So, who's a closet Pokemon fan? [Archive]

J Arcane

12-04-2008, 09:21 PM

And how bad are you?

I was already damn near out of school when the whole thing started. I tried it very briefly at a friend's house once on their Super Game Boy, but didn't much of an impression out of it. The girl whose house it was and her sisters were all really into it, and I very nearly broke down and bought into it at once point then but decided against it.

A few years later though, I was getting really into the emulation thing, because I had this ancient damn computer and no internet, and most ROMs were small enough to fit on the floppy disks I would cart back and forth from the public libraries computers. One day I got a random impulse to try something pokemon related, and wound up downloading the GBC version of the card game.

I played the shit out of that game, it's on my list of "games J liked enough to actually beat all the way through". Had a psychic ghost deck that just tore through the fucking game. I got sort of frustrated towards the end though, because the CPU in the game cheated like a mother fucker in the later levels, and so I didn't pick it back up again for a while.

Then forward another year or two, and I was hanging out a bunch with this friend of mine, who'd been big into Pokemon back in the day, and still played it now and again to pass time at the hotel where he worked night desk, which was when we usually hung out. Somehow the prospect of having another person to actually get into the game with got me all fired up and I went out and got the whole fucking set up, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Stadium, and the little transfer cart for loading up your critters into Stadium. Played like mad for several months, but then got bored with the grind.

I never really got into the later games, frankly, I took one look at the covers on Gold and Silver and was rather perturbed, and as the games continued to come out, and I kept an eye on them, I was mostly just struck by how awful the character designs were compared to the original. Every last one of the new creatures seemed to lack that spark and cleverness of the originals, instead falling usually into one of 3 categories: 1) shameless knockoff of one of the originals, 2) Random geometric shapes aranged in a fashion that vaguely sort of looks like an animal shape, or 3) "WTF is that supposed to be?". The gameplay definitely seemed to improve with each iteration, and I was somewhat impressed with that 3d RPG they did for the Gamecube, but it sort of all felt for naught if I couldn't bring myself to care about catching the creatures.

Never really got into the anime at all. It was for kids, and I wasn't even a kid when I first played any of the games. Never got into the actual card game either, though I did build a ghost deck a while back out of some hobby shop singles, mostly for the nostalgia. I also did buy Fire Red at one point, partly for nostalgia, and partly for the wireless adapter, which I'd hoped would get used by more games but wound up being a deadend when the DS came out with built-in WiFi.

Lately though, I think mainly because of that new comic from the VG Cats guy, I've been kinda thinking about getting into it again, partly because I have yet another friend who was really into it back in the day and who I could probably get something of a game going with. I've been playing around with some of the games on emulator, and debating how to go about doing that though, because the only regular Pokemon game I'm really interested in arre the GBA remakes, but the multiplayer fuintions don't work on the DS.

Variable Gear

12-04-2008, 10:49 PM

I've never been one to hide my Pokemon fandom. It's a great series, despite the seemingly kiddy exterior that turns off so many. I still think that the Pokemon battle system is one of the best-designed battle systems in JPRG history. The level of tension in a fight between two similarly-leveled creatures is just right.

Pick up the ROM of Silver, Gold, or Crystal. Those are still the best games in the series, even though later iterations added a more robust trading/battling system. These three games took everything that Red, Blue and Yellow introduced and polished it to perfection. The unique events spread throughout the week added a layer of life to the world, and the time function made the hunt for Pokemon that much more compelling. The design of the Pokemon themselves was very impressive. Everyone has different preferences, but I'd place the second generation above all the others. The addition of the second quest continues to resonate with me to this day. I have yet to see a better conclusion to a Pokemon game. That was so satisfying.

I was very interested in the CCG as well, up until the fourth movie was released. I even won a tourney using my patented Haymaker variant and sent my story over to Pojo.com, which was a site I checked almost daily for deck-creation tips. Unfortunately, it's a shell of its former self now. I even got the TCG game for the GBC one Easter, and I really enjoyed it. It was a very fun game, and I had a rival to compete against, which made everything much more entertaining. I hope to get back into CCGs in the coming years, and I'd be open to considering the Pokemon CCG. You could honestly do worse.

I love this series, and I cannot wait for Platinum.

However, I wish that Game Freak would broaden the scope of the core Pokemon games a bit. I would like to see photography elements, in the style of Pokemon Snap, and bring back the concept of the second quest, with the ability to travel back to all of the previous lands. I'd like for the player to have to field matches from challengers once they unseat the Pokemon League Champion, and I'd love to see the return of the phone and radio. If they can find any way to cut down a bit on the grind, that would be awesome as well. I am only able to get to level 70 (or the high 60s) before I give up on leveling and focus on completing the game. Game Freak also needs to move away from doling out the most interesting legendary Pokemon in the form of exclusively-downloadable real-world special events. Just include everything in the game, if you don't mind, and let me have my fun.

All told, I really love the series, but it's hard to not be disappointed when the second generation was the best generation we've ever seen.

As a final note, I'm still pissed that Game Freak hasn't taken advantage of the possibility of starters that aren't Fire, Water, and Grass types. There's also an opportunity to have starters from the Psychic, Dark, and Fighting types. I'd like to see something different from the classic paradigm, even though I love Charmander, Cyndaquil, and Turtwig (Remember, I skipped generation three.).

Xerxes

12-04-2008, 10:54 PM

Pfft I think we all threw hiding in closed rooms when Diamond and Pearl came out.

J Arcane

12-04-2008, 10:56 PM

I hope to get back into CCGs in the coming years, and I'd be open to considering the Pokemon CCG. You could honestly do worse.

I honestly think that, at least in it's original inception in the first-gen days, the Pokemon CCG was pretty much the best damn CCG ever made. It really was a very well designed game, and in some ways, I think the fact that it was designed mainly for kids is exactly why, since they couldn't get away twith the mountains of special rules and things that eventually buried all the fun in Magic.

As a final note, I'm still pissed that Game Freak hasn't taken advantage of the possibility of starters that aren't Fire, Water, and Grass types. There's also an opportunity to have starters from the Psychic, Dark, and Fighting types.

I concur with this. The Psychic set in the original is my absolute favorite of the bunch, especially the ghosts, but you have to go through a lot of crap before you can even get your first puny Ghastly or Abra.

I was actually kind of excited even by Yellow, just for the opportunity to play sometihng other than those default three starters.

Generation ABXY

12-04-2008, 11:05 PM

Though I’m not very secretive about it, I’m a huge Pokémon fan. Hell, I’m not sure that begins to cover – I’m in my 20’s and still buy every version of the (main) game and play them all, and I own a website dedicated to the series.

Also, Gold/Silver/Crystal were the best; anyone who thinks otherwise is a damn fool. :p

Variable Gear

12-04-2008, 11:08 PM

Also, Gold/Silver/Crystal were the best; anyone who thinks otherwise is a damn fool. :p
Dad, you're right. I prefer Silver, but that's because it's the version I owned. :)

J Arcane

12-04-2008, 11:11 PM

Generation ABXY

12-04-2008, 11:15 PM

Dad, you're right. I prefer Silver, but that's because it's the version I owned. :)

Though I think Gold (and, possibly, Crystal) was the only one I "beat," I still have all my carts and I kind of want to go back and play 'em. Actually, I rather hope they re-release that series, either on the DS or VC, and preferably with all those online bells and whistles we'd expect.

Variable Gear

12-04-2008, 11:23 PM

Though I think Gold (and, possibly, Crystal) was the only one I "beat," I still have all my carts and I kind of want to go back and play 'em. Actually, I rather hope they re-release that series, either on the DS or VC, and preferably with all those online bells and whistles we'd expect.
A remake is what those games deserve. All Nintendo has to do is put them on the DSi download service, as long as they have compatibility with future Pokemon games and an online feature-set similar to Pearl, Diamond, and Platinum, and watch the downloads pour in. I can't wait to get a call from a Bug Catcher who happened to catch a Metapod, and wake up Snorlax with the Poke Flute channel on my radio. Those games were amazing! :)

Generation ABXY

12-04-2008, 11:31 PM

I can't wait to get at call from a Bug Catcher who happened to catch a Metapod, and wake up Snorlax with the Poke Flute channel on my radio. Those games were amazing! :)

*dives into closet to locate copy*

Variable Gear

12-04-2008, 11:36 PM

*dives into closet to locate copy*
I'm crying 'cause I sold my copy. :(

Have fun out there in Johto! :)

J Arcane

12-04-2008, 11:40 PM

*dives into closet to locate copy*
There's always emulators . . .

I might pick up Platinum if I do wind up getting a DS, just to see what the state of the art gameplay wise is, but I'm still sorta turned off by what seems to be a continuation of the 2nd-gen and later monster design.

What would be interesting to me, is if they took advantage of some bloody modern technology, and just put out a game with every last one of the damn things in it. And I don't mean on the cartridge like they do now, where if you jump through the hoops you can transfer stuff from your older games, I mean as in straight up, all 500 or so Pokemon, in one game, all catchable somehow.

I think it would ease some of my dissatisfaction with a lot of the newer Pokemon, if I could more easily just stick with the ones I like. ;)

Generation ABXY

12-04-2008, 11:42 PM

I'm crying 'cause I sold my copy. :(

Blasphemy!

Have fun out there in Johto! :)

I intend to, son. :D

There's always emulators . . .

Oh, there's no need for that. There are two series I never sell games from: Pokémon and Grand Theft Auto.

And I know and would love to have my pick of the litter, so to speak.

EDIT: Okay, make that three - I forgot about The Legend of Zelda.

diablopath

12-04-2008, 11:59 PM

This was the first game to completely addict me, and I haven't felt that kind of addiction since.

When the boom happened, I was living in Japan at the time. The PX didn't really carry the coolest games or toys, so neat stuff was kind of rare. Then my friend told me one day that he saw they had Pokemon there, so I immediately called my mother and begged for it.

Two hours after that phone call, she came home with a blue box.

My black Gameboy Pocket didn't leave my person for four months.

God, I played the shit out of that game.
A little time passed, and Silver came out in Japanese. I couldn't wait for English (which happened, I believe, two years later.), so I talked my parents into getting me the Japanese game. I played it pretty much the same way I played the first. I had one of my Japanese friends write on a piece of paper keywords I needed to know so I would recognize them, and it wasn't too long before I no longer needed that piece of paper.

A friend of mine and me have been tossing around the idea of getting some DS's and the DS Pokemon games, but we have yet to find the spare funds.
Sigh, fond memories.

J Arcane

12-05-2008, 12:11 AM

I think one of the signs I've still got this in my blood, is that when I fired up card game this time around, I still got really damn excited when one of the first boosters I won had a Mew in it.

Although, at the same time, in my Fire Red game, I think prior knowledge is slowing me down. I still haven't gone north of Viridian City, because I want to get the Pidgey I caught leveled up, since I know I'll be needing Fly later . . .

Generation ABXY

12-05-2008, 12:22 AM

Man, it has been forever since I played the card game. In fact, I don't even remember if I finished it (I'm sure I did).

As for the leveling up, I know that well. Every time I try and replay an older game, I tend to hang back and raise things like 10 levels over what I'd safely need at the next gym. It takes forever, though, as you said, and it usually just results in a team that won't do a damn thing I say.

Ah, good times!

iHap

12-05-2008, 12:24 AM

I still love the Pokemon series. I should really finish Diamond soon. I just have the 12th gym and the elite 4 to do.

Variable Gear

12-05-2008, 12:28 AM

I still love the Pokemon series. I should really finish Diamond soon. I just have the 12th gym and the elite 4 to do.
And the champion, who is a girl this time around. Yay for gender equality in the Pokemon universe! :)

Generation ABXY

12-05-2008, 12:31 AM

Yay for gender equality in the Pokemon universe! :)

Hey, gender equality happened back in the G/S/C-era. I made sure to reward my team members with a little R&R at the Daycare after every gym because of that. :p

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 01:24 AM

I still love the Pokemon series. I should really finish Diamond soon. I just have the 12th gym and the elite 4 to do.

There arent 12 gyms in Diamond are there? I thought there were only 8?

I first played Pokemon Sapphire in an emulator. Man, that got addictive fast. But soon I got tired of the grind, and gave up.

Later on that year, I bought my DS, and later Diamond. I played Diamond for about 30 hours till I got tired of the grind and gave up, hadnt beaten the 8th gym yet. Then I got back into it, ordered 4 of the GBA Pokemon games (excluding Sapphire) and have now played it for 80 hours, beaten all of the gyms and the Elite 4, and done some of the stuff in that fight area thingy. I've also collected 2 lucky eggs (first one took me 4 hours but it was worth it), traded some Pokes from other randoms to build up my Ultimate Team, and also some starters from the GBA Pokemon games. I havent played Diamond much since getting to that point, althought I guess there is more to do. Made a start on Emerald this week though, but I'm not quite addicted to it.

My Ultimate Team, if I can remember correctly, consists of:

Swampert
Charizard
Venusaur (is this his most highly evolved form? cant remember)
Lucario
Tyranitar (still need to evolve my Larvitar)
Electric type pokemon (either Raichu or Electivire, havent decided)

I'm not a very tactical player, my strategy consists of doing as much damage as possible in as little time as possible. Only with Venusaur do I use Leech Seed and Toxic, which arent direct damaging movies (also use seed bomb, am thinking about going for Daylight/Solar Beam combo)

Codicier

12-05-2008, 01:37 AM

This is not the thread I was expecting when I clicked via the sidebar... ;)

JayVe

12-05-2008, 01:51 AM

I'm a big Pokémon fan. No hiding here. Once told a US Senator I played Pokémon... in a business meeting.

Xerxes

12-05-2008, 02:53 AM

I'm a big Pokémon fan. No hiding here. Once told a US Senator I played Pokémon... in a business meeting.

And he probably said he played WoW.

Really, my favorite thing now is the wireless pokemon pick up. I felt like I was stealing one of the rares, when I drove behind a Gamestop, snagged the gift and drove off. I felt a little weird the first time I got an event pokemon. Grown man all by myself grabbing Mew. I think the next time I went it was a few other grown up gamers there.

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 06:55 AM

And he probably said he played WoW.

Really, my favorite thing now is the wireless pokemon pick up. I felt like I was stealing one of the rares, when I drove behind a Gamestop, snagged the gift and drove off. I felt a little weird the first time I got an event pokemon. Grown man all by myself grabbing Mew. I think the next time I went it was a few other grown up gamers there.

Did you read that Penny Arcade post a while back in which one of them (I forget who) competed in a tournament? Most of the entrants were little kids, who choose pokemon based on how they looked and not whether they could kill, but one guy apparently took things quite seriously. He lost to the Penny Arcade journo (again, I forget who it was), and was a sore loser afterwards, complaining that he had picked the wrong team.

Anyhooo..... pity I wont have much time to play this weekend, but I'll find some time.

Xerxes

12-05-2008, 07:27 AM

Did you read that Penny Arcade post a while back in which one of them (I forget who) competed in a tournament? Most of the entrants were little kids, who choose pokemon based on how they looked and not whether they could kill, but one guy apparently took things quite seriously. He lost to the Penny Arcade journo (again, I forget who it was), and was a sore loser afterwards, complaining that he had picked the wrong team.

Anyhooo..... pity I wont have much time to play this weekend, but I'll find some time.

