Pokémon Horizons: The Series
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
In a world filled with strange yet majestic creatures known as Pokémon, a new adventure begins! Hailing from the pristine region of Paldea, the timid Liko travels to the Kanto region to attend the Indigo Academy and become a Pokémon trainer—a person who forms relationships with Pokémon and trains them to participate in battles. Soon, Liko acquires Nyahoja, a fickle Grass-type cat Pokémon, as her first partner. Prior to Liko's transfer to Kanto, her grandmother gives her a uniquely patterned and gleaming pendant as a protective charm. However, an enigmatic organization—The Explorers—seems to know a secret about the pendant and nearly succeeds in stealing it from Liko. Fortunately, she is rescued by the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers led by a Lizardon-riding trainer named Friede. After a series of encounters with The Explorers, Liko decides to join Friede's team, accompanying him and his crew members on a grand journey across the regions. Along the way, they aim to unravel not only the mysteries of the world of Pokémon, but also the power that resides within her pendant.
Audience Consensus
The audience generally appreciates the fresh direction of Pokemon Horizons with a new protagonist and a more adventure-focused narrative. While many praise the character development, animation, and departure from the old formula, some viewers find the pacing inconsistent and certain plot elements, like mystery reveals, to be underwhelming. The show is seen as a worthy successor that captures the essence of Pokémon while offering a more mature and engaging experience for long-time fans.
Strengths
- Engaging new protagonist (Liko) who is relatable and offers satisfying character growth.
- A departure from the traditional Ash formula, offering a fresh adventure with unpredictable plotlines.
- Strong character development for the main cast, fostering a sense of family and connection.
- High-quality animation and sound design, with visuals pleasing to the eye.
- Villains are treated as credible threats, adding stakes and meaning to the protagonists' victories.
- Faithful adaptation of Pokémon game mechanics, lore, and regional details.
Weaknesses
- Animation can be inconsistent at times, with some episodes feeling messy in composition.
- Pacing can slow down significantly in the middle arcs, leading to a dip in entertainment value and feeling like filler.
- Mystery reveals lack impact and excitement, eliciting an unenthusiastic reaction.
- Liko sometimes receives preferential treatment, with some early victories feeling unearned.
- Roy is described as insufferable by some viewers.
- Battles involving younger characters can be less engaging compared to those involving adults.
- A perceived lack of humor compared to previous iterations, which some viewers miss.