2016 marks the 20th
anniversary of the Pokémon
franchise. Actually, there isn’t much
hype about it. There was a Super Bowl
commercial about it, introducing a website (Pokémon20.com). But I’m not aware of any special movie, game,
or mega-event (except the Beta release of Pokémon Go, but that isn’t a tie-up to the anniversary) planned. Anyway, this post is to commemorate this
milestone. Though I’m not really a
die-hard fan (I even consider the Digimon anime superior to the Pokémon anime),
I’m still a fan to an extent, since Pokémon
is a huge part of my generation’s pop culture.
I’ve watched the anime – TV series and films – and played the early
games.
So for Pokémon’s 20th anniversary, it’s fitting to list down my
twenty most favorite Pokémon. They are
ranked depending on the stylishness of their character designs and strengths; depiction
in anime/manga; and/or the impact, service, and value they had on me when I
was playing the games.
20.) RAICHU
Pikachu might be the face of the
franchise, but I prefer Raichu over it.
Not only because it’s an evolution higher than Pikachu, but also because
I think Raichu has a cuter appearance.
19.) ODDISH
Pokémon Blue was the first Pokémon
game I got to play. And I remember that
my first defeat was against Cerulean City gym leader Misty. My starter was Charmander, and I made the
mistake of challenging her with an under-leveled lineup. Good thing Oddish were outside the city, and
I caught one and leveled it up. I beat
Misty in my second try, primarily due to it. So it’s in this list because of that fond memory. It’s also adorable. It’s evolution – Gloom – not so much.
18.) GRAVELER
Graveler was an important part of
my lineups during the original games.
Magnitude (and later, Earthquake) was a powerful attack that easily beat
opponents early in the game.
I never had a Golem until I
discovered Game Shark (since I wasn’t aware of them, I never used a cheat
during my first campaigns). My Graveler
never evolved to Golem because it’s one of those Pokémon that requires a trade
to evolve it. And I played via an emulator; I
never traded a Pokémon in my life. Thus,
my fondness was developed for Graveler instead of Golem (Later in this list are
Pokémon which I had the same experience with).
17.) GARDEVOIR
Gardevoir’s design makes it the most
feminine among the Pokémon. It’s so
feminine that it’s even considered “hot” by some fans, and there are even nasty
fan fiction out there that are centered on it (yikes).
When I got to play
Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire, this Pokémon served what purpose Kadabra (later in ths list) had in Blue/Red.
16.) GROVYLE
I never really liked it in the
games. But it’s definitely one of Ash’s strongest
and coolest Pokémon. Its stubbornness and
introvertness in the anime made it mightily appealing to me. I dig Grovyle’s design over Sceptile.
15.) INFERNAPE
I love Fire-type Pokémon. There are a couple of these in this
list. First of which is Infernape. Cool design and pretty powerful. I’m always entertained seeing it (and its early forms, Chimchar and Monferno) in action in
the anime.
14.) TORKOAL
I’ve liked it ever since I laid
eyes on it. I find a Fire-type
tortoise clever and appealing. It was not
really an integral member of my lineups, but I made sure to capture one. I also find Ash’s Torkoal very adorable, as
well as badass when it breathes out a Flamethrower.
13.) TROPIUS
This Pokémon was a vital part of
my core lineup for most of Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire. Being a combo Grass/Flying type, its hardiness,
and its capability to use Earthquake and Hyper Beam makes it so.
12.) METAGROSS
It reminds me of the badass Ghost in a Shell Tachikoma – a
spider-like combat vehicle. It takes
patience to level a Beldum into a Metagross, but very rewarding in the end.
With its durability and powerful Psychic and Steel attacks, it’s one of
two strongest two-way pseudo-Legendary Pokémon (the other one is later in this
list). I love having it in my lineup.
11.) AERODACTYL
The first time I fought against
the Elite Four – in Blue – Lance and his Aerodactyl destroyed me. The experience made quite an impression on me that Aerodactyl
became one of my early favorites.
The Rock/Flying dual-type advantage is definitely a big plus to a lineup.
The Rock/Flying dual-type advantage is definitely a big plus to a lineup.
10.) HAUNTER
Here’s another one of those Pokémon
that requires a trade to evolve. Just
like Golem, I only had a Gengar through Game Shark. Prior that, I was stuck with Haunter, hence,
it got the chance to become the favorite, not Gengar.
Haunter was a valuable member of
my lineups early on. Its Curse and
Destiny Bond abilities are extremely useful in taking on strong trainers that have several Pokémon on hand.
9.) NIDOKING
Nidoking was an early favorite of
mine. I remember admiring Gary’s
Nidoking in the anime. I thought of it
as incredibly badass. In the game, I was delightfully surprised how it’s capable of learning a wide array of abilities – even Fire,
Water, Ice, and Electric moves. Also, its passive
ability, Poison Point, makes it possible to poison opponents that physically
attack it. Pretty invaluable.
8.) KADABRA
Same case with Haunter and Graveler. Couldn’t trade, so I had no Alakazam, and was stuck with Kadabra. But no matter. As a Psychic-type, it can deal some nasty damage. So every time I played Blue and Red, I made sure I got an Abra to evolve into a Kadabra. It had been one of the most useful Pokémon in my roster during mid to late game.
7.) MEWTWO
I never liked Legendary Pokémon. Being the most powerful Pokémon there are make them unappealing and one-dimensional to me.
With the sole exception of Mewtwo.
Its tragic back story, being a kickass clone of Mew, and its depiction in the first Pokémon movie give it depth, as well as the appeal that I couldn’t see in other Legendaries.
6.) SNORLAX
I personally think Snorlax is
more adorable than Pikachu. More than
that, with proper utilization, it’s an invaluable piece. As a Normal type, it’s very versatile – ready
to be equipped with a wide range of auxiliary abilities. It’s also magnificently tough.
5.) TYRANITAR
Here’s my other favorite pseudo-Legendary. It’s a chore to level Lavitar
up towards Tyranitar, but it’s worth it.
It’s extremely durable and has some very strong attacks. I prefer having one in my lineup when I go fight the Elite
Four.
4.) LAPRAS
An early favorite of mine in
using Surf outside of battle (since the sprite animation takes the actual form of a Lapras instead of the generic sprite design). But what
makes it really invaluable is its lethal Perish Song. Due to this move, it was the front line – the first Pokémon to battle – of many of my lineups when going against the Elite Four.
3.) BLASTOISE
In my book, Blastoise has the
best Pokémon design ever. Never really
liked Squirtle and Wartortle, but Blastoise is a bona fide badass. The cannons on its back make this so.
2.) BLAZIKEN
Fighting/Fire is a fantastic combination. There’s an
appealing stylishness about it. Mashing
up the visceral grace of martial arts motions with the allure and
destructiveness of fire produces a visual delight in both the game and the
anime.
1.) CHARIZARD
When Pokémon first came out, Charizard easily became my favorite due to
its striking character design, efficient stats and effectiveness in the game (making Charmander the hands down best starter), and
interesting arc in the anime. Several Pokémon
generations later and it’s still my favorite.
A true classic.
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