I remember that one. Yeah, I couldn't go there battling kids. Hell, I'm probably out of touch with grown ups. I know some are made stat trackers and changers. I basically get the skills I need and level up as much as possible for the damage. I played with some kids that didn't get the element system. I mean they'd pull a grass type on a fire pokemon.

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 07:29 AM

I remember that one. Yeah, I couldn't go there battling kids. Hell, I'm probably out of touch with grown ups. I know some are made stat trackers and changers. I basically get the skills I need and level up as much as possible for the damage. I played with some kids that didn't get the element system. I mean they'd pull a grass type on a fire pokemon.

Yeah, I'd also feel bad battling them. If I knew they didnt know much about types, I'd probably play to lose or something, like use the wrong types purposefully.

how do you guys choose Pokes? I can never use a Pokemon I dont identify with. So all the cute fairy pokemon are out for me, as cute as they are, because I dont like them. I dont much like psychic or ghost pokemon, I dont really know why. None of them appeal to me.

SilentScreams

12-05-2008, 07:33 AM

Ghost types have always been my favorite ever since the original where I raised a Gengar who could beat down the Elite Four by himself.
He had Psychic, Hypnosis, Dream Eater and Thunderbolt. He was awesome.

I have Diamond laying around somewhere. I'm at the Elite Four on that too, but I have a big grind ahead of me before I'm ready for them, and that's pretty much where I left it. I haven't been back to it since then.

I actually prefer playing them on emulators now, because you can crank the speed right up and it doesn't seem as tedious.

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 07:35 AM

I think I use my DS for them because I like the way everything works exactly as it should, and you can trade pokemon, get pokemon from your GBA pokemon, etc etc. When you use a DS for the game, everything works exactly as it was meant.

Although yeah, there are times I wish I could speed up the battle animations.

QueQueg

12-05-2008, 07:38 AM

Variable Gear

12-05-2008, 07:39 AM

Although yeah, there are times I wish I could speed up the battle animations.
Status messages slow down the game as well. It's even worse if you've got a Sandstorm going. :(

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 07:43 AM

Finished both Pearl and Diamond, and have gone through Pearl twice. I played them on different DS's too, so I could trade with myself.

What? I'm not proud.

I recall explaining to one of my hard-core western RPG-gaming friends (a WoW fanatic) why I love Pokemon so much, to the point that he went out and bought a DS with Diamond just to understand what I was talking about. I guess I was convincing.

I've been so tempted to pick up Pearl and a second DS for that reason. But I held out. I might buy Platinum with a 2nd DS next year though. In fact, I will buy Platinum, the only question is whether I get a second DS to go with it.

Xerxes

12-05-2008, 07:44 AM

I level everyone up just the same. So it takes me a while to progress. I also keep like strong element pokemon, Psychic or Ghost, and something like Snorlax or someone else unique.

zarathstra

12-05-2008, 07:57 AM

I missed the initial Pokemon craze, as I was out of gaming and in high school at the time, but I recently picked up Diamond as my first non-bundles DS game, and I loved it! In fact, I tempted to go back and get the earlier versions and play those too. I know its kinda cutesy, but there's a lot of depth in these games hidden under that adorable surface.

My favorite Pokemon are ones that I make a connection to in game. If a Pokemon does particularly well, or saves my bacon in a battle, I tend to keep him around for good luck :)

Ghost Rider

12-05-2008, 08:14 AM

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 08:17 AM

I'm a fan of the games and series, but the recent games haven't developed enough recently. There's so much more they could do animation wise, yet all they seem to do is add new pokemon which aren't on a level, in my opinion, with the original ones.

I like the new Pokemon themselves, but I do wish they had evolved the games themselves a bit more.

Like, I hear that in 2nd gen games, you could go to the area from the first games, after finishing the first area. Whole new gyms and an elite 4 (I think)! Thats crazy!

And how they pick a lot of bad pokemon for the 150 in the pokedex. And restrict you quite a lot before you get the national pokedex.

NoName

12-05-2008, 08:22 AM

Pokemon is too much of a boring grind, I can't get into it for long periods of time.

Ironically I'm a jRPG buff...

Variable Gear

12-05-2008, 08:25 AM

Like, I hear that in 2nd gen games, you could go to the area from the first games, after finishing the first area. Whole new gyms and an elite 4 (I think)! Thats crazy!
That is crazy. It's even crazier that Kanto is wildly different when you run through it in G/S/C. I mean, Cinnabar Island is pretty much gone, and Koga got promoted to the Elite Four. :o

I'd love to see a similar feature in the next Pokemon game that allows the player to return to Sinnoh, Hoenn, Johto, and Kanto, in that order. Then, at the end, you've gotta take down Red and his level 100 team. Epic!

Suave Peanut

12-05-2008, 09:04 AM

I've been into the game since my 13th birthday (soo... spring '99) when I got a GameBoy Color and the Blue version from my parents. I played that game like crazy, and eventually got into the card game. I kind of burned out before Silver came out, but I had it preordered so I picked it up and it reignited me just like when I first played Blue. The same thing happened with each generation.

I have put over 200 hours into Pearl since it launched last year. I pretty much maxed what I can do on my own (I think I had ~465 monsters) and haven't played in a while. Platinum is on my radar though, and I might pick it up if it offers enough.

SilentScreams

12-05-2008, 11:27 AM

Generation ABXY

12-05-2008, 11:41 AM

Superman's Dead

12-05-2008, 11:42 AM

pomeroy

12-05-2008, 11:46 AM

Never really dug the games (I rented Snap one time), but when I nannied the boys I watched LOVED it. We watched that show every day (it was their only show in the afternoon they could sit still long enough to watch) and I became pretty familiar with the original 151. And then we saw the movie.

It was sort of dumb, sure, but they loved it. And I got to the point where I could guess the Pokemon on "Who's that Pokemon" before they could. Which is quite a feat, when you're dealing with seven and five year old boys who are Pokemon freaks.

Also, I have to say that I think Pokemon just replaced dinosaurs for some kids. With the way they know all about the Pokemon, it really reminded me of my obsession with dinosaurs at that age.

Ancalagon

12-05-2008, 11:47 AM

Variable Gear

12-05-2008, 12:07 PM

That would be so awesome.
I agree. The mechanics of Pokemon Snap would fit into a Pokemon MMO as well.

Ghost Rider

12-05-2008, 12:46 PM

A Pokemon MMO could certainly entice me into that genre for the first time. It could be huge, I'd have no problem paying a monthly fee for that if done right.

Very interesting...

J Arcane

12-05-2008, 12:59 PM

I was thinking last night, that what I'd really like to see, is an all out next-gen Pokemon console experience. Take bits of Snap, Colloseum's RPG mode, Oblivion, Africa, and that deep sea diving Wii game, and mash 'em all together into a big full 3d sandboxy sort of Pokemon game.

Take advantage of all that stuff they talk about in the monster descriptions about their behavior that until now has mostly only been used in Snap. So to catch Pokemon, you actually have to think about what they're like in the wild to figure out where to catch them and how.

Put lots of stuff to explore, all the Pokemon from every game, all the regions, but all in an open world fashion, instead of channeled along these railroady routes and things. Pokemon is already probably one of the most "make your own goal"/sandboxy sorts of JRPGs, why not follow it further to it's natural course?

And then Nintendo could just sell downloadable expansions to it on WiiWare or something, instead of having to rebuy the whole game again and again every time new stuff comes out.

I'd buy it. Hell, I'd buy whatever console it was on, just to play it.

LongStepMantis

12-05-2008, 01:04 PM

I enjoyed the hell out of Emerald for GBA. It's the only Pokemon game I've played, so I don't know much about any others.

The only drawback was I stopped playing it for a few months, and when I went back I had no clue what I was supposed to be doing. I wandered around for a couple hours, then just gave up.

rinichanraar

12-05-2008, 02:12 PM

I was really into Pokemon Red and Blue when they first came out. Probably put 80+ hours into them. I knew all 151 by heart, etc. My aunt from the Philippines gave me Pokemon Yellow, but it was in Japanese, so I couldn't really play it.

Since then, I never played any of the Pokemon games until Pokemon Diamond and Pearl came out. I played Diamond for quite a while and had fun, but it wasn't the same because I wasn't as familiar with all the Pokemon like I was with the first 151.

My favorite Pokemon (to fight with, anyway) was always Abra/Kadabra/Alakazam because Psychics were my favorite.

Superman's Dead

12-05-2008, 02:34 PM

Xerxes

12-05-2008, 04:36 PM

Is anyone else amazed that nobody has tried to make a Pokemon MMO yet? Seems like it would lend itself to an MMO pretty well with a few refinements.
And I'm not kidding when I say something like that might even be able to rival WoW in terms of popularity as long as it offers enough depth to keep people playing. It's pretty much got a ready made subscriber base, and a massive one at that.

OMG you don't know how long I've been pleading for that. Even on EvAv I was professing it having the ability to be a king of MMOs. One you can only level so much. It's the pokemon you leveling and having to match up. Then the instances of Tournaments in like Colosseum. Taking Snap photos as work. Or being like Brock as a pokemon breeder working on recipes and stuff. Join Team Rocket, Aqua, Magma if you want. Be a collector, be a master of one type, or all. It's a so many possibilities.

I always thought the biggest issue was putting kids out there in a area where sick adults could be but I think Disney had something like only pre chatted lines. So it wouldn't be much for talking unless you are an adult, and you do something like Vent or Team Speak. Kids stay say safe without being able to chat and older players get to chat else where.

What J Arcane is talking about would be the next best thing too. I was thinking a single player mumorpuger would kick ass. But I think they had Pokemon Dark or something that was supposed to fit the build. I never got around to it but it seemed a little lacking. But all that J Arcane said would be on point.

Wasson_

12-05-2008, 06:29 PM

J Arcane

12-05-2008, 08:22 PM

OK, I just found a picture from an Aussie IGN preview of Platinum, and I must immediately demand more information:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/J_Arcane/poke03_1210862595.jpg

What the fuck is that thing, and can I catch one?!

And when the hell is PLatinum coming out in the US? I can't find a release date anywhere?

Rakael

12-05-2008, 08:24 PM

Pokemon is just too much work for me. Finding the little bastards and then grinding my ass off to level them up is just too much of a chore. I do like the concept though.

Generation ABXY

12-05-2008, 08:41 PM

Yeah I had pokemon blue i think...I had a Nidoking a Gyrodose Rychu, and something else, I remember this one ending-type guy had that fire horse thing that was really fucking fast, it could like attack 3 times in a row.

eh, not a big fan. A lasting franchise though...because it's easy and relatively satisfying. Sort of like WoW if you think about it.

Oh yeah, I'm in too deep; the spelling mistakes in those names caused me physical pain. :eek:

OK, I just found a picture from an Aussie IGN preview of Platinum, and I must immediately demand more information:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/J_Arcane/poke03_1210862595.jpg

What the fuck is that thing, and can I catch one?!

And when the hell is PLatinum coming out in the US? I can't find a release date anywhere?

Near as I can tell, that is Giratina, and that form is actually already available in Diamond and Pearl; the new Origin Form is what shows up in Platinum.

Xerxes

12-05-2008, 09:04 PM

Pokemon is just too much work for me. Finding the little bastards and then grinding my ass off to level them up is just too much of a chore. I do like the concept though.

You must be a completionist. I always figued it's easy to get through the game with about 6 tough pokemon and pick and choose which ones you want, but the game's slogan cheers you on to getting everyone you come across.

J Arcane

12-05-2008, 09:33 PM

You must be a completionist. I always figued it's easy to get through the game with about 6 tough pokemon and pick and choose which ones you want, but the game's slogan cheers you on to getting everyone you come across.
Yeah, actually "catching 'em all" is a pretty big pain in the ass, but at least in the original, there's only actually a few of them in the game you genuinely have to catch. THe funny thing is, for all the talk about the Pokedex and the slogans, there's really nothing IIRC you actually get for succeeding beyond a pat on the back from the Professor.

I find it's more fun to just go through the game at your own pace, catch what seems neat, and just sort of let your curiousity guide you. It's actually pretty flexible in how you go about getting through the game.

J Arcane

12-05-2008, 10:10 PM

ACtually, I did just learn one nifty advantage to catching them all in the DS games, though it's only really important for fans of the older games. It seems that if you manage to sight all the pokemon in the DS games' region, not only you get access to a special place where you can catch Pokemon you've uploaded from the previous GBA games, but also if you have the GBA game in the GBA slot on the DS when the game starts up, then in certain areas you can find rare spawns of Pokemon from the previous games.

Most importantly for me, that includes the Ghastly/Haunter/Gengar set. :D

CES

12-06-2008, 04:15 PM

Oh yeah, I'm in too deep; the spelling mistakes in those names caused me physical pain. :eek:

Near as I can tell, that is Giratina, and that form is actually already available in Diamond and Pearl; the new Origin Form is what shows up in Platinum.

It is Giratina in its Platinum exclusive form "Another" Nintendo and Game Freak, always pushing creativity.

ACtually, I did just learn one nifty advantage to catching them all in the DS games, though it's only really important for fans of the older games. It seems that if you manage to sight all the pokemon in the DS games' region, not only you get access to a special place where you can catch Pokemon you've uploaded from the previous GBA games, but also if you have the GBA game in the GBA slot on the DS when the game starts up, then in certain areas you can find rare spawns of Pokemon from the previous games.

Most importantly for me, that includes the Ghastly/Haunter/Gengar set. :D

If you want the Ghost set so badly, just plug in any Gen III game (GBA) into the DS' second slot and go to the Old Chateau. With the GBA game in, it'll unlock Haunter and Gengar in that area so you can catch them.

Generation ABXY

12-06-2008, 04:22 PM

It is Giratina in its Platinum exclusive form "Another" Nintendo and Game Freak, always pushing creativity.

Oh, so it is the new form? My mistake.

If you want the Ghost set so badly, just plug in any Gen III game (GBA) into the DS' second slot and go to the Old Chateau. With the GBA game in, it'll unlock Haunter and Gengar in that area so you can catch them.

That's what I did in Diamond. On my copy of Pearl, I was raising an entire Ghost team (starting with a Ghastly egg I traded for my starter), just to mix things up a bit.

J Arcane

12-06-2008, 04:47 PM

Generation ABXY

12-06-2008, 04:58 PM

When you want to evolve it by trade, let me know - I'll be happy to help. (In fact, if you want, I'd even be happy to trade you a Ghastly egg, provided you give me time to make one.)

J Arcane

12-06-2008, 05:01 PM

It's gonna be at least another month or so before I can afford a DS, so you'll have plenty of time. ;)

It's one of the reasons I've been hesitant to play much of the GBA games in the emulators, because I'd figured on getting at least one of them for the DS once I get one, and I don't want to have to replay too much.

Stoke

12-06-2008, 05:19 PM

Oh man, I was (am) a huge pokemon fan. Started when my grandma got a deal on a Tommy Hilfiger edition gameboy color because she bought me so much of that crap. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/rolleyes008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) Went to best buy and the only game that looked cool was the blue version. (C'mon, it a turtle with fucking canons in its shell, you can't pass that up.)

