Pokémon Discussion Thread

[Multifarity]

"I know technically this Heal Ball has a 1x catch rate, but they say you Alakazams are smart Pokemon... And you're poisoned.
A) Get in the ball, or B) Die.
Your choice, I don't even give a fuck. There's plenty more like you out there."

-Professor Oak

[The Rich Port]

I bought the tapes... Most of them.

Yeah, fine. Honestly, I don't like YouTube because one second the video will be up and the next it'll be deleted. Or hell, when I'm watching it, the Flash will just crap out.

If you're planning on watching most of the anime, skip Sinnoh and Unova.

Wat.

How can I?

That's when Ash gets his groove with some nice warm chocolate lovin'...

Ebony... And Ivoryyyyyyy

[Constaniana]

If you're planning on watching most of the anime, skip Sinnoh and Unova.

Wat.

How can I?

That's when Ash gets his groove with some nice warm chocolate lovin'...

Ebony... And Ivoryyyyyyy

Are you kidding? Ash forming a romantic relationship?

[Geilinor]

I stopped watching the anime near the beginning of Sinnoh.

[Geilinor]

Wat.

How can I?

That's when Ash gets his groove with some nice warm chocolate lovin'...

Ebony... And Ivoryyyyyyy

Are you kidding? Ash forming a romantic relationship?

Well, he is still 11, somehow.

[New haven america]

Are you kidding? Ash forming a romantic relationship?

Well, he is still 11, somehow.

10.
I want to know how time in that world works.

[Interania]

Well, he is still 11, somehow.

10.
I want to know how time in that world works.

Especially because they really don't even try to retroactively explain all the previous assertion's of Pokemon types, evolutions, species, and moves. Every professor, bar Sycamore, has been wrong about basically most of the important things they tell anyone. Sycamore is only right because he's the latest. Unless new regions just happen to pop into existence to continue Ash's eternal losing streak (Unless you count the Orange League?), but that'd be weird. Or perhaps each region has near-perfect censorship preventing anyone but main characters and plot-advancement characters from penetrating their borders?

Still doesn't explain Ash though.

I want Ash to have a romantic relationship, if only to provide a nice change of pace. It doesn't even have to be the main focus, maybe just a little side thing with build-up. Then again, he will always leave...

[Constaniana]

[Meryuma]

I prefer Hoenn, Gen 3, as the best generation. I loved the different settings, the Pokemon and legendaries introduced were more interesting than a lot that has come afterwards, and it even introduced some fun new puzzles (Finding the Regis). Plus secret bases, which was such an awesome thing for a 7 year-old. I probably like Gen 4 the least.

Hoenn is definitely my favorite region, though Johto maybe has the best lineup of Pokemon. There's probably a nostalgia bias involved, but still.

Which gen was the worst one in Pokemon? my vote is gen five. I just couldn't accept it as a Pokemon game but I still completed it because I stick with something once I start it. I still don't know why I hated it I just do

I know I'm gonna get hate for this, but just in terms of gameplay, not actual pokemon designs, I thought Gen III was the worst. Just couldn't really get into the plot, and I hated the way the region was formatted.

The atmosphere was stunning, though. There were so many hidden places and varied landscapes and quirky side activities. I understand the frustration with all the water routes but Hoenn still captivates my imagination the most.

I don't get why Bulbapedia merely describes Mewtwo as a bipedal, humanoid creature with some feline features. I think it's pretty obvious Mewtwo looks like a kangaroo.

I always thought of Mew and Mewtwo as rodents.

My first pokemon game was Ruby.

Mine too... 10 years ago, holy shit.

You're 26 and your first games were gen II? Got a late start, eh?

Little late, but better late than never!

Got my first Game Boy in christmas of 2000, still remember my first starter pokemom being Totodile.

Totodile is my boyfriend's all-time favorite Pokemon.

The biggest complaint about X and Y I have is the complete overhaul of the graphics, which I now despise. There was nothing wrong with the original style! Why, Gamefreak, why?

I enjoyed the graphical style, along with the vastly increased character customization and hugely increased amount of Pokemon species for one game. The legendaries were great, too. However, it wasn't very challenging and a lot of aspects of the plot were outright bad (Team Flare being a more muddled version of Team Galactic, the irrelevant Lucario shit shoehorned in to appeal to the fanbase, the frequently annoying gang of friends and especially the contrived romantic subplot with Shauna, who was thoroughly unlikeable).

