There's No Way Even A True Fan Can Name All Of These Pokémon Before The Game Ends
- by Dylan Jacob
- – on
- in The Geek Corner
To the surprise of no one, the Pokémon franchise is still going strong after 20+ years. New games are on their way for the Nintendo Switch, fans are still making rom hacks using pre-existing games as bases - if you find yourself being bored by the new games, look into rom hacks - and Ash Ketchum is still ten-years-old. How? Today, you're going to take a look at some Pokémon and try to name them all. I could sing one of the older songs to motivate you, but I've done that in the past and the pressure of wanting to ace this quiz should be more than enough motivation. At least, we certainly hope so. There's really no ground rules for a quiz like this, though we will say that each question has four available options. All pictures are going to come from either the Pokémon anime (which includes the movies) or one of the recent miniseries like Origins or Generation. Only one Pokémon on here has a shiny variant as its picture, though I think you'll understand why when we get there. Are you ready to join me in being nostalgic about Pocket Monsters? You have to be nostalgic if you want to ace this quiz!
The series mascot, so get this right
So if you can't get this one right, that's probably not good. We're talking about the series mascot which has had multiple games named after it and is going to have another game bearing its name coming out soon. One of the more iconic creatures in video game history? A cute yellow mouse that says its own name? You even got to have it follow you around in Yellow version! If you really want to be a master, you need to ace this.
The first Pokémon in the Pokédex
We should clarify that this Grass-type Pokémon is not the first Pokémon ever created both in or out of universe. In-universe, it's most likely Arceus but that changes depending on the source. In real life, Rhydon was actually the first Pokémon created, so there's some useful pub trivia. But since you probably started your Pokémon career with this guy at some point, you should have automatically answered this once you saw the image. We're lobbing you softballs right now, quiz taker.
The first Fire-type starter
Yes, we're going to get all the first starters out of the way because they're four of the most iconic Pokémon to this point. It only makes sense to show them love, even if you were one of the people who used this Pokémon with only Fire-type moves. No, that does not make them better in battle. It makes them worse and that people still think this strategy is smart. Please, stop doing and please, answer this one correctly for our sake.
The first Water-type starter Pokémon
Another one that should be extremely easy if you played the Generation I games...or Generation II...or Generation III. I would hope at least that those who have begun their Pokémon journeys in the past few years still know the original starters - and if you got the first two right, you should definitely get this right. At least look at the Pokémon and try to guess which of the following options have a name that sounds like the design. Please?
A science experiment gone wrong
I almost typed this Pokémon's name at first, which wouldn't have ended well. The scientists who were involved in this Pokémon's creation, by all accounts, didn't end well either. In fact, nearly every source implies they either died because of this Pokémon...or this Pokémon killed them. There's a difference between burning in a laboratory and a Psychic-type using its powers to destroy you. There's only so graphic and violent the Pokémon world can get, but this guy fits the trope. What Pokémon is this?
A legendary Pokémon of the sea
The funny thing is that this Pokémon is tied to the sea, but isn't a Water-type. It's actually a Psychic/Flying-type, which I'm sure caught some people by surprise the first time they played a Johto game. Or, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. And no, that's not a typo. There was a GameCube game that had an emoji as its name. The emoji may not be the Pokémon's name, but one of the following options is. Do you want to take a guess?
One of the newer, more iconic Pokémon
I would advise you not to Google what this Pokémon actually looks like underneath the costume. Not only is there no true look at this point, but all we know is that it's some sort of spirit that frightens people to death. If we ever see this Pokémon in its full glory, I get the feeling it might be Electric Soldier Porygon all over again. I would also advise against looking up that episode and its contents as well. Who is this?
A Grass-type starter from Johto
You can obtain this starter in other regions through various methods, but we first met this Grass-type in the Johto region. While this green buddy isn't as powerful as the Bulbasaur line, I always enjoyed its design. There's only so much I can say for these starter Pokémon without spoiling things, though I'll give you this: Ash Ketchum had one in the anime. Then again, Ash had so many starter Pokémon, so I don't know how much that helps. Any takers?
One of several baby Pokémon
The inclusion of baby Pokémon in Generation II was one of the more divisive features Gold, Silver, and Crystal had. On one hand, obtaining them early through the Odd Egg in Crystal provided for the chance to have elite Pokémon earlier. On the other hand, they couldn't really do much in battle, which hurts even now if you do the Nuzlocke challenge. Later retconned to be what Pikachu winds up evolving into, what is this yellow and black baby Pokémon?
A Pokémon that can evolve into multiple different types
Given that this Pokémon is also going to have its own game alongside Pikachu, I recommend getting this right. And yes, I have my own preferences as to what its best evolution is. I also have a preference as to what the worst is, but with my luck, you probably find that one enjoyable. Whatever you feel about its evolutions and who you think is the best choice, let us know in the comment section. For now, tell us who this guy is.
