Pokemon Anniversary

Wow 20 years….man I feel old. 20 years ago Pokemon roared into all of our lives, I was the mere age of 14 (good god I was just a babe…..this article is going to make me feel so old).  So I thought I would talk about my history with gen 1, and then because everyone likes a countdown list I thought me with my co conspirator pianoelf (who will be in red) would list our top 5 favorite gen 1 Pokemon.

When Pokemon came out I was in junior high school, I didn’t even know there was a game until I started watching the anime. After the anime and a babysitting job I got to play the game a little bit on my on my own.  It wouldn’t be until Yellow launched that I really showed a strong desire for the game, I liked getting all three starters and Pikachu, I didn’t like having to make the choice at the beginning. It would be my birthday that I would get my first Game Boy and Yellow. I loved the game and played it a lot, coming to rely on other Pokemon not featured in the anime. Yellow would start my Pokemon journey, I would go on to play every single main series entry, and a few side ones.

I don’t remember how old I was when Pokemon first came out, but I remember getting Game Boy Pockets with my two brothers and each of us got to choose Red or Blue. I chose Red, although I really wanted Blue because I loved the color blue. I think at least one of my brothers chose Blue, but at any rate, the next thing we knew, we were in the living room together choosing our first Pokemon. We all chose a different one of course, so that eventually we could see each one. I loved the variety in the different Pokemon seen in the originals (even though the original designs don’t age too well), and caught everything I saw. Since then, I have played at least one entry in each generation of games. While there are things I love in the later games, I will never forget the first one I played.

So on to my top five gen 1 Pokemon (or Pokemon family)

 Diglett & Dugtrio: I loved these little ground dwellers. I remember reading in my first Pokemon walkthough a Versus book (which sadly doesn’t exist anymore) that speed wins battles and if there is one thing this little mole Pokemon has, it’s speed. During the course of gen 1 this little guy would more than earn its place on my team. It is also one of the only Pokemon i can consistently draw and when I get bored you can find one or two on the page of a notebook.  I wished it aged as well as my love for it because as the generations grew this Pokemon fell out of favor in my teams, to stronger ground types. However, Diglett will always hold a special spot for me. 

    Pikachu: So cliche, I know, but Pikachu was the first “rare” Pokemon I ever caught. I remember the first one I saw in Viridian Forest, being surprised at never having seen one before (and how cute it was), and then quickly realized how rare it was to encounter one. This little electric mouse may have never made it as a permanent member of any of my teams, but its charm and personality have stuck with me from the very beginning. (Ash’s Pikachu is infinitely adorable too.)

 Zapdos: Out of all of the legendary Pokemon in this generation, Zapdos was by far and away my favorite. This wonderful little electric Pokemon would be a firm fighter for me. With Zappy (yes that’s what I named it) by my side I always knew I would make it through. In game Zapdos is truly the key to getting the other legendaries, We zapped Moltres and Articuno and drill pecked Mewtwo. Whenever I see the Zapdos in future games my heart jumps a beat because I know with this bird at my side…nothing will stop me. 

Pidgey, Pidgeotto & Pidgeot: Pidgey was one of two bird Pokemon you could catch at the very beginning of the game, and I always liked Pidgey’s design better than Spearow’s. As this little bird evolved, he became my Flyer and a very reliable member of my first team. In a recent playthrough of Soul Silver, I made it a point to use one, and while he had a period where he was close to useless, now he has proven himself to be a core member of the team. There have been many new bird Pokemon introduced since Gen 1, but they will never replace the Pidgey family for me.

  Rapidash: When I was looking over the list of the original 151, and looked at good Rapidash and Ponyta I got this warm happy feeling. Like most little girls, I grew up loving horses. I can’t tell you how it absolutely blows my mind after 20 years and 722(?) Pokemon that there are only 3 horse type Pokemon. Rapidash is too often overlooked in my opinion as a fire Pokemon, but it has something that is so key, the same reason i love Dugtrio: speed. It’s not only that. I loved encountering it in Snap. It is beautifully designed, and has the moves and the stats to be a great Pokemon, and she really is.  

  Butterfree: Yet another Pokemon found close to the beginning of the game! I loved Butterfree even though she was always swapped out later for something more useful. I think it’s because I loved butterflies as a kid, and hated bees (Beedrill is the Pokemon opposite Butterfree). Leveling up a Caterpie or Metapod and then seeing this beautiful Butterfree emerge was always immensely satisfying.

 Bulbasaur: Ok let’s be straight here ppl, yes Charmander grows into Charizard which even I will admit is kind of badass, Squirtle grows into a giant turtle with cannons on his back, In comparison Venasaur is not that impressive, even when we got mega this Pokemon got shafted, but to me it will always have a special little place. It was the anime that sold me on him, not willing to change when everyone one else like him did, protective of the weak and friends, tolerant of ones who annoy him and loyal to his friends. Bulba was the one out of Ash’s Pokemon that I identified with, and that’s why I love him. 

 Eevee & Flareon: Ok, another cute choice, but this Pokemon is not found until much later in the game. You can only get one Eevee, and then you find that Eevee can evolve into one of three Pokemon depending on what kind of stone you give to it. Eevee is cute enough already, but Flareon’s design always attracted me more than the other two options. Flareon just looks so fluffy! Eevee has consistently been a team member in later games, sometimes as its original form, and much more often in one of its now EIGHT evolution choices.

Lapras: By now are you really that surprised to see Lapras here? If you have read my past blogs you know I absolutely love this Pokemon. She has carried me through so many games, but it was Yellow where I first met her. Once I had her by my side I dropped my Blastoise for her and I have never looked back. Lapras has been at my side since the beginning, My love for this Pokemon goes longer and deeper, met in gen 1 and by my side until the end. Beautiful, serene, defensive and strong this one has gotten me though many Elite Fours. 