I ended up getting a link cable and Red so I could get all 151 (monstrous PITA.) Since then I've owned pretty much every pokemon game except those dungeon games that you play as a pokemon. I also had a poster with all the names and numbers that I used to help me memorize them all in order. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm kind of sad I can't rattle off every one of them from memory anymore or tell you which pokemon is 57 in the pokedex.

Edit: Here's a pic so you can all see my shame. Many jokes were had at my hideous yellow marketing stunt gameboy's expense. (click)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Zatenks/GBCsmall.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v245/Zatenks/?action=view&current=GBCBig.jpg)

J Arcane

12-06-2008, 05:23 PM

Speaking of those dungeon games, I started a game of that Red Rescue Team one early, and the damn quiz said I was a fucking Mudkip.

I was annoyed.

Generation ABXY

12-06-2008, 07:52 PM

Speaking of those dungeon games, I started a game of that Red Rescue Team one early, and the damn quiz said I was a fucking Mudkip.

I was annoyed.

So I herd u r liek Mudkip? Doesn't quite roll off the tongue so easy, but I suppose it'll do...

CES

12-07-2008, 03:38 AM

THe guide I was reading said you already had to have unlocked Pal Park for those spawns to appear. It was a fan wiki though, so I'm inclined to take your word over it. It's surprisingly hard to find clear information about this shit online.

I think I also read another guide though that said Ghastly spawns normally in a few of the areas, so really, you don't even need the GBA game if you don't mind evolving him up. You still have to trade to get Haunter to evolve, but If I succeed in getting my friend to get a DS, that shouldn't be a problem. And even if Ihe doesn't, with online trades and all that, who cares? I'll just get one of you guys to help me. ;)

Might have to have Pal Park unlocked but it's not a very difficult task thanks to the new GTS system.

Ghastly appears normally in the Old Chateau without the dual-slot mode. If you want to trade once you actually get the game, I have a PkRs infected creature that I can trade over.

Lint of Death

12-07-2008, 05:39 PM

I've played the original Red and Blue. I watched the cartoon for a brief time when it first came out, even collected some cards. I was really young back then, my interest probably barely lasted a half year maybe?
Much later I picked up Diamond and the Wii version of Stadium and enjoyed them a lot. Oh and Pokémon Ranch because I'm easily amused. That's about it.

Xerxes

12-07-2008, 05:41 PM

I could never get into the side games. Only the main series. Anybody else feel the same way?

Suave Peanut

12-07-2008, 06:01 PM

I could never get into the side games. Only the main series. Anybody else feel the same way?
For sure. I played Stadium and TCG when they first launched, but that's mostly because I was obsessed. Now that I have become rational, I only play the main series.

Xerxes

12-07-2008, 06:06 PM

For sure. I played Stadium and TCG when they first launched, but that's mostly because I was obsessed. Now that I have become rational, I only play the main series.

Well the Statidum games seem cool, but it's like they should be apart of a huge RPGish game.

Suave Peanut

12-07-2008, 06:14 PM

Well the Statidum games seem cool, but it's like they should be apart of a huge RPGish game.
The Stadium series, to me, has always seemed like a demo of something potentially awesome that they will never deliver. Like the imaginary Pokemon MMO, it is a great idea that will never happen.

J Arcane

12-07-2008, 06:20 PM

Well the Statidum games seem cool, but it's like they should be apart of a huge RPGish game.
Well, in Colloseum and XD, they actually did add an RPG mode to the game in addition to the just straight up fighting tournament stuff.

Personally, I loved the original Stadium, I had a hell of a lot of fun with it. It was best though if you had the GB gane and the transfer pack, so you could bring in your own team, though you really had to be pretty levelled up to get much out of the tournaments. It was also a really great way to battle it out with your friends on the big screen.

I also kinda enjoyed too just being able to get a quick dose of the battle system without necessarily going into the actualy rigamarole of the regular games.

Xerxes

12-07-2008, 06:42 PM

I like to think a Poke MMO would be called Pokemon World.

Generation ABXY

12-07-2008, 08:54 PM

I could never get into the side games. Only the main series. Anybody else feel the same way?

I dabbled in them, to be sure, but I never did quite develop the same level of adoration. Except for maybe Snap; Snap was awesome.

J Arcane

12-07-2008, 08:58 PM

CAn I just state for the record that I really dislike Mt. Mioon? The first trek through those damnable caves is downright fucking grueling, and all for a payoff you can't even collect until way later in the game. My fucking Kabutops better be damn well worth all that hell.

And that shit with not being able to go right back is extra irritating as well. Sure you can eventually get back later, but it's still damn annoying.

Xerxes

12-07-2008, 09:01 PM

I remember liking the fossil pokemon alot.

J Arcane

12-07-2008, 09:04 PM

I hope I didn't screw myself on those trainer guys outside the cave too. I was in such a hurry to get to town I wund up blowing both Mega Punch and Kick on my Mankey. I don't even think about it.

He's got some badass moves now I guess . . :/

Lint of Death

12-08-2008, 07:00 AM

When I was playing Diamond I relished the absurdity and horrendous violence so abstractly depicted in the game. Early on I was using Onyx as a rock-chucking win button and, later on, enjoying whenever Rampardos headbutted the shit out of all those poor little bats and birds.

By the way, the manner in which that game pokes fun at internet slang is hilarious.

Mr. Murphy

12-08-2008, 07:04 AM

I might be the only person who loved Pokemon Snap. That game was a blast for the two days it took me to beat it.

I was an OG Pokemon fan, just young enough when Red and Blue came out that my parents thought I'd enjoy them and bought me a copy, but old enough to be embarrassed by it. Later I picked up Ruby on the GBA and felt like it was a step backwards in a lot of respects. Whenever I get around to getting a new DS I plan on trying one of the newer ones and seeing if the appeal is still there.

Lint of Death

12-08-2008, 07:16 AM

One time over the summer I tried playing the original Red and I realized that the combat in that game is so much more visceral than in Diamond. It really helps that the screen shook whenever your pokémon takes damage, unlike in Diamond with its wimpy blinking.

Ancalagon

12-08-2008, 07:20 AM

Lint of Death

12-08-2008, 07:27 AM

Part of the reason for that is these games tend to be deliberately set up so that the water starter is easy, grass is medium, and fire is hard. At least for the early stages.

JayVe

12-08-2008, 07:32 AM

I could never get into the side games. Only the main series. Anybody else feel the same way?

Yes.

I've played a few other side-Pokémon titles, like Mystery Dungeon and Ranger. Each of them leave me with the feeling of, "Man, I wish they'd make a REGULAR Pokémon game." Yet every time a main Pokémon game is released, it feels like Nintendo re-skinned a pervious title. Somehow, I love it. That's exactly what I am looking for in a Pokémon game.

Ancalagon

12-08-2008, 07:41 AM

Part of the reason for that is these games tend to be deliberately set up so that the water starter is easy, grass is medium, and fire is hard. At least for the early stages.

Really? I remember when I started Fire Red, the prof said something to that effect. Didnt realize it carried over to all the other games. Mind you, when I was using Chimchar in Diamond, I found him pretty useful.

Although I must say, now that I have a Swampert as a permanent part of my Diamond team, I can see how powerful the ground/water combo is. And he has Ice Beam to deal with Dragon types.

J Arcane

12-08-2008, 12:35 PM

Part of the reason for that is these games tend to be deliberately set up so that the water starter is easy, grass is medium, and fire is hard. At least for the early stages.
MAn, I fucking rolled Brock in Fire REd, between Charmander's Metal Claw and Mankey's Low Kick, I ripped him apart. He wound up being pretty easy.

Now, when I got to Misty, that one was fucking hard. Throwing me against a level 21 Starmie at that point in the game is straight unfair, damnit. I managed to kill it, but it took every critter I had, and wound up being a lucky Scratch from Charmeleon of all things that finished it off. It was brutal. I'd imagine it would've gone much easier if I'd taken Bulbasaur, and he still would've done pretty well against Brock too.

Lint of Death

12-08-2008, 12:44 PM

Good thing you were playing Fire Red when by that time they had added the Steel type :p

J Arcane

12-08-2008, 01:40 PM

LongStepMantis

12-08-2008, 01:41 PM

I started playing Emerald this week. Marshtomp completely owns the first gym, and Taillow completely owns the second. Very easy first two gyms! In fact, those are the only two Pokes I've bothered to level up so far. I'll probably decide on a few more Pokes that need to join my team, maybe some fighting and fire Pokemon.

And hopefully soon I'll get my software wireless access point working so that I can trade Pokes.

The real breakout "I rarely lose now" pokemon for me in that game was that steel bird...I forget its name, but being a metal flyer means most things don't hurt it for shit. The few things that could hurt it were easily handled by the rest of my team.

Edit: I checked my game. It's Skarmory.

SilentScreams

12-08-2008, 03:16 PM

Damnit, I forgot how to catch Abra. The little bastard just keeps teleporting on me before I can even act, and I've only got basic Poke Balls so I didn't really want to start just throwing one blindly at him.

Can you get Bellsprout on Fire Red? If so, just train one of those up to get Sleep Powder. I think it gets it somewhere in the mid-teens. By the time it gets it, it should be faster than Abra. That's how I always used to catch him anyway.

J Arcane

12-08-2008, 03:17 PM

Can you get Bellsprout on Fire Red? If so, just train one of those up to get Sleep Powder. I think it gets it somewhere in the mid-teens. By the time it gets it, it should be faster than Abra. That's how I always used to catch him anyway.
I've got a couple critters with Sleep Powder, Butterfree and Oddish I think, but neither of them seemed to be fast enough.

EDIT: Also, what does anyone know about any of the homebrewed PC Pokemon games? I think I tried one way back in the day, but the servers didn't work. Are there any out there yet that are actually worth playing?

Variable Gear

12-08-2008, 03:44 PM

Damnit, I forgot how to catch Abra. The little bastard just keeps teleporting on me before I can even act, and I've only got basic Poke Balls so I didn't really want to start just throwing one blindly at him.
Isn't there a special move that prevents the opponent from leaving the field of battle. I remember it now, it's called "Mean Look (http://www.serebii.net/attackdex/meanlook.shtml)" And, after you use "Mean Look" you should follow it up with "False Swipe (http://www.serebii.net/attackdex/falseswipe.shtml)" and then throw a Poke Ball at the thing.

JayVe

12-08-2008, 06:46 PM

Grrrr. All this talk makes me want a new Pokémon game, STAT! When are we getting Platinum?

Variable Gear

12-08-2008, 07:55 PM

Grrrr. All this talk makes me want a new Pokémon game, STAT! When are we getting Platinum?
I'd guess sometime in the summer, when there are many lazy days that would be perfect for for Pokemon catching, but nothing is set in stone.

Lint of Death

12-08-2008, 08:25 PM

EDIT: Also, what does anyone know about any of the homebrewed PC Pokemon games? I think I tried one way back in the day, but the servers didn't work. Are there any out there yet that are actually worth playing?

There was a free MMO type one that was surprisingly rich in content but it shut down months and months ago.

J Arcane

12-08-2008, 08:31 PM

I started another game of Red Rescue Team, and managed to get Machop this time, which was a bit more respectable result, but then it turned out I'd screwed up the emulator settings, so it couldn't save.

I figured I'd just start over, and use the guide I found to pick which one I want, but now I can't decide. :(

Ah well, don't need anything distracting me from my Fire Red. I think I want to try and actually beat the game this time. I'm just not looking forward to the S.S. Anne.

Generation ABXY

12-08-2008, 08:32 PM

I dabbled in them, to be sure, but I never did quite develop the same level of adoration. Except for maybe Snap; Snap was awesome.

I might be the only person who loved Pokemon Snap. That game was a blast for the two days it took me to beat it.

Don't be so sure. ;)

Snap is one damn fine game, regardless of the Pokemon elements (probably why I'm so interested in Afrika). I never owned it back in the day (instead, I rented from Blockbuster - along with one of those printer cards), but it has made a great addition to my VC library.

J Arcane

12-08-2008, 09:34 PM

Damnit, I caught an Abra, and was looking up the stats on when they evolve, and realized there's something of a problem with playing the game on an emulator: evolve by trade.

There's no way to simulate trades in any existing GBA emulator, so I'm sorta stuck on that. Arse.

I need my first big check to come in so I can just get a DS already.

Variable Gear

12-08-2008, 09:37 PM

Snap is one damn fine game, regardless of the Pokemon elements (probably why I'm so interested in Afrika). I never owned it back in the day (instead, I rented from Blockbuster - along with one of those printer cards), but it has made a great addition to my VC library.
Oh, I love Pokemon Snap too!

What other VC games do you own, Gen?

Generation ABXY

12-08-2008, 10:21 PM

Oh, I love Pokemon Snap too!

What other VC games do you own, Gen?

For the NES, I have: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Super Mario Bros. 3 and StarTropics.

For the SNES, I have: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Harvest Moon and Mystic Ninja.

And, for the N64, I have: Pokemon Snap (yep, that's it).

(Oh, and I also have Columns for the SEGA Genesis.)

Variable Gear

12-08-2008, 10:48 PM

And, for the N64, I have: Pokemon Snap (yep, that's it).
You need to get Sin and Punishment. Get on it! ;)

Generation ABXY

12-08-2008, 10:53 PM

You need to get Sin and Punishment. Get on it! ;)

I should - the videos for it look pretty kick ass (as does what I've seen of the sequel). But first, I want to get Tetris for WiiWare; I've got my priorities, you know?

J Arcane

12-08-2008, 11:14 PM

Fuck yeah, look what I found:

http://www.vbalink.info/

It's a modified version of Visualboy Advance that emulates the link cable. No more do I possess concern about my trade ability and what not, and my friend and I could even get going on seperate games and trade over the LAN.

EDIT: In theory, you could even try this over the internet, if you set up your port forwarding properly and everything.

Who wants to try hosting some FireRed/LeafGreen for the sake of experimentation? I'd do it, but I'm behind a fairly complicated firewall system to which I do not have admin access.

Ancalagon

12-09-2008, 03:55 AM

Well.....

After many hours of experimentation, I'm finally nearing my goal of being able to trade Pokemanz wirelessly. 3 operating systems later (including different versions of each) and I dont know how many reboots and reinstalls.

The answer was to dual boot XP and Vista on my primary hard drives. Its a bit more complicated than that, and involved disrupting my sleep last night to let defrag run. Now, I have Vista and XP installed, although my bootloader is still corrupt so its only booting into XP. I did manage to boot into Vista, but EasyBCD, which apparently should have fixed my bootloader, changed my bootloader to only let me boot into XP. I think I can get a blog post out of the experience.

EDIT:

The real breakout "I rarely lose now" pokemon for me in that game was that steel bird...I forget its name, but being a metal flyer means most things don't hurt it for shit. The few things that could hurt it were easily handled by the rest of my team.

Edit: I checked my game. It's Skarmory.

I've always wanted a Scizor, the bug/steel pokemon. Dunno why. I've got several of the fossilized pokemon, might level them up some day. Also want a Tyranitar, just because they look so cool.

For ages, I thought Aggron would be the coolest, then I got one and realized that despite its high defense, its extreme vulnerability to common attacking types (double weakness to fighting and ground, normal weakness to water) make it completely useless. Such a pity, it still looks and sounds cool. Oh and its moves arent so hot.

Garchomp was my favourite pokemon for a while, really powerful with some awesome moves. But I got bored of it after a while.

