New variations of Kanto Pokémon, with two having brand new Type combos? Sold!
I really dig Alolan Vulpix/Ninetales and Alolan Sandshrew/Sandlash. I'm actually more fond of that new Sandslash, though. Dragon Exeggutor was not something I'd expected, but I like surprises, so this was a bonus.
Here's hoping for more variations. I'm curious for what they could do for more of Kanto's memorable species like Venonant/Venomoth and Meowth/Persian, in particular. I'm sure a Psychic Venomoth would be welcomed by many, while a Dark Typed subspecies of Persian would be adored by everyone, and personally speaking, it would surely be a good move by Game Freak to make up for not giving the Dark Type naturally to any of the original 150 or 151 Pokémon.
Subspecies is a well overdue concept that I'm sure they will do excellently with this coming generation.
That aside, here are some thoughts I have on the new Pokémon shown so far.
-Gumshoos: It's definitely gonna be building that wall for sure. My only gripe is that it's not part Dark-Type, which would fit so well, because, reasons. Not having a noticeable weakness to Bugs and Fairies is a plus, I guess? As long as it learns Hyper Fang and has passable power and speed for lower tier play, I'm all good. If I am smart with my strategy, Trumgoos would definitely screw one over when they least expect it.
-Mudbray: A donkey Pokémon, at long last. PIMPNITE's definitely doing another Shrek Team, for sure. That aside, I saw a pre-evolution for Mudsdale a mile away, although I never thought it would be a donkey of some sort.
-Minior: Luma's distant cousin, perhaps? Rock/Flying is an odd choice for it's Type combo, but if it made Gyarados useful enough for six generations straight, I'm sure the same might be said for this gravitational stone. Shields Down is probably a one-off and permanent Stance Change for each battle by the looks of it.
-Fomantis and Lurantis: Another mantis Pokémon, it seems. I dig the latter's majestic and elegant appearance. Both seem to be the Petilil and Lilligant of Alola, respectively. I like my nods to past generations, and it seems like Game Freak's doing good on that part.
-Oricorio: Pokémon with different variations are always welcomed. I see it has an Ability that enables it to copy dance-based moves of opposing Pokémon. Assuming it would have passable physical attack, seeing it copy a Dragon Dance would give it a good niche compared to past avian Pokémon, regardless of whatever tier it falls in.
Z-Moves are insane. If used right, Pikachu would be no laughing matter anymore in combat. Curious to see if that would also work with all four Starter Pokémon's evolutions.
I really dig Alolan Vulpix/Ninetales and Alolan Sandshrew/Sandlash. I'm actually more fond of that new Sandslash, though. Dragon Exeggutor was not something I'd expected, but I like surprises, so this was a bonus.
Here's hoping for more variations. I'm curious for what they could do for more of Kanto's memorable species like Venonant/Venomoth and Meowth/Persian, in particular. I'm sure a Psychic Venomoth would be welcomed by many, while a Dark Typed subspecies of Persian would be adored by everyone, and personally speaking, it would surely be a good move by Game Freak to make up for not giving the Dark Type naturally to any of the original 150 or 151 Pokémon.
Subspecies is a well overdue concept that I'm sure they will do excellently with this coming generation.
That aside, here are some thoughts I have on the new Pokémon shown so far.
-Gumshoos: It's definitely gonna be building that wall for sure. My only gripe is that it's not part Dark-Type, which would fit so well, because, reasons. Not having a noticeable weakness to Bugs and Fairies is a plus, I guess? As long as it learns Hyper Fang and has passable power and speed for lower tier play, I'm all good. If I am smart with my strategy, Trumgoos would definitely screw one over when they least expect it.
-Mudbray: A donkey Pokémon, at long last. PIMPNITE's definitely doing another Shrek Team, for sure. That aside, I saw a pre-evolution for Mudsdale a mile away, although I never thought it would be a donkey of some sort.
-Minior: Luma's distant cousin, perhaps? Rock/Flying is an odd choice for it's Type combo, but if it made Gyarados useful enough for six generations straight, I'm sure the same might be said for this gravitational stone. Shields Down is probably a one-off and permanent Stance Change for each battle by the looks of it.
-Fomantis and Lurantis: Another mantis Pokémon, it seems. I dig the latter's majestic and elegant appearance. Both seem to be the Petilil and Lilligant of Alola, respectively. I like my nods to past generations, and it seems like Game Freak's doing good on that part.
-Oricorio: Pokémon with different variations are always welcomed. I see it has an Ability that enables it to copy dance-based moves of opposing Pokémon. Assuming it would have passable physical attack, seeing it copy a Dragon Dance would give it a good niche compared to past avian Pokémon, regardless of whatever tier it falls in.
Z-Moves are insane. If used right, Pikachu would be no laughing matter anymore in combat. Curious to see if that would also work with all four Starter Pokémon's evolutions.