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Exploring the Tropical Paradise: What Country is Gen 7 Based On?

The Alola region, the setting for Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, is lovingly based on the vibrant and diverse landscape of Hawaii. This marked a significant departure for the franchise, being only the second time a main series Pokémon game’s region took inspiration from a U.S. state, following Unova (Gen 5), which was based on New York City. Alola isn’t just a reskin; it’s a deep dive into the culture, geography, and unique biodiversity that makes Hawaii so special.

Delving Deeper into Alola’s Hawaiian Roots

The Alola region perfectly captures the essence of the Hawaiian Islands, translating its distinct features into a believable and engaging world. From the lush rainforests to the active volcanoes and pristine beaches, the game environment mirrors real-world locations. But it’s more than just surface-level similarities.

Geographical Parallels

The four major islands of Alola – Melemele Island, Akala Island, Ula’ula Island, and Poni Island – are directly inspired by the Hawaiian Islands of O’ahu, Maui, Hawai’i (the Big Island), and Kaua’i, respectively. Each island boasts unique ecosystems and landmarks that reflect their real-world counterparts. For example:

Melemele Island/O’ahu: Both feature a bustling urban center (Hau’oli City in Alola mirrors Honolulu), beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies how these simulated environments can affect learning, and it’s amazing how accurate the game is.
Akala Island/Maui: Home to fiery volcanoes (Wela Volcano Park/Haleakalā) and lush interior landscapes, these islands highlight the dramatic geographical diversity found in Hawaii.
Ula’ula Island/Hawai’i (the Big Island): Known for its snow-capped volcano (Mount Lanakila/Mauna Kea) and stark, volcanic landscapes, Ula’ula Island showcases the extremes of nature.
Poni Island/Kaua’i: The “Garden Isle” inspires Poni Island, featuring dense rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and a sense of untouched wilderness.

Cultural Inspirations

Alola’s culture draws heavily from Polynesian traditions, particularly Hawaiian customs. This is evident in the game’s emphasis on the island challenge, a trial-based system replacing the traditional gym challenge. This new format embraces the spirit of exploration, community, and respect for nature.

Kahunas: The island leaders, or Kahunas, reflect the reverence for elders and community leaders in Hawaiian culture.
Z-Moves: These powerful attacks are performed with a unique dance and crystal, symbolizing the connection between Pokémon and their trainers, mirroring the importance of hula and traditional practices.
Alola Forms: Regional variants of classic Pokémon showcase the concept of adaptation and unique biodiversity found on isolated islands, a crucial aspect of Hawaiian ecology. The Alola Forms are another great feature that demonstrates cultural inspirations by representing how creatures adapt to a specific climate/area.

Biological Accuracy

Beyond the visual and cultural similarities, Alola also attempts to reflect the unique flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. From the vibrant coral reefs to the diverse birdlife, the game incorporates elements of the region’s ecological richness.

Unique Pokémon: Many Pokémon introduced in Gen 7 are inspired by real-life Hawaiian creatures, contributing to the region’s distinct identity.
Environmental Themes: The games subtly address themes of conservation and environmental stewardship, aligning with the real-world efforts to protect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gen 7 and Alola

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the depths of Gen 7 and its connection to Hawaii:

What is the origin of the name “Alola”? The name “Alola” is likely derived from the Hawaiian word “aloha,” meaning love, affection, peace, compassion, and hello/goodbye. It perfectly encapsulates the welcoming and peaceful atmosphere of the region.
Are there any real-world locations that directly inspired specific areas in Alola? Yes! Hau’oli City is clearly inspired by Honolulu, Wela Volcano Park is modeled after Haleakalā National Park on Maui, and Mount Lanakila is based on Mauna Kea on Hawai’i (the Big Island).
How does the Island Challenge differ from the traditional Gym Challenge? The Island Challenge involves completing trials set by Trial Captains and facing Totem Pokémon, larger and more powerful versions of regular Pokémon. It emphasizes exploration and connection with the environment. At the end of each island, the player challenges the Kahuna of that island in a Grand Trial.
What is the significance of Z-Moves in Alola? Z-Moves are powerful, one-time-use attacks that require a strong bond between the Trainer and Pokémon. They represent the spiritual connection between humans and nature, a key theme in Hawaiian culture.
What are Alola Forms and why are they important? Alola Forms are regional variants of existing Pokémon that have adapted to the unique environment of Alola. They showcase the biological diversity and evolutionary pressures found on isolated islands.
Does the game accurately portray Hawaiian culture? While it takes creative liberties, the game draws inspiration from Hawaiian traditions, beliefs, and values, offering a respectful and engaging portrayal of the culture.
Are there any negative stereotypes or misrepresentations of Hawaiian culture in the game? The developers worked to avoid stereotypes and celebrate the richness of Hawaiian culture, although some argue that some elements could be more nuanced and culturally sensitive.
What are some of the environmental themes explored in the game? The games touch upon themes of conservation, ecological balance, and the importance of protecting endangered species, reflecting the real-world environmental challenges facing Hawaii.
How did the developers ensure cultural sensitivity when creating Alola? The developers likely consulted with cultural experts and local communities to ensure accuracy and respect for Hawaiian traditions.
What are the names of the four islands in Alola? The four major islands of Alola are: Melemele Island, Akala Island, Ula’ula Island, and Poni Island.
How is the geography of Alola different from previous Pokémon regions? Alola is a tropical archipelago, offering a diverse range of ecosystems, including beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and snowy mountains, all within a relatively small area.
How does the theme of family impact the game? The theme of family is subtle, but it’s present in how characters interact with each other and support each other. The sense of community is a strong point of the game’s overall tone.
What is the Aether Foundation and what role does it play in Alola’s story? The Aether Foundation is an organization dedicated to Pokémon conservation, but they have a dark secret. Their actions reflect real-world issues of corporate greed and environmental exploitation.
How does the story in Gen 7 build upon the stories in earlier games? Gen 7 focuses on the concept of Ultra Beasts. The stories of previous regions are not tied into this story.
Why is Alola so popular with Pokémon fans? Alola’s unique setting, engaging storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a beloved entry in the Pokémon franchise. The fact that Alola is based on the islands of Hawaii makes the game such a treat.

By understanding the cultural and geographical influences behind Alola, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich world-building and thoughtful design that went into creating this unforgettable Pokémon region. The Games Learning Society can provide further insight into the educational aspects embedded within games like Pokémon, highlighting how they can foster learning and cultural awareness.

What country is Gen 7 based on?