Summary
Though players are still waiting for the official release ofPokemon ScarletandViolet’s DLC with The Teal Mask as the first of two parts, a recent leak showcases three new forms of Ogerpon that all supposedly reveal its unmasked face, and it is unsettling. Among the many rumors and reveals that have emerged leading up toScarletandViolet’s DLC, the latest trailer already appeared to hint thatOgerpon is hiding behind its mask. But the recent leak that claims Ogerpon will have up to four different mask-based forms also seems to confirm that players will in fact see the Legendary Pokemon unmasked.
However, if these leaks wind up being true and Ogerpon’s unmasked appearance is official, then Game Freak has a lot to answer for after making Ogerpon’s true face weirdly creepy and uncomfortable. In contrast to the masked Ogerpon that players are accustomed to that suggested the Legendary Pokemon was going to be mysterious and antagonistic in The Teal Mask, its unmasked form is strangely cute and innocent. As a result,Pokemonfans may now have to reconcile their expectations ofOgerpon filling the franchise’s evil archetype rolewith the abnormally cutesy appearance the Legendary Pokemon actually has.
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Why Leaked Unmasked Ogerpon is Terrifying
Ever since both Ogerpon and Terapagos were revealed as part ofPokemon ScarletandViolet’s DLC announcement information about both Legendary Pokemon was scarce with players resorting to speculation around their potential types, how they fit into the DLC’s broader storyline, and more. But betweenrumors and leaks about all-new Tera Formsand the anime revealing an unnamed Pokemon tied to Terapagos, Ogerpon itself did not appear to have any secondary forms of its own. So based on the Momotaro folklore inspiring both Ogerpon’s and the Loyal Three’s designs, it seemed that Ogerpon was going to be a straightforward villain for The Teal Mask.
Yet the recentPokemon ScarletandVioletleak of unmasked Ogerpon directly contradicts this assumption due to its face being far cuter underneath the masks it wears. However, while this might have been an attempt on Game Freak’s behalf to make Ogerpon seem less intimidating than the likes of other “evil” Legendary Pokemon like Giratina, Eternatus, or Darkrai, it has had the opposite effect. If the leaked designs are real, then Ogerpon’s face is arguably sickly sweet and unnerving with its anime-sized starry eyes and child-like being counteracted by its clearly visible fangs and large, prominent spikes surrounding its head.
Ogerpon’s Looks Might Literally Be Deceiving
Despite how unsettling and nightmarish Ogerpon’s unmasked forms might be, this reveal could actually give players a significant hint as to how The Teal Mask’s story might take shape and how the Legendary Pokemon factors into this. Just asPokemon ScarletandViolet’s marketing ahead of its DLC has so far focused on presentingOgerpon as a mysterious antagonistic role, then the reveal of its unmasked form could have been intended to be The Teal Mask’s plot twist. Similar to other misunderstood Legendary Pokemon likePokemon SwordandShield’s “Dada” Zarude,ScarletandViolet’s Ogerpon might be more than its evil masked appearance.
Additionally, its cuter unmasked appearance could point towardsOgerpon’s still unconfirmed typing. While the leaks allegedly claim that it will have multiple mask-based forms that take after Pokemon types of their own including Water, Fire, and Rock, the unmasked form could arguably suggest that Ogerpon is a Grass/Fairy type. Similar to how other Fairy-type Pokemon have been characterized as dangerously powerful like Mimikyu, Hatterene, and Tinkaton, Ogerpon might also be strong albeit misguided Legendary Pokemon that players will encounter and come to understand as part of The Teal Mask’s story and the broader DLC narrative.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare available now for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Ogerpon Seems to be The First DLC-Exclusive Trio Master
