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Pokémon history | DYKG writer | Linktree for all videos and interview translations: | email: KyleTarpley (at) icloud dot com
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Lost Pokemon Event:
There's a special event hidden inside Generation 4 and 5's internal data: the Lock Capsule Event. This event was never recorded on video until 2019 -- this video shows the entire event, as well as how you can play it yourself in 2023:
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Pokemon: 2D vs 3D
In a Gen 5 interview, Masuda was asked why Black & White used 2D sprites instead of 3D models. He explained a Pokemon can look fresh in different gens thanks to the various sprite artists... but once they switch to 3D, individuality gets thrown out the window.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day:
Beta sprites for the early Poliwrath family's were first revealed on Game Freak's official Japanese website in 1997. Game Freak also explained WHY Poliwrath was revised, and we can see for ourselves where his crown went.
(Thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Kōnya
Originally meant as stage 1 of the Meowth family, Kōnya was created for Gen 1, but ended up getting cut. Then Kōnya was later planned for inclusion in Gen 2, but got cut again.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon History of the Day: Deleted Timeline
In May 2014, one of Game Freak's head writers tweeted out the Pokemon Timeline for Generations 1-6. He quickly deleted his tweet -- but by then, it was too late... the cat was out of the bag.
(Thread 1/4)
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Pikachu: An Artless Creation
According to Pikachu's creator Atsuko Nishida, Pikachu never had any art before she programmed its sprite. The sprite seen in Red & Green is the ORIGINAL Pikachu design.
Actually, lots of early Pokemon were created this way -- without even a sketch.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Natu Evolution
First discovered when Gen 2 development assets leaked in April 2020, it appears this unnamed bird Pokemon was once planned as the mid-stage evolution in the Xatu family.
(More info continued in thread below) (1/3)
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Lost Gen 3 Game:
A few days ago Did You Know Gaming put up a video about Pokemon Garden. A lotta folks asked for sprites, assets, that kinda thing. Here's a thread of locations from the game, converted into GIF/MP4 format so they'll work on Twitter. Starting with the Lobby (1/7)
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Farfetch'd Origins:
Farfetch'd is based on the Japanese proverb "a duck comes bearing onions," which essentially means "here comes a chump." The soup is delivering itself. The phrase is often shortened to "Kamonegi," meaning Duck Onion. Farfetch'd's Japanese name is Kamonegi.
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Lost Pokemon of the Week:
While not technically a "Lost Pokemon" in the traditional sense, Shadow Lugia's been missing from the series for the past 16 years. It only appeared in Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, the 2005 Gamecube game... and can't ever escape.
(Thread below) (1/4)
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PokéGod Bim:
Instead of "Abracadabra Alakazam," German magicians say "Abracadabra Sim Sala Bim!" So in Germany, Alakazam was renamed Simsala... leading German kids to believe there was a secret 4th evolution called Bim.
More about Gen 1 around the world:
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Litwick pre-evolution
Lead Pokemon designer Ken Sugimori revealed in a recently-translated 2011 interview that Litwick originally had a Flame pre-evolution... but it got cut during Black & White's development.
(More info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day:
A beta leak in 2020 revealed that only a few months before launch, Gold & Silver contained a Girafarig pre-evolution called Tsuinzu. It ended up getting cut at the last minute, but there's even more to the story.
(Thread 1/4)
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Wobbuffet Origins:
Wobbuffet is an homage to Japanese comedian Hayashiya Sanpei, who exclaimed his iconic catchphrase "That's the way it is, ma'am!" with his hand on his forehead.
Wobbuffet makes the same gesture, & Wobbuffet's Japanese name Sonans means "That's the way it is."
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Pokemon's Legendary Cats:
Pokemon fans have been arguing since the 90's -- are the Legendary Beasts cats or dogs? In a series of 2012 tweets, the Beasts' creator explained their design process. He said they're meant to be somewhat ambiguous... but they're actually based on cats.
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Farfetch'd Origins:
Farfetch'd is based on the Japanese proverb "a duck comes bearing onions" -- a phrase used when something happens that's surprising, but also convenient.