 Charmander: I’m sure you can guess by now which Pokemon I got while my brothers got the other two. Charmander has always been my favorite Pokemon, partly because he was the one that started it all. I remember that I didn’t want to evolve my first Charmander, but eventually gave in and Charmeleon and Charizard became heavy hitters as I faced the Elite Four. But in every game since then, I have tried to have a Charmander on my team and never evolve him. There is something about this cute little lizard that makes me happy to have him by my side. Perhaps part of it is seeing Ash’s Pikachu and wanting my Charmander to be the same kind of friend. Ash’s Charmander may have evolved into a stubborn Charizard, but my Charmander will always be my faithful companion.

Well there you have it,  our top fives. We both enjoyed revisiting our past, and look forward to replaying the original games in the not so distant future. In the meantime please enjoy the video below, done by natewantstobattle, It seems appropriate to end the article with it.

 

Please feel free to like us on our new facebook page Gamerwomen, where we (try) to post upcoming news or interesting articles we find from around the web about various games; and of course alerts to when new articles are posted up.

 

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Pokemon Spotlight: Zigzagoon

Pokemon is nothing if not consistent, we know over the years when we start up any game, that a few things will always happen. We will always get a starter pokemon, we will always have a mom that we leave behind who supports us, And the first catching areas we will always find a bug pokemon, a bird pokemon and one normal swiss army knives pokemon. From ratatta, to bunnelby and all in between. there have been good ones, terrifying one (looks at patrat and shudders). For me my favorite starter normal is really zigzagoon, i squeed that’s right i squeed when i started X a year ago and found this little guy in the beginning areas. My original one way back when when sapphire was still new was named bandit, future ones were names lil’theif and current one is named ziggy.

So what makes this little guy so special, Honestly like most beginning level normal’s you will out grow this little guy by gym four or five, but for be its that ability pickup that makes him so unique. When you start the game you can find you run though pokedollers really quickly. Zigzagoon picks up random potions, pokeballs, status heals, even berries as you travel along. Most of these items are very useful, and sometimes even life saving if your going though a forests or a cave. Early game before you get the full heals and full restores these extra little status saves are quite useful. Your little pickpocket turns out to be a real butt saver.

Zigzagoon  and Its evoluton linoone  can also be very useful learning four different hm moves, so if you need someone to carry the hm burden for your team this is a good choice learning, cut, strength, surf and rock smash. The can also use non hm but field moves like dig and rock climb. Also like most normal pokemon they are swiss army knives learning a veriaty of different type move sets, so if you decide to actually work with one longer then gym five i have a feeling you will be rewarded. however nither i nor  smogon recommend this guy outside your own game, its not built for competitive just to get you though the beginning of the game.

While its likely you will eventually outgrow the zigzagoon linoone family by the time you hit gym five, you cannot deny what this little guy does for you early game and should be recognized for that.

My New Top 10 pokemon

Every player of pokmon has a group of stand by pokemon, ones that have always relied on, or have come to rely on as the years past, for some its a matter of how they do in battle outside the game, for others its that old friend they can always rely on in the game. For others such as me there are just ones that no matter what comes our way we admire them, we use them, we  love them. That’s right little peices of computer programing we spent so much time with that we feel even artficually if we cheer loud enough for them we know that pokemon as weird as it sounds will come though for us in a pinch. For players such as me who has been playing the series as long as i have, i have found creatures i have come to rely on.

How they got to my team each one has its own story, whether i fell in love with there looks, or relablity or just as i was working with them i fell in love with the shear deterimation it some times take to raise one up right. to some are harders then others to put on this list and after much struggle i narrowed it down to 10 Pokemon who will always find a home somewhere on my team. (and in some cases my bed if i can find there stuffed forms)

10: Scizor: Somehow this guy always finds his way on my teams. its no secret that i like bugs i always have ever since i was a little kid, so finding a praying mantis pokemon like Scyther was a real score. In generation 2 it evolved into Scizor and with that often found a place on my team. Its a tough bug and has proven itself at my side over and over again. I know it will always be there an now with a new mega evolution i know it will continue to have my back.

9: Greninja: When X and Y initially came out i was on team Chespin being someone who almost always picks grass starters it seemed only natural for me to continue down this path. To say i was disappointed in little Chespin is an understatement. fortunately for me i decided to play both versions of the game, and the second go around i got to know froakie. Boy did this froggie ever make an impression on me. i named my first one Kitt after a bullfrog i had had in my youth. I have since gone on to breed a competitive one that knows the annoying to go up against but super fun when its on your side ability protean. It being a frog doesn’t hurt its case either, for me this is the stand out starter of and X-Y and you better believe when i play smash its also one of my go to characters.

8: Chandelure: To say i am not a big user of ghost (or fighting) types is an understatment. It in most cases is because i never really take the time to get to know them the case with most fighters there is never a design i really like. For me I have always thought myself as someone who likes to go against the crowd as well so i tend to for this reason stay away from popular and over used pokemon such as gengar. i am not really sure what it was about litwig that i really liked. For some reason it apealed to me and to be honest i wasn’t really that disappointed. In most generations Fire types are often few and far between so when you find one you stick with it, and when you find a good one you are rewarded. I have used this guy a couple of times now both in game and casual compitition and i have yet to be disappointed. A lot of generation 5 pokemon are overlooked for no good reason and Chandelure is very much a hidden gem.

7: Espeon and Umbreon:  I always seem to cheat a bit when it comes to these two. I like most eeveelutions but for me these two are hands down my favorite. When it comes to battling however it is almost always my espeon that is by my side, back in the day it was one of the best Psychic pokemon out there, and even today a lot of other blogs and players still use this guy in competitions.  I use it because it really is still to this day one of my favorite psychic pokemon, and it doesn’t hurt it reminds me of a cat. So if I use Espeon all the time, why does it share the number seven spot with Umbreon.  For me Umbreon is more of an emotional attachment. Some of you know and can see in my icon a black cat, that’s my buddy blizzard, and for some reason when i see Umbreon i think of him. I can’t help it, and blue i have always loved its design even its shiny as rare as that is to find. So for me i cannot separate these two, you can’t have light with out darkness, nor darkness without light after all.

