Pokemon of the Week 12/5/11 Vileplume

Flower power packs a wallop with this week’s Ev Trained Pokemon. Vileplume brings twinkling terror with teetering dances and painful petals. Vicious vegetation is what we are raising today.

Ability: Effect Spore (Hidden Ability)
Type: Grass/ Poison
Nature: Modest
Weakness: Ice/ Fire/ Psychic/ Flying

Base Stats:
Hp-75
Atk-80
Def-85
Sp.Atk-100
Sp.Def-90
Spd-50

EV Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-0
Def-124
Sp.Atk-248
Sp.Def-124
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestions:
-Sludge Bomb
-Energy Ball
-Teeter Dance
-Giga Drain
Additional Valuable Moves: Solarbeam/ Petal Dance/ Hidden Power

Moveset Sidenotes:
Vileplume, while having grand Special Attack Stats, falls short with a meager move pool. You’ll most likely use this Pokemon to loosen up your opponent with poison and confusion. As soon as Vileplume steps up to the plate, confuse the opponent with “Teeter Dance.” An additional status malady can be added to opponents Pokemon by knowing the optimal switch time. Thanks to its ability “Effect Spore,” physical damage taken by Vileplume results in a 30% chance of either paralyzing, poisoning, or putting the opponent to sleep. Prediction plays a big role in knowing prime times to play certain members.

One thing Vileplume has great amounts of, is Grass type power. Players have options to strike with a whopping 120 base powered “Solarbeam,” “Petal Dance,” or lesser powered dependable “Energy Ball.” For Solarbeam to be effective, without wasting time charging the move, be sure the sun shines bright on the field. Petal Dance requires no prior plays to set up a satisfactory charge. One caveat to choosing the powerful petal approach, is that once Vileplume terminates its twirling, it will be confused. This danger can be avoided by attaching a Lum Berry to your Poke before entering the engagement.

Being the only option for an alternative type Special Attack, Hidden Power needs to cover Vileplume’s major weaknesses. I recommend setting Hidden Power to Rock Type to combat three out of four weaknesses. This will not only surprise the opponent with a super effective strike, but also shield Vileplume despite its weak move selection. Giga Drain exists only as an option to boost Hp. Keep type diversity in mind when choosing its final moveset. Health will be irrelevant if you can’t deflect one hit knock outs.

Conclusion:
Overall Vileplume for Meta game is an unimpressive specimen. All too often awesome Pokemon are given the short end of the stick in having powerful attacks. With an inability to diversify moves waged at opponents, its effectiveness is limited. Skilled trainers can incorporate it into strategy for interesting and uncommon teams. New trainers should consider stronger allies that are Grass type, because Vileplume is not grand.

Pokemon of the Week 11/28/11 Quagsire

With goofy smile gleaming, Quagsire steps up for Effort Value training. Holding strong striking power, with resistant abilities, it adds an interesting twist to team strategy. Search the swamps because this water fish is fresh!

Ability: Water Absorb
Type: Water/ Ground
Nature: Careful (+Sp.Def, -Sp.Atk
Weakness: Grass

Base Stats:
Hp-95
Atk-85
Def-85
Sp.Atk-65
Sp.Def-65
Spd-35

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-248
Def-124
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-124
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
- Ice Punch (Gen IV)
-Iron Tail (Gen IV)
-Brick Break
-Waterfall
Additional Valuable Moves: Body Slam (Egg), Earthquake

Moveset Sidenotes:
From the onset, we see Quagsire's Stats to be underwhelming. Seen to be a common Pokemon, does not mean it's useless in battle. Focus on strong suits, and train for striking force. Quagsire's dopey grin comes from the fact he's only hit super effectively against Grass types alone. Grass Pokemon can be discarded early in the match, if drawn out onto the field properly. Consider having a lure Pokemon to convince opponents, “now would be prime time to use my grandiose Grass Poke.” Pull the switcheroo, and demolish the Grass type before it can even touch the swamp beast. When the field is clear for Quagsire, unleash the fiendish fish!

Just as important, if not more, than setting up the field for Quagsire, comes in knowing when to switch him into the fray. Its ability "Water Absorb" takes Water type attacks and converts them into health points! Another bait and switch tactic would be viable here. Once all Grass types on your opponent’s side are gone, tempt them to launch a strong Water type move towards you, with (insert Pokemon weak to Water here). Before the eminent strike, switch to Quagsire and gain health rather than become one hit knocked out.

With proper switching and field preparation, Quagsire has his work cut out for him. Generation four yielded many positive physical moves for multitudes of Pokemon. That’s why I recommend raising it in one of the past titles, rather than fifth generation, Black or White. Ice punch hits hard against pesky Grass types, should your opponent have a straggler. "Iron Tail" shatters Ice types and crushes Rock with a powerful 100 base power damage. Brick Break, aside from being a significant solid fighting move, shatters barriers raising opponent's defense (Light Screen or Reflect). Waterfall is necessary for the same type attack bonus to activate upon usage. Deciding additional moves once more falls on your shoulders and how your team is raised. Cover your comrade’s weaknesses with balanced movesets and equal type pairings of member.

Conclusion:
My first encounter with this lovable oaf came from a sticker I found once in a "Wonderball" chocolate candy treat. Since then my relationship with the mud fish has only gotten sweeter! As a professional Pokemon trainer, Quagsire plants a surprisingly good stance in scuffs. Its ability, combined with blubbery mass, morph it into an offensive Wall of sorts. Needing field preparation beforehand, it can cover more ground than originally thought. Add this watery dough ball to your team to astonish and annihilate rivals!