CES

12-09-2008, 08:13 AM

The real breakout "I rarely lose now" pokemon for me in that game was that steel bird...I forget its name, but being a metal flyer means most things don't hurt it for shit. The few things that could hurt it were easily handled by the rest of my team.

Edit: I checked my game. It's Skarmory.

Skarmory is a brilliant defensive pokemon (two fairly rare type weaknesses versus many resistances) but it's really not that good offensively outside of TM moves.

Spiritomb is still the single worst thing to go up against (no type weaknesses at all and no physical attacks can do damage) Thankfully it's hard as hell to get your hands on.

Ancalagon

12-09-2008, 08:32 AM

LongStepMantis

12-09-2008, 10:00 AM

Skarmory is a brilliant defensive pokemon (two fairly rare type weaknesses versus many resistances) but it's really not that good offensively outside of TM moves.

Spiritomb is still the single worst thing to go up against (no type weaknesses at all and no physical attacks can do damage) Thankfully it's hard as hell to get your hands on.

It isn't nearly as useful in the later stages of the game, but I got it fairly early.
And yes, it's defense is much better than it's offense...but it all came down to attrition for the most part. He may not hurt them much, but they hurt him even less. I can't count the times he would take 1 damage a hit for the majority of a battle. It could simply outlast most of their team, and when he was in trouble I had the entire rest of my roster to fall back on.

Lint of Death

12-09-2008, 10:09 AM

Spiritomb is still the single worst thing to go up against (no type weaknesses at all and no physical attacks can do damage) Thankfully it's hard as hell to get your hands on.

There are a couple catches with Spiritomb and Salbeye:

1. Their stats aren't great. In a PvP setting, they lack weaknesses but move very slowly, are liable to be KO'd after a couple hits, and don't do a lot of damage. Sableye certainly doesn't, though I still like him a lot. Heck, many Sableyes - but not all - have an ability that forces them to move last in every turn unless they use a strike-first attack.

2. If they go up against a Pokémon with Fighting type attacks and the Identify move (or something identical), that ability will reveal Spiritomb's and Sableye's weakness to Fighting. They'll be completely boned. EDIT: except maybe Spiritomb, since he can put enemies to sleep and then apply Dream Eater.

CES

12-09-2008, 02:14 PM

There are a couple catches with Spiritomb and Salbeye:

1. Their stats aren't great. In a PvP setting, they lack weaknesses but move very slowly, are liable to be KO'd after a couple hits, and don't do a lot of damage. Sableye certainly doesn't, though I still like him a lot. Heck, many Sableyes - but not all - have an ability that forces them to move last in every turn unless they use a strike-first attack.

2. If they go up against a Pokémon with Fighting type attacks and the Identify move (or something identical), that ability will reveal Spiritomb's and Sableye's weakness to Fighting. They'll be completely boned. EDIT: except maybe Spiritomb, since he can put enemies to sleep and then apply Dream Eater.

You bring up some good points. Sableeye certainly cant win in a war of attrition, it just lacks the power. Spiritomb cant last long enough to put the opponent to sleep, heal up then finish the enemy. That said, if you go in with a specific anti-Dark/Ghost setup, you'll demolish both. To be truthful, I don't like using either, not enough good Dark/Ghost type attacks, even in Gen IV.

DjinniMan

12-09-2008, 02:57 PM

I love, love love the Pokemon games. I bought a Game Boy Color and Red to play on my honeymoon! Sad, eh?

Played Red, Silver (twice, thanks to my idiot brother making a new game with a trainer name Bob Billy), Ruby, Emerald, Fire Red, and Diamond all the way through. I've gone over the deep end with Diamond. The ease of trading allowed me to get all but a handful of Pokemon. Last time I checked, I had 160+ hours in the game. The completionist in me just loves it.

If anyone has a Ho-oh, Gorebyss, Entei, or Raikou they'd trade me, even for just a moment so I could get the data in my Pokedex, I'd be eternally grateful.

Ancalagon

12-09-2008, 03:29 PM

Woohoo! I finally got my software wifi access point working, I'm typing this from my XP partition as we speak, with my damn DS able to connect to the internet at long last. Why couldnt Nintendo have just made a firmware update that added WPA?

Anyhoo.... tomorrow night I'll be able to trade!

Yeah, I gave up on Sableye. I'm now looking for a new 6th member of my team.

The 5th is an electric type. I want the 6th to be some combination of Dark, Bug, Ground, or Rock, since I have quite a few of the others covered. Maybe even psychic (dont like psychic types for some reason).

Heres an interesting question: if you were a gym leader, which type would you choose?

I would choose ground. Something like
Tyranitar
Hippopowdon
Swampert
Camerupt
Rhyperior

J Arcane

12-09-2008, 03:35 PM

Heres an interesting question: if you were a gym leader, which type would you choose?

Psychic all the way baby. Lots of Gengar and Allakhazam, with a Mew and/or Mewtwo in there to really fuck up their day. ;)

SilentScreams

12-09-2008, 03:36 PM

So I just loaded my Diamond game for the first time in ages to see what I had. I'm at the Elite Four, but it looks like I have a bit of a grind ahead of me.

Graveler (44)
Dialga (48)
Golduck (49)
Infernape (41)
Staraptor (44)
Kadabra (46)

Rock has to be my favorite type. I'm never without a Graveler or Golem if I can find somebody to trade with

Lint of Death

12-09-2008, 03:37 PM

Lint of Death

12-09-2008, 03:47 PM

So I just loaded my Diamond game for the first time in ages to see what I had. I'm at the Elite Four, but it looks like I have a bit of a grind ahead of me.

Graveler (44)
Dialga (48)
Golduck (49)
Infernape (41)
Staraptor (44)
Kadabra (46)

Not that much, actually. Dialga is total hax with Roar of Time, here's what I had by the time the Elite 4 were done with (I think it might have even been my first try, since I had a fair few items):
Dialga (50)
Rampardos (51)
Kricketune (48)
Torterra (57)
Luxray (52)
Machamp (45)
Basically, I just said eff it, I want to beat 'em. I had trained Luxray specifically to beat the end bit of the storyline (my original group just couldn't hack all the damned Golbats), and Machamp was just a random Machoke I had converted through trade.

CES

12-09-2008, 05:49 PM

Psychic all the way baby. Lots of Gengar and Allakhazam, with a Mew and/or Mewtwo in there to really fuck up their day. ;)

You would despise my Pearl team then. It has an Umbreon (53), Skuntank (55) and Honchkrow (51), among others. After Gen I, I have a healthy dislike of the psychic type (might have had something to do with having a L50 Machoke being one hit killed by a L38 Alakazam. I digress.)

My Diamond team is a bit more balanced though it could be laid to ruin with a strong Electric type, something I should probably fix.

J Arcane

12-09-2008, 06:02 PM

Heh heh. THe Ghosts were really brutal in the card game because they had no weakness, only a resistance to fighting.

And I had a wierd thing happen. My bike disappeared in FireREd. I had to go back to the dude and get another Bike Voucker for some reason. I was greatly annoyed, and momentarily panicky, on account of there's a part in the first game I believe you can't get to without one.

Lint of Death

12-09-2008, 06:05 PM

My Diamond team is a bit more balanced though it could be laid to ruin with a strong Electric type, something I should probably fix.

I just fired up Stadium Revolution to give some fights a try, and I have to tell you that Raichu is a real bitch with Discharge, which is essentially an electric Surf with a chance to paralyze. But that's why I had Paras + Quick Claw on my team :p

Weirdly enough, in a series of 6 battles using that particular team, Paras was essential in just about every one of them. How rare!

J Arcane

12-09-2008, 08:46 PM

I'm having one of those "I wish there were more than four move slots" moments.

My Mankey just got the chance to learn Focus Energy, which I potentially would like to have, but I already have 4 really nice attack moves, Karate Chop, Low Kick, Mega Punch, and Mega Kick, and I honestly don't use buffs that much. I usually try to keep a rough 2 for 2 split of attacks vs. utility moves (bufffs/debuffs/stat ailments), but I rarely ever use the utility stuff in most fights.

EDIT: NM, got impatient, dropped Low Kick

Variable Gear

12-09-2008, 09:26 PM

I should - the videos for it look pretty kick ass (as does what I've seen of the sequel). But first, I want to get Tetris for WiiWare; I've got my priorities, you know?
How many times have you bought Tetris? Sure they added in some Wii-exclusive modes, but it's still Tetris. If you really had you priorities straight, you'd be getting Sin and Punishment as soon as possible. :p
Heres an interesting question: if you were a gym leader, which type would you choose?
I'd take dark. There aren't any dark gym leaders, to my recollection.

Generation ABXY

12-09-2008, 09:47 PM

How many times have you bought Tetris? Sure they added in some Wii-exclusive modes, but it's still Tetris. If you really had you priorities straight, you'd be getting Sin and Punishment as soon as possible. :p

Actually, I'm not sure I've ever bought it; I usually ended up bumming a copy from other people (my brother got it for the DS, for example, but I was the one who played the hell out of it for a year or two). The thing with Tetris is, I know I'll like it and get months of replay out of it, whereas I don't have that guarantee with Sin & Punishment.

Oh, and as for a gym, I'd say probably Ice or Ghost type; some of my favorite Pokémon fall into those two.

Variable Gear

12-09-2008, 10:01 PM

Actually, I'm not sure I've ever bought it; I usually ended up bumming a copy from other people (my brother got it for the DS, for example, but I was the one who played the hell out of it for a year or two). The thing with Tetris is, I know I'll like it and get months of replay out of it, whereas I don't have that guarantee with Sin & Punishment.
I was worried that you were gonna say that...

Don't worry about it, then. If you've never bought Tetris, the WiiWare version is a good way to remedy that. They even have tournaments on that version... :eek:

However, you better get Sin and Punishment sometime...before the sequel comes out. ;)

Generation ABXY

12-09-2008, 10:06 PM

I was worried that you were gonna say that...

Don't worry about it, then. If you've never bought Tetris, the WiiWare version is a good way to remedy that. They even have tournaments on that version... :eek:

However, you better get Sin and Punishment sometime...before the sequel comes out. ;)

Well, there's not much danger that I'll actually have to play one before the other (as far as Sin &Punishment goes). These days, I don't play much of anything that isn't sent to me, and that has slowly shifted away from the Wii and onto the PS3. If I do go to pick up the sequel, though, I'll be sure to have made a note.

Ancalagon

12-10-2008, 01:22 AM

Gosh darnit Ancalagon, all of you, you've made me turn back on my Nintendo DS. It's going to be a while I think before I remember my fav team setups.

As for favorite type (the essential question), I would pick Bug. Heck YES.

Made you turn your back on your DS? I dont get it....

My team when I first tried to fight the elite 4 was something like

Aggron 47
Garchomp 50
Infernape 48
Luxray 55
Staraptor 54
Gyarados 51

(they were all high 40's/low 50s). Needless to say, I didnt win, I did scrape all the way to cynthia before losing though. Cant remember who I took after that, but I managed to win. Think I dropped Aggron in favour of someone else, cant remember who. Might have been a grass type like abomasnow or something.

Now, my team is: Swampert 60, Venusaur 55, Charizard 57, Lucario 45. Last two pokemon will an electric pokemon, maybe raichu or electabuzz or whatever, and maybe a bug pokemon like Heracross or Scizor.

Quick question: My Venusaur's moveset is as follows: Toxic, Solarbeam, Leech Seed, Seed Bomb. I'm thinking of giving him Sunny Day so that Solar Beam can charge instantly, making it a 120 damage move that takes 1 turn to charge, has 100 accuracy, and no negative after effects for me. Problem is, I'm not sure whether to drop seed bomb or leech seed. Seed bomb is nice because it just works all the time, no special preparation needed (80 damage, 100 accuracy). Leech seed.... well I guess it doesnt do nearly as much damage, but it is cool. Drop leech seed?

J Arcane

12-10-2008, 01:52 AM

Woo. Good day for Pokemon-ing. Got through the SS Anne, and got the 3rd badge. I still need to catch another Abra for Mr. Mime next, and catch lik 5 more critters after that so I can get Itemfinder, then it's down the coast I guess.

I'm still working out the kinks in my current stable of pokemon. Right now the biggest problem I'm having seems to be that a lot of my critters are kinda glass ninjas, decent on the offense, but kinda dismal defense stats, so even in cases where it seems like their types should win them the fight, they wind up barely scraping buy or even dying in the big fights to Normal attacks. Diglett is espeically bad for this, but so are a lot of my others, like Kadabra and Pikachu.

Also, to wind down the evening, I playe some more in Mystery Dungeon Red, and the story is actually starting to intrigue me. There was a scene with Allakhazam in the town square that was just cool as fuck for what I'd so far sort of written off as even more kiddy than usual for a Pokemon game.

Ancalagon: That's kinda tough. I'd be hesitant to drop Leech Seed just because moves that heal oneself are relatively few, and quite handy, but it all depends on whether the amount of damage is really making it worth it in fights. I mean, it's only like half damage back isn't it? And if as you say it's already kind of a weak attack at your level, it may be the same difference without it.

CES

12-10-2008, 01:54 AM

I just fired up Stadium Revolution to give some fights a try, and I have to tell you that Raichu is a real bitch with Discharge, which is essentially an electric Surf with a chance to paralyze. But that's why I had Paras + Quick Claw on my team :p

Weirdly enough, in a series of 6 battles using that particular team, Paras was essential in just about every one of them. How rare!

Parasect was a stone bitch in the first Stadium game. It had a two move combo that could be spammed over and over. Needless to say, it was always in my team.

Mr. Murphy

12-10-2008, 08:05 AM

So let's say I want to get back into Pokemon after being away since Ruby on the GBA. What do I need to know? Which one should I get, or is there a new one coming soon?

Ancalagon

12-10-2008, 08:11 AM

So let's say I want to get back into Pokemon after being away since Ruby on the GBA. What do I need to know? Which one should I get, or is there a new one coming soon?

Platinum has come out in Japan already, but not anywhere else. Thats the... remake of Diamond and Pearl, which are the latest paired version.

You can get either Diamond and Pearl if you want, I'd probably just wait if I was you. D and P are still good though.

You can also transfer Pokemon from your Ruby (if you still have it) to your Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

Mr. Murphy

12-10-2008, 08:29 AM

Platinum has come out in Japan already, but not anywhere else. Thats the... remake of Diamond and Pearl, which are the latest paired version.

You can get either Diamond and Pearl if you want, I'd probably just wait if I was you. D and P are still good though.

You can also transfer Pokemon from your Ruby (if you still have it) to your Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

I do still have it, and that's pretty groovy! It gives me a reason to go back and play it some more while I wait for Platinum to hit our shores.

So is Platinum like, both games combined? And I assume it's for the DS? Are they ever going to do a true Pokemon on console? It seems like with the console internet connectivity, it would be easy to do on the Wii.

Ancalagon

12-10-2008, 08:36 AM

I do still have it, and that's pretty groovy! It gives me a reason to go back and play it some more while I wait for Platinum to hit our shores.

So is Platinum like, both games combined? And I assume it's for the DS? Are they ever going to do a true Pokemon on console? It seems like with the console internet connectivity, it would be easy to do on the Wii.

Read this (http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Platinum_Version), it might help. It is kind both games in one. It is what Emerald was to Ruby. Yeah, its for the DS.

