative and how it played a tremendous role in bringing people together.
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