Board 8 > Someone who's never played a Pokemon game ranks Pokemon solely by design.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Duosion

Darmanitan (the red version)

Scorbunny(Hope no one nominated them)

Numel

Turtwig.

lots of good ones to suggest hm

Castform Snowy Form

514. Simisear
So this is the stoner Pokemon, right? You cant look at that face and that pose and not tell me its some sort of taking life easy hippie. Then again, the second image on its Bulbapedia page is of it looking pretty angry, so maybe thats not the case. Disregarding the face and stance, I really like Simisears color scheme, and its fur coat-esque accessory. The flame-shaped hair is also a nice touch. This ones cool (well, not literally). A

707. Klefki
One of the things I did a few weeks ago was look up unpopular Pokemon just to see who everybody hates. Spoilers: I actually like a few of those designs, like, a lot. Klefki, however, is not one of them. While I admire the balls-out audacity to design a Pokemon based on a keychain, it just feels sort of...uninspired? Like I dont get a sense of what this Pokemon is about. The different keys do different things, I guess? And it has a weird horn thing? I dont know. I think a design like this could work with some tweaks, maybe streamlining things a little. I do appreciate, again, the audacity of Klefki, but its not enough to avoid the bottom tier. D

402. Kricketune
Theres a lot going on with Kricketune. Its got this voluptuous mustache, which I would not normally expect to see on a bug Pokemon; long antennae that give its upper body an M shape; and a body with string-like markings reminiscent of a cello. Also there are wings and bladed limbs. Its all pretty cool! I do think you could subtract any one of those facets and still retain the essence of the design, which maybe says to me that theres too much going on, but I like all of it enough that it doesnt bother me. The cello is the most interesting part to me, and given that its name has a musical reference, I feel like thats intentional. Kricketune is like a low B/high C. Ill be charitable and say B.

263. Zigzagoon
This is basically a raccoon with spiky fur meant to simulate electricity, yes? Although reading the description its not electric. So who knows. (Well, you probably do.) Its a fairly simple design, but I like it; it has character. Its probably the only Pokemon so far I could see having as a pet, which is a huge point in its favor. I find other Pokemon cuter, but Zigzagoon can play fetch. Yes, I know its a raccoon, but it looks a bit dog-like. The zippity zoopity fur is a huge plus. Anyway, very cute, good proof that sometimes simpler designs are good too. A

224. Octillery
This is basically a red octopus with yellow suction cups. I have a similar reaction to Octillery as I do to Zigzagoon, but the design feels a bit plainer. Red and yellow is good to combine, but part of me wants some sort of colorful headpiece, like Hawlucha. It already has the lines around its eyes. Did they just forget to color inside them? I dont know. Not really feeling this one. C

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/3/2/AAeDEnAAC6_s.jpg

The various keys aren't actually a part of Klefki. It's just a fairy in the shape of a keyring that likes to collect keys. When you knock it out in battle, the ring opens up and the keys all drop off.

https://i.imgur.com/A9un35K.gif

I think that might actually be worse! I liked the idea of the keys all being a part of its body and doing different things.

Was busy today and might be busy tomorrow, but I will attempt to rank more Pokemondos soon!

Electivire

Volcarona

Quagsire

103. Exeggutor (Alola)
This is a very high concept Pokemon design. The bulk of its body is a tree trunk, with a palm tree with three heads(???) up top, stubby legs on the bottom, and a tail with another head(????) in the back. So. Um. I struggle to even comprehend this design. The original design is also nonsensical, but at least its all mostly contained in a more shrunken form. The Alola design is maybe a little too goofy for me. Like, what is the takeaway here? Why are there three heads? (I do like that they all have different facial expressions. Thats charming.) Why is the tree trunk so huge? Why, why, why? Some things I was not meant to know, apparently. D

213. Shuckle
Is Shuckle a mold Pokemon? I look at it as a turtle. Its like a more gelatinous red Koopa Troopa. So yes, obviously Shuckle is cute, but is it cute by default like the C tier exiles, or is it prime Wooper cuteness? Honestly Id say somewhere closer to the defaults. Shuckle has that blank facial expression and non-mouth that automatically earn it points, and its wobbly neck is endearing in a blobby sort of way, but I find its other limbs distracting. Theyre just sort of there, like overcooked spaghetti. I would like Shuckle more if it was just a neck and a shell. Ill make sure to send this constructive criticism to Game Freak for their future titles. C

704. Goomy
Speaking of blank facial expression and non-mouth, we have this Soft Tissue Pokemon (which makes me think of Puffs instead of cells). This thing is adorable. I love how its art makes it seems like its confused about which direction its leaning. Its those blank, pupil-less eyes; they go a long way. Goomys antennae give it some nice flair, and its green cheek circles add some color to the all-purple scheme. I kind of want to rub its head, but I feel like I might come away from that with a sticky hand. Still. A