Pokemon of the Week 11/21/11 Zangoose

Zooming in from Hoenn Region, Zangoose strikes! Wielding powerful claws, with Seviper seeking force, it has potential to be a Sweeper. Let's slash to success.

Ability: Immunity
Type: Normal
Weakness: Fighting
Nature: Adamant

Baste Stats:
Hp-73
Atk-115
Def-60
Sp.Atk-60
Sp.Def-60
Spd-90

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-18
Atk-246
Def-0
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-0
Spd-246

Moveset Suggestion:
-Swords Dance
-Crush Claw
-X Scissor
-Aerial Ace
Moveset Suggestion: Dig/ Rock Slide/ Poison Jab/ Nigh Slash (Egg)/ Fire Punch (Gen Iv), Ice Punch (Gen Iv), Thunder Punch (Gen Iv)

Moveset Sidenotes:
Zangoose epitomizes the definition of a sweeper: large physical attack Stat, with a large move pool to choose from. When raising one for your team, check your type balances. If you lack a sufficient Electric type attacker, arm Zangoose with "Thunder Punch". "Swords Dance" will enhance all physical moves, but I recommend looking into "Baton Passing" Stat boosts, due to its relatively low defensive Stats. For added attack, attach a Poison Orb to Zangoose with the ability "Toxic Boost". Once it's poisoned, the attack power will be boosted fifty percent!

This hidden ability is no doubt added because of Zangoose's history with Seviper the poisonous snake. Reading its Pokedex entry reveals "It has feuded with Seviper for many generations." I find it awesome, that the Pokemon Company pays close attention to their own story continuity, even down to minor abilities that make sense.

While Zangoose strikes with heavy hitting claws of chaos, it can be struck down simply itself. Be sure to clear your opponent's roster of all fighting types that can one hit KO your pokemon. Thankfully being Normal type, gives it the advantage of sustaining only one type weakness. Zangoose gains you great coverage with its vast move pool. Experiment with moves that work well with the rest of your strategy, just note moves with (Gen Iv) beside them, mean these can only be procured in the fourth generation. This excludes the "Toxic Boost" ability, however it allows you further advanced move options.

Conclusion:
Zangoose has a lot to offer trainers just starting out looking for a strong ally. The versatile movesets for this Poke, plus powerful physical attack, grant it great Sweeping powers. Set the field on fire with this fast and strong striker. Claw your way to victory with Zangoose courage!

Pokemon of the Week 11/14/11 Typhlosion

Blazing into this Week's slot of Ev Trained Pokemon, is the scorching fully evolved starter, Typhlosion! Originating from a fire quil cushion, Typhlosion bring explosive fire power to the Meta game. Functioning far better under sunlight, let's observe how to foster the flame.

Ability: Flash Fire (Hidden Ability)
Type: Fire
Weakness: Ground/ Water/ Rock
Nature: Modest

Base Stats:
Hp-78
Atk-84
Def-78
Sp.Atk-109
Sp.Def-85
Spd-100


Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-18
Atk-0
Def-0
Sp.Atk-246
Sp.Def-0
Spd-246

Moveset Suggestion:
-Flamethrower
-Extrasensory (Egg Move)
-Solarbeam
-Eruption
Additional Valuable Moves: Focus Blast/ Hidden Power (Grass)/ Sunny Day

Moveset Sidenotes:
Typhlosion is a total attacker. I'm not refering to the surfer/stoner definition of "total," but rather an "all or nothing" fighter. Based on its original Stats, Special Attack will be your prime focus. Not harboring grand defense or Hp, forces you into the "hit em' hard, and fast" strategy. As its Pokeball hits the ground, you want Typhlosion to errupt like an unstopable mach volcano, otherwise it could be doused with a mere bucket.

Setting up the stage for your hot head, is top priority. It's ill advised to waste a precious offensive turn with Typhlosion, just to set up the sun. Let the Beatles bring out the rays, then fling your fire to show that burning desire. "Eruption" acts as a grand first effort. The power of this move is solely based on the Hp of your Pokemon, which makes it a starting battle seige. Ideally with the sun at your side, "Solarbeam," can be launched without charge time, making your Fire type, a deadly Grass sweeper. Since Solarbeam also gaurds Typhlosion against all Weaknesses, this move is absolutely vital. Trainers can opt for the less powerful, no charge time, "Hidden Power," but be positive the type of power you push is Grass type.

"Flamethrower" is a stand alone strong, reliable (accuracy wise), and effective move, that could easily replace "Eruption." One caveat with this switch, is the loss of immediate starting power you have to One Hit K.O. opponents. Beneficially speaking, "Flamethrower's" base power is 95 and only grows stronger with the sun in play. "Extrasensory" involves breeding, but is highly worth while. Before this Psychic type move, a "Special Sweeper" set rarely was possible with Typhlosion. Admittedly harboring more physical than special attacks, might make players reconsider my suggested Ev set. My warning to the curious, is far lesser power awaits on the physical side of this pyro. Players also have the fortune of possibly causing opponents to flinch, when unleashing the powerful psychic force.

With the sun shining, your opponent may be inclined to have the effect work against you, by launching his/her own strong seering moves. Fight fire with fire, thanks to Typhlosion's Hidden Ability, "Flash Fire." When hit with an offensive Fire type move, your Pokemon's Fire type attacks become 1.5 effective. Additonally, while this Ability is in effect, your Poke will be invincible taking no damage from further Fire type moves. Opponents will recognize the futile situation fast, and surely forefit their original retrebution strategy.