Remember that you can only transfer 6 Pokemon a day, and I dont think they are allowed to know any HM moves. Other than that, any Pokemon and any level. Oh, and you have to have finished the Sinnoh Pokedex, that is, have at least seen the 150 different Pokemon in the Sinnoh Pokedex. You dont have to collect them. And having a GBA Pokemon game in the slot can make new Pokemon appear in certain areas, but again you have to have finished the Sinnoh Pokedex. In other words, your GBA game will be useless for the first 40 hours of the game (or less maybe), but you can still trade wirelessly.

Well, I guess only Nintendo would know, but personally I'd be surprised if they changed the Pokemon business model. I think the main series will always be on handheld, and the side games will be both hand held and console. The internet connectivity on the DS does suck unfortunately, but at least its there. Better than the link cable for the GBA.

Mr. Murphy

12-10-2008, 08:48 AM

Read this (http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Platinum_Version), it might help. It is kind both games in one. It is what Emerald was to Ruby. Yeah, its for the DS.

Remember that you can only transfer 6 Pokemon a day, and I dont think they are allowed to know any HM moves. Other than that, any Pokemon and any level. Oh, and you have to have finished the Sinnoh Pokedex, that is, have at least seen the 150 different Pokemon in the Sinnoh Pokedex. You dont have to collect them. And having a GBA Pokemon game in the slot can make new Pokemon appear in certain areas, but again you have to have finished the Sinnoh Pokedex. In other words, your GBA game will be useless for the first 40 hours of the game (or less maybe), but you can still trade wirelessly.

Well, I guess only Nintendo would know, but personally I'd be surprised if they changed the Pokemon business model. I think the main series will always be on handheld, and the side games will be both hand held and console. The internet connectivity on the DS does suck unfortunately, but at least its there. Better than the link cable for the GBA.

Thanks for the link and info! I'm reading it now.

Lint of Death

12-10-2008, 11:48 AM

Made you turn your back on your DS? I dont get it....

My team when I first tried to fight the elite 4 was something like

Aggron 47
Garchomp 50
Infernape 48
Luxray 55
Staraptor 54
Gyarados 51

(they were all high 40's/low 50s). Needless to say, I didnt win, I did scrape all the way to cynthia before losing though. Cant remember who I took after that, but I managed to win. Think I dropped Aggron in favour of someone else, cant remember who. Might have been a grass type like abomasnow or something.

Now, my team is: Swampert 60, Venusaur 55, Charizard 57, Lucario 45. Last two pokemon will an electric pokemon, maybe raichu or electabuzz or whatever, and maybe a bug pokemon like Heracross or Scizor.

Quick question: My Venusaur's moveset is as follows: Toxic, Solarbeam, Leech Seed, Seed Bomb. I'm thinking of giving him Sunny Day so that Solar Beam can charge instantly, making it a 120 damage move that takes 1 turn to charge, has 100 accuracy, and no negative after effects for me. Problem is, I'm not sure whether to drop seed bomb or leech seed. Seed bomb is nice because it just works all the time, no special preparation needed (80 damage, 100 accuracy). Leech seed.... well I guess it doesnt do nearly as much damage, but it is cool. Drop leech seed?
First off: I meant to say "turn back on" because I haven't played it in months. D'oh.

Wait, woah, you got the National Dex before beating the Elite Four? Or did you get traded that Aggron? Dunno what to say about the Venusaur; I'm not sure how useful leech seed is if it's your only recovery move (i.e. no Giga Drain).

As for your new team, a part of me wants to suggest something with Ice moves like Glalie (shut up, I like Glalie) or Lapras to make Garchomp easier to destroy. Bug's a great idea for the psychic member.

Ancalagon

12-10-2008, 12:17 PM

First off: I meant to say "turn back on" because I haven't played it in months. D'oh.

Wait, woah, you got the National Dex before beating the Elite Four? Or did you get traded that Aggron? Dunno what to say about the Venusaur; I'm not sure how useful leech seed is if it's your only recovery move (i.e. no Giga Drain).

As for your new team, a part of me wants to suggest something with Ice moves like Glalie (shut up, I like Glalie) or Lapras to make Garchomp easier to destroy. Bug's a great idea for the psychic member.

I traded for an Aron, only finished National Dex after Elite 4. (EDIT: Traded for an Aron, levelled to Aggron)

My Swampert has got Ice Beam, so he has powerful Ground, Water and Ice moves. I dont find many ice pokemon I like anyway. Abomasnow is not bad I suppose, for some reason he takes forever to level up.

Goronmon

12-10-2008, 12:41 PM

I played the first iteration a shit ton back in the day on my Game Boy Pocket. Beat the game once through and collected a ton of Pokemon.

I've since purchased 2 more versions, including Diamond, but haven't been able to get back into it at all really. Not sure why.

JayVe

12-10-2008, 01:54 PM

My favorite Pokémon on my team is Shuckle. His defenses are amazing and he has Double Team to make hitting him almost impossible. Atop that, he can go to sleep and get all his HP back.

Variable Gear

12-10-2008, 01:59 PM

My favorite Pokémon on my team is Shuckle. His defenses are amazing and he has Double Team to make hitting him almost impossible. Atop that, he can go to sleep and get all his HP back.
Can he talk in his sleep (http://www.serebii.net/attackdex-dp/sleeptalk.shtml)?

JayVe

12-10-2008, 02:22 PM

Can he talk in his sleep (http://www.serebii.net/attackdex-dp/sleeptalk.shtml)?

Nope. I think he has something that raises his evasion (Double Team?), earthquake, sleep, and maybe something else... dream eater? I don't remember. It has been months since I used him.

I raised him from an egg for an official Pokémon tournament. As I have him, the pokémon is practically unkillable. He can win almost every time in a doubles battle, through sheer endurance. So I got to the tournament all proud of my team, only to find out that each match would be only 5 min long. Basically 3 rounds of combat. Oh, and singles... no doubles.

So my whole strategy went out the window, and I got crushed by some kid with a Deyoxs.

Edit: Toxic may be his last move... stay alive and slowly wait for the poisoned enemy to waste away.

Generation ABXY

12-10-2008, 03:14 PM

So, um, considering who I'm in company with...anybody with Diamond or Pearl have a Totodile they're willing to trade (I'll even take an egg)?

Ancalagon

12-10-2008, 03:19 PM

So, um, considering who I'm in company with...anybody with Diamond or Pearl have a Totodile they're willing to trade (I'll even take an egg)?

I dont have any of those, but I can get you a squirtle, mudkip or piplup.

Alternatively, go to pokemongts.com, they have often give away free pokes.

SilentScreams

12-10-2008, 04:03 PM

I decided to start again with Diamond. I was playing my old game, but given the fact that I'd forgotten almost everything about it, I decided starting fresh was a good plan.
I need a good flyer for the almost mandatory Fly HM. In my other game I used Staraptor, who was pretty good...I miss Zapdos from my old Blue games though. I also wish I could catch a Pidgey in Diamond.

Generation ABXY

12-10-2008, 04:21 PM

I dont have any of those, but I can get you a squirtle, mudkip or piplup.

Alternatively, go to pokemongts.com, they have often give away free pokes.

I may take you up on that some time, assuming the trade is reasonable (I don't have a lvl. 100 Dialga holding a Master Ball, for example). But, for now, it looks like the Great Totodile Search of '08 goes on...

KSmitty

12-10-2008, 04:32 PM

I LOVE pokemon. I think its funny that it is labeled a kids game, when more strategy is involved than a lot of games. I have Ruby, Saphire, Leafe Green and Fire Red for GBA, Colosseum for GC and Diamond for the DS. I got into pokemon completely by accident. I was babysitting my niece who had a pikachu GBC just because she REALLY liked pikachu. So, bored sitting over their house one day I started playing Yellow. I have been playing ever since. I bought Colosseum just so I get Ho-oh and I'm considering getting XD just for Lugia.

@Generation ABXY
I have all three of the crystal starters on my GC save file. I just have to take the time to catch junk pokemon in my GBA game so I can trade them off.

Which brings up my main probelm with pokemon games... STOP THE FUCKING ONE-FOR-ONE TRADES ALREADY! Nintendo/Game Freak has to know that people are buying multiple copies of the game for the exclusives, just let me put all my damn pokemon on one cart/game without having to jump through a whole bunch of hoops. I was so happy when I saw Pal Park and that I could just transfer pokemon. And I was really sad that I missed Pokemon Locker(?) on the GC as that was a great way to collect/arrange your pokemon.

Lint of Death

12-10-2008, 05:05 PM

I get the feeling we should be channeling all this growing interest into what comes naturally, which is to say fighting each other.

I decided to start again with Diamond. I was playing my old game, but given the fact that I'd forgotten almost everything about it, I decided starting fresh was a good plan.
I need a good flyer for the almost mandatory Fly HM. In my other game I used Staraptor, who was pretty good...I miss Zapdos from my old Blue games though. I also wish I could catch a Pidgey in Diamond.

You can capture a Pidgey in Diamond, but you need the national Dex first and you find them somewhere on Battle Island. As for Fly I used Chatot, then later a Swablu, and now a Swellow.

SilentScreams

12-10-2008, 05:07 PM

I get the feeling we should be channeling all this growing interest into what comes naturally, which is to say fighting each other.

Bring it. My level 10 Turtwig and level 8 Shinx will lay down beatings on all challengers. :D

J Arcane

12-10-2008, 05:08 PM

I get the feeling we should be channeling all this growing interest into what comes naturally, which is to say fighting each other.

You can capture a Pidgey in Diamond, but you need the national Dex first and you find them somewhere on Battle Island. As for Fly I used the songnote-headed parrot, then later a Swablu, and now a Swellos.
Well, I'd be happy to Hamachi some VBALink'd Gen III stuff sometime, but I don't know that my poor little lvl 20ish team would put up much of a fight.

Plus, you guys probably all have real machines for this stuff anyway. :D

Need to get my damn DS.

SilentScreams

12-10-2008, 05:11 PM

It always bugged me how the woman at the Pokemon Center says "We hope to see you again!" as you leave. It's like she's wishing harm on us.

JayVe

12-10-2008, 05:12 PM

Need to get my damn DS.

Yeah, you do! :D

Lint of Death

12-10-2008, 05:14 PM

I made a thread. (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=104029)

SilentScreams

12-10-2008, 06:45 PM

Lint of Death

12-10-2008, 06:58 PM

So, is it worth letting my guys evolve as soon as possible, or is it better to wait for a while?
I seem to remember hearing that there are a few reasons to wait, but I don't remember much more than that.

Lower forms tend to learn moves at lower levels. Also, the lower forms may learn moves that the higher ones never do, but the reverse can also be true. A good example is Magikarp, which learns the potent move Thrash if you hold off its evolution into Gyarados long enough - but that means missing out on Bite, Dragon Rage, Leer and Twister. In that instance, though, Gyarados is lucky because it can pick up all of those moves - even Thrash - from the move relearner. Usually that can only be done for moves accessible to the higher form.

Kind of a bummer for me was when I (perhaps accidentally) evolved a Shroomish before it could pick up Spore.

Generation ABXY

12-10-2008, 07:57 PM

@Generation ABXY
I have all three of the crystal starters on my GC save file. I just have to take the time to catch junk pokemon in my GBA game so I can trade them off.

Okay, well once you do that, (if you're willing to trade me one) let me know what you'd like in exchange and I'll try to get it.

J Arcane

12-10-2008, 09:37 PM

Ancalagon

12-11-2008, 03:26 AM

You can capture a Pidgey in Diamond, but you need the national Dex first and you find them somewhere on Battle Island. As for Fly I used Chatot, then later a Swablu, and now a Swellow.

Charizard is the only to fly.:cool:

I may take you up on that some time, assuming the trade is reasonable (I don't have a lvl. 100 Dialga holding a Master Ball, for example). But, for now, it looks like the Great Totodile Search of '08 goes on...

Meh, dont worry about it. Just trade something worthless like a bidoof, I dont care.

That being said, I actually wont be able to trade for the next 3 weeks since I'm away in South Africa. I'll have my DS with me, but probably not a wireless connection. But once I get back (Jan 3rd), if you need the pokes, just ask.

SilentScreams

12-11-2008, 07:10 AM

Argh. I hate deciding on new moves. Sometimes that whole 4 move thing is really frustrating, because you don't necessarily just get better moves as you level, just different ones.

Right now, I've got the option to take Recover for my Kadabra, but the only one I can see dumping for it is Disable, and that's only because I never use it, not because it's not a potentially good move. I definitely don't want to lose Teleport, Confusion, or Psybeam.

I dunno. It's such a pain in the ass sometimes. I suppose I should probably go for Recover, if only because it seems like I'll get more use out of it, but Disable seems like it could be really powerful if I actually used it, at least in long fights.

I've been wishing for some time that they would increase it to 6 move slots or something, but have the last two slots for non-attack utility moves only.
Thing is, as useful as some of the utility moves are, I can rarely actually find justification for keeping one over an attack.

Then again, I've also been hoping that they would let us put HMs on monsters without using a move slot up. Or at least give us the option. Like if you want to put it in a move slot you can, and it will be useable in battle, but if you don't want to put it in a move slot, it will only be useable out of battle.

Lance Uppercut

12-11-2008, 07:12 AM

http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=3418

Because my thread on Pokemon Netbattle is getting no love, and because Netbattle is a really good battle simulator, I'm linking it here...

Ancalagon

12-11-2008, 07:14 AM

I've been wishing for some time that they would increase it to 6 move slots or something, but have the last two slots for non-attack utility moves only.
Thing is, as useful as some of the utility moves are, I can rarely actually find justification for keeping one over an attack.

Then again, I've also been hoping that they would let us put HMs on monsters without using a move slot up. Or at least give us the option. Like if you want to put it in a move slot you can, and it will be useable in battle, but if you don't want to put it in a move slot, it will only be useable out of battle.

To be honest, I think it should stay the way it is, since the 4 moves thing is what a large part of the strategy is based on. Its very restrictive, but I think in a good way. Like, to be honest, you dont really need more than 2 or maybe 3 attacking moves. If you have 3 attacking moves all of the same type, you are doing something wrong.

The one thing I've always wondered about is why Gyarados is Water/Flying and not Water/Dragon. Would be so much cooler and make so much more sense if it was Water/Dragon.

J Arcane

12-11-2008, 07:16 AM

YEah. It's especially tough with the utility spells, because as I've learned, it really isn't fun to have a critter with only one direct attack. I had my Oddish like this for quite some time, and it was a pain, especially because the one direct attack he was was Absorb, which is kinda low damamge unless the target's weak against grass.

One thing I did like is that they did add a move relearner to the later games, though in the case of FireRed it's pretty late in the game, but at least you have the option there in case you change your mind at a later time.

Also, I got the Silph SCope last night, which means tonight, if I'm lucky, I'll get to snage me some ghosts! Yay!

KSmitty

12-11-2008, 09:11 AM

To be honest, I think it should stay the way it is, since the 4 moves thing is what a large part of the strategy is based on. Its very restrictive, but I think in a good way. Like, to be honest, you dont really need more than 2 or maybe 3 attacking moves. If you have 3 attacking moves all of the same type, you are doing something wrong.

