Since unveiling the first regional forms in the sunny Alola region, the Pokemon community anxiously waits for new variants with every new game (Fingers crossed for my fav Leavanny). And for good reason too – new typings, designs and even new evolutions. It’s basically like receiving a new pokemon!
I don’t remember anyone raving about Ninetails before it received an Alolan form. Galarian Zigzagoon and it’s new evolution, Obstagoon, made the usually bland Route 1 rodent types interesting. One of many long-awaited type combinations – normal and ghost – came to life in Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark.
There’s also so much room for creativity in these variants. Galarian Corsola wears its climate change inspirations on its sleeve. But there are also plenty of duds and missed opportunities, like the elusive Galarian Stunfisk.
Love or hate them, they definitely add fresh life into old, forgotten faces.
1. Wait a minute, hold on…
Let’s take it back to the beginning. While I’m in the camp of loving pokemon variants, there were questionable redesigns when they were first rolled out. Alolan Dugtrio is one of them. Somehow Game Freak had a hair phase with Alola’s variants (cough Geodude line cough). But those locks are undeniably beautiful.
2. So much for new life
When the Hisuian forms were revealed, everyone went crazy for Growlithe’s new design. But its five minutes of fame is seemingly over with the arrival of Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark. I mean its Rock/Fire typing didn’t help so… Plus, what happened to the hype for Hisuian Braviary and Wyrdeer?
3. Haters stay mad
On the subject of Hisuian Zoroark, Game Freak really pulled all the stops for this regional form. From it’s PokeDex entry to inspirations, it’s clear that a lot of research and passion went into it. Because it was chased out by people at the time, Zoroark came back with a vengeance as a ghost (of sorts). Serves as a great reminder to not be a horrible person too.
4. You’re done, you’re done
But hopping off of the Game Freak praise train, what was Galarian Slowpoke? It looks like my fingers when I’m using turmeric to season chicken. They really need to pick and choose which pokemon get the variant treatment with more considerations. At least its evolutions – Slowking and Slowbro – fared a bit better.
5. Overshadowed much?
There’s also the unfortunate case where the new regional forms could overshadow the OGs. For Zoroark’s case, the fact that the original is monotype dark doesn’t help. Normal/Ghost is just such a great combination though. It has three immunities, two resistances and only one weakness (ironically to Dark).
Regardless, I still love them both. Lesson of the day? Zoroark has a great design.