A second-form Fire Pokémon
Second-form, of course, means that this is the second Pokémon of three in this family's chain. Still confused on what we mean? Let's use humans. You going from a baby to a child means you're in your second form. Child to bratty teenager who spends all their time texting and trying to get a million retweets to get out of a quiz is third form. We're still looking for the child here, so tell us who this Fire-type Pokémon is.
A frightening Dark-type Pokémon
One of the Pokédex entries for this guy reads that it, "sharply senses even subtle changes in the sky and the land to predict natural disasters. It is a long-lived Pokémon that has a life-span of 100 years." That is kind of frightening to think it's able to know what's coming and it can't really tell anyone because humans can only understand Pokémon so well. It's like the trope of "I have no mouth and I must scream." Who is this?
One of the laziest Pokémon you'll ever meet
Generation III introduced abilities likely with this loaf in mind. We use loaf quite literally because this Pokémon's ability is known as Loaf Off, which means he has to rest every other turn. Using the move Skill Swap trades Loaf Off with another Pokémon's ability, whether it's a teammate's or an opponents. Brilliant strategy, especially if you take advantage of its high attack with a move like Facade or Body Slam. Who is this Normal-type that kind of looks like King Kong?
Essentially the Pokémon devil
We're not making a joke or invoking religion when we call this thing the devil. It's outright said this Pokémon is into chaos and darkness, which sounds a lot like whatever devil you believe in. This is the ruler of the Distortion World and I'm very, very afraid to think about what it's doing to Cyrus. You may think Cyrus is alone because you own this guy, but I wouldn't be so sure with the paranormal and powerful. Who is this?
An Ice-type who got a design change
What type of design change, you ask? When this Pokémon was first introduced in Generation I, its face was more purple than black, which made some believe this Ice-type was designed with blackface in mind. As that is no longer appropriate and no one wanted to cause controversy, the black was changed to purple by the late 1990s, though early versions of Gold and Silver lack the purple. Look it up if you don't believe me, but first, get this right.
Our introduction to Shiny Pokémon
You may have run into an oddly-colored Pokémon early in your journey through Generation II, but this is one of the lone times that a Pokémon will be locked into being shiny. You meet this red Pokémon, normally blue or teal, at the Lake of Rage and have the ability to catch it. (It's just too bad that the Generation II version of this character is fairly weak.) You know who this Pokémon is regardless of the color it has, right?
Someone keep Skitty far away
If you don't get that joke, we'll do our best to explain it in the tamest way possible. Generation II introduced breeding, which is when two Pokémon come together to create an egg. Each Pokémon is tied to a specific breeding group, which means that this giant whale is in the same one as Skitty, a short cat. How those two can make a baby is beyond me, but I'm also not a science person. What is this giant Pokémon named?
Where's the truck?
This one should be extremely easy, especially if you got the truck joke. If you're old enough to remember schoolyard myths about how to catch this Pokémon - those are a bit before my time, since I first started playing Pokémon in 2001 - then you'll remember the idea that this Psychic-type was hidden underneath a truck in Vermillion. Those who attempted the trick in Fire Red/Leaf Green were treated to a Lava Cookie. I much prefer having this Pokémon on my side.
Just forever awesome in my eyes
That may seem like a weird intro, but the first *new* Pokémon games I owned and got to play were Generation III. (I played second-hand copies of Red and Gold from my cousins and bought a used copy of Crystal in 2002-ish). I started off with this family of Water-types and I've had nothing but love for them in the 15+ years since. I'm allowed to be nostalgic, too, and I hope you'll join me in celebrating Pokémon while getting this one right.
A Pokémon that can become anything else
I've always been confused about something with Transform, which is this Pokémon's signature move. If a Pokémon transforms into another Pokémon, or even a human, does it also get its memories? It's implied that Zorua and Zoroark, introduced in Generation V who have similar abilities, can do that, but what about Transform? If so, that'd be very weird, but Generation I had some strange concepts to its Pokémon. Which of the following names does this Pokémon go by when its not imitating others?
A fossil Pokémon brought back to life
I've mentioned elsewhere throughout this quiz that Generation I seemed to focus more on science with its Pokémon, which makes the inclusion of fossils more interesting. Red stumbles upon one in Mt. Moon and can add another in Pewter City, bringing them back to life to have one of the very few remaining in the world. The Pokémon are extinct, after all. Which of the following Pokémon is this? And no, we're not going to name the fossil because that would spoil it.
A Bug-type that few ever catch
I can count on one hand the amount of times I've been able to catch this Pokémon without specifically looking for it for Pokédex completion. (Which I've still only done once in Yellow.) Whether it's in the Safari Zone or the wild, you will almost never find this Pokémon and it sucks. Look at how cool it is! If you had any doubt that Pokémon was inspired by bug and insect collecting, this should be the reminder and proof you need. Which of the following options is correct?
A nurse that helps you gain experience
Are you tired of it taking forever to grind your Pokémon up? Meet this pink creature who yields a ton of experience in the wild to get your Pokémon to a higher level quicker. If you get the Lucky Egg involved, you're bound to keep climbing the charts at an extreme rate. And if you're a hack creator reading this, give us the Lucky Egg earlier. I'm thankful for hacks like that and I'ma also thankful for this guy. Who is this?