549. Lilligant
So popular, it was nominated twice! Lilligant is maybe the first Pokemon nominated so far with a humanoid build. It (she? Bulbapedia says theyre 100% female) has a blooming plant motif, with a mostly green color scheme. I really like Lillgants lower body, which resembles an unblossomed flower. Its limbs are small petals. They really went all in with the flower theming! The only thing that doesnt immediately fit is Lilligants tiny crown and...not sure what to call it, the crowns resting pillow atop its head? But that all seems to fit its personality, which seems to be royal or stately, or as royal or stately as a Pokemon could be. (Apparently there are butler and maid Pokemon, which I find inherently disturbing.) Lilligants cool. Neat design, lots of personality. A

607. Litwick
Oh my goodness this Pokemon is adorable. Its just a candle, but it has a ton of personality. The wax is melted over one eye, which makes it asymmetrical. And it has a goofy smile, like its either going to cause mischief, fall on its face, or fuck somebody up. Maybe all three?

Also, I said Id weigh Bulbapedia entries into my analysis sometimes. This cracked me up:

Litwick pretends to guide people and Pokmon around by illuminating darkened areas. However, it is actually sucking away their life energy and leading them to the Ghost World.

WTF LITWICK YOU LITTLE SHIT DONT LEAD ME TO THE GHOST WORLD

Love it. S

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/1/4/0/AAeDEnAAC7iM.jpg

Where's the Espy kitty

I'm only up to post 21. Your Espeon nom is post 33. Kitty will have its day eventually, rest assured!

Trubbish

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/6/8/6/AADcu0AAC7qu.png
Snom

Articuno (original)

here are some pictures of some of the unown that are relevant to you
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/7/7/AAefu7AAC7-5.jpg
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/7/8/AAefu7AAC7-6.jpg
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/7/9/AAefu7AAC7-7.jpg
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/8/0/AAefu7AAC7-8.jpg

More eventually!

Spheal.

Three more!

43. Oddish
This Pokemon is a blue radish with tiny ovular feet, red eyes, and a happy smile. There isnt really an unnecessary part of Oddishs design everything basically serves a purpose. Im not, like, super thrilled by it or anything, but I guess not every Pokemon needs seven different colors. Oddish is fine, but for a Pokemon with odd in its name, I guess I expected something a bit bolder. C

354. Banette
Banette has some bold design choices. The gray, unicolored body seems designed to not draw attention, and the focus is on its eyes, its zipper mouth, and its tail, all of which stand out in multiple ways. The bold colors (pink and gold) certainly make these aspects pop, but theres also things like how the eye shape is a tinier version of the head shape. The zipper mouth is probably Banettes most striking feature it stretches across its face in a sort of permanent creepy grin. I also love how its limbs and head taper off like tissue paper. The Bulbapedia description further conxtextualizes its spooky design (it is possessed by pure hatred). What a cool ass Pokemon. S

201. Unown
One thing I notice about Unown across all its variations is its design is consistently simple but effective. There are all these different permutations on the concept, and yet its very clear that each is an Unown design. They all share the same personality. I think the big eye lends it a lot of mystery and charm. Its as if its curious to see you and wants to study you, like an alien lifeform would be. And its simple black exterior always conveys that same sense of alienness, of being from another civilization (they seem designed based on hieroglyphics). Also in general I love the idea of having a Pokemon variation for each letter of the alphabet. Talk about the audacity of telling kids you need to catch twenty-six of these. I guess thats good replay value! B

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/1/6/8/AAeDEnAAC8ww.jpg

rwlh posted...

Talk about the audacity of telling kids you need to catch twenty-six of these.

Twenty-eight from the GBA onward; they added ! and ? models.

I nominate Tropius.

Simisear in A and Shuckle in C is bordering on a war crime

For context on Shuckle, it essentially has the highest defense stats in the game and the lowest attack/speed stats... except it has a move that it can swap them, so it can be either a frustratingly unkillable tank or an amazingly fragile glass cannon. In a game where 700 HP is about the max, if you take the time to setup an extraordinarily unlikely scenario, it can do 480,000,000 damage in one attack

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/9/4/AAcM16AAC8yu.jpg

i feel like i've explained this exact scenario to you before.

Gloom

Simisage

Dewott

NFUN posted...

For context on Shuckle, it essentially has the highest defense stats in the game and the lowest attack/speed stats... except it has a move that it can swap them, so it can be either a frustratingly unkillable tank or an amazingly fragile glass cannon. In a game where 700 HP is about the max, if you take the time to setup an extraordinarily unlikely scenario, it can do 480,000,000 damage in one attack

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/9/4/AAcM16AAC8yu.jpg

i feel like i've explained this exact scenario to you before.

Damage in Pokemon doesn't work like that. The maximum damage in a single attack is 65535. If you attempt to do more than that, there's a damage overflow bug:
https://twitter.com/dawoblefet/status/1203849101860839429

Team Rocket Elite posted...

Damage in Pokemon doesn't work like that. The maximum damage in a single attack is 65535. If you attempt to do more than that, there's a damage overflow bug:

That's the damage from the damage formula, which is clearly the point and the only thing anybody discussing this cares about

Mr. Mime.

https://youtu.be/pELWd_C5-kQ

Let's give this a bump.