6: Inkay: Inkay is different then the others i have featured on this list so far. Its not really on here because of its battling skills or its ever so weird type combination, no its on here because i am completely and utterly in love with its design. I am a huge fan of squids and octopus’s so when i met Inkay in the wilds of X I fell head over heals in love with this thing. While i am not as impressed with its evolution malamar, the way it evolves is kind of fun for me too. No Inkay is one of the few pokemon who earn a spot on this list because I just think its adorable.

5: Bulbasaur: As I have stated in the past my first pokemon game was yellow, making pikachu my first pokemon, but for me my first love is really bulbasaur. This little guy without really knowing it would set the stage for my starter choices for years to come, with me almost all the time picking a grass type starter with a small hiccup here and there, but i get ahead of myself. I just love this guy and to be honest when i got to pick again in Y I followed my heart not my head and picked it again. I think i had forgotten how much i loved this little guy until i saw him again. To be honest i think still even today bulbasaur is to often ignored for its more flashy turtle with the cannons or dragon but not really a dragon brethren.  He has been there since the beginning and I am happy to award my old friend with a place on my list.

4: Torchic: remember that hiccup I just mentioned, yeah Torchic is that hiccup. How could i resist such a cute little pokemon, i mean really. Torchic would mark the first and pretty much only occasion i would wonder away from the grass starter (for the first round of play) line. This little guy has never disappointed me, with a great move pool and lets be honest so few fires to pick from in gen 3 this was my best option and never one i was disappointed in. In every game i have had this guy in, it has come though for me, sure we have lost a few times to friends but i always had a good time. Lets be honest here Blaziken Torchic final evolution just keeps getting better as the years pass, and with ORAS around the corner i look forward to kicking ass and taking names once again with my little orange chicklet by my side.

3:  Crobat: Crobat didn’t even make the list last time, because honestly i forgot it, years away from the game i had forgotten my history with this little bat. it wasn’t until X-Y did i get a reminder of why i like this creature so much. Since i mentioned it recently in another post i will try to keep it brief. Crobat has speed, and some power behind it. more importantly its a bat, and as you guys have gotten by now i was a weird little girl who like creatures most girls did not, and one of those things were bats. So of course Zubat once again falls into the catagory of weird creatures i should like but i do so there. Crobat has earned its time in the sun and a place on my list, with a promise to never forget it again.

2: Lapras: this one should come as a surprise to no one who has read my blogs before, i just love this pokemon. Lapras has been at my side since the beginning and in almost every single generation i have depended on her to get me though the end of the game and the elite four. Lapras only drops to number 2 on my list because the years have not been kind to my old friend. while in game she always helps me, in the world of competitive she just has to many flaws to ignore. I am just starting to break into this world, and i would love to have my old friend at my side, but to use her would be a mistake, so i am forced to sideline her with the hopes that one day maybe with a mega Lapras will rise again.

So who did it, who unseated the once mighty contender for my heart.

1: Joltik: Yup that’s right this adorable tiny bug pokemon has unseated lapras from the number one spot. How the heck did that happen you might be wondering. after all me and lapras have had a decade with one another and this little upstart just showed up about four years ago. Well here is how it happened, as it probably quite clear to you all by now i love bugs and other weird little things, So when i met joltik about a year ago i fell instantly heads over heels in love with this thing. However unlike the ultra cute inkay, Joltik quickly set about proving its worth in my team. Its Evolution galvantula is touch and its excellent in the world of competitive. no one knows what to make of this little eletric tick, and the fact i think the generation five is so unpopular makes this little guys a bit of a surprise when the meet it. Joltik just fits all my needs for eletric, bug, grass and what ever else i need in one adorable package. In the short time i have known this little bug it has proven itself over and over in game and in the competitive field. That is why joltik has earned a number one spot on my list.

Thank you for endulging me, and i should note, even though no generation 4 Pokemon made my list doesn’t mean i hate the generation, i just simply just don’t have any stand outs from that generation i continually go back to…yet. Also note Legends are not on this list because they already got there own special list.

What are your top ten, write yours in the comments down below.

Gen VI Review

Well its about time i finish these pokèmon game reviews, and Pokèmon X-Y is the final one. With the delay of the bank and transporter, it seems like as good of time as any to give my thoughts on the latest entry into the pokèmon universe.

                              

While i did my version of a play by play with Pokèmon X giving you guys an idea of my team and my general thoughts along the play. After i finished X i still hand an hankering for some more Pokèmon, so i picked up Y and it quickly became my favorite version of gen 6, while they are practically twins, i think the pokèmon available in Y are far better. Like Team Rocket there are a lot of things this game nearly flawlessly, but in some cases ended up blasting off again instead.  But i will get to that later. For now let me start with the review.

First The Dislikes:

-I feel like compared to what we have gotten game wise in the past, that X-Y feel very small. The end game content especially you have the looker quests, the battle chateau, battle Maison, and the rival. sorry that’s much to keep going on. Then again everything after gold and silvers post game seems small.

-I hate to say this because the whole game feels so small, i would welcome something like the pokèmon contests, or movie or something else to do. I know i have railed against the contests the last few posts, but it made the game feel more epic and gave players something different to do with their pokèmon besides battle.

-Team Flare: I know i have said in the over views how much i disliked Flare in comparison to last gens plasma’s just seemed like this ones motivation was phoned in. Maybe its time to change up the game formula a bit if you can’t keep up a compelling reason read the dialog. there comes a point where you just stop reading it and play like you always play.

-To many Recycled story lines. Honestly this is the biggest flaw with the game, Team rocket stole Pokèmon for profit, since then however you have had the last four generations in it to destroy the world (of Course) and Rebuild it in their image. Think about it go back to each gen, think about that team and what their goals are. Other then Plasma which N’s Motivation was a little different (which is why i like this group) They have had the same goal. In this same stroke you have the Snorlax blocking the road, while you didn’t have to get and keep the pokè flute on your own, we have seen this done to death. Its either him or Sudowoodo, I beg of you give me something different.