I feel the need to reemphasize just how hard the X&Y gym battle theme goes.

Hoenn Route 113 is my fucking jam. So is the Dark Cave/Ice Path music from Johto (both versions).

[Bukjoseon]

I prefer Hoenn, Gen 3, as the best generation. I loved the different settings, the Pokemon and legendaries introduced were more interesting than a lot that has come afterwards, and it even introduced some fun new puzzles (Finding the Regis). Plus secret bases, which was such an awesome thing for a 7 year-old. I probably like Gen 4 the least.

I was tearing through Gen III earlier here, which is something I know a lot of newer Pokemon fans have grown to expect from born-and-raised genwunners, but the secret bases gimmick is one that I'm literally baffled as to why they never brought back. My friends & I made a whole extra town in the Route outside Meteor Falls. Middle school me was thoroughly convinced that was just the illest sh!t in the world.

I know I'm gonna get hate for this, but just in terms of gameplay, not actual pokemon designs, I thought Gen III was the worst. Just couldn't really get into the plot, and I hated the way the region was formatted.

I'm totally with ya on this. Too much water.
I think the biggest reason a lot of genwunners are so disappointed with the first post GB/C installment is just how vastly different a lot of thematic styles were from the originals. Those petty mafia criminals we were thrashing about had been displaced by some weirdo pirates who wanted to make the whole world into water for a reason that was never really understood, and (comparatively speaking), *very* few of the original monsters make reappearances until it's too late for it to have really mattered.

One thing I do give Gamefreak a *lot* of credit for is acknowledging this mistake and being very careful to ensure that it was never made again. With Gen VI, they dedicated an entire nostalgia-driven miniseries to getting genwunners to accept the idea of Mega Evolution, and with such a thematic shift into a 3D world, some of the earliest X & Y plotpoints (receiving a gen I starter, Snorlax blocking the path on Route 6, etc.) seem specifically placed in there to remind the series's first fans that this *is* in fact still the same series we all grew up with.

I feel the need to reemphasize just how hard the X&Y gym battle theme goes.

Hoenn Route 113 is my fucking jam. So is the Dark Cave/Ice Path music from Johto (both versions).

<3 <3 Johto gave us the best music in the series. Proof thereof.

[Constaniana]

I prefer Hoenn, Gen 3, as the best generation. I loved the different settings, the Pokemon and legendaries introduced were more interesting than a lot that has come afterwards, and it even introduced some fun new puzzles (Finding the Regis). Plus secret bases, which was such an awesome thing for a 7 year-old. I probably like Gen 4 the least.

I was tearing through Gen III earlier here, which is something I know a lot of newer Pokemon fans have grown to expect from born-and-raised genwunners, but the secret bases gimmick is one that I'm literally baffled as to why they never brought back. My friends & I made a whole extra town in the Route outside Meteor Falls. Middle school me was thoroughly convinced that was just the illest sh!t in the world.

I know I'm gonna get hate for this, but just in terms of gameplay, not actual pokemon designs, I thought Gen III was the worst. Just couldn't really get into the plot, and I hated the way the region was formatted.

I'm totally with ya on this. Too much water.
I think the biggest reason a lot of genwunners are so disappointed with the first post GB/C installment is just how vastly different a lot of thematic styles were from the originals. Those petty mafia criminals we were thrashing about had been displaced by some weirdo pirates who wanted to make the whole world into water for a reason that was never really understood, and (comparatively speaking), *very* few of the original monsters make reappearances until it's too late for it to have really mattered.

One thing I do give Gamefreak a *lot* of credit for is acknowledging this mistake and being very careful to ensure that it was never made again. With Gen VI, they dedicated an entire nostalgia-driven miniseries to getting genwunners to accept the idea of Mega Evolution, and with such a thematic shift into a 3D world, some of the earliest X & Y plotpoints (receiving a gen I starter, Snorlax blocking the path on Route 6, etc.) seem specifically placed in there to remind the series's first fans that this *is* in fact still the same series we all grew up with.

Hoenn Route 113 is my fucking jam. So is the Dark Cave/Ice Path music from Johto (both versions).

<3 <3 Johto gave us the best music in the series. Proof thereof.

And don't you dare forget this.

[Interania]

The water was really the only gripe I had about Heonn, and I got it over by buying Max Repels (It doesn't matter that Super Repels are more cost efficient, Max is better than Super). Think of towns like Mosdeep, Pacifidlog, Fortree, actually any city in Hoenn. Each had a great theme that made them truly stand out, though some may prefer the subtler and more artistic (?) differences towns in Kanto and Johto had from one another.