Conclusion:
Typhlosion is my all time favorite, when it comes to fully evolved starters. Many adventures were enjoyed with my firey pal, as we traversed the Johto region and beyond. Now the journey is passed on to you! Upcoming trainers, take this trustworthy firestarter at your side, and Sweep the compettition for ultimate victory. If Typhlosion takes damage, it won't last long, so set the stage befor your star emerges for its sweltering performance. Typhlosion is an explosion of awesome, so if you have alternate methods for training one, please leave your thoughts in the comments section of this particular post. See you next week=D

Pokemon of the Week 11/7/11 Crawdaunt

A powerful force floats up from the deep dark sea, with this week's Ev Trained Pokémon, Crawdaunt. Dealing with sub-par Stats; strategy will be vital in raising a proper team, to incorporate this daunting ally. Fifth generation brings this crustacean a crazy new sweeping ability, to make up for the short comings.

Ability: Adaptability
Type: Water/ Dark
Weakness: Grass/ Bug/ Electric/ Fighting
Nature: Adamant (+Atk-Sp.Atk)
Base Stats:
Hp-63
Atk-120
Def-85
Sp.Atk-90
Sp.Def-55
Spd-55

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-248
Def-124
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-124
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
-Crabhammer
-Crunch
-Dig
-Aerial Ace
Additional Valuable Moves: Night Slash/ Brick Break/ Rock Slide/ X-Scissor/ Body Slam (Egg)


Moveset Sidenotes:
Crawdaunt, while crafty in concept, fails in statistics. Low Stats for all, but Attack, don't leave much wiggle room for remaining on the field. This results in the crab needing copious amounts of support from your tentative team members. Two methods of supporting Crawdaunt would be to "Baton Pass" Stat boosts from other party members onto him, or paralyzing your opponent to give it the first move advantage. Crawdaunt falls just short of a Sweeper. Due to these low Stats, it’s near impossible to stand in battle without assistance. Where its near miss of Sweeper classification comes from, is the new "Hidden Ability," Adaptability.

Adaptability makes moves of the same type as Crawdaunt, i.e. Dark or Water types, have x2 effectiveness. Any average Poke player realizes that normally effective Water and Dark moves now have the same damage ratio as a "Super Effective" move. This Poke's purpose is to be your undertaker in the team. Once properly set up, Crawdaunt can be a crazy power house. “Crabhammer” (Water) and “Crunch” (Dark) are your main tools for demolishing foes. “Dig” offers some safety from Electric types, if the crab can burrow quickly into the battlefield, before being struck. Considering this will alter your support strategy, whether or not Crawdaunt symbolizes more than just a quick K.O. If you wish to have staying power with this Poke, you'll need to “Baton Pass” appropriate Stat boosts from one member to Crawdaunt. “Aerial Ace” offers protection from both Bug and Grass types, which this Poke is weak towards.

The optional moves provided are reserved for the more daring or experimental players. I highly recommend keeping one Water and Dark type move equipped to the crab, for maximization of its ability. Decide which additional moves to teach based on your team's overall effectiveness towards any type challenge. Being partially Dark itself, Crawdaunt is a fine candidate for X-Scissor, eliminating both Dark and Psychic opposition with ease. As I stress often, good team building requires balance, excess of any sort will lead to defeat.


Conclusion:
In my mind, Crawdaunt appears to be one of the coolest creatures of the third generation. In Pokemon however, image isn’t everything, and the numbers don't lie, posing a difficult strategic foil for anyone wishing to incorporate the crab into their team. Make sure each member compliments one another by either type or move collaboration such as the “Baton Pass” tactic. When the field is open for Crawdaunt, opponents beware, because this ruffian is outrageous in physical prowess.

Pokemon of the Week 10/31/11 Magnezone

Reflecting numerous types, this powerful Wall emerges. Fighting with a furious Special Attack, it can defeat foes and stay steadfast amongst sweepers. Let's build a Wall!
Ability: Analyze/ Sturdy
Type: Steel/ Electric
Weakness: Ground/ Fight/ Fire
Nature: Sassy (+Sp.Def -Spd)
Base Stats:
Hp-70
Atk-70
Def-115
Sp.Atk-130
Sp.Def-90
Spd-60

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-126
Atk-0
Def-138
Sp.Atk-126
Sp.Def-120
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
-Gyro Ball
-Magnet Rise
-Volt Switch
-Tri Attack
Additional Valuable Moves: Mirror Coat/ Thunderbolt/ Light Screen/ Barrier

Moveset Sidenotes:
Magnezone is versatile statistically. With alteration of movesets and abilities, it can instantly be more Walling or an attacking force. Sturdy frees you from One Hit Knock-outs, but seems worthless if you've raised it for defense in Effort Value Training. With high Defense and Special Defense, it’s unlikely you’ll be taken out in one shot. Additionally, Sturdy can be disarmed by your opponent with common arena traps such as "stealth rocks." My recommendation is to couple "Analyze," causing Magnezone to gain power if attacking second, with Gyro Ball which increases in power depending on how slow the user is. Partially a Wall, speed will be meaningless to train towards. Power is gained from lacking speed, but beware tumultuous ground terrors.
To free your Wall from its largest vulnerability, use Magnet Rise to give Magnezone temporary levitation. Once safe from earthquake, focus on taking out the original opposing threat. If remaining on the field seems to risky, pull a volt switch to counter your Wall's weakness. Reflecting back their force only is advantageous through Mirror Coat if you're certain a special attack is eminent. If hit with a physical move whilst predicting special, Mirror Coat will reflect nothing, and your efforts will be wasted. Finally Tri-Attack has good base power with the bonus of freezing, paralyzing, or burning the opponent.

Conclusion:
Magnezone stands strong reflecting many types, while providing good offensive maneuverability. Forming this fighter with more defensive moves, sets the rest of your team up for solid protection through barrier attacks. This shocking metal monstrosity will mock your rivals as they desperately try to break through. Remember levitation is not innate for this Poke, so raise those magnets!