The phrase is often shortened to "Kamonegi," meaning Duck Onion. Farfetch'd's Japanese name is Kamonegi.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Spiky-eared Pichu
While not technically a "Lost Pokemon" in the traditional sense, Spiky-eared Pichu was exclusive to HeartGold & SoulSilver, and couldn't be traded into future generations... Meaning she's stuck in Gen 4 *forever.*
(Thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day:
This Boat Pokemon's sprite was discovered in leaked files dating back to early Gen 2 development. Unfortunately, the leak didn't reveal its color, type, or name -- but some fans believe its design was repurposed and ultimately became Lugia.
(Thread 1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Beta Poliwrath Family
The Poliwrath family's beta sprites were first revealed on Game Freak's official Japanese website in 1997. Game Freak also explained WHY Poliwrath was revised, and we can see for ourselves where his crown went.
(Thread below) (1/4)
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Hidden Pikachu:
Koji Nishino was a programmer for Gen 1, as well as the "cuteness supervisor." It was Koji who pushed Atsuko Nishida to revise Pikachu again & again until it was cute enough.
Koji loved Pikachu so much, he hid it where it'd be hard to find... but it didn't work.
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Working Backwards:
Kanto's starters were all reverse-engineered from their final forms. Atsuko Nishida designed Charmander in a way that players' minds would explode when they finally saw Charizard. At the time, she had no idea the surprise was gonna be spoiled by Red's box art.
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Pokemon Self-Destructing:
When you actually SEE a Pokemon Self-Destruct, you can't help but wonder... how could they possibly recover from that?
This Ken Sugimori artwork was featured on the Japan-exclusive Carddass card set, circa 1997.
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Gen 4 Beta Legendaries:
The new leak of Gen 4 beta sprites included early designs for about a dozen Sinnoh Pokemon. The leak also included a few Legendaries that are really more "placeholders" than beta sprites -- but still interesting nonetheless.
Left: Beta • Right: Final
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New Pokemon Leak:
Yesterday there was a new leak of Gen 4 beta sprites, dated June 30, 2006 -- three months before Diamond & Pearl's release. Presumably, stemming from the same hack as all the other leaks from the last few years. The new leak includes some amazing beta designs.
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Trapped in Time:
A special event Pokemon only available in HeartGold & SoulSilver, Spiky-Eared Pichu can only be female, and nature can only be Naughty. She traveled in time too long with Celebi, so she can't evolve, breed, or be traded... meaning she's trapped forever in Gen 4.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Primal Dialga
While not technically a "Lost Pokemon" in the traditional sense, Primal Dialga's been missing from the Pokemon series since 2009. What's more, he's never appeared in a mainline game -- only in spinoffs, anime, & manga.
(Thread below) (1/4)
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With less than half the Pokedex, Sword & Shield aren't the first Pokemon games with missing monsters.
Ruby & Sapphire only included 181 of 386 Pokemon (less than half), and couldn't receive trades from Gens 1 and 2. Their box art did NOT feature the motto "Gotta catch 'em all!"
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: "Guardia"
First revealed when Gen 1 beta assets leaked in 2018, Guardia was created during Gen 1's development as the final stage of the Cubone family... but unfortunately, ended up getting cut.
(Thread 1/3)
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The Outbreak:
I live in China & some folks are asking if I'm okay. The virus has arrived in my city, and it's spreading fast. The situation grows worse by the hour. I just got back from a supply run. Now locking my family inside for... idk how long. The PokeTweets will continue.
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One Save File:
Pokemon Gen 1 took up so much space on a Game Boy cartridge that Game Freak had to make a decision... should we allow 3 save files, or Pokemon nicknames? They could only fit one idea, so they chose nicknames.
More on Gen 1's development:
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Sableye's Inspiration:
Sableye is based on the Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter, a 1955 incident in which several Kentucky families claimed they held off 12-15 aliens with gunfire "for nearly four hours" as they raided their farmhouse.
The families all fled town soon after sunrise.
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Did you know... Serperior has hands?
Lead Pokemon designer Ken Sugimori: "...Serperior actually has a pair of small hands as well, you know. He just keeps them folded behind his back, looking regal (laughs)."
Full interview about Gen 5's Starter designs:
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Localizing Pokémon History:
In 1996, an official book called "Pokédex" was published in Japan, featuring 120+ pages of art & info. Talks with publishers are now in progress -- they're wondering if there's a market for translating & reprinting it.