I liked Team Magma and Aqua. At their core, they were little more than weird eco-freaks at differing spectrums, but they were a lot more dangerous than Team Rocket. I mean, they were willing to either flood the planet or screw up the oceans for their respective goals, resulting in the deaths of millions of people/Pokémon. They also weren't in it for the money, they sincerely believed the world would be better off in their own respective worlds. Both teams ultimately had good intentions, but we know what those are used to pave. Giovanni may have been the better leader between himself, Archie, and Maxie, but at least the last two had competent underlings. Emerald's conflict between Magma and Aqua was a nice touch as well. Besides, at least they weren't Team Flare.

Hoenn, which always vies with Johto for the fan-favorite, deserves a remake. Beautiful region, fun characters (Steven Stone, Mr. Briney), wonderful Pokémon designs. It will come out, just maybe not until after Z. Long live Pokémon contests!

And come on guys, who can forget the gems of routes 101, 104, and the calming Lilycove City?.

[Bukjoseon]

Think of towns like Mosdeep, Pacifidlog, Fortree, actually any city in Hoenn. Each had a great theme that made them truly stand out, though some may prefer the subtler and more artistic (?) differences towns in Kanto and Johto had from one another.

With the redesigns offered in FRLG/HGSS, I get the feeling that those distinct regional feels were an aesthetic intent of the original games that the GB/C just didn't have the processing power to meaningfully depict. What I *do* appreciate about Hoenn's thematic changes is the effort to create a distinct ecoregion; for the colossal pain in the ass all the oceanic routes were, Gen III did a damn fine job of creating a believable tropical environment and set the precedent for that element of the games to remain conscious (except perhaps for Gen V).

Emerald's conflict between Magma and Aqua was a nice touch as well. Besides, at least they weren't Team Flare.

This is the other thing I really appreciate about III: the introduction of a severely modified plot in the third installment of a generation. Prior to that the third installment just had some aesthetic changes and some sloppily shoehorned characters (Team Rocket Trio, Eusine) whose presence in the game was really inconsequential.

Hoenn, which always vies with Johto for the fan-favorite

Nonetheless I'm contesting the sh!t out of this statement though. Gen III is and always has been the most divided "absolutely-love-it-or-categorically-hate-it" entry to the series.

[Interania]

I was just taking that statement from personal experience from what I have seen people like, and an officialnintendomagazine poll. In the internet polls and arguments I've seen however, it's usually a vying between Hoenn and Johto, with Sinnoh or Unova rounding out the bottom (Justified or not).

Yes, it's either people love it or hate it, but the love has more of an effect than the hate. Fans of Hoenn can be defensive, especially because of the unnecessary negative viewpoints towards Generation 1 fans. Hoenn fans absolutely love Hoenn, those that dislike it are often more engaged in promoting their own favorite region than bashing Hoenn (except for the water, which is widely disliked). Maybe it's just because Hoenn fans are so united in their love for Hoenn, and fans of older games are divided between Kanto and Johto, but I see Johto and Hoenn as the two most popular regions when the question is brought up, with each fanbase actively dedicated to promoting their region of choice, which is to be expected.

And wouldn't this be so cool if it were actually like this? Please Google, this would be a great reason to travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMD6xELI_k#t=114

[Bukjoseon]

I was just taking that statement from personal experience from what I have seen people like, and an officialnintendomagazine poll.

Well damn. My assertion was purely from anecdotal evidence. I didn't even know Nintendo Magazine conducted a poll, or that there even was a Nintendo Magazine. I grew up with Nintendo Power

And wouldn't this be so cool if it were actually like this? Please Google, this would be a great reason to travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMD6xELI_k#t=114

Best April Fool's Prank to date because they *actually* fooled people.

[MERIZoC]

I enjoyed the graphical style, along with the vastly increased character customization and hugely increased amount of Pokemon species for one game. The legendaries were great, too. However, it wasn't very challenging and a lot of aspects of the plot were outright bad (Team Flare being a more muddled version of Team Galactic, the irrelevant Lucario shit shoehorned in to appeal to the fanbase, the frequently annoying gang of friends and especially the contrived romantic subplot with Shauna, who was thoroughly unlikeable).

There's a romantic subplot with Shauna? I mean, there was that one time with the fireworks, but was there anything else?