570. Zorua (Hisuian)
Lots going on here. I like the light gray, fluffy animal fur. Theres a scarf-like tuft of fur wrapped around its neck, and a wispy head tuft that tapers from a white to pink flame-like design. It has big, floppy ears. It has these weird eyebrow markings that accentuate its big, expressive eyes. Im trying not to judge based on facial expression because that can definitely fluctuate (especially since Hisuian Zorua has a very different expression than standard Zorua) but it looks kind of sad and confused. I really really like this design and would be open to buying a stuffed animal of Zorua if I ever bought stuffed animals. Very cute, very charming. S

595. Joltik
If I didnt look up that Joltik was bug/electric, I still would have been able to tell. As with some other designs Ive rated, it seems to have fur that stands up, like its being shocked with static electricity. Joltik is very goofy in a good way, with big ol eyes (two bigger than the others) and a facial expression that seems to evoke everyones favorite cat face, :3 . Joltik is like, sickeningly cute, an impressive feat given that its literally a bug Pokemon. This is another one I could see being really cuddly. A

696. Tyrunt
Im going to say something kind of scandalous: Im not really, like, into dinosaurs? And Tyrunt is basically just a tiny T-rex. Its body is lined so that it looks segmented in places, and it has a hump in the back and two little orange horns at the top. And I do like that it seems to be wearing black mascara. Otherwise it seems like a pretty standard baby T-rex, or whatever scientists have determined that to look like. (Where are the feathers, Game Freak?) Its not a knock against Tyrunt specifically Im just not a big dinosaur fan. Im sure its a perfectly fine Pokemon otherwise. C

181. Ampharos
omg theres a Pokemon literally called Flaaffy what a ridiculous name lmao but this isnt about Flaaffy its about its big buddy, Ampharos! Getting some real space age designs from this Pokemon. Its ears look like antennae, and its tail looks like some sort of radar system. It also has a red crystal(?) on its forehead to match the tail. I also like the black circles around its neck, tail, and horns(?). I dig the aesthetic it feels pretty unique to everything else Ive seen thus far. If Ampharos had a name half as good as Flaaffy, it might dethrone Wooper (just kidding names arent factored in OR ARE THEY) but for now itll have to settle for a B.

778. Mimikyu
Mimikyu is a hard Pokemon to judge based on design. The actual design is like a crude Pikachu sheet with crayon face markings and what appears to be a jagged stick for a tail. However, Mimikyu takes on new life if you factor in its backstory: its a horrible abomination of a creature who wears a Pikachu mask to be loved. Very sad. That said, I dont really get a strong sense of horror from Mimikyu, more like sadness and mild creepiness. Is that a consequence of the design missing its mark, or some sort of deficiency in me? I found Banette very creepy, for what its worth. C

196. Espeon
Space cat. This is, like, a cat from the future thats been genetically modified in some capacity. It has two tails, white glassy eyes, bigass ears, and a red dot in the center of its forehead (whats with all the red dots in the center of foreheads on these Pokemon anyway). It feels majestic, like cats have a tendency to be, but even more so. If the ancient Egyptians discovered time travel and could venture into space, Espeon would be their object of worship. And can you really blame them? B

028. Sandslash (Alolan)
Ooh, I like the crystally alternate design. It feels very intentional and well thought out; the whole design revolves around the crystal spikes. Even Sandslashs head is basically a crystal, with its face forming a smaller mirror with eyes and a snout. The color scheme is also predominently blues and whites in varying shades. Its an interesting Pokemon because its not very threatening looking, like, at all. And yet if you saw one of these in the wild it would fuck you up. I think its the proportions, which are very compact, and also its cute little non-face. B

304. Aron
I invited everyone to post fanart at the beginning of the topic, but I think this is the only time anyones done it? I appreciate the effort, especially since Aron is super cute. Its as chibi-proportioned as anything posted so far. I love how everything in Arons shell is white and gray, except for its eyes, which are a piercing blue. This gives it a lot of personality. This is particularly evident in the fanart Johnbobb posted, where the eyes give Aron a sense of uh oh Ive been caught in the act. Its just such a fun Pokemon in terms of design: its stubby legs scream and tiny proportioned body are cute. Definitely a highlight so far. S

oh god this tiermaker doesn't have hisuian zorua so i had to put normal zorua in its place sorry :( :( :(

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/8/7/5/AAeDEnAAC-Zj.jpg

Sprigatito

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/3/0/AAefu7AAC-aa.jpg

Fuecoco

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/3/2/AAefu7AAC-ac.jpg

Alcremie

Hoothoot

Toxtricity posted...

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/3/2/AAefu7AAC-ac.jpg

oh my fucking god

omg im dying

Dreepy

Zubat

Toxtricity posted...

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/3/2/AAefu7AAC-ac.jpg

I have no idea if what I'm looking at is more "cute" or "creepy".

Let's give this a bump.