Pokemon of the Week 10/24/11 Sableye

With superb support, Sableye sneaks onto the scene... Enabled by the fifth generation ability "Prankster," this Poke will be pulling plenty of shenanigans. Devious status altering effects are what you can expect with this little gremlin.

Ability: Prankster

Type: Dark/ Ghost

Weakness: None

Nature: Careful (+Sp.Def -Sp.Atk)

Base Stats:

Hp-50

Atk-75

Def-75

Sp.Atk-65

Sp.Def-65

Spd-50

EV Spread: (510) Hp:14 Atk:0 Def:248 Sp.Atk:0 Sp.Def:248 Spd:0

Moveset Suggestion:

-Confuse Ray
-Substitute
-Recover
-Wilo-Wisp
Additional Valuable Moves: Night Shade/ Shadow Sneak/ Attract/ Toxic

Moveset Sidenotes:

Sableye acts as an ultimate Troll towards your opponents! The hidden ability Prankster allows status affecting moves to forge forward first. Being a supporter, this works smashingly! Having low basic Stats in the past rendered this Pokemon virtually useless. Even if you had devious tricks such as Wilo-Wisp (causing burn status) or Confuse Ray (causing confusion status); rarely would you ever release a move due to Sableye's low base stats. Prankster levels the playing field, allowing you to do the most with the limited base stats it has.
Having low natural stats means you'll want to raise this Poke from an egg. What you gain through doing the proper breeding, is a sneaky supporter with superb recovery times. Since Substitute is a "status altering" move, it will play out first. Once safe behind a Sub, “Recover” your lost health points, to put Sableye back on top. Back at full health, you can begin to barrage your opponent with annoyances such as confusion and burn. Burn on top of damaging an opponent each turn, also halves the attack stat of the scorched Poke. Confusion works wonders towards stalling your opponent's attacks, on top of damaging them if they attack themselves out of confusion.
Supporters don't remain in the game for the entire phase. Once your opponent is greatly confused, burning, and/or toxified; switch to a stronger member in hopes of eliminating the competition once and for all. Sableye has the additional advantage of resisting all type weaknesses. Granted this comes at the price of having low natural stat ability, it won't hinder you, so long as your team is well balanced. Keep health high while on the field and feel free to use plenty of Subs in order to keep its guard up.

Conclusion:
Sableye on its own poses little threat and can be eliminated most often with a simple Taunt (forcing attacking moves only), or pure power diminishing Substitutions with a Sweeper. Strategy comes forth to save this little Troll via "Prankster", by enabling Supporting moves to strike first. When opponents are bewildered by this small but deadly foe, switch out to finish the job! The important thing to keep in mind at all times while using this Poke, is the role it plays being purely Supporter. No one Pokemon on its own can win a Meta game match, that's why I stress the importance of balanced team building when instituting Sableye for future strategies. Next week we'll walk back to the Wall side of Meta game, establishing staunch strongholds for your Ev Trained team!

Pokemon of the Week 10/17/11 Scrafty

Recall last week when I revealed we'll be looking at Supporter Ev training? To my surprise, Scrafty is a Wall combined with sweet Sweeper capabilities. During my Let's Play of Pokemon Black which can be found on www.whatZinsidemyhead.com, I never encountered the true terror of this Poke. The main game programs NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) to have annoying confusion sets with Scrafty, however this week I'll be showing you how to boost moves and stats for the optimal Scrafty in Meta game.

Ability: Moxie
Type: Fighting/ Dark
Weakness: Flying/ Fighting
Nature: Careful (+Sp.Def -Sp.Atk)
Base Stats:
Hp-65
Atk-90
Def-115
Sp.Atk-45
Sp.Def-115
Spd-58

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-248
Def-124
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-124
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
-Brick Break
-Crunch
-Rock Slide
-Bulk Up
Additional Valuable Moves: Poison Jab/ Stone Edge/ Dragon Claw/ Dragon Tail

Moveset Sidenotes:
Last week we covered a pure Wall. This week we witness how a Wall can also be your best offensive strategy. The two factors making this sweeping set possible is the ability Moxie and the move Bulk Up. Moxie heightens attack by one stage when an opponent is knocked out. The more terror caused, contributes greatly to Scrafty's overall affect. Bulk Up builds your Wall's defense and physical attack by one stage each time you enact it. Deffensivley after a few Bulk Ups, Scrafty will be impenitrable. Be mindful of Special Attacks from flying type Pokemon; Bulk Up only raises Defense not Special. After properly Ev Training however, you'll witness your Poke's grand defensive capabilities in both Defense and Special Defense, giving you wiggle room to exterminate the frustrating Flying Types like Togekiss in curt time.

Being partially dark type gives Scrafty a huge advantage of completely resisting Psychic types. Use this factor to your advantage by setting up unexpected switches via Volt Switch or U-Turn, when you're certain a Psychic move will be launched. When Scrafty appears, your opponent will most likely repeal their Psychic Poke, giving you time to set up Bulk Up safetly. Investing Effort Value Points into attack frees you from fixating on Bulk Up. Don't let it be a deversion, giving your opponent time to set up stat boosting moves and arena traps. Keep in mind, with the Moxie ability enabled, opponents can be swept in a snap. Judge the battle wisely; if it calls for boosted defense, spam Bulk Up, if not, enjoy Moxie increasing attack power after every victorious smack down.