-To many starters. To be honest I understand, but in a way having not one but two sets of starters (and a torchic to boot). The fact you get these three if you play starters straight though you have slots only open for three -four others random pokèmon. I can almost guarantee most players opted for an original more known Pokèmon rather then a new untested ones.

-this one is a two fold one, To few new Pokèmon and too many old ones. I went though this game twice, and twice i made it though a good chunk of the game without using any of the new guys. I know we are at 700+ Pokèmon, but one of the attractions honestly to black is i was allowed to explore old and new. Because of this a player like me is faced with a choice, Try something new or stick with what i knew. in my case i tried to in Y at least to pick team members that maybe from older gens, but i rarely or never used. hey like i said 700+ Pokèmon, there is no way i know the details of each one.

-How come non of Gen V’s pokèmon got a mega evolution. I understand that some fans considered Black and White to be the black sheep of the Pokèmon family, but every game has its good and bad pokèmon. that has always been the charm of the game, to figure out who is a good one and the bad one. Black and White has great Pokèmon in it, some even deserving of mega forms.

-Speaking of Mega’s How come the Generation we are currently in gets no Mega’s either? You are just stacking up reasons to ignore Kalos Pokèmon when you don’t bother to give the newest Pokèmon that something special. Especially the starters, I feel honestly that either give all starters a mega or none at all. Look i love Gen 1’s starters too who doesn’t but to ignore the other five gen starters except for Blazikin seems a little unfair don’t you think?

Now the Positive stuff.

-Now that i have some time to Digest Mega, it is sort of growing me, And if can keep terrible evolutions like Lickylicky and Rhyperior from coming into existence then i am for it.

-Customization: Ok i really like being able to pick out outfits for my character and the hair cut as well. My only protest is do i really have to keep waring a hat?

-New Pokèmon, Honestly we have only a handful of new ones, but i don’t think there is really a bad one in the batch. making my bottom 6 really hard to pick.

-Fairy types: I was a little unsure about this at first, but now i have some time to digest it, i have really become a fan of this. The ones Who changed over to Fairy were for the most part needed. (especially if reduces the number of normal out there.) My favorite changes honestly is Togepi’s family and Ralts family. (i have never been a fan of Clefairy or Jiggly) I am also pleased they left Blissey alone, it is now the sole pink puff ball that is not a fairy, Thank God because i think it would have lost something if it moved over.

-Wonder Trading: This is how i know i should never gamble in real life, because of pokèmon. I could never stop playing with the game corner (which i want back!) and now with Wonder trading, its sort of addictive, send a random pokèmon out, and get a random one back, of course you get a lot of um…sorry crap pokèmon. but Occasionally you get a real gem or a pokèmon you haven’t seen before.

-The Legendary before the final gym, so i get a chance to really check my new legendary out. I also love the fact i get it while fighting the final boss and switch it out for for me at least a team member who fought the good fight but needs a good rest in the PC, allowing you to go into the final boss battle with at least one fresh pokèmon.

-Free Pokèmon, I got Lucario and Lapras pretty darn early in the game. And we all know by now how i love my lapras.

Ok On to the pokèmon, This post will also include my favorite mega’s and pokèmon who need mega’s. I know this is a long post already, but here we go.

My bottom 6 least favorites. because this is such a small group, i for a lot of them is nitpicking.

6:Carbink: Part of the problem with this group being so small, is there a Lot of good idea just poorly executed, its pretty darn cute, but sadly i just could not find a place for it.

5: Spritzee: So many new faeries, so many useless additions, here is candidate number 2. this isn’t the worse looking one. just not one of the useful ones.

4: Klefki: Ok i am sorry i maybe one of the few that actually like Klefki, my problem with it because it doesn’t feel complete. It needs and evolution or a power boost or something to really make this something to watch out for. This also feel like instead of a fairy maybe this should have been a ghost type. Something that steels a keys i will buy that.

3: Swirlix: No Game no, bad game. Stop making food based pokèmon. This one is a little more on the disturbing side.

2: Bunnelby: I have not seen such a disturbing evolution in quite a long while. Diggersby is the reason i don’t like Bunnelby. its not a bad starter but just..(shudder).

1: Furfrou: I don’t understand why this was necessary, to have a pokèmon who you can change its looks with. Then again i have said it before there seems to be one gimmick pokèmon per gen, this one is it. Do yourself a favor and box it.

Top 6:

6: Fletchling family: If Starly family was the number one starter bird before then this family is number two. It doesn’t have a single bad looking evolution in the family, and its flame body ability makes it an ideal partner when hatching babies.

5: Inkay: I fell instantly in love with this creature when i saw it. I love octopus and squids and meeting this guy. i name Bloop, After Blooper from the squid from Mario. This is probably one of the more odd type matches but i will take it.

4:Honedge family: about time we got a Sword Pokèmon, and this one is pretty darn good. This steel ghost is also a great false swipe user. Lust like Scizor this one is great for helping fight and catch pokèmon.

3: Flabèbè family: Here we go, now this is a fairy pokèmon, not only adorable but powerful. While not a fan of Florges the final evolution Flabèbè and Florette are real cuties. The fact they come in different colors also doesn’t hurt this little ones case. Pick a flower and she will be at your side until the end of the game.

2: Froakie family: It seems like in every generation there is that one starter that outclasses the other two, in this gen it is Froakie. I you manage to get one with Protean you can make life very difficult for your competitor. Not to mention its a frog and its adorable. In Round 2 of the game in Y, my frog named Kitt (that’s a long story.) was with me until the end.  Look at that face how can you not fall in love with this guy.

1: Yveltal: This big guy surprised me. going into this game i thought Xerneas would be the legend to beat, then i played Y. Yveltal just destroyed most things in it’s space. this guy impressed me from the get go taking out the final boss pretty much on its own, while Xerneas struggled. I look forward to the day when i can pair this dark beast with its cousin lugia. This is by far the best of the new legends and if you havn’t had a chance to play with this guy, do it.

best mega evolutions. top 6

6: Mega Charizard Y: I was never a charizard fan honestly at first but with this gen i became a fan and this is my favorite version of it.

