Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's box legendaries stand out for several reasons, one of which is their lovable nature. While they are still as strong in a fight as expected of a Legendary Pokémon, they carry a different aura compared to the other legendaries from the series. Rather than carrying itself like an all-powerful being, Koraidon and Miraidon come off as oversized pets instead.
Koraidon and Miraidon are far different from previous Legendary Pokémon in the series, and they're one aspect that helps Pokémon Scarlet and Violet stand out. Rather than Legendary Pokémon that are intertwined with the lore of the region, they are the ancient and futuristic relatives of the Paldean Pokémon Cyclizar. This on its own makes them interesting, as Scarlet and Violet's ridable Legendaries create a dynamic that sets the player apart from other trainers. While everyone else rides a Cyclizar, they have a Koraidon or Miraidon. It's a small but welcome detail in the world of Scarlet and Violet.
Scarlet & Violet Created Pokémon's Most Likable Version Mascots
One thing of note regarding Koraidon and Miraidon is that they are with the player throughout the entirety of their journey. While almost every Legendary Pokémon only shows up near the end of the story, if not the postgame, Koraidon and Miraidon first appear within the first hour of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They are the first Legendary Pokémon that are real companions to the player rather than being a super-powerful Pokémon that they pick up to give their team a power boost in the endgame. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's hidden strength is its emotional depth, and giving players more time to bond with Koraidon and Miraidon plays into that perfectly.
Koraidon and Miraidon Are Different To Other Legendaries
The general portrayal of Koraidon and Miraidon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a stark contrast to past Legendaries as well. Usually, Legendary Pokémon are shown to be majestic, mythical figures who radiate strength and importance. In Scarlet and Violet, on the other hand, Koraidon and Miraidon are more akin to big-friendly animals. They come off more like pets than magical beasts, starting from their first encounter when they get excited about the player character giving them a sandwich. While Pokémon's legendaries can be disappointing, Koraidon and Miraidon's unique likability ensures that they'll be memorable.
The big difference between Koraidon and Miraidon and other Legendaries is how they feel in of the story. In other Pokémon games, when the player encounters a Legendary, it's similar to a major historical event. Koraidon and Miraidon, despite the circumstances behind their existence in Paldea, don't feel that way. They feel like a part of the player's story instead of the other way around. Rather than the player getting Koraidon and Miraidon for the sake of getting stronger, they're there because that's where they fit comfortably in the story. Pokémon still lacks voice acting, but Scarlet & Violet's Legendaries help the story remain strong.
Even though Koraidon and Miraidon don't carry themselves like typical Legendaries, they're two of the most likable Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. They're the first Legendaries to take on the role of a partner rather than a boss or trophy, and they do so splendidly. Hopefully, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet encourages future games to try new approaches with their Legendaries as well.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube
