Summary
After seeing the extended trailer forPokemon Legends: Z-A, aPokemonfan artist took the game’s Water-type Starter, Totodile, and rendered it in the graphical style ofPokemon Sword and Shield. ThePokemon Legends: Z-Afan artist’s handiwork received compliments and sparked a discussion about the games' respective graphical styles.
Known as the Big Jaw Pokemon, Totodile’s first appearance was inPokemon Gold and Silver. Totodile is the Water-type Starter Pokemon of the Johto region and evolves into Croconaw and Feraligatr at levels 18 and 30 respectively. True to its Pokedex category, Totodile is known for biting opponents of any size with its sharp teeth. When fully evolved into a Feraligatr, it can use strong physical attacks like Crunch, Ice Fang, and Liquidation. Although Totodile and its evolutions did not appear inPokemon Sword and Shield,the Big Jaw Pokemon can be caught inPokemon Scarlet and Violetafter upgrading the Terarium’s Savanna Biome.
Given Totodile’s absence from the Galar region, onePokemontrainer took to social media to post what it would have looked like in the eighth generation’s art style. On the r/Pokemon subreddit, a Redditor named BentoDraws used Totodile’s appearance inPokemon Legends: Z-Aas an art reference for theirSword and Shieldmakeover. Pokemon character models inSword and Shieldfeatured heavy outlines and a 3D cel-shaded style, which gave way to realistic textures in the ensuing generation. Compared toPokemon Scarlet and Violet, the charactermodels inLegends: Z-Awill have a less realistic and more stylized appearancethat uses more saturated colors and anime-like textures.
Pokemon Fan Renders Legends: Z-A’s Totodile In Sword and Shield Art Style
BentoDraws took Totodile’s Legends: Z-A model and added more outlines to the Pokemon’s body. This resulted in a clearly defined V-shape on its chest, sharper eyes, and a distinct contrast compared to the surrounding buildings. BentoDraws was complimented for their work in replicating what Totodile would have looked like in the Galar region. In the comments, fans shared their thoughts about the different art styles that thePokemonmainline franchise used on the 3DS and Switch. Despite the differences in character art style, bothPokemon Sword and ShieldandPokemon Scarlet and Violetremainamong the top-selling Nintendo Switch titles.
Although fans continue to debateTotodile’s place inPokemon Legends: Z-A, the Big Jaw Pokemon will join Chikorita and Tepig as one of three Pokemon that trainers can choose from in the upcoming game. It remains to be seen how the art style ofPokemon Legends: Z-Awill be remembered compared to its predecessors.