5: Mega Scizor: So i have always been Scizor fan, so seeing a mega form to one of my top pokèmon made me excited. However its evolution i dunno i am not overly excited about this look, but it powers up a fav so i can’t be that offended.

4: Mega Venusaur: With fairy becoming a new threat having a kick ass poison as an ally is necessary. Plus i have always loved bulbasaur. i am not over the moon about this mega evolutions look, i mean it has a butt flower, i think this guy got shafted.

3: Mega Lucario: Before this game i never played with Lucario, i had seen it around but fighting in general doesn’t make it into my team very often. This game made me finally take notice of this guy and how powerful Lucario is both in mega and non mega forms. This is also one of the more sleeker new evolutions, i am a fan.

2: Mega Garchomp: This is another one i did not use until this game. Garchomp impressed me though out the game, and once i got her, her mega evolution i was impressed by the look and the power she got. (hey Game freak give sharpedo a mega too!!)

1: Mega Blaziken: One of my favorite pokèmon got a mega form. Blaziken has always been kick ass, and its even more kick ass, the design is great and it makes it look like more of a threat.
Boy this was a long post, X-Y is a great addition to the pokèmon universe. While i suspect our exploration of X-Y is just beginning, due to the fact they can now download additions to the game. We know from hackers that there are three other pokèmon hiding in the code as well.

What are you thoughts on this latest game, who are some of your favorites, what do you dislike about this game? Let me know in the comments down below.

My Top 6 Ice Pokèmon

well the weather outside is frightful all right, with a snow/ice storm outside my window now seems the perfect time to give you all a list of my top 6 ice pokèmon.

Like all top 6’s no legendaries are allowed on this list. So without further delay let me get started.

6: Glaceon: This one almost got bumped from a list, but a friend argued with me and won. Glaceon is another eeveelition, its defiantly one of the prettier ones. Now we are getting into the more interesting way to evolve an Eevee, you have to be around a cold stone to get your new frozen friend. This is not one of my top eevee’s for one reason only, its sibling vaporeon can do most of what glaceon does. It is a beautiful pokèmon no doubt about it.

5: Mamoswine Family: This Ice ground type started off life in pokèmon with just two evolutions, then they added mamoswine, this ice tank is a pretty solid critter. While he isn’t as much fun to ride on on x as rhyhorn still a solid pokèmon and with a move pool to back it up this is a good one to have on your side.

4: Avalugg: Avalugg and Bergmite are new to the world of pokèmon. He impressed me while i was working on raising Bergmite up. he proved to have a solid defense and could take a blast from a flame thrower and stand for one more round, not many pure ice times can say that. He looks a little strange at first with his flat back, but you know by now you think strange would be nothing new in my world.

3: Walrein Family: speaking tanks, Walrein at first glance when introduced in Gen III reminded me of another water ice Seel from generation one Seel and dougong, and i promptly named it seel once i caught it. However it turned out to be much more impressive then Dougong ever was. This one has solid stats and the defense to back it up its a solid family who would make any trainer lucky to have it on their side.

2Aurorus: Making her second appearance on the top 6 the beautiful Aurorus, this pokèmon stole my heart when the first announced the fossils, i know everyone went gaga over tyrunt, but amaura was the one who caught my attention. While not the strongest ice on this list, it still has a decent enough stats and move pool to make it competitive. This is not a throw away pokèmon for which i am glad. I am happy this exists.

1: Lapras: No one who has been reading my posts should be surprised to see my old friend. I don’t know if you have noticed by now, i tend to not have a lot of single evolution pokèmon on my lists. I like Pokèmon who evolve because it it gives me a sense of accomplishment, i guess that is what makes Lapras so unusual for me. Lapras has never had an evolution, never has and given we are now in our 6th game and still no evolutions probably will never have one. So why do I love them so much, Good question. Lapras as seen me though five generations, and no matter how tough the situation has gotten in game, this little one always sees me though. Recently coming though the new elite four in X, i was counting on my other pokèmon to help me though the five elite members. Three out of four elite four members had to be handled by my Lapras, when i tried to give her a break to let my fairy handle the dragons…but nope my fairy went down leaving Lapras to sweep the dragons, the fire and help out with the water. This is just one of many stories i can share with you, And its one of the many reasons Lapras has time, after time, after time, proven why it is an invaluable member of my team. Lapras will always be my number one Pokèmon, and my favorite ice pokèmon.

So how about your guys? what are your favorite ice types.

Also I am thinking strongly of doing a new top ten list with some new pokèmon. what do you think?

My Top 6 Favorite Rock Pokèmon

Rock pokèmon are a nice sturdy members to anyone’s team. of course like any type i have my favorites, So like always no legends allowed in here, not that i would pick regirock if it was allowed. Stupid regis.

6: Onix: this Rock snake first came to my attention with the anime, first time i encountered in battle against Brock. Its been years since then but i still remember how powerful he became. like many early rock types this one shares the type with ground which is a nice mixing. Onix is an old early fav, and would not deny his spot on this list…(really i wasn’t going to put him on this list, but he insisted)

5:Tyrantrum: Most Anicent pokèmon are rock types, as a result there are a lot of really good ancients as a result, i picked two to be on this list. There was a lot of excitment when tyrunt was announced finally a ancient that was a t-rex, on top of that it got dragon attached to it. I must admit i was very impressed by this guy it has a nice move pool and yes having a t-rex on you team is king of cool…but it was not my favorite of the two that came out.

4: Aurorus: I have love brachiosaurs since i was a little kid. so when i spotted this as a new pokèmon i fell instantly fell in love. On top of that this one counters tyruntrum, as an ice type it has the type advantage so this nice peaceful looking pokèmon is a powerful ally.

3: gigalith: I became friends Roggenrola, early in the Pokèmon Black game, he was at my side though the elite four. Thanks to a friend i was able to swap my boldore all the way up to Gigalith. For me if a pokèmon earns its place on my team it gets to go though the elite four with me. This one helped me though two gyms and countless battles, holding steady for me allowing one more move in sometimes a rough situation. He earned his place in my team and my heart.