[Bukjoseon]

I enjoyed the graphical style, along with the vastly increased character customization and hugely increased amount of Pokemon species for one game. The legendaries were great, too. However, it wasn't very challenging and a lot of aspects of the plot were outright bad (Team Flare being a more muddled version of Team Galactic, the irrelevant Lucario shit shoehorned in to appeal to the fanbase, the frequently annoying gang of friends and especially the contrived romantic subplot with Shauna, who was thoroughly unlikeable).

There's a romantic subplot with Shauna?

I've yet to notice one; I'd rather have a romantic subplot with Tierno..

[Chinese Regions]

Did anyone do the Google maps challenge?

[Bukjoseon]

Tried finding it but naturally it wasn't in the Blackberry app store. -__-

[Chinese Regions]

Tried finding it but naturally it wasn't in the Blackberry app store. -__-

Was it just on iPhone or all iOS devices? I couldn't get it on iPad for some reason.

[The Rich Port]

10.
I want to know how time in that world works.

Especially because they really don't even try to retroactively explain all the previous assertion's of Pokemon types, evolutions, species, and moves. Every professor, bar Sycamore, has been wrong about basically most of the important things they tell anyone. Sycamore is only right because he's the latest. Unless new regions just happen to pop into existence to continue Ash's eternal losing streak (Unless you count the Orange League?), but that'd be weird. Or perhaps each region has near-perfect censorship preventing anyone but main characters and plot-advancement characters from penetrating their borders?

Still doesn't explain Ash though.

I want Ash to have a romantic relationship, if only to provide a nice change of pace. It doesn't even have to be the main focus, maybe just a little side thing with build-up. Then again, he will always leave...

If they actually took chances with the anime, or the game, or anything, really, they'd risk alienating a lot of players... I think.

The entire Pokémon franchise is so white-washed and neutral and safe right now that it really shouldn't threaten anyone... Yes, more white-washed, neutral and safe than it was when it started. Really, I have no idea how that's even possible... But it happened.

[New haven america]

Especially because they really don't even try to retroactively explain all the previous assertion's of Pokemon types, evolutions, species, and moves. Every professor, bar Sycamore, has been wrong about basically most of the important things they tell anyone. Sycamore is only right because he's the latest. Unless new regions just happen to pop into existence to continue Ash's eternal losing streak (Unless you count the Orange League?), but that'd be weird. Or perhaps each region has near-perfect censorship preventing anyone but main characters and plot-advancement characters from penetrating their borders?

Still doesn't explain Ash though.

I want Ash to have a romantic relationship, if only to provide a nice change of pace. It doesn't even have to be the main focus, maybe just a little side thing with build-up. Then again, he will always leave...

If they actually took chances with the anime, or the game, or anything, really, they'd risk alienating a lot of players... I think.

The entire Pokémon franchise is so white-washed and neutral and safe right now that it really shouldn't threaten anyone... Yes, more white-washed, neutral and safe than it was when it started. Really, I have no idea how that's even possible... But it happened.

Well, the games are fine, they aren't broke, and they continually add to the system, while keeping the core controls.

The anime in the other hand....

[The Rich Port]

If they actually took chances with the anime, or the game, or anything, really, they'd risk alienating a lot of players... I think.

The entire Pokémon franchise is so white-washed and neutral and safe right now that it really shouldn't threaten anyone... Yes, more white-washed, neutral and safe than it was when it started. Really, I have no idea how that's even possible... But it happened.

Well, the games are fine, they aren't broke, and they continually add to the system, while keeping the core controls.

The anime in the other hand....

Honestly, I think the games are the biggest offenders/promoters of that, but it's only obvious in the anime.

You can make a great game/system/gameplay engine, but you have to give it flavour or else it's just a math game... That gets boring after a while.

[New haven america]

Well, the games are fine, they aren't broke, and they continually add to the system, while keeping the core controls.

The anime in the other hand....

Honestly, I think the games are the biggest offenders/promoters of that, but it's only obvious in the anime.

You can make a great game/system/gameplay engine, but you have to give it flavour or else it's just a math game... That gets boring after a while.

So... Double Battles, Triple Battles, Rotation Battles, Sky Battles, Horde Battles, Mega Evos., The fact that you're player almost died in B2W2, and a guy wanting to decimate the planet in XY is boring?

[MERIZoC]

The fact that you're player almost died in B2W2

Yeah, that was interesting. I have nothing against it, and I even think it was a good plot point, but it was completely unprecedented. Nintendo has never done anything like that with the pokemon games.