As the release date for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl characters don't exist yet, but their ancestors may appear. Thankfully, with the number of trailers and information available on the website, players can begin to piece together what Pokémon Legends: Arceus has in store.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place in the Hisui region, also known as feudal Sinnoh, before humans had fully settled the area. Regional variants of fan-favorite Pokémon appear alongside powerful new bosses to fight in exciting combat sequences. As a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, players must explore the Hisui region and the creatures hiding within while unraveling the mysteries of the legendary Pokémon, Arceus.
In many Pokémon games, players can expect a prominent cast of characters, including rivals, Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and a criminal team. However, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a prequel without many similarities to the mainline Diamond and Pearl games. Additionally, it's currently unknown whether the Galaxy Expedition Team will become the villainous Team Galactic from Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Nevertheless, despite the confusion surrounding the game's story campaign, the revealed characters piece together some activities and journeys players will take very soon.
Pokémon Legends' Player Characters: Akari And Rei
Like most Pokémon games, players can choose between a male or female character that defaults the other appearance to an essential NPC companion. Players who chose the female player model can play as Akari, though it's likely the name can be changed during the beginning stages of the game. Players that choose the male player model receive Rei. Players can modify appearances during gameplay, but the opposite gender appears throughout Pokemon Legends: Arceus as a Survey Corps Member of the same age. Kimonos, hairstyles, and hair colors can be changed while exploring Jubilife Village, making every Akari or Rei unique between playthroughs. It's unknown what personalities each character holds, though the accompanying NPC will likely perform basic tutorials similar to past Pokémon games.
Pokémon Legends' Professor In Arceus: Laventon
A Pokémon game is incomplete without a Professor, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus is no different. Professor Laventon is responsible for recruiting the player character into catag the many species of Pokémon across the Hisui region. He dreams of creating a complete Pokédex and even supplies them with rudimentary tools to collect monsters in. It's unknown if Laventon is related to someone in the Diamond and Pearl series, but the character likely sends players on their journey across Hisui. Given the game's early period, it's unknown how Laventon made a complete Pokédex, nor how many Pokémon from the modern era appear in its pages. Thankfully, Laventon seems to be friendlier than Professor Rowan (Diamond and Pearl's usual professor) and will hopefully become an entertaining mentor figure to work with.
Pokémon Legends' Commander And Captain: Kamado And Cyllene
Like many characters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Kamado, and Cyllene are the ancestors of important Diamond and Pearl characters. Commander Kamado is the ancestor of Professor Rowan and the Commander of The Galaxy Team. Though he appears harsh and intimidating, Kamado is a trustworthy authority figure who earned the respect of his compatriots and led the Galaxy Expedition Team into new frontiers.
Kamado's second in command is Captain Cyllene, who bears a striking resemblance to Team Galactic's boss, Cyrus. Like her Commander, Captain Cyllene is strict with a no-nonsense attitude and responsible for recruiting the player character to the Galaxy Expedition Team. It's unknown if Captain Cyllene will play a villainous role in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but her appearance (and the team's name) could reference a shift to crime.
Pokémon Legends' Diamond And Pearl Clans: Adaman And Irida
The Diamond and Pearl Clans in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are references to the titles of the original Generation 4 games and represent two groups of NPCs inhabiting Hisui. Each Clan worships Pokémon they call 'Nobles,' which refers to the various boss monsters players can battle in each area. Adaman leads the Diamond Clan and is partnered with Leafeon. According to the Pokémon Legends website, Adaman is a "daring young man" whose drive for efficiency and haste can force him to make mistakes. His attitude towards efficiency clashes with Irida, the leader of the Pearl Clan, who exercises more caution. Her courage and suspicion force players to earn her trust and the trust of her partner, Glaceon. Due to their conflicting ideals and strategies, Adaman and Irida are frequently seen fighting, though it's unknown if their Clans have waged outright combat against one another.
Pokémon Legends' Wardens: Mai, Lian, Iscan, And Arezu
Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes hundreds of years before Sinnoh is settled, leading to the obvious conclusion that no Pokémon League is established. Instead, Pokémon Legends: Arceus utilizes Noble Pokémon to act as bosses. These creatures are overseen by Wardens, of the Diamond and Pearl Clans, who give the creatures offerings to maintain a peaceful relationship. Nintendo has only revealed four Wardens: Mai, Lian, Iscan, and Arezu, though there could be more. Each Warden is partnered with a Pokémon that helps them carry out their duties. Mai attends the Noble Wydeer alongside her Munchlax, Iscan cares for the Noble Basculegion, Arezu cares for an unknown Noble lady Pokémon, and Lian cares for the Noble Kleavor.
Pokémon Legends' Ginko Guild Merchants: Ginter And Volo
Thankfully, the Galaxy Expedition Team aren't the only ones exploring the Hisui region, as the Ginko Guild accompanies them. A collection of traveling merchants, it appears players can purchase certain goods from these nomadic individuals with enough capital. Unfortunately, Nintendo has only revealed two of the Ginko Guild, though it's likely more will appear in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Ginter is the leader of the Ginko Guild and sells rare items he's found during his adventures to dangerous locations. It's unknown what Volo sells, but it's likely for the player to encounter him while out exploring. His curiosity leads him far and wide, and his appearance suggests Volo might be an ancestor to Cynthia, the infamous champion of Diamond and Pearl.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is shaping into a unique world, but players must wait a few more weeks before exploring the Hisui region. These characters and more are sure to shape ancient Sinnoh into a thrilling adventure. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is scheduled for a January 28th release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