2: Tyranitar: This guy has been on my lists before on the top 6 Dark types. Funny he was number two on that list as well, poor guy. This is a powerful rock type and dark type, in fact he maybe the toughest and most powerful one on this list…however it doesn’t make him my favorite. Sorry bud power doesn’t always equal love in my eyes. it probably doesn’t help his case that i haven’t used him in almost 10 years.

1: Geodude Family: around since the first generation this family some how always finds its way into my team. However it really wasn’t until Gold and silver, did it really shine for me. I have been over this story, before. with my frist game silver the pick of my starter Chikorita the grass pokèmon. However this would prove to be a bad choice, however there was a little notch on the beginning route, i found my little geodude, a female named dudette. Dudette rolled over the flying gym, the bug gym and the normal gym. Surprisingly it even hanged tough in the fighting and steel gym. It has over the years continued to prove itself. i got mad at x-y for putting onix in so early in the game and only showing me graveler towards the end of the game because i am such a fan of these little guys. Geodude, Graveler and Golum have earned there place as number one on this list.

 

So What do you think? do You agree, do you disagree? Who are your top 6? leave your comments down below.

 

 

 

 

Pokèmon Gen II

Gen II, Still one of the most popular Generations Amongst Pokèmon fans, including myself. This is an Easy Generation to like as well. in A Lot of ways gold Silver and Chrystal set the stage for what modern now represents. This got a brilliantly done remastering several years ago with Soul Silver and Heart goal, still i can’t say this generation was flawless either. Also good or bad started some things that can honestly be a bane for players to still with today.  So lets take a look at Gold and Silver.

Likes:

-Use of Previous gen Pokèmon: Honestly this is something that is not always seen, in ruby sapphire, pearl diamond and black white. Players were often time restricted to only the new pokèmon with maybe a small handful of older more familiar pokèmon to choose from. Gen II does a great job of balancing old with new. In fact i remember fondly how much my Geodude a pokèmon i used very little in yellow cam though for me in this generation.

-Pokèmon Genders: This led for me at least a couple of situations when i would bring Pokèmon in particular a blastoise from gen 1 that i had named SeaBreeze with a female symbol on it. only to discover it was a boy.

-Breeding: Speaking of Genders, with the invention of genders came the all important Breeding which finally took one shot pokèmon with multiple evolutions (eevee) and made it possible to finally collect all of the evolutions.

-New Evolutions: This Gen was the first one to give us new Evolutions and babies to previous gen Pokèmon. While most babies are are um useless in battle, i have to admit they are kind of cute. Also the Evolutions based on Pokèmon Moods sort of took the concept that Yellow had introduced with Pikachu and took it a step foward. it rewards players i believe with there hard work with the Pokèmon.

-bank of Mom: this is a feature that i believe should be returned. i love having a little money on the side especially when i really really need it.

-New Types: The introduction of Dark helped balance out what was an uber powerful type Psychic finally giving Alakazam and Mewtwo a run for their money. While Steel wasn’t as impressive and wouldn’t become truly useful to X-Y this type was also introduced here giving Scyther and onix a much needed upgrade.

-Day, night: This game actually synced up with real world time making it possible to evolve or catch Pokemon at certain times of the day.

Post game: These is no denying out of all the generations Gen II has the best post game out of all the other generations. You can continue your journey over to kanto and challenge another 8 gym leaders. This often gave players a chance to test drive new Pokèmon. Also instead of challenging the elite four again you can take on red with his army of super strong Pokèmon. No other Generation has come close to this post game and this is the reason why most people love this generation.

Dislikes:

Week time: While day,night was an awesome addition, Day of the week was not. i still remember waiting until Friday morning to catch my beloved lapras. This is a system i must say for the most part has not continued outside that generation

Traveling legendaries: As stated in previous posts, i absolutely hate chasing down legendary Pokèmon and it all started here with the three beasts. At least the three were worth the time i put into finding them. There was no quick ball yet so this required a lot of time and a lot of strategy and only one master ball to help you out.

The Starters: Out of all six generations that have come out, this one honestly has the worst set of starters, Non stand out as special and to me often over shadowed by newer (and older) generations.

Useless HM: This gen introduced Whirlpool to the delightful mix of HM’s and to be honest it was about as useful as cut is.

Post game: What this cant be a like and dislike! Wait wait, before you hit me hear me out. After raising your team high enough to take on the Elite four, to be honest all i wanted to do was to keep on raising them. the Kanto Gym leaders were so weak in comparison the game sort of forced you to try out new pokèmon so you didn’t dominate the Kanto Gym leaders. I would have loved to see them present some sort of challenge for you.

Team Rockets Return: To be honest i forget they were in this generation. They really didn’t have much of an impact on the way the game was played and i felt they were just sort of phoned in.

Apricorns: While the predecessor to the berry and different kinds of Pokèballs, Apricorns were difficult to get, tedious to make into balls and to be honest i never found them that useful.

Now onto the best and worst of this generation:

I will change things up and start with the worst.

6: Gen II Starters: The word i used above was forgettable. There is nothing really special about these three that make them stand out. They were not by a long shot a bad pokèmon, they just pale in comparison to the other Starters.

5: Aipom: Big secret about me, i hate all the monkey pokèmon, i just have never found one whose design i liked and this one sadly falls in that category.

4: Dunsparce: i don’t really use Pokèmon that don’t evolve, i also don’t use ones that are just dex filler. This one is useless and a dex filler.

3: Delibird: Another Dex Filler, but at least Dunsparce can attack, Delibird only knows present which can hurt your opponent or help it…really?

2: Smoochum: The baby form to my nemesis jynx, there for i hate this one too!

1Unown: 26 useless waste of spaces. OK maybe that is a bit harsh but they are not that strong, and i spent a while ins silver trying to catch them all only to realize i only needed one..grrr.