Scrafty sweeps with a blanced move pool. Include a Fighting and Dark Type move to take advantage of its dual type S.T.A.B. (Same Type Attack Bonus). I recommend attaching a Wide Lens to your Poke in order to boost accuracy. Rock Slide or Stone Edge will handle Flying types with ease. As for Fighting types, be sure to Bulk Up before facing them. Fighting vs. Scrafty is all about pure power ergo Bulk Up is crucial and I urge you to keep Scrafty off the field until the threat is eliminated either by one of your other team members, or until you have a stat boost from earlier in the match for Scrafty.

Conclusion:
Although not the Supporter I supposed it was, Scrafty makes a dire Sweeper. Bulk Up plus Moxie create a defensive and offensive monster. The power of this Poke could be seen as unfair, but I'll leave it to your judgement whether or not you'll torment opponents with unstoppable power. Next week we'll be assuredly looking at Supporters, not surprise Sweepers such as Scrafty.

Pokemon of the Week 10/10/11 Bronzong

The epitome of a "Wall" hovers forth. Join me this week as we look into how to construct an impenitrable fortress with Bronzong. Partially Psychic and Steel, opponents will kneel to the power of this impenitrable Poke!

Ability: Heat Proof/ Levitate
Nature: Relaxed
Base Stats:
Hp-67
Atk-89
Def-116
Sp.Atk-79
Sp.Def-116
Spd-33

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-0
Def-248
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-248
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
-Light Screen
-Reflect
-Toxic
-Future Sight
Additonal Valuable Moves: Rest/ Explosion/ Iron Defense/ Stealth Rocks/ Payback

Moveset Sidenotes:
This Pokemon is what in the Meta game we would call a "Wall." More will be coming to my site in terms of defining all these aspects in Meta game, but in short Bronzong will be your defense exclusivley. Looking at the stats, Bronzong wouldn't do bad in Attack and less well in Special, however this would be an absolute waste of Effort Value points. For anyone new to Ev Training, the max amount of stat boosting you can do is up to 510 Effort Value Points. This is percisley why every week I include the arangment of points for each Poke. Conclusivley to put any investment in Attack is a waste when your team already posseses sweepers (Offensive Players).

Drawing your attention to the two possiblities for Ability (excluding Hidden Ability), Bronzong plays a little mind game with your foes. Levitate allows you to switch in during a potentially devestating earthquake move to one of your team members. It prevents your Pokemon from being trapped in battle by such abilities like Arena Trap as well. This gives you invulnerability against any ground type however with this reveal, the opponent will know Bronzong remains weak to fire. Arming your wall with the Heat Proof ability halves Fire Type damage, allowing you to fight through the fire and flames directly. What's great about Heat Proof, is not many opponents knowing in depth details about the Meta game, will assume Bronzong has Levitate just by the animation of its entry into battle. Now you trick your opponent into thinking you resist Ground, when really you're repeling Fire Types. If all goes according to plan, you can take a Fire Type move with ease and avoid Earthquakes from your opponents uncertainty. You lose a switch out for any of your team members being hit with Earthquake, but the mental warfare you can have with an enemy is fun when holding an odd ability.

As a wall, Bronzong will mainly set up the rest of your team for pwnage(pronunced pone-ege). Use Reflect and Light Screen to defend your team from Special and normal Physical Attacks. Toxic works wonderfully when you need to stall your opponent. For more of a stalling wall, add Rest to Bronzong to continue bringing it back from the brink of death. Be sure to count the five turns when you unleash a barrier move, because you'll want to set the stage for a reoccuring screen safety when the original disipates. Future sight serves as a good annoyer and protects Bronzong from being beaten by one simple taunt. Wonderfully so, once Bronzong is off the field, the attack will still land with a wopping base damage of 100.


Conclusion:
Bronzong is a beast when it comes to Defense and Special Defense. Having an option of two resistant abilities allow you to play mind games with your foe. Bronzong lends your team added Defense through barriers. If you need a solid wall to start your Ev trained team, this would be the best place to start. Next week we'll take a look at a super supporter!

Pokemon of the Week 10/3/11 Chandelure

Inspired by a recent episode of a Let's Play I'm watching called "Sakura Wars," (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ep2LDnDclQ&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL_) commentated by my pal HollowLuigi, I've decided to premier this fifth gen poke. The ghostly chandelier Pokemon; Chandelure. Partially Ghost and Fire Type, this new fifth gen fusion bears a whopping Special Attack. As expected, its power can be raised even greater. Through this guide I'll show you the pinnacle of raising this illuminating sweeper.

Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Modest
Base Stats:
Hp-60
Atk-55
Def-90
Sp.Atk-145
Sp.Def-90
Spd-80

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-22
Atk-0
Def-120
Sp.Atk-248
Sp.Def-120
Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
-Heat Wave
-Psychic
-Shadow Ball
-Energy Ball
Additional Valuable Moves: Solarbeam/ Fire Blast/ Calm Mind

Moveset Sidenotes:
This sweeper has all the bases covered. Making Chandelure such an excellent sweeper, is the outrageous base power of its Special Attack attribute and its non-mediocre move-pool. Taking on the dual type of Ghost and Fire yields some wicked combinations for Special Attacks. However with great power comes great vulnerability. Chandelure is weak, type wise, against Dark, Ghost, Rock, Ground, and Water types. Thankfully it possesses good counters to most of these situations. When engaging the enemy with either Rock, Ground, or Water Pokemon, pull your powerful Energy Ball (Grass Type Move) to shut em' down! Ghosts can counter ghosts, so with your "Same Type Attack Bonus" or S.T.A.B, you should encounter little troubles in removing these threats. Dark types still loom as a linchpin in your plan. My recommendation is to use pure power via a strong Heat Wave attack giving you the potential to burn any last standing scorched opponents.
Although a proud sweeper, Chandelure's ability flash fire begs to use the "Bait and Switch" tactic. When hit with a Fire Type move, Chandelure's attacks hit with a 1.5 effectivness (not applying resistance/ weakness). Rather than a true baiting maneuver, prepare to set up your sweeper by coaxing the opponent into a Fire Type attack. If done successfully, you'll have set up your ghostly sweeper without having to waste a turn to enable "Calm Mind."

