User:Pie/Signature Pokémon: Difference between revisions
(Rewriting parts, expanding others, hashing out the format, nipping some edit wars in the bud.) |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{mainspace}} | {{mainspace}} | ||
A '''signature Pokémon''' is the Pokémon which is most commonly associated with a {{pkmn|trainer}}. It will be the standout member of their [[party|team]], typically being more [[rarity|rare]] and higher [[level]] than any other Pokémon they own, and often held in reserve in the final slot. If the trainer appears in multiple games, the rest of their team may be subject to change, but their signature Pokémon will always be a part of it. | A '''signature Pokémon''' is the Pokémon which is most commonly associated with a {{pkmn|trainer}}. It will be the standout member of their [[party|team]], typically being more [[rarity|rare]] and higher [[level]] than any other Pokémon they own, and often held in reserve in the final slot. If the trainer appears in multiple games, the rest of their team may be subject to change, but their signature Pokémon will always be a part of it. In a sense, it can be considered the leader or star of the team. | ||
For some trainers, it's clear which Pokémon is their signature, while for other trainers it can be disputable. In some instances, rather than a single signature Pokémon, a trainer may have several from the same [[evolutionary family]]. Most commonly, this is seen when the trainer returns with a stronger team, such as [[Falkner]]'s {{p|Pidgeotto}} appearing as its [[evolution|evolved]] form, {{p|Pidgeot}}, in any appearance outside of his own [[gym]]. This might also be used as a way to showcase new evolutions, such as [[Erika]] switching between {{p|Gloom}}, {{p|Vileplume}} and {{p|Bellossom}} depending on the adaptation. In early games, this tends to show up as a symptom of [[type expert]]s specializing in a [[type]] with few options, such as [[Agatha]] only having the {{p|Gastly}} line to choose for {{type|Ghost}}s, and [[Lance]] facing the same problem with the {{p|Dratini}} line for {{type|Dragon}}s. | For some trainers, it's clear which Pokémon is their signature, while for other trainers it can be disputable. In some instances, rather than a single signature Pokémon, a trainer may have several from the same [[evolutionary family]]. Most commonly, this is seen when the trainer returns with a stronger team, such as [[Falkner]]'s {{p|Pidgeotto}} appearing as its [[evolution|evolved]] form, {{p|Pidgeot}}, in any appearance outside of his own [[gym]]. This might also be used as a way to showcase new evolutions, such as [[Erika]] switching between {{p|Gloom}}, {{p|Vileplume}} and {{p|Bellossom}} depending on the adaptation. In early games, this tends to show up as a symptom of [[type expert]]s specializing in a [[type]] with few options, such as [[Agatha]] only having the {{p|Gastly}} line to choose for {{type|Ghost}}s, and [[Lance]] facing the same problem with the {{p|Dratini}} line for {{type|Dragon}}s. | ||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
=List of signature Pokémon= | =List of signature Pokémon= | ||
In theory, any trainer may have a signature Pokémon. For example, one of the first [[character of the day|characters of the day]], [[A.J.]], had a {{p|Sandshrew}} as the standout and favorite of his team. However, this list is only concerned with notable trainers, such as [[Gym Leader]]s, [[Elite Four]] and [[Frontier Brain]]s. [[Rival]]s are also unlisted, | In theory, any trainer may have a signature Pokémon. For example, one of the first [[character of the day|characters of the day]], [[A.J.]], had a {{p|Sandshrew}} as the standout and favorite of his team. However, this list is only concerned with notable trainers, such as [[Gym Leader]]s, [[Elite Four]] and [[Frontier Brain]]s. [[Rival]]s are also unlisted, unless their signature Pokémon is something besides the {{pkmn2|starter}} they picked based on the [[player character|player's]] choice. | ||
==In the games== | ==In the games== | ||
===Generation I=== | ===Generation I=== | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Giovanni]] | | style="background: #FFF | [[Giovanni]] | ||
| {{p|Rhydon}} | | {{p|Rhydon}} | ||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Lorelei]] | |||
| {{p|Lapras}} | |||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Bruno]] | |||
| {{p|Machamp}} | |||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Agatha]] | |||
| {{p|Gengar}} | |||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Lance]] | |||
| {{p|Dragonite}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 72: | Line 84: | ||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Roxanne]] | | style="background: #FFF | [[Roxanne]] | ||
| {{TP|Roxanne|Nosepass}} | | {{TP|Roxanne|Nosepass}} | ||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Steven Stone]] | |||