The Best

6: Entei, Suicune and Raikou: As much as they were a pain in the ass to catch, i did like these three and still do. they good all around and some of the top of there types.

5: Lugia: Hands down one of the best legendaries of that game my favorite legendary of all time. Its just power in a pretty package and i look forward to the day i can double battle with Lugia and Yvetal.

4:Ampharos: Electric was few and far between in Gold and Silver, and unlike future gens which gave us novelty electric types, gold and silver gave us one really powerful one. Hint for players using it for the first time…never stop this guy from evolving!

3: Mantine: Beautiful and cute, and always runner up to Lapras in my book. While Doubly weak to electric, it had a good hp and move pool. This is a little guy i have also grown to appreciate again in X-Y.

2: Espeon and Umbreon: These two were almost number 1, beaten out by a bug, my love for them holds no bounds probably still the best of the Eeveelutions: Little tip out their, Espeon can now learn fairy moves…take that Sylveon!

1: Scizor: I love this guy, Scyther was always a favorite of mine and this evolution took him and ramped him up. He has been in many teams since gen II and will likely be in more in years to come.

So What do you guys think? have you played Gen II? What are some of your favorite, and least favorite things about this generation?

Pokèmon Gen I

I didn’t forget about you guys i promise, i got a little bored after finishing x so i have been working on Y. Yes i know I am a pokèadict. the next top 6 list are on hold because to be honest in the past i have never used ghost types or fighting types if i could avoid it, so i am taking a little to work with some ghost types to give you the best i can give you in the mean time i figured i talked a little about each generation. i have been playing Pokèmon since yellow and have played ever generation, and some of the non core games. Well why gen II is by far my favorite. but every series has its good points and bad points, and like everything older ones get tinted with some rose colored glasses making us remember the good things and forgetting the bad things. there are six gens, for the record i will be counting remakes in with their original gens, because other then updating graphics, moves or some times types it is generally the same game. the story remains the same as do the pokèmon that are part of that gen…unless the family gets an addition. With out further adu i start with the original, which is my third favorite gen. don’t worry i won’t be to hard

Generation one: This started it all, and to be fair it can be difficult to judge it by the standards of today, although it doesn’t mean one shouldn’t. this game at time had some dark moments but also some light hearted ones, it treats all players the same no matter what level. I should say imminently these games have not aged as beautifully as one might hope, the graphics pale in comparison to the modern ds and even recently released pokèmon X-Y. The music sets the standard of what we here today, almost every basic musical tone, the evolution theme, the healing theme the capture theme have for the most part in tone remain the same with some modern updates to the tract. I am big into the musical scores of a video game, but i can go onto a tanget here so let me get down to basics. my likes and dislikes.

likes:

I love how the game does and continues to treat each player as if they are playing for the first time. yes after 6 generations this can be annoying, but at the same time this game make it easy for new players to pick up the game and feel like they can get on the same level as a season player.

Trading and version exclusive. Honestly to my knowledge this is one of the first video games out their to actively encourage you to play with or against your friends. Each version you picked red, blue or even in my case yellow had little pokèmon that one could find only in their versions. For the first time Video games became more social.

the Third rehash game. The series has always been good to release a third version of the game, in later series it would be dedicated to the often time third legendary in the game. Gen I saw the opportunity to capitalize on the success of a certain yellow mouse that had taken the world by storm. This usually comes with some updates to the previous generations, including bug fixes which as most of we know red and blue were loaded with them. Sometimes they come with story line updates as well as we have seen with both yellow and black and white 2 in later generations. Pokèmon yellow decided to follow a little bit the story line of what we had seen in the anime. honestly it isn’t much of an impact, but for someone like me it would be the anime that would eventually draw me into the game, so having it their to acknowledge that played into getting new players like me.

The update: Gen I was the first and deservingly so to get an update to its game format. By the time gen III had made it out there was a new system in play the game boy advance that could not trade with the older game boy games, thus sentencing the pokèmon in gen I and gen II to die. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but it is the truth, i have a level 100 pikachu and zapdos on those games that will never be played again, creatures we spent a lot of time energy and yes love into raising will stay there. Ever since then though every version has had a way to trade up to the next gen of systems. There are pokemon waiting in black 2 for the pokèmon transporter that i have had since my sapphire and leaf green days.

The Dislikes:

I know it is difficult here because a lot of people including myself look at this gen with what i refer to as nostalga glasses, you remember what you love but tend to forget what you hated about it. this one more then anything gets glossed over for it, but i will compare it to today’s modern ones as well.

The safari zone, not a fan of it. you spend all freaking game catching things one way then have to throw rocks and food at a pokèmon and hope that they go into the fairly weak safari ball.

The graphics in this game have aged terribly, i have looked at gen I Game Boy and the sprites and the grapics are just not good, to make life more difficult there is actually a gym where having graphics are important, koga’s gym. i remember i had to look at a walk though to figure out where to walk because it was so hard to see. This did improve with the update and it became clearer to see.

Post game content, there really isn’t much to do after you catch mewtwo, and because even competive side was so limited to the game systems of there time there just wasn’t much to do.  The Ability to import you critters into Pokèmon Stadium on the n64 did improve this last one a bit.

Flash: This move out of all the Hm’s in all the generation’s this one is the bane of my game playing and one i am glad that lost is place as and hm after gen III. in the game there is normally one…maybe two caves you really need this move in, and in gen I there was no move deleter so you were stuck with this move that could not be forgotten. I should come down on all HM’s but their have been some that are or still are useful today. (fly and surf) Flash and i will give cut this title are just so damn useless.

Now onto the pokèmon. I am not going to go too in depth here because i have in posts past. I am going to try to stick with ones i loved then, and i still like today. I just want to say this, it will be a top and bottom 6 list, and the top list is very difficult for me. i will start with the favorites then end with the least favorites.

6: Squirtle, Charmander and Bulbsaur, The original Starters for this game hold a very special place in most everyone hearts. Without these three most players didn’t get very far.