Conclusion:
If you need power on your team, this lamp is packing! To not only have the dual type advantage of being Ghost/ Fire, but additionally posses the ability to wield a Grass Type move is superior. If you find a bulkier set like I've demonstrated, does not work for you, re-invest your Evs all in Speed, Special Attack, with the remaining going to Hp. Something to beware while facing these shadowy chandeliers, is their "Hidden Ability" Shadow Tag. What this will do, is act as a "Mean Look," preventing you from switching out your team members during vital plays. With proper switching, Chandelure could be a team lock destroyer, forcing players to keep foolish plays in session. Yet again this anomaly alone proves the scope of Ev training is vast, so if you have suggestions or edits to this set please comment below. Next week I'll be working on a "Wall," so stay tuned for more Ev Training excellence by yours truly.

Pokemon of the Week #2 9/19/11 Togekiss

Along with Banette, this week special "Hidden Ability" Togekiss becomes available. Unlike Banette, where it's a direct download for a certain period of time; you'll be able to raise a set similar to the one below, on your birthday! When you register your "Dream World" account online, be sure to insert your birthday for a big Wi-Fi surprise. I reiterate this Wi-Fi gift is only available for Black & White and cannot be transferred to a previous generation games. Super Luck is this Modest Master's altered ability, granting higher Critical Hit-Ratios.

Ability:Super Luck (Dream World Ability)
Nature:Modest
Base Stats:
Hp-85
Atk-50
Def-95
Sp.Atk-120
Sp.Def-115
Spd-80

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-82
Atk-0
Def-82
Sp.Atk-248
Sp.Def-82
Spd-16

Moveset Suggestion:
-Air Slash
-Aura Sphere
-Psychic
-Heat Wave
Additional Valuable Moves: Shadow Ball/ AncientPower/ Roost/ Water Pulse/ Magical Leaf

Moveset Sidenotes:
In complete antithesis to the other Ev Trained Pokemon of the Week, Togekiss packs a wallop with a large move pool. This kiss of death as I like to call him, is one of my favorite Meta game team members. Amazing Special Attack that can One Hit-Ko most, so long as it's Super Effective. Additionally it packs extra bulk for sustaining any feeble attempts at retaliation from your opponent. When looking at Togekiss' movesets consider what your team is lacking in powerful sweeping type advantage. To play it safe and get a feel for the power of this poke, try creating an Elemental set comprised of Heat Wave, Magical Leaf, Water Pulse, and Roost. While these aren't Togekiss' main power moves (except for Heat Wave), they will give you ample coverage against any type you come across. Roost works especially well in this Poke because of its optional bulky stats letting it stay in the match for the long run, rather than a quick slash.
If pure power is your prowess than consider re-organizing its Evs towards only Speed, Special Attack, and the remaining on Hp. Truly the reason this Poke is so fun to train and use in Meta game, is you don't know what to expect. All you can count on, is that the move will be quite caustic to any members ill-prepared to pwn a flying type. The set suggested above gives you great coverage against types like Fighting, Grass, Ice, Poison, Steel, Rock, Bug, ect the list carries on! To avoid having a move "brick" on you, switch Psychic for Shadow Ball. It still gives you the chance of lowering foe's Sp.Def, but it won't be negated with a Dark Type or stalled with a Psychic on your opponent's team. Have fun safe in the knowledge that additionally with this particular kiss, critical hits are increased in ratio due to Super Luck. Thankfully Tms are now reusable in fifth generation, which makes experimenting with your Moveset a lot less painful.

Conclusion:
Hands down, this Pokemon is close to my heart! I've swept many with my personal "DreadBlimp," and such a sweeper can be yours, as soon as your Birthday roles around! Expect to see many more of these scary sweepers in today's Meta Game. Keep on testing and very little will go array. Always know that Togekiss is designed for Special Attack, so you may be wasting your time trying alternate physical sets. Even so, I always encourage testing of any type, whether it seems logical or not. You never know what kind of loop you could send your opponents on when you shock them with an alternate unexpected set. If you come up with your own Ev set for this sweeper, feel free to comment within the Blog itself and spread the insight. That does it for your double does of Ev Training Trials, until next week, I'm DeoGenZ; peace=D

Pokemon of the Week #1 9/19/11 Banette

Starting this Week and ending on March of 2012, you'll be able to download through Wi-Fi Mystery Gift a special Banette. What makes this free event special, is the Dream World ability "Cursed Body." Being a Dream World download means unfortunately this is exclusively for Black & White, excluding the other Ds generation Pokemon Games (D,P,Dpt,Hg,Ss). Inspired by those factors I devised an Ev Set specifically towards this Hidden Ability.

