Everyone I know seems to love Chillarmy. I guess there’s something about a “Chinchilla Pokémon” that gets people so excited. Well, guess what? There’s no more Chillarmy! …at least not in the United States and Canada.
The chinchilla is one of many Pokémon to get a localized name for the upcoming North American release of Pokémon Black and White. The official site reveals Chillarmy is now known as Minccino in English, which doesn’t sound as fittingly cute at first, but I’m sure it will grow on people. The rocky Gigaiasu is now known as Gigalith, the unevolved psychic Munna retains its same name, the ape-like evolution of Hihidaruma will be burning up enemies as Darmanitan, the unevolved desert crocodile Meguroko will take the name Sandile, Unova’s common bird Mamepoto will be known as Pidove, the electric zebra Shimama will be called Blitzle, and the gear Pokémon of Giaru is appropriately renamed as Klink. Only legendaries, Pokémon central to movie plots, and other important Pokémon are expected to retain their Japanese names throughout the world.
Hiun City, based loosely on New York City, will be known as Castelia City (aptly named in reference to castellanus clouds, due to all the skyscrapers). The region’s Pokémon expert, Professor Araragi, will be named Professor Juniper — in keeping with the series’ tradition of naming professors after types of trees.