The version mascot of Crystal
HeartGold and Soul Silver are fantastic games that are arguably the best of the three remakes - there's a case between it and Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, though HGSS may win out for me - yet Crystal is still great. There are issues I won't deny, like the level curve and it removing certain Pokémon for weird reasons (why no Mankey or Mareep?), but go back and play either Crystal or a rom hack of it soon. We think you'll enjoy it.
Here's why the link cable existed, kids
I don't want to sound like a grandpa at only 21, but kids today will never know how annoying trading used to be. If you wanted a Pokémon like this, you needed a link cable and a trustworthy friend to evolve this, then send it back to you. Now, all you have to do is send it over wireless connection and you don't even need to be in the same room. While the process was annoying, we also loved it. Who is this?
Krusty the Clown became a Pokémon?
Has it ever been confirmed if this Pokémon was ever based on Krsuty the Clown? You have the clown-look, the similar hairstyle, the comedic relief role in the anime. Yes, we know the anime came later, but I just can't get these similarities out of my head. If you can't get them out of your head either, we're sorry but also not sorry. These are important things to point out in quizzes like these. What is this Psychic-type Pokémon called?
Did you also spend hours trying to catch this?
Way back in the old days, the best way - and more often than not, the only way - to catch this Pokémon was by headbutting trees. So if you were like me, you'd sit in bed or somewhere comfortable and just keep hitting the A button. Is this when I'm going to find this Bug/Fighting-type? No? What about now? No? Ugh, just give it to me already! I'm still waiting for an easy way to obtain this guy, by the way.
Johto trainers want to forget this cow
I've said in other quizzes, but I don't remember ever having problems against Whitney and this Normal-type in Generation II. HeartGold and SoulSilver were a bit harder because this cow could now hit Ghost-types, but I never remember losing to her. I either had a tank like Golem or a Pokémon that was super-effective (Machop) which could hold its own. Talking about that battle probably made your memories of fighting the magic cow come back, so tell us who this is.
A Bug-type Pokémon
Let's again see what the Pokédex has to say about this Pokémon, this time reading from the Diamond version. "It crosses its knifelike arms in front of its chest when it cries. It can compose melodies ad lib." It does look like the Pokémon is holding a sword there, right? This guy certainly looks violent, but all accounts seem to be that it's fairly tame and sensitive. Better that than a flesh-eating bug that will destroy your brain from the inside, I guess.
A Water-type from Generation I
This yellow Pokémon is one of my favorite Water-types in any game, ever since I caught it for the first time in Generation I. Are you getting tired of me being nostalgic? If you're getting annoyed, go and search for rom hacks. There are some great ones out there and I'm sure you can find one you'll enjoy. I can't say too much more here because I'll wind up spoiling what Pokémon this is, so go and get this right.
Another classic Electric-type
Can you imagine that this awesome-looking, Electric-type was once an Eevee? I know me getting nostalgic is getting annoying, but you have to use this guy if you haven't done so yet. Seriously. It's a sweeper in Generation I with its speed if you give it Thunderbolt, Thunder Wave, Pin Missile, and Body Slam. Double Kick also works too, though Pin Missile helps take down those late-game Psychic-types. I just taught you strategy, so remind me by getting this right.
Go and grab a Poké Flute, please
This has to be a fairly easy one with how many games its been doing nothing but sleeping. That's what the Poké Flute or radio is for because if he's asleep, you're not getting past. There's absolutely nothing you can do with how they design the maps. I know Pokémon games are getting easier and simpler, but I also miss the old days where you had to actually find out how to get past this jolly green Giant. Wait, that's not the Hulk. Who is this?
The source of a famous urban legend
Let's end this with some legendary Pokémon, starting with this Steel/Psychic-type. The myth was that the white rock in Hoenn's Mossdeep City is tied to this Pokémon and if you interacted with it enough times/used Rock Smash on it/beat the Elite 4 a certain mount of times, you would be able to catch this Pokémon for your team. Actually, you would just get it from events or a special CD with the Pokémon Colosseum game. What sad-looking but sweet Pokémon is this?
A dangerous Dragon/Electric-type
How dangerous are we talking? Take a look at its Pokédex entry from Black 2 and White 2. "This legendary Pokémon can scorch the world with lightning. It assists those who want to build an ideal world." So if someone with evil intents want to rebuild or remake the world in their image, this guy will blindly follow? Someone find me Mewtwo because I can't see Giovanni being happy with that. What Pokémon is this? And no, it's not Mewtwo.
A legendary Dragon-type that once was a version mascot
I have a confession to make. I played Pokémon Emerald at least 50 times as a kid and never realized this Pokémon, which was on the cover and who you had to encounter in the story, had hands. It wasn't until Generation IV when I saw this Pokémon's sprite when porting everyone over through the Pal Park and said, "wait, this guy has hands." I felt so stupid and bad, though I'm hoping you feel neither of those after answering this.