Ability: Cursed Body
Nature: Adamant
Base Stats:
Hp-64
Atk-115
Def-65
Sp.Atk-83
Sp.Def-63
Spd-65

Ev Spread: (510)
Hp-14
Atk-248
Def-0
Sp.Atk-0
Sp.Def-0
Spd-248

Moveset Suggestion:
-Shadow Sneak
-Destiny Bond
-Gunk Shot (Egg Move)
-Wilo-Wisp
Additional Valuable Moves: Sucker Punch/ Giga Impact/ Toxic/ Thunder Wave

Moveset Sidenotes:
Banette seems to me to be in a "Never Use" or NU category when it comes to Meta Game. When looking at its base stats, we see the most favorable trait is once again physical attack. However the move pool suggests it to be better suited for Special Attack. It makes for a rather frustrating set no matter how you train. While yes you could attempt a Calm Mind strategy to boost the low Sp.Atk stat, I wouldn't recommend it based on Banette's low Speed, Defense, Sp.Defense, and Hp... Still, if you're looking to use that freshly downloaded Banette from the Wi-Fi Mystery Gift, then this set should be ship in firm (Gorillaz Reference). To gain Banette's strongest Attack, power wise, you'll need to breed this Banette in order to obtain the Egg Move "Gunk Shot" (Base 120) and transfer your downloaded Poke's ability. In this case you'll be breeding to keep the "Dream World" ability Cursed Body, which gives you a 30% chance of disabling your opponent's move when Banette is struck. If you don't feel it's worth your time, and I understand why, then perhaps try some of the additional suggested moves for greater power.
Shadow Sneak always hits first, but only does a base 40 damage. Sucker Punch could be more beneficial in pure power (Base 80), but Shadow Sneak gives you security of assuredly hitting first despite the opponent's choice of move. Sucker Punch is only effective in striking first when the opponent attempts to launch an offensive move at Banette. If you want to re-allocate the Speed Evs placed on this particular set to make Banette more balanced, try giving it Thunder Wave to gain the first strike advantage, plus para-hax. From this and a couple of other annoyance options such as Wilo-Wisp we conclude Banette's sad shallow physical move pool. Again it baffles my mind that a ghost would have strong physical Attacking stats with little to no effective physical moves. Best of luck in raising this one, I'd love to see it in action if anyone happens to post a video.

Conclusion:
I've overlooked this Pokemon before and now returning to the numbers, I see why. It's a curious NU level Pokemon in my book that fails to use it's natural ability properly. What I'd love to see in future iterations of the Meta Game, is having this little puppet ghost be re-worked for better Special Attack rather than physical. Very unlikely, but a man can dream. Banette acts as good status scramblers and revenge killers with Shadow Sneak. The bait and switch tactic would work nicely here, and below I'll textual illustrate a probable battle scene.
Starting the battle it's your Infernape Vs. an opponent's Crawdaunt. In the first move Infernape has greater speed to pull of a Super Effective Grass Knot, however it fails to kill this rather bulky crab. Your opponent successfully One Hit Kos your poke with a Hydro Pump, now what to do? Banette comes in to the field. With one Shadow Sneak, you'll most likely succeed in taking it out. The next Poke your opponent chooses will most likely try for a Ghost or Dark type move seeing that's what works best against your Banette. I recommend at that point go for the switch to throw your opponent off guard. If you're lucky, you may be almost struck with a ghost type move in which you could fully resist with a flying type on your team.
Banette is not a sweeper by any stand point. But with a little help from its friends and the rest of your team, victory will be assured! All great trainers have masterfully made teams, so consider the balances and weaknesses of any group you're training before sending them all to the fray. Stay tuned today for an addditional Ev Trained Pokemon of the Week, once more inspired by a Wi-Fi download available today!

Pokemon of the Week 9/12/11 Abomasnow

The Power house ice yeti is here, and I've got an Ev set to freeze over hell! I'm choosing this grass/ ice type today due to a request I received a while back from a past PokeChat. Although that series is complete for now, I still wish to honor that person's request, so I do apologize if my set seems simple, but I normally don't work with Abomasnow. Let's learn together shall we???


Ability: Snow Warning
Nature: Adamant
Base Stats:

Hp-90

Atk-92

Def-75

Sp.Atk-92

Sp.Def-85

Spd-60

Ev Spread: (510)

Hp-124

Atk-248

Def-69

Sp.Atk-0

Sp.Def-69

Spd-0

Moveset Suggestion:
-Ice Shard
-Earthquake
-Iron Tail
-Swords Dance
Additional Valuable Moves: Seed Bomb/ Synthesis/ Rest/ Outrage/ Ice Punch

Set 1 Side Notes:
Abomasnow has many disadvantages in type, seven to be precise. Thankfully it's an icy grass tank with a versatile move pool capable of taking a few hits. Looking towards the Evs first; we see it's a naturally bulky Ice type. It truly reminds me of a frozen version of Snorlax, but unlike the sleeping beast, it lacks sufficient stat boosting moves for Defense and Special Defense. As such, we'll want to save our tank for last to blast the opponents remaining Pokes with bitter cold force that they cannot fight. When the time is right to spring an Abomasnow on your opponent, Ice Shard will make for the perfect vengeance move. It's a physical ice move that's normally weak, but when used at the right time it could potentially have a base power of 80, plus the effect of the Same Type Attack Bonus (S.T.A.B). If able, use this move on pesky powerful flying types. You're opponent will most likely see your slow snow and laugh, thinking he/ she can easily take you down in one fell swoop. Ice Shard always strikes first ergo you'll be the last one laughing stating your opponent should have focused more on Defense Evs. Earthquake tends to be essential for any physical attacker who can wield the move due to it's great base power of 100 and range of super effectiveness. Iron Tail intrigued me because this allows you to be just as effective when facing the same type of opponent (Ice), without having to waste a switch. There's a good chance your opponent would soon switch to their Ice type if they posses one, because of Snow Warning, creating hail as soon as Abomasnow sets foot on the field. The last move is up to your play style whether you're more offensive or defensive. If you're looking to stall your opponent while still being an effective attacker, you may want to consider synthesis or rest. With some Evs invested in Defense and Special Defense, even its many weaknesses can be overcome. Beware wasting a turn to synthesis while your opponent powers up his/ her attack. If your strategy is found, this could leave the opponent guessing and waiting to super charge as you re-heal. Moves like Dragon Dance are especially dangerous boosting both Attack and Speed. Other moves suggested are great for more power if you're an offensive player. I don't enjoy powerful moves that damage my Poke, so Seed Bomb rather than Wood Hammer would be the way to go instituting the second S.T.A.B move. Outrage was a brilliant surprise to me and can be to your opponents as well, while they waste time Dragon Dancing, you'll get right to business with outrage.