RT & comment if you'd buy it 👍
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Pikachu: Born in a Computer
According to Pikachu's creator Atsuko Nishida, she designed Pikachu's sprite completely from scratch -- she didn't even make a sketch first to use as inspiration. In other words, the sprite seen in Pokemon Red & Green is the ORIGINAL Pikachu design.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: the Ikari family
First revealed when Gold & Silver's 1997 demo leaked in 2018, this three-stage Water/Steel family was created for Gen 2, but tragically, didn't make Johto's final cut.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Legendary Cats:
Now that the Legendary Beasts are going the way of the dinosaur, it's worth remembering what exactly they were in the first place. Cats, dogs? In some 2012 tweets, their designer essentially said they're cats.
More Legendary Pokemon lore:
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Lost Pokemon of the Day:
Mikon was originally created for Gen 1, but ended up getting cut due to lack of cartridge space. One year later, Mikon returned in Gold & Silver's 1997 demo... but ultimately, got cut from Gen 2 as well.
(Thread 1/4)
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Trainer Red: 1996 to Today
Today's Pokemon Day! Red & Green launched in Japan 24 years ago today -- February 27, 1996. This official artwork collection shows Trainer Red and how he's changed since 1996.
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Pokemon: 2D vs 3D
In a Gen 5 interview, Masuda was asked why Black & White used 2D sprites instead of 3D models. He explained a Pokemon can look fresh in different gens thanks to the various sprite artists... but once they switch to 3D, individuality gets thrown out the window.
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Lost Pokemon History of the Day: Deleted Timeline
In May 2014, one of Game Freak's head writers tweeted out the Pokemon Timeline for Generations 1-6. He quickly deleted his tweet -- but by then, it was too late... the cat was out of the bag.
(More info in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Gorochu
First revealed by Game Freak developers in a 2018 Japanese newspaper interview, Gorochu was planned for Gen 1 as Raichu's evolution, but was cut due to a lack of cartridge space.
(Photo descriptions & more info in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Beta Wartortle Evolution
First revealed when Gen 1 beta assets leaked in February 2019, this Pokemon was the original evolution of Wartortle — in Gen 1's beta, Blastoise was unrelated.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Pokemon Unite: Why?
PU's being made in partnership with Tencent, a massive Chinese tech company that's basically Chinese Facebook, Amazon, and Paypal all in one corporation. League of Legends is huge here. PU's not aimed at you -- its purpose is to make Pokemon popular in China.
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Placeholder Arceus:
Some Diamond & Pearl beta sprites leaked yesterday, including a placeholder sprite for Arceus (pictured left).
@CaptainPiika
made this artwork for Spear Pillar, imagining a parallel universe where the placeholder ended up as Arceus' final design. Lolz.
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Salamence Origins:
Salamence draws inspiration from Devilman, an 80's anime superhero. After a fossilized demon skull is dug up, a teenager gets possessed and transforms into Devilman. Humans and demons start a world war, and eventually Satan himself falls in love with Devilman.
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Gen 4 Beta Sprites:
The new Gen 4 beta leak included about a dozen Pokemon whose beta sprites were significantly different to their final sprites. Here's a comparison for four of them, with beta sprites on the left, and final sprites on the right. I'll post some more shortly.
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Ranger-Exclusive: Ukelele Pichu
Ukelele Pichu is a unique variant exclusive to the Oblivia region. In Ranger 3, Ukelele Pichu is your partner Pokemon, and more UP's can also be found in the wild. UP has appeared in the Pokemon Ranger manga & anime, but never in a mainline game.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Baby Blastoise
First revealed when Gen 1 beta assets leaked in Feb 2019, this turtle was Blastoise's original pre-evolution — created before Blastoise was merged with the Squirtle family.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Ukulele Pichu
While not a "Lost Pokemon" in the traditional sense, Ukulele Pichu hasn't been seen in a decade -- he only appeared in one spin-off game, which launched on March 6, 2010... making today Ukulele Pichu's 10th birthday!
(Thread below) (1/4)
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Too Cool:
Longtime Pokemon art director Ken Sugimori says he intentionally makes Pokemon less cool. It'd be easy for him to make badass designs, but then players would just be like "Oh that's cool!"... and then forget about them. By toning it down, he makes them easier to love.