Well I would like to see 6 moves instead of 4, but I can see where that plays a large part in evolution/battle planning. I just think that its sucks that there are so many dual types, sometimes even dual types that change type/element with evolution, THEN you throw Normal TM/HMs in the mix and you have a lot of moves to pick between.

My other fantasy wish for Pokemon, purchasable TMs. I mean all of them. Make them super expensive or just a pain in the ass to get, but I would like to see the majority of TMs available for purchase. Even if it is only an endgame bonus. (Battle Tower, Pal Park, etc.)

Ancalagon

12-11-2008, 09:18 AM

Well I would like to see 6 moves instead of 4, but I can see where that plays a large part in evolution/battle planning. I just think that its sucks that there are so many dual types, sometimes even dual types that change type/element with evolution, THEN you throw Normal TM/HMs in the mix and you have a lot of moves to pick between.

My other fantasy wish for Pokemon, purchasable TMs. I mean all of them. Make them super expensive or just a pain in the ass to get, but I would like to see the majority of TMs available for purchase. Even if it is only an endgame bonus. (Battle Tower, Pal Park, etc.)

A lot of them are purchaseable as far as I know. I dont think you can buy them with cash, but you can... do something and buy them. Like gamble at the arcades or something. Look on bulbapedia.

Lint of Death

12-11-2008, 10:43 AM

A lot of them are purchaseable as far as I know. I dont think you can buy them with cash, but you can... do something and buy them. Like gamble at the arcades or something. Look on bulbapedia.

In Diamond, gambling (or just buying tons of tickets) for a lot of them. Winning matches in the Battle Tower for a lot of the others. Buying Battle Revolution and winning fights there also helps.

KSmitty

12-11-2008, 11:10 AM

A lot of them are purchaseable as far as I know. I dont think you can buy them with cash, but you can... do something and buy them. Like gamble at the arcades or something. Look on bulbapedia.
There are around 80 something TMs, depending on the game. Yeah some of them are complete junk, but between the Department Store and the Casino you're only going to be able to purchase around 12 TMs. Now the TMs you can get from the Casino are good, but simply don't include strong attacks for all types. I understand the super mega TMs that you just wouldn't want to give out like candy, but basic upper level attacks like Earthquake, strong Ghost, Dark and the majority of Dragon attacks should available beside playing through the game again.

Variable Gear

12-11-2008, 11:23 AM

Also, HMs need to go away. I got tired of carrying around my HM slave in Pearl. :(

Generation ABXY

12-11-2008, 01:56 PM

Also, HMs need to go away. I got tired of carrying around my HM slave in Pearl. :(

At the very least, they should limit them. I mean, they're so numerous that you have to have an HM horse (that's what I call them, anyway) in addition to the HM's you can sneak into a somewhat balanced team.

Variable Gear

12-11-2008, 02:10 PM

At the very least, they should limit them. I mean, they're so numerous that you have to have an HM horse (that's what I call them, anyway) in addition to the HM's you can sneak into a somewhat balanced team.
The solution I was considering is allowing each Pokemon to equip two HMs, which could be changed at any time. Of course, these couldn't be used in battles, which might infuriate some of the Trainer population, but Game Freak could always introduce new TMs that replicate the type and damage of the disappearing HMs.

I think that would work pretty well.

JayVe

12-11-2008, 03:08 PM

What is a Closet Pokémon? Is it a new type, like Steel or Rock? I may be a Closet Pokémon fan, but I don't know if the Pokémon I like are Closet-type or not.

I think Mr. Mime may be a Closet Pokémon.

JayVe

12-11-2008, 03:13 PM

Also, HMs need to go away. I got tired of carrying around my HM slave in Pearl. :(

Who do you use for an HM slave?

I've always called them my 'Utility Pokémon'.

Lint of Death

12-11-2008, 03:26 PM

Who do you use for an HM slave?

I've always called them my 'Utility Pokémon'.

I tend to spread it around. Rampardos got Strength and Rock Climb, Kricketune got Rock Smash, Gyarados got Surf and Waterfall, Turtwig/etc. got Cut for a while (since relegated to a junk Pokémon).

Generation ABXY

12-11-2008, 05:23 PM

Who do you use for an HM slave?

I've always called them my 'Utility Pokémon'.

HM Slave, HM Horse, Utility Pokémon...it is good to know so many of are on the same page. :p

Since I try to build up a five-member team around it, I used just toss in a junk Pokémon with a lot of HP. I'd be hard-pressed to name them all now (though Snorlax, Chansey and Miltank seem familiar), and this last time around I just picked the first useless Pokémon I could find: a Bidoof/Bibarel.

Xerxes

12-11-2008, 05:25 PM

Who do you use for an HM slave?

I've always called them my 'Utility Pokémon'.

I normally have doubles. Like one who does slavish work, not really leveled up, and a twin that's the real fighter.

Lint of Death

12-11-2008, 05:41 PM

and this last time around I just picked the first useless Pokémon I could find: a Bidoof/Bibarel.

That's actually a good pick since Bibarel can use every HM except Fly, I think.

Variable Gear

12-11-2008, 07:24 PM

That's actually a good pick since Bibarel can use every HM except Fly, I think.
That's why he (she?) was my HM Slave. I don't really like my movesets being ruined by HMs.

JayVe

12-11-2008, 10:20 PM

That's actually a good pick since Bibarel can use every HM except Fly, I think.

Is that the evolution of the Bigdoof? That's who I use, but I don't remember their name. Damn. I haven't played in months. Actually played through Diamond with 200+ hours on the cart if I remember correctly. Then I played Pearl in French during my immersion program. In French, all moves and nearly every Pokémon have different names.

J Arcane

12-11-2008, 10:24 PM

Awesome. I gots me some ghosts. I got a 14 Gastly and a 22-ish Haunter.

Unfortunately, the Haunter doesn't have Hypnosis, so if I want my a Dream Eater machine, I'm sorta stuck levelling the Gastly, even though Haunter would be so much faster. :(

Also, am I expected to just TM the fuck out of Charmander/Charmeleon or something? I've had this worthless sumbitch for 27 levels now, and yet he's still using almost all the same moves from the beginning of the game, save for swapping out one of the debuffs. His attacks have become all but bloody useless, yet level by level goes by and not a goddamn new attack. I wound up just dumping him from the party to make room for my Gastly for now.

Variable Gear

12-11-2008, 10:37 PM

Is that the evolution of the Bigdoof? That's who I use, but I don't remember their name. Damn. I haven't played in months. Actually played through Diamond with 200+ hours on the cart if I remember correctly. Then I played Pearl in French during my immersion program. In French, all moves and nearly every Pokémon have different names.
Yep, that's the evolution of Bidoof.

Also, are you fluent in French yet?

JayVe

12-11-2008, 10:58 PM

Yep, that's the evolution of Bidoof.

Also, are you fluent in French yet?

I wouldn't call myself fluent in French, but I can speak it, and get around, and understand some jokes, and even make jokes of my own. I know enough to ask questions, and to tell people what I can, and cannot understand. Don't ask me to spell it though. I am a poor student when it comes to the letters.

Variable Gear

12-11-2008, 11:03 PM

I wouldn't call myself fluent in French, but I can speak it, and get around, and understand some jokes, and even make jokes of my own. I know enough to ask questions, and to tell people what I can, and cannot understand. Don't ask me to spell it though. I am a poor student when it comes to the letters.
Okay then, here's your test: tell me a joke in french.

JayVe

12-11-2008, 11:16 PM

Okay then, here's your test: tell me a joke in french.

Even better. My copy of Left 4 Dead should be coming in the mail tomorrow or Saturday. Lets play together, using only French to communicate. The Mrs. will join us... and she sounds really cute quand elle parle le Francais.

Variable Gear

12-11-2008, 11:25 PM

Even better. My copy of Left 4 Dead should be coming in the mail tomorrow or Saturday. Lets play together, using only French to communicate. The Mrs. will join us... and she sounds really cute quand elle parle le Francais.
Here's the problem: I don't speak French. :o

However, I have a firm grasp of Latin. Maybe I'll decline some nouns during our game...

JayVe

12-11-2008, 11:35 PM

I have a firm grasp of Latin.
Who's Latin?

Actually, playing Left 4 Dead with people from different countries would be DIFFICULT! I expect you can quickly pick up something like, "Shit Shit Shit!" in another language though.

Generation ABXY

12-11-2008, 11:42 PM

Who's Latin?

Actually, playing Left 4 Dead with people from different countries would be DIFFICULT! I expect you can quickly pick up something like, "Shit Shit Shit!" in another language though.

That does sound like it would be interesting, at the very least.

I took a year of French (and Latin) when I was in school, but about the only thing I learned to say was, "I am an airplane."

Lint of Death

12-12-2008, 12:16 AM

Also, am I expected to just TM the fuck out of Charmander/Charmeleon or something?

Out of pity I looked it up. Charmeleon gets Flamethrower at level 34 (http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-rs/005.shtml) in FireRed (make sure to scroll down a bit for the right move list). It looks like if you really hate slow progress don't even bother with Charizard for a good while. That or just TM the heck out of him as you already surmised. Also the details on that page say something about a Move Tutor. I never played any of the main series but the original game and Diamond, but that would be worth looking into if it's something you can get at.

J Arcane

12-12-2008, 12:50 AM

Move tutors are NPCs that'll teach your critters a move, but they're single use. Once they've taught a critter a move you can't go back and do it again.

I had thought at the time, when I ran into the Mega Punch/Mega Kick guys after Mt. Moon to give one or the other to Charmander, but instead I wasted both on a Mankey that got replaced the second I got Machop.

SilentScreams

12-12-2008, 03:47 AM

Just started playing FireRed via emulator.

I trained Mega Kick to my Pikachu and Mega Punch to my Nidoking later on.
Just reached Lavender Town and my team is

Charmeleon (26)
Gloom (30)
Nidoking (31)
Pikachu (24)

Still undecided on the last two members. I'm not even convinced I'll keep Pikachu. Nidoking is the strongest by far at the moment.

Ghost Rider

12-12-2008, 06:48 AM

Lint of Death

12-12-2008, 08:53 AM

There's something about giving Pikachu Mega Kick that I find very silly :p

Mr. Murphy

12-12-2008, 08:58 AM

So I powered up my copy of Pokemon Ruby to find I was 7 badges in, sitting outside the Cave of Origins in Sootopolis. Looking through my Pokedex it says I've captured 82 Pokemon - I haven't played this since 2004, so I don't remember ANYTHING about where I was.

Next to Kyogre is a little Pokeball symbol, doesn't that mean I caught one? Because it's not sitting in my PC, and I don't understand how I could have caught one this early anyway - I'm just about to try and get Groudon as part of the story. Anyone know what's up?

I'm also taking recommendations for a good team for Gym leader #8 there.

headhunter228

12-12-2008, 10:39 AM

Don't you dare hint at dropping Pikachu! Pikachu is Pokemon!

Let's just say that I don't like cute. The ONLY reason I picked up a Pikachu in FireRed is because it's an Electric type, and I can get it relatively early. Besides, once I taught it all the moves I wanted it to know, I evolved it in a heartbeat. If I had any other good choices in that game, Pikachu wouldn't have even been an option.

In my Diamond version, however, I'm working on getting thru the after-game events. I haven't played in a while, so I can't remember my levels. I can, however, remember my team.

Empoleon (Water/Steel)
Luxray (Electric)
Staraptor (Normal/Flying)
Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)
Roserade (Grass/Poison)
Rapidash (Fire)

My team could use some work, but I'm having a hard time finding any reasonable trades on the GTS. For God's sake, who in their right mind would trade their Lvl. 100 Mew for a Lvl. 2 Bidoof!? No one, but unfortunately, trades like this one are the rule, rather than the exception on Wi-Fi.

zarathstra

12-12-2008, 01:49 PM

Let's just say that I don't like cute. The ONLY reason I picked up a Pikachu in FireRed is because it's an Electric type, and I can get it relatively early. Besides, once I taught it all the moves I wanted it to know, I evolved it in a heartbeat. If I had any other good choices in that game, Pikachu wouldn't have even been an option.

In my Diamond version, however, I'm working on getting thru the after-game events. I haven't played in a while, so I can't remember my levels. I can, however, remember my team.

Empoleon (Water/Steel)
Luxray (Electric)
Staraptor (Normal/Flying)
Garchomp (Dragon/Ground)
Roserade (Grass/Poison)
Rapidash (Fire)

My team could use some work, but I'm having a hard time finding any reasonable trades on the GTS. For God's sake, who in their right mind would trade their Lvl. 100 Mew for a Lvl. 2 Bidoof!? No one, but unfortunately, trades like this one are the rule, rather than the exception on Wi-Fi.

If I can remember to post my friend code, I'd be glad to trade with you. I have multiple copies of a bunch of Pokemon.

SilentScreams

12-12-2008, 02:09 PM

There's something about giving Pikachu Mega Kick that I find very silly :p

Well his Special Attack stat is lame, but his regular Attack stat is pretty nice, so it makes sense in that respect. I can't actually picture the little guy doing it though.
I distinctly remember getting my ass kicked by a Mega Kicking Raichu a few years back though. I think it was my brother's.

I'll keep him until I find a better Electric type, but the only specific one that comes to mind at the moment is Zapdos, who is quite a way off (and I don't even remember how to get him, or the other 2 legendary birds or Mewtwo).
I used to know all of this stuff by heart.

Lance Uppercut

12-12-2008, 08:37 PM

I'll keep him until I find a better Electric type, but the only specific one that comes to mind at the moment is Zapdos, who is quite a way off (and I don't even remember how to get him, or the other 2 legendary birds or Mewtwo).
I used to know all of this stuff by heart.

Jolteon. Nice speed, decent special attack.

Lint of Death

12-13-2008, 04:33 AM

Jolteon. Nice speed, decent special attack.

Perhaps even better, Magneton. Or if you don't like the Steel typing they added after Red/Blue, Electabuzz (though Jolteon's probably better).

Lance Uppercut

12-13-2008, 09:34 AM

Perhaps even better, Magneton. Or if you don't like the Steel typing they added after Red/Blue, Electabuzz (though Jolteon's probably better).

Electrabuzz is crap. And evolve that Magneton into Magnezone, and we're talking business. Magnezone probably has the highest base special attack out of all the electrics, and it's steel typing makes it a good damage sponge against a lot of stuff (except for fire, fighting, and ground).

Lint of Death

12-13-2008, 09:37 AM

Electrabuzz is crap. And evolve that Magneton into Magnezone, and we're talking business. Magnezone probably has the highest base special attack out of all the electrics, and it's steel typing makes it a good damage sponge against a lot of stuff (except for fire, fighting, and ground).

I figured most people were talking about FireRed and specifically -not- very far into the game so that's why I mentioned those two.

Lance Uppercut

12-13-2008, 09:40 AM

Lance Uppercut

12-13-2008, 09:44 AM

I figured most people were talking about FireRed and specifically -not- very far into the game so that's why I mentioned those two.

My bad. I figured we'd all be talking about the latest version.

Lint of Death

12-13-2008, 09:46 AM

Lance Uppercut

12-13-2008, 09:49 AM

Try updating your Java.

J Arcane

12-13-2008, 09:57 AM

http://www.smogon.com/shoddybattle/

Netbattle's replacement. This program has support for Diamond/Pearl monsters, items, and skills. Keep in mind, it gets very competitive, and you will get your ass handed to you a lot as you tweak your team strategy.
Eh. To be flatly honest, I wsn't impressed with the previous version, and don't see much draw to bother trying another.

