Ash and Goh take their adventures to the Sinnoh region and are met with some familiar faces in a world that has been recreated to resemble the past, referencing the region once known as Hisui. The storyline also makes an unquestionable nod at the classic Diamond & Pearl series, which had their own successful Nintendo DS video games, all released way back in 2006. Pikachu and Scorebunny can’t take all the credit in a story inspired by mythology, so they will share the spotlight with the Legendary Pokemon Heatran, Azelf, Mespirit, Uxie, and, of course, Arceus himself.
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The Legends
The Legendary Uxie represents knowledge, Mesprite emotion, and Azelf symbolizes willpower, and together they protect the Pokemon of the Sinnoh region. They are said to have been created by Arceus himself and share a strong connection with the Legendary time-manipulating Dialga and the space-distorting Palkia. Ash had previously helped The Lake Guardians during a Diamond & Pearl showdown against Team Galactic, but it seems this adorable psychic trio’s problems are far from over.
Fans may also remember Heatran from Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life, as the temperamental larva-inspired legendary creature capable of leveling entire towns with its volcanic forces. As far as the story goes, only a Magma Rock can truly subdue this Fire/Steel-Type Pokemon, but maybe the charming psychic trio can work their magic if push comes to shove. The official trailer suggests that Arceus will also get involved, so things are likely to get quite out of hand if the big guns are getting called in.
Hello, Strangers
Brock, Dawn, and Cynthia will be tagging along on this trip down memory lane, as the Diamond & Pearl gang are finally reunited. Fans first met Dawn, the aspiring Pokemon Coordinator, when Piplup was introduced as a starter Pokemon, and she essentially became the second Misty replacement (after May.) Dawn gained many admirers by showing viewers the extravagant side of Pokemon Contests by adding a fashionable flare to these beauty pageants and is arguably the first “girly-girly” in the franchise.
Brock seems all grown-up now and struts his stuff either in a white lab coat, completely shirtless or with his iconic pink frilly apron in tow, suggesting that his cooking skills will also be put on full display. Maybe Brock has finally mastered the art of Dawn’s infamous Poffin recipe or created his own version after years of experimentation. Last fans saw of Brock, he was pursuing his dreams of becoming a Pokemon Breeder but decided to become a Doctor instead; still following his nurturing passions - and conveniently ensuring Nurse Joy is never far from his side.
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Cynthia has gained a significant following of her own since the Sinnoh Champion’s success in the World Coronation Series as one of the reputable members of the Masters Eight. Cynthia’s precise role in this mini-series is not quite clear, but her charm and style will undoubtedly dazzle viewers nonetheless, with Roserade eloquently glamming things up another notch too. Cynthia came to help out the last time The Lake Guardians were in trouble, so why should this time be any different?
The Team Rocket trio appears to be nowhere in sight, but Team Galactic has conveniently stepped in to cause some chaos as yet another Diamond & Pearl reference. Master Cyrus assumes his usual role as leader of the pack, and with the help of Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter, these evil-doers appear to have captured a Legendary Heatran to do their bidding. Team Galactic’s goal? Why, to take over the world of course, and recreate the entire Universe by manipulating mystical portals and playing God, but unfortunately biting off way more than they can chew.
Conflicting Timelines
While Pokemon: The Arceus Chronicles is a stand-alone mini-feature, the storyline appears to be relatively canon to the Pokemon Journeys’ adventures due to Goh and Scorebunny’s inclusion, although is likely not directly related to the World Coronation Series. Brock’s lab coat and pink Pokemon also indicate a character development more in line with the current storyline, as the big career change was made in the Diamond & Pearl special episode.
According to the Japanese release date timeline, The Arceus Chronicles aired shortly after Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series (Part 1), which will likely be available on Netflix later in 2022. So, even though Japan may be ahead of the rest of the world with their Pokemon updates, it seems that the overall global viewing experience corresponds quite eloquently. However, the Nintendo Switch version is intended as a prequel to the Diamond & Pearl edition, consequently leading Legends: Arceus on its own mission, not that anyone is complaining.
Pokemon: The Arceus Chronicles will make its international Netflix debut on 23 September 2022.
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