Have you ever heard of the Where-To-Be-Born Index? It's a metric measuring the quality of life in different locations based on subjective citizen surveys combined with objective environmental, social, governmental, and economic factors. In short, the core question is, "Does this place suck or nah?"
Related: Minecraft: Best Quality-Of-Life Mods
I'll disclose that I am no economist, socioeconomic researcher, or other subject matter expert. But I am a gamer with hot takes. So, if you've ever wondered what living in these four vastly different gaming locales is like, I'll happily give you my judgments.
Assasin's Creed 2 began a trilogy of video games dedicated to Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a Florentine assassin living in the Early Renaissance. In this case, I suppose this location should get judged according to a when-to-be-born index rather than where.
For instance, you would thrive in Renaissance-era Florence if you love arts, culture, and sensual pleasures. For example, Europe had overcome the destabilizing period of the Black Death, thus resulting in a burgeoning middle class, a rise in individualism, and a greater focus on examining the humanities.
This all sounds great...if you are wealthy enough. But unfortunately, the Republic of Florence was essentially an oligarchy, with power consolidated among wealthy merchant families like the Medicis. So, it's like living in America now, but with less technological advancement and shorter life spans. Wah-wah.
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Cons
Overall Score
6.5/10
If you look at a map of Paldea, you'll notice it is an island with highly diverse terrain. According to the official Pokemon website, Paldea is "a land of vast open spaces dotted with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, and perilous mountain ranges." In short, there's something here for everyone.
Still don't believe me? I skimmed a Reddit thread of gamers discussing where they would live in Paldea. One response cited Levincia due to its similarities to Valencia, Spain. Another Redditor chose Montenerva due to its "constant Halloween vibe." And, to my surprise, one comment insisted they would rather camp out wherever and explore Area Zero.
Related: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: FAQ Guide
You could be a city person, a spooky goth, a snow bunny, or a Poke-vagabond and still find the perfect living arrangement in Paldea. And no matter where you live, the Pokemon will crystallize because, who knows?
Making a living in Paldea sounds like a mixed bag. Sure, there are several employment opportunities in the metropolitan city businesses. But many Paldeans contribute to a crowded market of freelance Pokemon trainers. As a freelancer myself, that sounds rough.
Then, there's the questionable practice of making the Paldean wildlife, aka Pokemon, fight each other. That sounds like justified animal cruelty. So, I guess humans born in Paldea can access good opportunities. However, Pokemon born in Paldea cannot. (Unless you're a Swarovski crystal Pokemon. In that case, your life is made.)
Pros
Cons
Overall Score
7/10
If you immediately thought, "Oof, this can't be good," when I mentioned Outworld, I understand why. There are several reasons why growing up in this tumultuous realm is a disparaging experience. War-torn clans, despotic rulers, barren wastelands, Outworld has all these disparities and more.
However, despite the horrible living conditions, each native species has perks. For instance, humanoid Outworlders can wield magic and tout longer life expectancy from birth. Shokans have two extra arms (and extraordinary leg strength in Sheeva's case). And the Centaurians are swole horsepeople! Superhuman abilities must improve QoL somehow.
Unfortunately, if you belong to a conquered species, Outworld life is more challenging. For instance, the Saurians, a reptilian race, are enslaved. Meanwhile, the insectoid Kytinn had no defense against Shao Kahn's invasion. And if you were born an Osh-Tekk, you're either dead or Kotal Kahn (and being Kotal Kahn is lonely, dude).
In sum, Outworld has a significant racism problem. So, unless you're one of the few races that benefit from systemic racism, you don't want to get born here.
Pros
Kons (See what I did there?)
Overall Score
4/10
Congratulations! If you were born into The Cosmos, you live in a progressive monarchy where every day is sunshine and roses. You can travel wherever you wish, be it one of our Solar System's original planets or the makeshift Sumo Planet you made yesterday. You're a demigod, and the universe is your Play-Doh.
Oh, if only it were that simple. Unfortunately, the King Of All Cosmos, aka GOD, is a bumbling idiot. And if you're one of his family members (spoiler alert: you likely are), you'll be responsible for cleaning all his messes.
You wouldn't mind occasionally helping dear old Dad (or Uncle King Of All Cosmos if you're not The Prince). However, this kind of catastrophe happens every other day. We can picture it now:
"Why HELLLLLOOOOO, my sweet prince. Your mother and I were playing planetary golf when I accidentally shot Pluto into the Sun. We know it's technically not a planet. Still, it's a planet in our hearts. And every heart deserves love. Does it not, sweet prince? Now fetch me a Katamari composed of Disney memorabilia so we can make the most Pluto-like Pluto you've ever seen!"
If you think you can handle family without boundaries, maybe The Cosmos is the place for you. As for me, I have already booked my ticket to Outworld. Peace!
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Overall Score
Next: Katamari Balls I Would Make In Real Life