5:Pikachu: The other original starter, This one brought so much gen I, including many of its fans. Like him or hate him, without Pikachu this game might not be still around.

4: Team Eevee: This family has seen new members over the years, but first there was one eevee, no breeding and one choice. Depending on your pick you could balance your team well.

3: The bird Trio: These three were great, they stayed put and waited for you to come catch them. Now you have to chase them all over the place to catch them, this was back when Catching was a little easier. Articuo, Moltres, Zapdos, while no longer considered uber these three you still should not mess around with. (and yes i want to see a mega for them too)

2: Mewtwo: first time on one of my lists, but even i have to acknowledge what a powerhouse this guy was…still is. The first post game guy, first over powered guy, first one with a movie and a good one too. While i don’t use him much now a days back when i was playing gen I and Gen II he was a fixture on my team.

1: Lapras: I think by now you know my love for this guy knows no bounds. Given to you in gen I, no gimmicks to it this critter has saved my butt over and over again over the years.

the bottom rung: these are guys that i never used or have come to hate.

6: Porygon: Nothing like teaching kids to play the slots at a young age. i spent hours there trying to save up for this thing, and its pretty damn useless.

5: Electrobuzz and Magmar: I am not a big fan of human shapped pokèmon and these two are no exception. To be honest this is also one family that really hasn’t improved much with future family additions either. I am just not a fan of these two and probably never will be.

4: The Poison type: This poor typing was a victim of Gen I’s powering system, Poison was very, very weak to the games over powered Psychic’s and strong against nothing really. As a result up until X and Y I saw very little reason to ever use a Pokèmon with Poison in its typing. Kind of a shame too because I ignored them for so many years.

3: Eggscute: Nope Still not a fan…it is eggs people! EGGS! Tell me again why people were so upset about the ice Cream cone pokèmon?

2: Mr.Mime: this one another human shaped one, just annoys me, and confused me. Even with the gender updates then Gen I got with the remake, this one is still capable of being a boy or a girl. It’s name is MR. mime. See the Mister in it!!. Yes i know something likely got lost in translation, but at this point Game freak has got to realize its name and just make it a boy already! Either that drop the Mr and just call it Mime.

1: Jynx: MAY YOU BURN WITH THE DEATH OF A THOUSAND EMBERS!! Ahem. Sorry to this day this pokèmon still calls up loads of anger. I have never and will never like this guy, and you better believe i will wonder trade its butt out of my system the second i have dex credit for it.

Ahem…Ok i am really not that psychotic jynx just bring it out of me. Gen I Was the Start of Pokèmon Journey for many of us, while by today’s standards the story is pretty basic, it still brought us to new world, it changed the way many of use play games. Because of this gen many people entered the handheld market, which i am still a proud member of.  While not being flawless, its still a game that many have good memories of.

My Top 6 favorite Poison types

I have to be honest, poison is one of the few types along with steel, ghost and fighting i use the least, as a result i tend to not have very many of each type i truly like.  however there are a few i can say have weaseled their way into my heart and you might be surprised by them as well.

Like always legendary will not be included, (i don’t think poison has ever gotten a legendary.) I am less then a week into Pokèmon x-y and have yet to find or use a new poison so you will be unlikely to see on in this list for now.

6:                 Arbok and Serviper: These two tie in my book, because i actually like snakes. These are both well executed designs and arbok and ekens hold a little nostalgia for me too, being part of the first generation. I do love that ekens goes from a rattler to a cobra. Serviper is cool too it seems like it has a little untapped potential too. For being pure poisons the move sets aren’t bad, but them being pure poison is what normally keeps them out of my team, still both have grown over the years and arbok if trained right i think could be a threat…if not used by team rocket.

5:   Muk: ok this one is another nostalgic one for me, i have never really used him or grimer because of their pure poison natures, but it was just so damn funny in the anime. All it really wanted to be is love and acknowledged and no one wanted to give it to him because he was a pile of sludge. Poor little unlove Muk, don’t worry I like you.

4: Skuntank: This is the last one on this Poison types i haven’t used on this list the next three i have. This one is an intriguing type mix to me Poison/dark. dark removes the psychic issue that Poisons have. but now fighting is in issue…there is just no winning some days. Still its rather cute for a skunk.

3:                  The nidoran family: This family is kind of a bad ass and history maker. the first family in this game to have a male and female forms, first pokèmon to have a gender Period. Trust me if you have never been in a battle with a member of the family consider yourself lucky because they are tough especially Nidoking. If trained right these guys can be a powerful threat to any pokèmon on the field even a psychic. What has kept them off my personal team as you have probably figured out by now it is still the poison typing, and now just to many choices out their.

2:     Bellsprout: For a long while i avoided this family, but to be honest it almost made my grass type list, only beaten out by oddish because of the forth evolution. In gen I i completely ignored this pokèmon. In gen II i want to say with Crystal there was no easily access electric, i think i had picked Cyndaquil for my second go around on the gen II game so i despertly needed help with water, ground and quagsire, and bellsprout was my answer.  I picked it up just after the first gym and bellsprout ran with me for quite a while earning it a spot on my list. while i don’t remember if it made it to my elite four run, i will always remember its help when i needed it.

1: Zubat Family: That is right i am one of those strange players that actually likes and enjoys having zubat on her team. My love for Zubat comes with Gen II again, with the introduction of crobat and leveling via friendliness. this can be actually a very long process, and it takes time and in that time you get to learn about your little mon. Zubat is actually a cool little bat, who has grown over the years, actually at this very moment in my current game X I have another zubat that just evolved into golbat, i named her Dopler. Doplar has already assisted in two gyms and is about to head into her third if it keeps it up it might make a spot in my elite four team at this pace. Its hard not be impressed a little by Zubat, for a family people dismiss really quickly because lets face it you couldn’t go 5 feet in a cave in previous generations without running into one, its not a bad little pokèmon. Plus look how adorable zubat is, it still the cutest of the three bat pokèmon. By the way zubat was on the list i wrote up before x-y came out, x just reinforced my love for zubat. that’s why she will always be my favorite poison type.