The Kanto Map for Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
Officially released in mid-November 2018, the Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are two distinct variations of the same game, which happens to be a modernized and improved version of the timeless classic Pokemon Yellow. And while many fans of the game wondered exactly how different (or not) the new game will be, most were curious to know what might happen with the legendary Kanto Map.
Well, long story short – the Kanto region has been retained the charm and amazingness of the original. However, that doesn’t mean that everything feels the same upon returning to this thematic region. In fact, there are certain changes concerning the in-game items in Kanto, as well as the locations of various trainers and the position of different Pokemon that you can stumble upon in this region.
Today’s post is about the Kanto map includes how the revamped version of the map compares to the original one. And we’ll also take a closer look at some of the most important locations in this region, such as where the different towns and gym leaders are, and so on.
Table of Contents
What’s the difference between the new Kanto Map and the original?
The main differences between the first ever version of this map and its contemporary counterpart are the scale and graphics of the Kanto region. In the current Nintendo Switch title, the guys from Game Freak (the developers who created the game in the first place) did a fabulous job at breathing new life into the original version of Kanto, while staying true to the original recipe.
Sure, the initial Kanto that we’re all familiar with from the Pokemon Red and Blue classic was a tiny, black and white, 2D and pixel-galore map. And while the graphics of Pokemon Red and Blue were probably kind of modern and fresh back in 1996, that’s definitely not the case anymore.
Then there was Pokemon Yellow’s take on the Kanto region. Essentially, it was the same map but since it was released on Nintendo’s super cool handheld game console (the Game Boy Color), the Kanto region in 1998 was actually an improvement over its predecessor. Even if that improvement was only in terms of the map now being colored, as opposed to it being a dull black and white, highly-pixeled realm.
Fast forward to 2004 and the Kanto zone received yet another facelift. This time it was for the Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen title that basically was an enhanced version of Pokemon Red and Blue. As you might imagine, the visual aspect of the map was vastly improved with lots of decent graphics, although still in 2D mode.
Did Pokemon Let’s Go approach to the Kanto Region actually make it better?
Oh, you bet! The entire zone has been revamped and given a fresh 2k18 feel by utilizing cutting-edge graphics and stunning visuals. Everything is in full 3D mode and the whole place just looks amazing from every possible angle. Relying on the latest version of the Nintendo Switch system software operating system, it’s easy to see why the Let’s Go games look so incredible.
And while everything appears much more mature, sleek and simply pleasant to look at, the overall layout and structure of the zone have remained almost intact. The entire region is still located just east of Johto, which is the zone that other Pokemon-themed games (like Pokemon Heart Gold and Pokemon Soul Siver) took place in.
It probably won’t be far-fetched to say that if you jump into the game straight from venturing across the Kanto zone in Pokemon Red and Blue, you’ll definitely feel like you’re playing a completely different game. But that’s true mainly in terms of how these two Pokemon titles look because the overall feel and authenticity of 1996 original have been kept (almost) intact.
What are all the cities and towns on the map?
There’s a total of 11 cities and towns in Pokemon Let’s Go and most have unique gym leaders, badges and particular Pokemon types like water. Of course, every fan of Game Freak’s mega-successful franchise will be familiar with cities like Viridian and towns like Pallet – the place where the Kanto journey begins for all players.
11 Places
- Pallet Town – This is the starting place in the game and where you receive your Pokedex.
- Cinnabar Island – The Pokemon Mansion is located on this fire-type island. There’s also a gym leader here (Blaine) and a badge (Volcano).
- Celadon City – The Celadon City is the largest city in the Kanto zone and there’s also a department store and a casino there. This is a grass-type city with a Rainbow badge and a gym leader called Erika.
- Viridian City – Located just before the Viridian Forest, the type of this city is ground. There’s also a particular badge (Earth) and there are two gym leaders (Giovanni and Blue).
- Indigo Plateau – Indigo Plateau is the capital of the mighty Pokemon League.
- Fuschia City – This city is home to the thematic Go Park. The type of the city is poison, the badge is Soul and there are two gym leaders (Koga and Janine).
- Pewter City – The Museum of Science is situated here. The type of this city is rock. There’s also a particular badge (Boulder) and a gym leader (Brock).
- Saffron City – Saffron is the 2nd largest city (after Celadon) in Kanto. It’s a psychic-type city with a Marsh badge and a gym leader called Sabrina.
- Cerulean City – This is a water-type city that also has a bike shop. The badge here is Cascade, while the gym trainer is Misty.
- Lavender City – The gravesite and Pokemon tower are both situated in this city.
- Vermillion City – Vermillion is a port city of electric type. The badge is Thunder and there’s also a gym leader (Lt. Surge).
Conclusion
It’s crystal clear that the Kanto Map that every Pokemon fan is familiar with has received a huge revamp in the Pokemon, Let’s Go titles. But apart from a few minor tweaks and adjustments, the great news is that the entire zone is authentic and feels like an improved version to the original Kanto region, instead of it being a complete overhaul.
What are your thoughts on the new Kanto zone in Pokemon Let’s Go, by the way? We’d love to know, so feel free to drop your answer below!
For more, check this out: Pokemon Lets Go Pikachu and Lets Go Eevee Are Live