| {{p|Metagross}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 87: | Line 102: | ||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Roark]] | | style="background: #FFF | [[Roark]] | ||
| {{TP|Roark|Cranidos}} | | {{TP|Roark|Cranidos}} | ||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Cynthia]] | |||
| {{p|Garchomp}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 108: | Line 126: | ||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Cress]] | | style="background: #FFF | [[Cress]] | ||
| {{p|Panpour}} | | {{p|Panpour}} | ||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Alder]] | |||
| {{p|Volcarona}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 113: | Line 134: | ||
===Generation VI=== | ===Generation VI=== | ||
With the introduction of [[Mega Evolution]], a new layer has been added to the concept of the signature Pokémon: since only one member of the team can Mega Evolve in a {{pkmn|battle}}, it can be considered the strongest and standout of the team. Interestingly, this even applies to {{ga|Serena}} and {{ga|Calem}}, whose signature Pokémon could either be ruled as their choice of [[Starter Pokémon#Kalos|Kalos starter]] or their Mega {{p|Absol}}. | |||
{| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; background: #{{Kalos color}}; border: 3px solid #{{Kalos color dark}};" | {| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; background: #{{Kalos color}}; border: 3px solid #{{Kalos color dark}};" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 123: | Line 146: | ||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Viola]] | | style="background: #FFF | [[Viola]] | ||
| {{p|Vivillon}} | | {{p|Vivillon}} | ||
|- | |||
| style="background: #FFF | [[Diantha]] | |||
| {{me|Gardevoir}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 152: | Line 178: | ||
* {{Gary}}, despite having a powerful [[Gary's Blastoise|starter Pokémon]] like [[Blue (game)|his game counterpart]], was usually featured with his {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}. This was likely to match Ash and his Pikachu, as well as to keep his choice of starter secret until the end of the original series. | * {{Gary}}, despite having a powerful [[Gary's Blastoise|starter Pokémon]] like [[Blue (game)|his game counterpart]], was usually featured with his {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}. This was likely to match Ash and his Pikachu, as well as to keep his choice of starter secret until the end of the original series. | ||
* {{an|Giovanni}} is rarely seen battling, and thus the only time his signature {{p|Rhydon}} appears is when he loans it to [[Jessie]]. Instead, he is never seen without his {{TP|Giovanni|Persian}}. | * {{an|Giovanni}} is rarely seen battling, and thus the only time his signature {{p|Rhydon}} appears is when he loans it to [[Jessie]]. Instead, he is never seen without his {{TP|Giovanni|Persian}}. | ||
* {{an|Iris}}, despite having a signature {{p|Haxorus}} in the games, only has | * {{an|Iris}}, despite having a signature {{p|Haxorus}} in the games, only has an {{TP|Iris|Axew}} in the anime. It is not her strongest Pokémon, and it has shown no signs of evolving yet. | ||
A number of other characters have signature Pokémon in the anime who either had none in the games or do not appear in the games at all: | A number of other characters have signature Pokémon in the anime who either had none in the games or do not appear in the games at all: | ||
* Since {{an|Professor Oak}} captured his {{TP|Professor Oak|Rotom}}, it has appeared every time that the Professor has. | * Since {{an|Professor Oak}} captured his {{TP|Professor Oak|Rotom}}, it has appeared every time that the Professor has. | ||
* The [[Nurse Joy]]s have had several, differing by nation: {{TP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}} in [[Kanto]], [[Johto]], [[Hoenn]] and [[Sinnoh]], {{TP|Nurse Joy|Audino}} in [[Unova]], and {{TP|Nurse Joy|Wigglytuff}} in [[Kalos]]. | * The [[Nurse Joy]]s have had several, differing by nation: {{TP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}} in [[Kanto]], [[Johto]], [[Hoenn]] and [[Sinnoh]], {{TP|Nurse Joy|Audino}} in [[Unova]], and {{TP|Nurse Joy|Wigglytuff}} in [[Kalos]]. | ||
Revision as of 22:12, 8 April 2014
|
This article is intended to be moved into one of Bulbapedia's main content spaces. Be mindful that it is still part of a personal userspace. Any content changes should be brought up on the talk page for this article. |
A signature Pokémon is the Pokémon which is most commonly associated with a trainer. It will be the standout member of their team, typically being more rare and higher level than any other Pokémon they own, and often held in reserve in the final slot. If the trainer appears in multiple games, the rest of their team may be subject to change, but their signature Pokémon will always be a part of it. In a sense, it can be considered the leader or star of the team.
