Why Wasn't Missingno in Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu Eevee?

The mystery of Missingno. has intrigued Pokemon fans since the release of the original Red and Blue versions in the late 1990s. This elusive glitch has a rich history in the Pokemon franchise, appearing as a byproduct of a coding error. While Missingno. isn't a fully realized character, it remains a celebrated part of the Pokemon lore, with a dedicated fanbase that continues to explore its unique characteristics.

The Origins of Missingno.

Let's begin by unraveling the origins of Missingno. The creature was not a deliberate creation; rather, it was an unintended consequence of a poorly implemented error catch in the original Red and Blue games. When a player encountered a Pokémon with an invalid ID, Missingno. would appear as a placeholder. This glitch left gaming enthusiasts wondering if Missingno. might someday be brought into the canon of the Pokemon universe.

Why Missingno. Wasn't in Let's Go Pikachu Eevee

The primary reason Missingno. wasn't included in Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu Eevee, a remake of the classic Yellow edition, is due to its status as a glitch. Games like Yellow, Red, and Blue, which Let's Go Pikachu Eevee is a remake of, didn't feature Missingno., and this omission was carried over by design. Including Missingno. would have broken the game's narrative and consistency, which is paramount for a high-quality gaming experience. Here's why the creators chose to exclude it:

Glitch Nature: Missingno. is a direct result of a game bug, which doesn't fit the intended game design of Let's Go Pikachu Eevee. By removing it, the game developers ensured that players could have a seamless and enjoyable experience without encountering unexpected issues.

Remake Relevance: Let's Go Pikachu Eevee is a carefully crafted adaptation of the original Yellow game. Keeping the game faithful to its roots and adding new features without significant deviations from the original, such as retaining or introducing Missingno., was a priority for the developers.

Canonical Consistency: Pokemon games are built on a rich story and lore, which requires careful crafting. Introducing Missingno. would disrupt the established timeline and lead to inconsistencies in the game's narrative.

Exploring Missingno. as an Easter Egg

While Missingno. is not included in Let's Go Pikachu Eevee, it's worth noting that it can still be encountered by determined players in the original Red and Blue games. Pokemon fans often dedicate time to uncovering and understanding glitches, and Missingno. remains a topic of fascination. The creators of Let's Go Pikachu Eevee could have chosen to create a similar glitch or Easter egg that pays homage to the original games, but they chose to remain faithful to the source material.

Missingno. has influenced the Pokemon community, with many creating mods, maps, and even fan games that feature it. This ongoing interest in Missingno. ensures that the creature remains a cherished part of Pokemon's legacy, even if it isn't part of the official game.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Missingno.

The fact that Missingno., a glitch in the original Red and Blue games, wasn't included in Let's Go Pikachu Eevee speaks to the intricate balance between glitch culture and game design. While Missingno. is a beloved part of Pokemon lore, the developers' choice to maintain the game's integrity is a testament to their commitment to preserving the original experience.

From a technical standpoint, Missingno. is a fascinating example of how programming errors can lead to unique and memorable gameplay experiences. From a narrative standpoint, it highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent and cohesive story. As a fan or a developer, one can appreciate Missingno. for its connection to the game’s history, even though it didn’t make it into Let's Go Pikachu Eevee.