THe whole concept seems all about ubertwinking, and that's exactly what I'm not interested in. I had an entire party wiped out by a twinked-out Jinx that was somehow supereffective against every type. And the mental disconnect with the change in interface really throws me off for some reason.

I'd rather set up some casual battles on the DS or with VBALink and the real games.

Lance Uppercut

12-13-2008, 10:35 AM

Eh. To be flatly honest, I wsn't impressed with the previous version, and don't see much draw to bother trying another.

THe whole concept seems all about ubertwinking, and that's exactly what I'm not interested in. I had an entire party wiped out by a twinked-out Jinx that was somehow supereffective against every type. And the mental disconnect with the change in interface really throws me off for some reason.

I'd rather set up some casual battles on the DS or with VBALink and the real games.

With all the EVs and movesets in your control, it makes the in-game strategy that much more interesting to me. There's a pretty steep learning curve, but it's pretty worth it.

Lint of Death

12-13-2008, 10:43 AM

I'd rather set up some casual battles on the DS or with VBALink and the real games.
Honestly I agree. I just got the program for the fun of it, though it's more fun to build a team as you play because your team almost develops a sort of character to it.

SilentScreams

12-14-2008, 10:34 AM

Just beat the Elite Four on FireRed.

My team was:

Charizard (52)
Gyarados (43)
Vileplume (45)
Kadabra (45)
Nidoking (48)
Raichu (49)

I also managed to capture Zapdos, Moltres and Articuno without resorting to my Master Ball, although I came close with Moltres. He was asleep and on his last couple of HP and he just wouldn't be caught and he very nearly killed Vileplume.

J Arcane

12-14-2008, 10:51 AM

Jeez. That was fast. I'm still in Celadon City.

Trying to cobble together a team to take on the fire gym there, and unfortunately, all I really have that's levelled close to enough is my Dugtrio, so I've probably got some levelling ahead before I can try. I've got an Onix and a Cubone I'm thinking I'd like to level up, and of course, I need to get going on my Gastly. I wish I could level the Haunter I caught instead, as he's already level 23, but no Hypnosis + no other way to learn Hypnosis by level = bloody useless if I ever want to give him Dream Eater, and since Dream Eater is the first real decent attack the Ghosts get, it kinda isn't really an option. Stupid computer making bad levelling decisions.

I also finally got Fly HM, I just can't decide who to give it to. I actually rather like my Farfetch'd, which is who I gave cut to, and I hate to give him a second uneraseable move, even if it is one I would've wanted for him anyway, espeically since they're both attacks.

The talk of Gyrados reminds me that I really need to get my Magikarp to the Nursery so it can start levelling up. I'm kinda still waiting to decide on Fly for that one because it'll be easier than walking all the way backto the Nursery. Although, Diglett's Cave is a good place to level I found.

SilentScreams

12-14-2008, 10:59 AM

I boosted the emulator's speed up to around 600%, which is why I did it so quick.

I can't remember how I did the fire gym. I think it must have been Nidoking, who I gave Rock Slide to, who did most of the damage.
I didn't give Fly to anyone until I finally got Charizard.

J Arcane

12-14-2008, 11:04 AM

I finally ditched Charmeleon because he just wasn't pulling his weight anymore. In the early game he was the guy I had to throw in when fights got tough or for powerlevelling, but now any levels he gets are because he gets behind everyone else and I have to powerlevel him just so he can keep up.

Finally I decied it wasn't worth the effort and ditched him. I might make some effort toward levelling him up further, but it's so damn frustrating having to powerlevel a character simply because all their moves are too shit to be effective against even things he's supposed to be super effective against.

It's much quicker and easier to level a character when they can just fight the things on their own. It's also the problem I'm having with Gastly, because until they get Dream Eater, the ghosts don't get any decent attacks, so you're basically forced to swap them out with someone who can actually deal damage. Their best move damage-wise is Curse, but that requires a 50% HP sacrific and still takes 4 bloody rounds to kill the target. Once you get 'em levelled and get their good attacks, they are brutal, but until then they're kinda useless.

headhunter228

12-16-2008, 07:52 AM

It's much quicker and easier to level a character when they can just fight the things on their own. It's also the problem I'm having with Gastly, because until they get Dream Eater, the ghosts don't get any decent attacks, so you're basically forced to swap them out with someone who can actually deal damage. Their best move damage-wise is Curse, but that requires a 50% HP sacrific and still takes 4 bloody rounds to kill the target. Once you get 'em levelled and get their good attacks, they are brutal, but until then they're kinda useless.

Most good monsters are like that. My Gabite was a weakling until it finally evolved. I waited an extra level so it would learn Dragon Rush, then evolved it. Now it's an (almost) unstoppable killing machine. As soon as my Pokemon gain some more levels, I'm going back to the Elite Four and try to beat them without using my Dialga. I just need a good Ice type, and I'm set.

Also, I'm not a big fan of getting Gastly/Haunter/Gengar Dream Eater. Sure, it's a powerful move, but a) the target has to be asleep, and b) it's a Psychic-type move. When a Pokemon uses a move that shares it's type, it gets a 50% damage bonus. That's why I don't like to teach my Pokemon moves that don't share it's type. I generally try to carry a team consisting entirely of dual-types to make up for that.

SilentScreams

12-16-2008, 08:05 AM

I just started playing the GBC trading card game. It's pretty fun now that my deck is a bit better. The starting deck was lame, but I've replaced all the pokemon with fire types now and all the energy cards with fire ones too. It's made a huge difference. I'll probably have to grind out a bunch of battles in the grass club to prepare for the water club though. On the bright side, it should be a walk in the park with my fire deck.
The whole deck is based around evolving Charmander into Charmeleon and Ponyta into Rapidash. They are the only cards I have other than a few Growlithes, who are mainly there to soak up damage while I power up the others.

J Arcane

12-16-2008, 10:22 AM

Don't forget too that you can probably get away with grabbing another badge or two from some of the other clubs your fire guys don't have weakness to, and that don't have resistance against you.

The TRading Card Game's mechanics are as such that you won't find combat to be as much of a slog when you don't have the right type match-ups, like in the regular games.

headhunter228

12-16-2008, 10:37 AM

I never did beat the TCG. My parents took my old Game Boy, and I never got it back. But that was years ago. I remember the game being pretty fun, but that's about it.

J Arcane

12-16-2008, 10:49 AM

Most good monsters are like that. My Gabite was a weakling until it finally evolved. I waited an extra level so it would learn Dragon Rush, then evolved it. Now it's an (almost) unstoppable killing machine. As soon as my Pokemon gain some more levels, I'm going back to the Elite Four and try to beat them without using my Dialga. I just need a good Ice type, and I'm set.

Also, I'm not a big fan of getting Gastly/Haunter/Gengar Dream Eater. Sure, it's a powerful move, but a) the target has to be asleep, and b) it's a Psychic-type move. When a Pokemon uses a move that shares it's type, it gets a 50% damage bonus. That's why I don't like to teach my Pokemon moves that don't share it's type. I generally try to carry a team consisting entirely of dual-types to make up for that.
I had thought about that. I always liked Dream Eater, in part because they have to be asleep, and also just conceptually. At the very least I figured I'd have one other attack that was straight Ghost type.

I just like the idea of having an evil little fucker who devours your dreams as you sleep. The other attacks just don't have the flavor. ;)

Also, they do eventually get a Ghost attack similar to Dream Eater, Nightmare, which just takes 25% of the target's HP every turn, sorta like Curse, but instead of an HP sac, the target has to be sleeping.

LongStepMantis

12-16-2008, 12:32 PM

I had thought about that. I always liked Dream Eater, in part because they have to be asleep, and also just conceptually. At the very least I figured I'd have one other attack that was straight Ghost type.

I just like the idea of having an evil little fucker who devours your dreams as you sleep. The other attacks just don't have the flavor. ;)

Also, they do eventually get a Ghost attack similar to Dream Eater, Nightmare, which just takes 25% of the target's HP every turn, sorta like Curse, but instead of an HP sac, the target has to be sleeping.

I just wanted to pop in and say Curse can kiss my ass. Yesterday I played a little more Emerald and the area I was in had quite a few Ghost pokemon. Stop Cursing everything that moves, dammit. :p

I also wanted to ask you guys since you know way more about these games and the pokemon than I do. What pokemon would you classify as your favorite (not necessarily best) pokemon from each group? No legendaries please, we all know they're good. I don't have access to my game right now and I'm awful with their names, so I'll post mine later.

Lint of Death

12-16-2008, 02:28 PM

LongStepMantis

12-16-2008, 02:36 PM

My #1 is Cradily. It's a man-sized monster barnacle. What's not to love?

Behind that there includes Crawdaunt, Gastrodon, Parasect, Glalie, Carnivine, Toxicroak, Sableye, Seviper, Steelix, in no particular order, if I'm not going to put more than one for a type category.

It's funny that you should mention Cradily. I put a Lileep in my team last time I played because the area I was grinding levels had a lot of pokemon that used Roar. Before I knew it he had evolved into a Cradily, and now he has a permanent spot on my general team. I haven't used it enough to really think about what moves it should have, so I mostly Confuse Ray/Ingrain so they slowly kill themselves while confused and I regen life. Still trying to decide what other attacks would round out his move set.

Lint of Death

12-16-2008, 02:47 PM

I mostly Confuse Ray/Ingrain so they slowly kill themselves while confused and I regen life. Still trying to decide what other attacks would round out his move set.

That's what I used to do. My Cradily has the following moves: Barrier, Energy Ball, AncientPower, and Ingrain (That's in Diamond, YMMV). The 2 attacks have been boosted with PP Ups, natch. I find it to be a great Pokémon for both defense and offense, as it has so few weaknesses and good special defense. I tried to use vitamins to focus on his special attack, too, which helps.

LongStepMantis

12-16-2008, 03:05 PM

That's what I used to do. My Cradily has the following moves: Barrier, Energy Ball, AncientPower, and Ingrain (That's in Diamond, YMMV). The 2 attacks have been boosted with PP Ups, natch. I find it to be a great Pokémon for both defense and offense, as it has so few weaknesses and good special defense. I tried to use vitamins to focus on his special attack, too, which helps.

Thanks, I'll keep those ideas in mind. Right now his only two real attacks are Acid (which isn't very good) and Hidden power (only because it's from a HM, so no real loss in applying it and has a decent number of PP)

I also don't know if it's just luck or not, but when he uses Hidden power it seems to poison people a lot. I would have dumped acid already if it didn't reduce their def, but mostly because I didn't really know what to put in it's place. I generally use a pokemon for a while and assess it's strengths and weaknesses before committing to any move changes. Especially since I feel overwhelmed by these games. So many choices of pokemon, and so many choices of moves for each pokemon...I just don't want to fuck up too badly so that I have to re-train another of the same type to correct my mistakes.

Right now my general team is Skarmory, Pelipper, Torkoal, Cradily, Gardevoir, and Graveler.
I'm happy with how most of them have worked out, but I'm still trying to decide what Water to replace my Pelipper with. Skarmory has Flying and Steel covered, so I don't really need another flyer.

headhunter228

12-17-2008, 09:43 AM

LongStepMantis

12-17-2008, 07:55 PM

If you can get your mits on a Kingdra, I would say you're set. Kingdra has high stats in every category, and it's a Water/Dragon type. The ONLY weakness it has is to other Dragons. Unfortunately, you have to be able to trade to get one, and you have to have you Seadra hold a Dragon Scale. That can make it pretty hard to get. It's powerful and hard to kill. If you have a buddy you can trade with, get one. Other than the Pelliper, you have a good team. I would just recommend you get some Proteins to boost your Skarmory's attack stat. Their attack can be rather weak. The Skarmory I had just couldn't hit hard enough until I boosted his attack.

Thanks for the advice. I don't know anyone else who plays this, so I don't think trades will happen. It made me sad when I realized my Graveler will never become a Golem. :(

As far as the Skarmory's attack, mine seems pretty strong. Is there a fair amount of variation in the stats between individuals? His attack was the second stat to break 3 digits. Mine is lvl 40, 131 Def, 101 Attack. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.

So would you suggest any other Water types that don't require trades?

headhunter228

12-18-2008, 07:59 AM

As far as the Skarmory's attack, mine seems pretty strong. Is there a fair amount of variation in the stats between individuals? His attack was the second stat to break 3 digits. Mine is lvl 40, 131 Def, 101 Attack. I'm not sure if that's normal or not.

So would you suggest any other Water types that don't require trades?

It might have something to do with the personality. Even so, I would recommend getting an Ice-type. You look like you're playing Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, so I would recommend going north of Mossdeep City and picking up a Spheal in the Shoal Cave. It'll take some training, but Walrein will get pretty good.

Mike Kelehan

12-18-2008, 08:18 AM

I got Blue when it first came out and I was in high school. I had a friend who lived about a half hour away, and I'd borrow my parents' car and drive down to trade with him. I didn't get any of the others until Pearl, which a couple friends got, and I put some serious time in to it.

I was a substitute teacher when D/P came out, and it was really great to see elementary schoolers getting into such a hard hard HARD core RPG. People think they're just in it for the cute characters, but the kids were bringing in strategy guides and poring over stats and charts.

Unrelated story that came to mind: When the kids have indoor recess, the recess monitors come into the classroom to watch the kids while the teachers have lunch. I stayed in the room and played Phoenix Wright 3, and some kids started watching and asking how the game worked. I explained, and within a few minutes a group of kids were playing courtroom, objecting to each other and slamming their hands on desks.

headhunter228

12-18-2008, 08:28 AM

JayVe

12-18-2008, 08:37 AM

I got a Fire version when I was 10. My parents made me get rid of it for some stupid reason I can't remember. I never got to beat it. Pity. I used to take it to school all the time.
I think I know why your parents made you get rid of your Pokémon game. :)

Case Closed!

headhunter228

12-18-2008, 10:31 AM

JayVe

12-18-2008, 11:43 AM

rinichanraar

12-18-2008, 12:23 PM

Believe it or not, it was an unrelated reason. It was something along the lines of "These games are implanting Anti-Christian ideas in our kids' heads." I never got caught taking it to school, but my dad decided to play it one day. Aparently, he saw something he didn't like, and made me get rid of it for that undisclosed reason.

I started looking up anti-Christian themes in Pokemon on Google and found this gem:

My biggest concern was the phsyic and ghost pokemons which at first I told him he could not keep those...but then I had a prayer session with God over my worries and concerns because honestly, its gotten to the point there is almost NOTHING a child can play with that hasn't been labeled demoic in some way. Half the cartoons he can't watch...like Dragon ball Z (very voilent) and YU_GI _O has demons in the cartoons and Eyption gods and so that is out....Courage the Cowderly dog has ALOT of evil spirits in it and even showed 666 on a hotel room door...showed the old lady possesed by a demon one time...alot of VERY bad stuff...I could go on and on and on..all the things my son cannot watch or play with and its too the point what am I, as a parent suppose to do?

Wow. More here (http://bibleforums.org/forum/showpost.php?p=200351&postcount=5). I imagine your dad probably had better reasons than this guy. Though he did mention that he stopped "banning" his son from playing Pokemon because he realized it wasn't as bad as everyone said it was.