For some trainers, it's clear which Pokémon is their signature, while for other trainers it can be disputable. In some instances, rather than a single signature Pokémon, a trainer may have several from the same evolutionary family. Most commonly, this is seen when the trainer returns with a stronger team, such as Falkner's Pidgeotto appearing as its evolved form, Pidgeot, in any appearance outside of his own gym. This might also be used as a way to showcase new evolutions, such as Erika switching between Gloom, Vileplume and Bellossom depending on the adaptation. In early games, this tends to show up as a symptom of type experts specializing in a type with few options, such as Agatha only having the Gastly line to choose for Ghost-types, and Lance facing the same problem with the Dratini line for Dragon-types.
Trainers tend to have a special connection with their signature Pokémon. It may be the first Pokémon they ever trained, or one that they encountered through special circumstances. These Pokémon will have been with their trainers for a long time, and the two will have built a strong bond of friendship. Pokémon Connoisseurs have a particular fascination with signature Pokémon defined by these bonds, which they refer to as a premium brand.
Some trainers will take things a step further, and will wear clothes modeled off of their signature Pokémon. For example, Pike Queen Lucy dresses in clothes with the same patterns as her Seviper, and the Gym Leader Fantina wears a dress that looks like her Drifblim.
List of signature Pokémon
In theory, any trainer may have a signature Pokémon. For example, one of the first characters of the day, A.J., had a Sandshrew as the standout and favorite of his team. However, this list is only concerned with notable trainers, such as Gym Leaders, Elite Four and Frontier Brains. Rivals are also unlisted, unless their signature Pokémon is something besides the starter they picked based on the player's choice.
In the games
Generation I
Due to the sheer number of games that these trainers appeared in, as well as the anime's influence seeping into Pokémon Yellow and the Stadium series, some of these trainers have had numerous Pokémon which could qualify as their signature.
- Koga's strongest Pokémon has changed from game to game. In Red and Blue, it was Weezing; in Yellow, it was Venomoth; and when he returned as an Elite Four member in Gold and Silver, it was Crobat. On the other hand, the Pokémon which has appeared on his team most consistently, Muk, has never been the highest level member of his team.
- Even more puzzling is Blaine, whose strongest Pokémon has rotated between Rapidash, Arcanine and Magmar depending on the game. Black 2 and White 2 split the difference by putting all three on his World Tournament team.
|
Generation II
|
Generation III
|
Generation IV
|
Generation V
|
Generation VI
With the introduction of Mega Evolution, a new layer has been added to the concept of the signature Pokémon: since only one member of the team can Mega Evolve in a battle, it can be considered the strongest and standout of the team. Interestingly, this even applies to Serena and Calem, whose signature Pokémon could either be ruled as their choice of Kalos starter or their Mega Absol.
|
Side games
Colosseum and XD
|
In the anime
In most instances, any trainer who appears in both the games and anime will have the same signature Pokémon in each. In fact, while some Gym Leaders will have different Pokémon in their parties in the anime than in the games, the signature Pokémon is usually preserved in this adaptation, particularly in later seasons.
However, there are some notable exceptions:
- Since Ash started with Pikachu, it became his signature Pokémon, rather than the Kanto starters which a player would be expected to use as their signature Pokémon.
- Misty left her signature Starmie at the Cerulean Gym for the majority of the original series. By this point she had already caught Togepi, which would become the Pokémon most commonly associated with her in the anime.
- Brock carried his Onix with him throughout the original series, but gave it to his little brother prior to his rejoining the main cast for the Advanced Generation series. In the Diamond & Pearl series, Croagunk arguably took its place as his new signature Pokémon.
- Gary, despite having a powerful starter Pokémon like his game counterpart, was usually featured with his Umbreon. This was likely to match Ash and his Pikachu, as well as to keep his choice of starter secret until the end of the original series.
- Giovanni is rarely seen battling, and thus the only time his signature Rhydon appears is when he loans it to Jessie. Instead, he is never seen without his Persian.
- Iris, despite having a signature Haxorus in the games, only has an Axew in the anime. It is not her strongest Pokémon, and it has shown no signs of evolving yet.
A number of other characters have signature Pokémon in the anime who either had none in the games or do not appear in the games at all:
- Since Professor Oak captured his Rotom, it has appeared every time that the Professor has.
- The Nurse Joys have had several, differing by nation: Chansey in Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh, Audino in Unova, and Wigglytuff in Kalos.
