Wild Pokemon Theory Claims Scarlet And Violet Were Inspired By Nando's
If you feel like chicken tonight, like chicken tonight, you might be best heading over to the Game Freak HQ. Although details about the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are still thin on the ground, there's a frankly batsh*t theory that claims it could be inspired by Nando's. That's right, Pikachu apparently loves a "cheeky Nando's".
Pokemon Day 2022 didn't disappoint, as we got the surprise reveal of Gen 9, a whole new region, and three adorable starters in the form of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. From what little we've seen of this unnamed region, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet looks like they're inspired by the Iberian Peninsula that covers Spain and Portugal, but what if it's more closely tied to the Portuguese chicken shack?
Are Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Inspired By Nando's?
This might seem like one of the wackiest Pokemon theories we've posted, but bear with us on this one. It's all a bit of fun, but in an impressive (if fanciful) Twitter thread, @3clipse_tt explains how Pokemon Producer Junichi Masuda visited the UK in 2019 and made a visit to Nando's.
Alongside claims the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet logos use the same font as Nando's (we're not sure on that one), the thread says Fuecoco looks like a bird's eye chilli. There are three special Nando's drinks with base flavours of oranges, grapefruit, pomegranate - with another tenuous link to colour palette of the games.
The OP goes on to reiterate, "I created this thread for fun, enjoy," and we definitely did. Internet grouches are sure to laugh the idea of AAA titles like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet being inspired by Nando's out of the door, but hey, stranger things have happened in the Pokeverse. Remember that Sword and Shield were inspired by the UK - with nods to famous cities like Manchester and Liverpool.
What Really Inspired Pokemon Scarlet And Violet?
Okay, so Perinaise and a side of halloumi almost definitely didn't inspire Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Still, Spanish and Portuguese culture seems to be at the core of this franchise overhaul. Even if we won't be trying the extra-hot Vusa sauce in Scarlet and Violet, we could see its influence.
As pointed out by @PokePortuga, Masuda said he was inspired by the tale of the Barcelos rooster and wanted to turn it into a Pokemon for the upcoming game. Remembering that plucky bird is the mascot of Nando's, at least some of this cluckin' chain could find its way into the games. The question is, "Do you want fries with that?"