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Gen 2 Beta Sprites:
Gold & Silver's 1999 demo included some Pokemon who had totally different designs. But there were also quite a few Pokemon whose designs were identical, but the sprites themselves changed quite a bit. Here's just a few examples. (Left: Demo • Right: Final)
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Mimikyu Origins:
Mimkyu is based on the Bugul Noz from French folklore. The last of his kind, the Bugul Noz is a gentle fairy spirit who's so ugly, that anyone who looks upon him will drop dead. Even forest creatures avoid him. As a result, he lives a sad and lonely existence.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: "Latiken"
The only Gen 3 Lost Pokemon whose artwork was officially revealed by Game Freak, it appears to have ultimately gotten split into two separate Pokemon -- Latias and Blaziken.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day:
This scorpion Pokemon was scrapped around 1998, during Gen 2's development. It may have ultimately become Gligar or Skorupi, or might've been totally independent. Unfortunately, the leak didn't include its name or type. Recreation artwork by
@RacieBeep
.
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Beta Marill:
In Gold & Silver's 1997 demo, Marill was a pink Water-type Pokemon without an evolution -- Azumarill didn't exist yet. That's right, before he was Pikablu... he was Pinkachu.
1. Demo sprite recreation by
@RacieBeep
2. Demo sprite, final sprite
3. Final artwork
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The Poison Starter:
According to Poipole's creator James Turner, it was designed as a Starter Pokemon... but not for OUR dimension. "The original concept was that Poipole was kind of a starter Pokemon in its own dimension, so we aimed for it to have some of that starter appeal."
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: "Weirduck"
First revealed when Gen 1 beta assets leaked in Feb 2019, this Pokemon was originally created as the middle stage between Psyduck and Golduck -- but he ended up getting cut.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Dead Pokemon Bones:
Designed by
@JamesTurner_42
, Vullaby & Mandibuzz wear the bones of dead Pokemon. When Mandibuzz sits on Vullaby to keep her warm, the bones fit together to form an upside-down skull.
This creepy detail was revealed in this interview:
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Voltorb Origins:
Voltorb is based on Tsukumogami from Japanese folklore -- tools that have come to life and become self-aware on their 100th birthday. This is why Voltorb's Pokedex number is
#100
, and why so many of his Pokedex entries make it clear he's a Pokeball come to life.
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Atsuko Nishida -- the creator of many iconic Pokemon including Pikachu and Bulbasaur -- is notoriously camera shy.
Very few photos exist, and she goes to great lengths to keep it that way. For example, in 2018 she spent an entire interview hiding behind this giant Pikachu doll.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Plux
First revealed when Gold & Silver's 1997 demo leaked in 2018, Plux was originally planned to evolve from Pinsir at level 42. He appeared just after Scizor in the demo Pokedex -- the two were likely meant as rivals.
(More info in thread below) (1/4)
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The Poison Starter:
According to Poipole's creator
@JamesTurner_42
, it's actually a starter Pokemon... but in another dimension.
"The original concept was that Poipole was kind of a starter Pokemon in its own dimension, so we aimed for it to have some of that starter appeal."
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PokéLeak Priorities:
The SwSh beta leak was a March 2018 build, the exact same time period Nintendo got hacked. Which means the hacker knew about SwSh a year before they'd been announced... but instead of leaking it then, leaked Gold & Silver's 1997 demo. He's an old school fan.
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Censored Registeel:
Out of all 493 Pokemon, only one was a censored in European versions of Diamond & Pearl -- Registeel. The sprite used in all other regions was revised in localization -- it's believed this change was made so his pose wouldn't be mistaken for a Nazi salute.
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Beta Umbreon:
In Gold & Silver's 1997 demo, instead of Dark-type, Umbreon was originally pure Poison-type and evolved from Eevee via Poison Stone -- an item that got scrapped in development.
1. Demo sprite recreation by
@RacieBeep
2. Demo sprite, final sprite
3. Final artwork
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Golurk's Cannon Mode:
Golurk has a rare Cannon Mode that's never been seen in a mainline Pokemon game -- although it has appeared in the anime and the Wii game PokéPark 2.
