March 6th will bring the North American release of both Pokémon Black and Pokémon White for the Nintendo DS, and we’ve decided to re-cast our votes and update our list of the Top 25 Pokémon of All-Time! Last time around, Mew came out on top, while you readers voiced your surprise that the famous Charizard was nowhere to be found. This time, voting has been opened to all 649 Pokémon spread out over five generations… but has anything changed?
After the jump, we’ll start the countdown out with our picks for #25 through #21. We’ll reveal a little bit more of the list each day for the rest of the week, leading to our current pick as our favorite Pokémon of all-time on Saturday evening! Continue reading past the break to get this PokéParty underway, and be sure to check back each evening as the countdown continues!
#25 – Heracross
Who’s That Pokémon?
Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon, was introduced to Pokémon fans in the Johto games and is known for its “Herculean” strength. While its physical capabilities make it a force to reckon with in the forests, Heracross tend to be docile; avoiding fights and preferring to search for tree sap in peace. In fact, they love plant juices so much, they can occasionally be found trying to drain nutrients from the backs of Bulbasaur.
Why did we pick it?
Realistically there isn’t a cooler Pokémon in the dex to hang out with, especially once you get past that thick shell and really get to know Heracross. While he is a fighting type, he’s a lover at heart, and more than anything just wants to eat some tree sap. Mind you, he could bulldoze that tree, but he doesn’t. He’s better than that. He could maul you with that deadly exoskeleton horn he has going on, but he would rather use it to flip some burgers on the barbecue and just hang out. Worried about coming back home, finding that your friends have changed, and that you barely know them now? How convenient, Heracross never changes. Forget third evolutions, this poké-beast doesn’t even need one a second one. Heracross takes all those Pokémaniacs who just couldn’t bring themselves to have a Pinsir on their team (due to him looking like a big giant jerk) and gives them another chance to have an awesome bug pokemon that isn’t afraid to throw some elbows.
#24 – Pikachu
Who’s That Pokémon?
Just as last time, this mouse Pokémon needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway. Pikachu is the next “elemental” Pokémon in the Kanto Pokédex following the three starter Pokémon and their evolutions, meaning it was a prime candidate for Ash’s starter on the anime (in order to keep the show neutral). As a result, Pikachu skyrocketed to fame and became one of the world’s most popular cultural icons during the turn of the century. Pikachu has been a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and has even had a biological protein named after him.
Why did we pick it?
Out of all of the Pokémon on our top 25 list, Pikachu is the most iconic. This cute and cuddly electric mouse was the starter Pokémon for Ash Ketchum in the popular television series and he has essentially served as the franchise’s mascot, especially during its early years. Pikachu has also been featured in numerous games outside of the main Pokémon titles, including the popular Super Smash Bros. series. While the roster of Pokémon has grown a lot since Pikachu first came on the scene, he still stands out as a fan favorite.
#23 – Mamoswine
Who’s That Pokémon?
Mamoswine is the final evolution of Swinub. Its thick, brown fur is intended to protect it from snow and ice. Ironically, its twin tusks are made purely of solid ice. Unlike other ice-type Pokémon, Mamoswine is weak to water but not to rock, due to its secondary ground-type. On the anime, Mamoswine became a staple in many of Dawn’s Pokémon Contest performances and battles.
Why did we pick it?
Just look at that name: Mamoswine. I dare anyone to try and come up with a name better than that. I’ll give you a hint, there is only one, and its Piloswine. But guess what? Mamoswine already tried that, got tired of it, and has moved on to bigger, better, more blizzard-y things. There is a Mamoswine on record that was frozen in solid ice for 10,000 years and — when it was excavated — merely shook off the remainder of the ice crystals and resumed kicking ass 100 centuries later. You can’t fight science. Combine that with some sweet base stats and a dangerous type combination and you have a real primitive power house on your hands.
#22 – Tyranitar
Who’s That Pokémon?
The Armor Pokémon, Tyranitar, is said to possess — in a single one of its hands — the power to cause the ground to shake, the mountains to crumble, and rivers to be buried… all to make its nest. As a result, mapmakers thrive on the need for area maps to be redrawn wherever Tyranitar may be. In battle, Tyranitar are said to have impenetrable skin. The same can be said of them outside of battle, as Tyranitar are known to be insolent and indifferent about other Pokémon and other people.
Why did we pick it?
Making its debut in the Gold/Silver generation, Pokémon #248 is one hard-hitter. Boasting high base attack stats, Tyranitar is able to inflict a large amount of damage on even the toughest of foes with a single hit. Being a rock type also grants Tyranitar a formidable defense, making this Pokémon a fearsome opponent. To top all that off, Tyranitar just looks so darn cool.
#21 – Lucario
Who’s That Pokémon?
Lucario are known as Aura Pokémon. They can only evolve from Riolu after achieving maximum happiness, which means those Lucario partnered with trainers tend to be very loyal. In battle, Lucario are extremely versatile, sporting a damaging movepool that spans nearly all 17 typings (all except grass and flying), and includes the ability learn moves such as Psychic, Ice Punch, and Dragon Pulse. In the anime, Lucario are shown to have a great sense of pride, justice, and compassion.
Why did we pick it?
Lucario deserves a spot on this list because he is a definite fan favorite, and rightfully so. As a Steel/Fighting Pokemon, Lucario is resistant in some way to more than half of the various attack types, and is weak to only three of them. Lucario has also starred in several of the Pokémon films over the past few years, and was a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. With hard-hitting attacks, a powerful type advantage, and a well-rounded defense, Lucario is undoubtedly one cool cat. Er… dog.
That just about wraps it up for tonight! Be sure to check back here tomorrow night as we continue counting down our favorite Pokémon all the way down to our #1 all-time favorite on the eve of the North American launch of Pokémon Black and White, coming March 6th! Be sure to leave some comments below regarding your thoughts on these picks, and your predictions for the rest of the list!
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