LongStepMantis

12-18-2008, 01:27 PM

It might have something to do with the personality. Even so, I would recommend getting an Ice-type. You look like you're playing Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, so I would recommend going north of Mossdeep City and picking up a Spheal in the Shoal Cave. It'll take some training, but Walrein will get pretty good.

Yeah, I'm playing Emerald. I forgot about Ice. Those types never seem to show up so I just kind of discounted that group. I shall search out this Spheal, thanks! :D

LongStepMantis

12-18-2008, 01:32 PM

My biggest concern was the phsyic and ghost pokemons which at first I told him he could not keep those...but then I had a prayer session with God over my worries and concerns

0_o...I mean, I'm not knocking the religious...but really? Courage the Cowardly Dog is too much of an evil influence? I can respect what parents like that think they're trying to do in shielding their children from "subversive" material...but if that's the case you'll have to keep your kids in a locked cabinet until they're 40.

Edit: Read the link. I am honestly glad they seem to be taking a realistic look at things, even if they are still overly protective. And I think we can all agree that kid's programming today is awful. Not because it's evil, but because it sucks compared to the stuff we had growing up. :D

SilentScreams

12-18-2008, 03:09 PM

My parents were always totally cool...or at least my dad was.

He bought me a Megadeth album (Killing Is My Business...) on my first birthday, because he wanted me to always be able to say that my first album was something good when people asked me. Sure, at 1 year old I didn't understand a thing about it, but I still love Megadeth now, so it must have had some kind of influence. :D

My mum was always a little more uptight though...although whenever she wouldn't let me have something I'd always play the "Dad would let me have it" card and she'd usually cave in. Yeah, I was a manipulative little shit.

On topic: Trying to play Diamond now, but it seems so slow after playing Fire Red on an emulator boosted up to 600% speed. It's driving me nuts.

JayVe

12-18-2008, 04:33 PM

On topic: Trying to play Diamond now, but it seems so slow after playing Fire Red on an emulator boosted up to 600% speed. It's driving me nuts.

That should learn ya not to play Pokémon on emulators. ;)

CES

12-18-2008, 04:55 PM

0_o...I mean, I'm not knocking the religious...but really? Courage the Cowardly Dog is too much of an evil influence? I

Did you ever actually watch Courage? Half of the stuff in it is stuff I wouldn't let a kid see for fear of them going insane. Courage was like a really trippy Ren & Stimpy.

OT: Looking to add a new sixth to my Diamond team. So far it comprises of a Skuntank, Staraptor, Empoleon, Machoke and Graveller. Suggestions?

headhunter228

12-19-2008, 08:02 AM

I started looking up anti-Christian themes in Pokemon on Google and found this gem:

Wow. More here (http://bibleforums.org/forum/showpost.php?p=200351&postcount=5). I imagine your dad probably had better reasons than this guy. Though he did mention that he stopped "banning" his son from playing Pokemon because he realized it wasn't as bad as everyone said it was.

That guy can't spell. Geez. Even so, that's being paranoid. When I was growing up, I was raised on Loony Toons. They kicked that off the air because it was "too violent." Yeah. I loved watching Loony Toons, and still do. I don't have kids, but if I did, I would much rather them watch something more violent than all of the downright stupid cartoons on TV nowadays. (cough SpongeBob cough) Even so, my parents eventually came to their senses, and now they really don't care what I play. However, I am sure they would have something to say if they saw something like GTA IV in my house, but I stay away from games like that.

Lint of Death

12-19-2008, 08:17 AM

OT: Looking to add a new sixth to my Diamond team. So far it comprises of a Skuntank, Staraptor, Empoleon, Machoke and Graveller. Suggestions?

Sounds like you could use something else to kick the crap out of ground types, or at least resist them. Assuming no National Dex, how about Vespiquen (http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-dp/416.shtml)? That might give your team too big a weakness to electric, but for most of the game I don't think that'd be a problem.

Or Snover/Abomasnow.

I'd recommend Carnivine, since he's pretty cool and immune to ground, but he only gets a useful grass attack at level 47 unless bred well :(

CES

12-20-2008, 12:19 PM

Sounds like you could use something else to kick the crap out of ground types, or at least resist them. Assuming no National Dex, how about Vespiquen (http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-dp/416.shtml)? That might give your team too big a weakness to electric, but for most of the game I don't think that'd be a problem.

Or Snover/Abomasnow.

I'd recommend Carnivine, since he's pretty cool and immune to ground, but he only gets a useful grass attack at level 47 unless bred well :(

Took your advice and bred a Carnivine with Stun Spore and Razor Leaf. Training something from L1 really does suck though.

J Arcane

12-20-2008, 04:40 PM

The VS Seeker is the best damn level grinding tool ever. Being able to go back and farm some of the old trainers for that fat battle XP is very, very handy. I wish Yellow had that when I played it, I might've gotten further in the game.

I did sorta get stalled out for a bit there, in the same place as last time actually. Once you get to Celadon City the game opens up quite a bit, and you're left with a lot of different possible routes to go. I sorta got lost, plus, when you tack on having to level up a fresh new Gastly, I get sorta lost for a bit.

J Arcane

12-21-2008, 03:48 PM

Woot. Just did my trades and got Gengar, Alakazam, and Machamp.

J Arcane

12-29-2008, 10:02 PM

CES

12-30-2008, 03:39 AM

Reviving this thread, because I finally got a DS and Diamond!

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble getting it online right now, or else I'd be happy to share my friend code and whatnot.

Right now I'm training up a bit for the first gym. I caught me an Onyx in the mine, took like every damn pokeball I had, but now I has a scary giant worm snake.

The catch rate on Onyx is painfully low, one of the lowest I think. To be honest, I never found much use for Onyx and always went for the Geodude-Graveller choice though I do have a L45 Onyx lurking in storage.

JayVe

12-30-2008, 07:02 AM

Reviving this thread, because I finally got a DS and Diamond!

Woo! Congrats for joining us! :D

LongStepMantis

12-30-2008, 03:51 PM

You bastards...what have you turned me into?!

I beat Pokemon Emerald (The Elite 4 anyways) and spent nearly two days tracking down all the one-of and legendaries in the game to capture. So I went and picked up a used copy of FireRed specifically for the purpose of trading pokemon into Emerald from it when I'm done with that one...then I'll probably do the same for LeafGreen. I've caught the poke-madness!

Now using:
Golbat (Be happy enough to become Crobat, damn you!)
Charizard
Dugtrio
Mr. Mime
PrimeApe
Electrode

After eventually combining the rosters from FR/LG into Emerald, then I'll begin grinding away at the Battle Frontier. Best part is the buddy who's letting me use his GBA to trade to mine(he actually had Emerald and I didn't know it), so my Emerald Graveler is now a Golem. I no longer have to lament trade evolutions.

rinichanraar

12-30-2008, 04:03 PM

LongStepMantis

12-30-2008, 04:06 PM

Goddamnit, this thread just reminded me that I never caught Mesprit and that that fucker is probably running around taunting me right now. I'll probably use Golbat, but I'm not going to like it.

I just checked, and the last activity I have on Diamond was from May. :(

Golbat might be my new favorite poke. But making him happy enough to evolve to Crobat is driving me insane. Have to have Max Happiness when he levels up.
I've watched him attempt to evolve and then change his mind for the last 10 level-ups. But with Flying, Dark, and Ghost attacks on him right now (along with Mean Look for catching pesky runners) he can take out a lot of different pokes by himself.

rinichanraar

12-30-2008, 04:21 PM

Golbat might be my new favorite poke. But making him happy enough to evolve to Crobat is driving me insane. Have to have Max Happiness when he levels up.
I've watched him attempt to evolve and then change his mind for the last 10 level-ups. But with Flying, Dark, and Ghost attacks on him right now (along with Mean Look for catching pesky runners) he can take out a lot of different pokes by himself.

Golbat would be a useful guy for me to have in my team, but it's hard for me to do it. I hate caves, and I hate running into Golbats in caves because when I just want to get through quickly, I always run into them and their goddamned Confuse Ray. :p

LongStepMantis

12-30-2008, 04:29 PM

Golbat would be a useful guy for me to have in my team, but it's hard for me to do it. I hate caves, and I hate running into Golbats in caves because when I just want to get through quickly, I always run into them and their goddamned Confuse Ray. :p

You know what takes care of annoying Golbats? A bigger, meaner Golbat. :D
The fact he's part poision is a boon in my eyes too. Lots of people use Wheezing, Muk, Grimer, Oddish, etc. (In FireRed at least) and not being able to poison him is a god-send. Antidotes are cheap, but it's just annoying to have to cure half your team of poison after each match.

rinichanraar

12-30-2008, 06:46 PM

You know what takes care of annoying Golbats? A bigger, meaner Golbat. :D
The fact he's part poision is a boon in my eyes too. Lots of people use Wheezing, Muk, Grimer, Oddish, etc. (In FireRed at least) and not being able to poison him is a god-send. Antidotes are cheap, but it's just annoying to have to cure half your team of poison after each match.

All this Pokemon talk is making me reevaluate my team. Golbat will probably be a temporary addition until I catch Mesprit, but it's not a huge priority. I kind of just want to figure out what the best improvements I can make to my team are right now because I never really obsessed over covering all weaknesses before, and I sort of want to start.

Alakazam (78)
Gyarados (51)
Dialga (56)
Torterra (61)
Rapidash (60)
Pachirisu (51)

The only reason I have a high-level Pachirisu is because it had the pick-up nature and I really like getting free stuff. I realize that I have a high weakness to ground, but I'm probably going to replace the Pachirisu in a while anyway.

I was thinking about possibly trading someone out and throwing in a Dragonite because I don't have a Salamence or a Garchomp (though I don't know which of the three I'd choose anyway if I did have a choice). I have a Dragonair (43) I'm working on leveling up. I don't know that it would improve my team, but I always thought they were really cool.

I also have that Riolu (17, hahaha). I don't know if I should work on getting him to become Lucario or if I should just focus on the other guys.

I've been planning on buying Focus Blast for my Alakazam, but I haven't gotten to doing it yet.

Overall, I'm pretty flustered right now about what I should do since I haven't played since May and have kind of forgotten where I left off. Suggestions on what I should do with my team?

rinichanraar

12-31-2008, 01:28 PM

Did I just kill the thread?

Nah, it must have been my Alakazam's incredible 5000 IQ. Too intense for everyone to handle. ;)

LongStepMantis

12-31-2008, 08:56 PM

Did I just kill the thread?

Nah, it must have been my Alakazam's incredible 5000 IQ. Too intense for everyone to handle. ;)

My brain hurts...that was weird.

Anyways I cn't really comment on your team since I'm myself still learning the in's-and-out's of various breeds as I go. Right now I've only used the Alakazam and Gyarados out of your team. The rest of them are ones I've yet to even use.

Alakazam is simple enough. Strong psychic attacks, maybe something like Barrier or Substitute if his life becomes too great an issue. I myself use Trick just to steal held items, but it's definitely not essential.

I only recently started using Gyarados, and he seems to have decent potential, especially considering what he evolves from. I think he can learn Dragon Dance eventually, but I'm not even sure. I've never been a big fan of Water types for some reason. The only one I actively use right now is a Cloyster who's Water/Ice. Lots of vulnerabilities, but I can get Ice and Water attacks on one poke for space saving. He stays in back unless one of the two is needed. Will probably switch to Kingdra once I can get hold of a Dragon Scale for his evo.

J Arcane

01-01-2009, 02:01 AM

Well, I just got to Eterna City, have the first badge. So far my team is Onix 15, Prinplup 16, Machop 15, Staravia 17, Luxio 20, Kadabra 17.

My Kadabra's being a bit of a bear though. He was an NPC trade Abra, and once he got evolved he started ignoring orders and such. I'm hoping the next badge will help with that.

Also, that Eterna Forest thing with all the double battles takes for goddamn ever.

J Arcane

01-01-2009, 10:05 PM

SilentScreams

01-02-2009, 06:27 AM

Staravia is now lvl20, on account of single handedly wiping out the Grass gym. Go Wing Attack.

However, I've come to a stuck point, which I feel I must elucidate in large print:

I FUCKING HATE HMS.

Rock Smash I got away with giving to some Geodude that got shelved as soon as I got my Onix so I didn't feel like I was out anything.

But now I have to give Cut to something, just to get to the next step, and frankly, I don't want to give it to anyone. Not any of my current team, anyway, and I really hate to have to lose one just to start an HM mule.

Yeah I've always hated the whole HM thing.
I'd like to have the option of putting it in a move slot and having it useable in battle or putting it in a utility slot where it's not for battle, but doesn't count as one of your four regular moves either.
For some (Surf, Fly) it's not so bad, but for things like Rock Smash, Cut and Flash it's just irritating.

JayVe

01-02-2009, 06:34 AM

I FUCKING HATE HMS.

I agree, but a Pokémon adventure is more than just fighting. Rarely do I have my 'whole team' with me. I've usually got a number of spots open for utility Pokémon, and Pokémon I'm raising. In fact, I have a whole box called "Team" in which I keep Pokémon I'm interested in raising.

J Arcane

01-04-2009, 10:05 PM

I am slightly bummed.

From the looks of things, I may not be able to get a Gastly low enough level in Diamond to go for my usual Hypnosis/Dream Eater/Nightmare build. The Old Chateau looks like my only hope, all the other ones are 16 minimum which means they'll have long since replaced it it seems. There's a chance I can get a level 12 in Old chateau which judging by the learn set could potentially still have Hypnosis, but otherwise it looks like my ghosty will be all about the direct assault.

Also I just found out this damn egg I've been carrying aroudn is a baby Chansey, and am suddenly debating whether I care.

I'm also starting to come around to CES' "Onix sucks" opinion. Yes, he is basically indestructible, but he can't fuckign hurt anything. He's got the lowest attack of anything I've caught. I think he'll be subbed out for a Geodude or my Machop.

CES

01-05-2009, 03:17 AM

I'm also starting to come around to CES' "Onix sucks" opinion. Yes, he is basically indestructible, but he can't fucking hurt anything. He's got the lowest attack of anything I've caught. I think he'll be subbed out for a Geodude or my Machop.

You could EV train the attack till your eyeballs fall out and Onyx would still suck. It's also weak against a lot of common types. Go with the Machop-Machoke line if you want decent power rock moves or go with Geodude-Graveller if you want hard hitting ground moves. Geodude having the added bonus of being able to screw over those pesky flying types.

LongStepMantis

01-05-2009, 02:54 PM

I agree, but a Pokémon adventure is more than just fighting. Rarely do I have my 'whole team' with me. I've usually got a number of spots open for utility Pokémon, and Pokémon I'm raising. In fact, I have a whole box called "Team" in which I keep Pokémon I'm interested in raising.

Same. I often over level my team, so I keep one slot free for an HM slave.

Some of the HMs are decent enough to be usable, like Surf. Then you have HMs like Cut...no thanks.

Also, I caught one of the Snorlax in FireRed, and was thinking about making him into a resting tank.
Anyone have an opinion on him?

I also feel like an asshole now because I kept waiting for my Golbat to evolve for about 20 levels...when I realized he's not evolving because I haven't beat the E4 yet. No national dex means he can't evolve into Crobat, period.