>>43163403They actually knowledge this in an interview but claim that starters are an exception now
Ohmori: One thing that sets Pokémon apart from other character brands is that we don't set out to design the Pokémon to be characters themselves. Instead, they're supposed to be these living creatures that are believable as existing in their own environment. Like Wooloo, for example. You can picture that living on its own in the wild like an animal would.
But it is a little bit different for the first partner Pokémon. We try to infuse them with a fixed personality. For example, Sobble is kind of a crybaby Pokémon, while others might be more active or excitable. In general, they're designed to be believable, living creatures, but we try to create more fixed personalities for the first partner Pokémon.
Masuda: For the first partner Pokémon in particular, those are the first Pokémon that the player is going to choose, so having them convey a straightforward personality is important. It makes it a lot easier to choose. Maybe people who are sad can choose Sobble. (Laughs.)