This anime reference sheet for Cannon Mode was given out to fans who bought the 14th Pokemon movie on DVD.
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Shiny Artwork:
Wouldn't it be great if Game Freak released official artwork for every Shiny Pokemon? All they'd need to do is recolor every Pokemon's pre-existing artwork -- they could do it in a weekend if they wanted. Retweet if you support Game Freak making
#ArtworkForShinies
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Too Cute:
Longtime Pokemon art director Ken Sugimori says it's an important part of his job to give Pokemon weird little details that make them less cute. Like Oshawott for example -- it'd be even cuter without freckles, but he thinks Pokemon are better with small imperfections.
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Americans Get It:
In 1999, Pokemon's creator said Japanese fans mostly just buy Pikachu merch, but Americans buy Pikachu and Ash together. So in his view, Americans actually understand the series better -- because it's all about the bonds formed between people and their Pokemon.
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The Death of Fat Pikachu:
Back in the old days, Pikachu was fat. But why's he so skinny now? According to Ken Sugimori, the change was made for the anime -- it was just easier to animate. Then all the games made afterwards simply mirrored the Pikachu design seen in the TV show.
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Meowth Origins:
According to Pokemon series creator Satoshi Tajiri, Meowth is based on a Japanese proverb about a cat who doesn't realize there's a coin on his head, and can't appreciate the value it holds. This proverb is akin to the English expression "pearls before swine."
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Today's Gen 4 beta sprite leak reveals A LOT of gender differences cut from Gen 4's final build (see my earlier tweets). This jives with pre-release press releases about Gen 4: "male & female Pokémon will now be visibly distinguishable in most, if not all, cases."
Male • Female
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Please Don’t Suck:
According to Pokemon designer James Turner, designers don't get to choose the movesets or base stats of the Pokemon they create.
They design the Pokemon’s appearance as best they can, then cross their fingers hoping fans can actually get some use out of them.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Baby Blastoise
First revealed when Gen 1 beta assets leaked in Feb 2019, this turtle was Blastoise's original pre-evolution -- created before Blastoise was merged with the Squirtle family.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Freedom in Kanto:
There are 60 possible gym orders you can take to complete Gen 1. You have to beat Brock and Misty first, then Giovanni last -- but you can complete the other 5 gyms in almost any order without using glitches. So next time you conquer Kanto, try something new.
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Pokemon: Only in Japan
Ditto Transforming, getting Guillotined, and getting Crabhammered. This Ken Sugimori artwork was only seen on the Japan-exclusive Carddass collectible card sets, circa 1997.
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Gen 4 Sprite Leak:
The new Gen 4 leak included some beta sprites, as well as some placeholder sprites. It appears the developers already knew what these Pokemon were gonna end up looking like, but used these until proper sprites were drawn.
Beta: Left • Final: Right
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Gen 4's Lost Rainbow:
Hidden inside Pokemon Gen 4's internal data, there's a Rainbow weather effect that never gets used in the game's final build. I'm a bit puzzled why this effect was created then scrapped -- I'd love to hear your theories. (info sent in by TCRF's Darkshadow)
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New Pokemon HQ:
Game Freak recently moved into new offices in the same building as Nintendo. Could this mean higher quality Pokemon games in the future? Who knows. But their new HQ has a Kanto motif -- the lobby is Viridian Forest and meeting rooms are based on towns. (1/2)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Natu Evolution
First discovered when Gen 2 development assets leaked in April 2020, it appears this unnamed bird Pokemon was once planned as the mid-stage evolution in the Xatu family.
(More info continued in thread below) (1/3)
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Pokemon Legends Leak:
A big new leak just revealed that Pokemon Legends: Missingno will release in 2023. Yup, we're returning to Kanto one more time, but now in the distant past where we'll learn Missingno's mysterious origins and it'll officially become
#000
in the Pokedex.
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Porygon Origins:
Porygon is based on a bird, possibly an origami crane, built with primitive 3D graphics. Porygon2 is composed of more advanced graphics, allowing for smoother surfaces via subdivision. And Porygon-Z is infected with a computer virus, resulting in buggy behavior.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Bomushikā
First revealed when Gold & Silver's 1997 demo leaked in 2018, Bomushikā was a sea lion Pokemon, and if he'd made the final cut, would have been the series' first Water/Fire type.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Not For Kids:
Game Freak's lead developers have dismissed the idea that Pokemon games are "just for kids" quite a few times over the years. They didn't make Pokemon for kids, they made it for adults too -- more precisely, the games are made in a way so "even kids" can play them.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Primal Dialga
While not technically a "Lost Pokemon" in the traditional sense, Primal Dialga's been missing from the Pokemon series since 2009. What's more, he's never appeared in a mainline game -- only in spinoffs, anime, & manga.
(Thread below) (1/4)
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Beta Mantine:
Mantine's typing of Water & Flying makes a lot more sense once you've seen his original design from Gold & Silver's 1997 demo -- which btw, was named Haneei, "Winged Stingray."
1. Demo design recreation by
@RacieBeep
2. 1997 demo sprites
3. 1999 final sprites
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Debunking Beta Celebi:
I've seen this Celebi beta sprite & artwork presented as legit by massive YouTubers and IG accounts. It's not as convincing as some other fake beta Pokemon, but I'm sure lotsa folks were fooled into thinking it's real...
But it's not. It's phony bologna.
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Ho-oh: Born on April Fools
The Pokemon anime's very first episode aired in Japan on April 1, 1997, and it was the first time fans ever got a chance to see Ho-oh, over two years before the release of Gen 2. That makes today Ho-oh's 23rd birthday, as well as the anime's birthday.
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Who Picks Shinies:
In previous gens, oftentimes Pokemon designers didn't get to choose Shiny colors for the Pokemon they created -- and sometimes they didn't like how they turned out. But in newer gens, designers mostly DO pick their own Shinies, like James Turners' Gmax Gengar.
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Lost Shiny Returns:
Back in Gen 2, Shiny Rapidash was purple -- but was changed to silver in Gen 3, and stayed that way in all future generations. But after 20 years in exile, Purple Rapidash just finally returned... in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DX!
(Tip submitted by
@game_trav
)
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: Beta Wartortle Evolution
First revealed when Gen 1 beta assets leaked in February 2019, this Pokemon was the original evolution of Wartortle -- in Gen 1's beta, Blastoise was unrelated.
(Photo descriptions & more info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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Lost Shiny: Purple Charizard
Shiny Pokemon didn't exist yet in Gen 1 -- they were first introduced in Gen 2. Originally, Shiny Charizard was purple with green wings... But in Gen 3, he was changed to black & red, and he's stayed that way in every generation since.
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PokéPark-Exclusive: Cannon Mode
Golurk has a rare Cannon Mode that's never been seen in a mainline Pokemon game -- it only ever appeared in the 2011 Wii game PokéPark 2.
This anime reference sheet for Cannon Mode was given out to fans who bought the 14th Pokemon movie on DVD.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day:
This stork Pokemon was discovered in leaked files from Gen 2's early development. Happily carrying a chick in its mouth, it was clearly based on the myth of storks delivering babies... Unfortunately though, it got cut. Recreation artwork by
@RacieBeep
.
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Bronzong Origins:
Bronzor & Bronzong are based on Japanese folktale "Of a Mirror and a Bell," about some priests who melt down bronze mirrors so they can make a bell for their temple. One mirror is cursed and can't be melted -- which is why these Pokemon's ability is Heatproof.
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Lost Pokemon of the Day: White Pichu
Spiky-eared Pichu was a special event Pokemon introduced in Gen 4. But originally, Game Freak was planning for a White Pichu to occupy this role... but sadly, White Pichu ended up getting scrapped.
(More info continued in thread below) (1/4)
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That look on your face when you realize that over the years, your magnets got bigger but your balls shrank.
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Pikachu's Lost Boobs:
When Pokemon was localized for the USA, Nintendo of America originally wanted to redesign every Pokemon so they'd appeal more to American kids... like changing Pikachu into "a tiger with huge breasts."
More Gen 1 behind the scenes:
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When considering the evolution of Gen 1 Pokemon designs, it's important to realize their sprites were created BEFORE Ken Sugimori's iconic artwork.
Weird sprites aren't poor representations of Pokemon -- rather, Sugimori's artwork is a revision of the Pokemon seen in the sprite.
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