Conclusion:
Admittedly Abomasnow was not my favorite Meta game Poke. But after going through an Ev Set for one, I can find the enjoyment and thrill in evading those super effective hits to yield massive damage later in the match. Be wary of the seven deadly types: Steel, Rock, Bug, Flying, Poison, Fighting, and especially Fire which is four times as effective against Abomasnow. While being duel typed seems like a hindrance, I suggest using it to your advantage for two S.T.A.B moves rather than one. With the proper probing of your opponent, Abomasnow can freeze your opponents in their tracks. I highly recommend this Poke for taking out all those pesky Gliscor people seem to be main lining in the Meta Game today. Remember though, I'm not without flaws, so if you find a better Ev spread or Moveset feel free to comment within this Blog post and I'll see you next week for a new installment of Ev Trained Pokemon of the Week.

Pokemon of the Week 9/5/11 Serperior

This week we take a look at the Royal Grass starter. Serperior has been discussed in past LiveCasts, but for the sake of archives, I am jotting it down in the blog. Next week I'll cover Abomasnow; (sorry for the delay). Although a final evolution of a starter in the fifth gen; it can wield wild grass power if abilities are altered. This set looks at a dream world perspective creating a self generating Sp. Attack machine. If you have alternate sets, feel free to comment them on this post.

Ability: Contrary (Dream World Ability)

Nature: Timid +Spd -Atk

Base Stats:

Hp-75

Atk-75

Def-95

Sp.Atk-75

Sp.Def-95

Spd-113

Ev Spread: (510)

Hp-14

Atk-

Def-

Sp.Atk-248

Sp.Def-

Spd-248

Moveset Suggestions:

Set 1 Item:

-Leaf Storm

-Giga Drain

-Wring Out

-Hidden Power (Ground)

Set 1 Side Notes:

The beauty of this set is Leaf Storm having its effect reversed with the ability Contrary. Moves that lower stats reverse their effect and instead boost Sp. Atk when Serperior launches a Leaf Storm. Leading with this Poke could work if you're looking to carry crazy stats. Before your opponent has time to react, unloading a few Leaf Storms could place your Serperior at the top. Thanks to the high speed stat, you'll most likely out speed any opponent to get the early stat boost. Giga Drain covers Serperior for any health lost while upgrading your Sp.Atk. Wring Out works for the next Pokemon your opponent sends out, due to the fact it is more effective depending on the more hit points your opponent has. Lastly Hidden Power ground gives you good coverage and protection from fire Pokemon with the advantage with being pumped from Leaf Storm Contrary. Flying Pokemon could pose a threat if they have better Speed Stats, however a powerful Wring Out at the start of the match should level the playing field. Asses the opponent' strategy to know if it's safe to continue leading with Serperior in this circumstance or wiser to switch. Thanks to the Dream World ability this starter evolution has some knew tactics to throw major monkey wrenches into your rivals plans!

Conclusion: There you have it folks, a super Serperior that is fighting fit for the Sp. Atk sweeper position. Raising stats is key in any hardcore Meta Game battle, so be sure to bring Serperior out when it is appropriate. For a more reserved and better controlled strategy with this Poke, leave it waiting in the wing of your team. Bring Serperior out against a slow, preferably weak to grass type Pokemon, then use the opportunity to raise your Sp.Atk. Even if the Pokemon is switched, you'll still have one stat boost under your wing for Sp.Atk making your next move far more deadly than the last. I hope you enjoyed this Ev spread, be sure to let me know in the comments if you have edits or moveset changes that you also found to be ideal. See you next week!

PokeChat LiveCast Episode 15

Here is the full recorded LiveCast from 8/20/11

We talk about Hurricane Irene, have skype callers, and challenge the viewers to Super Smash Bros Brawl.

Pokemon of the Week 8/21/11 Azumarill

Despite the massive storms this past week and lack of LiveCast, I still present to you Ev Trained Pokemon of the Week! This week we look into the adorable aqua mouse (actually rabbit) Azumarill. This set comes straight from my old Ev training notes, so the sets may seem a tad outdated. As such I've decided as a "part 2" we can go over what has changed for better or worse for this poke.

Ability: Huge Power

Nature: Adamant

Base Stats:

Hp-100

Atk-50

Def-80

Sp.Atk-50

Sp.Def-80

Spd-50

Ev Spread: (510)

Hp-22

Atk-240

Def-124

Sp.Atk-0

Sp.Def-124

Spd-0

Moveset Suggestions:

Set 1 Item: Muscle Band

-Body Slam

-Aqua Jet

-Dig

-Ice Punch

Set 1 Side Notes:

This Azumarill has a set for massive physical damage! Before getting to the crux of its moveset, let me mention the Defensive Evs. Being bulky is one of the things Azumarill can do best. If you're looking for more defense than offense, you can slightly alter the tables by changing one move to Aqua Ring to boost Hp while keeping Muscle Band attached for power.

Additionally you can switch the ability to Thick Fat to reduce opponent's fire and ice moves by 50%. Since it's unlikely anyone would launch those types directly at Azumarill due to the type disadvantage, it would be more useful to switch it in to block those moves from vulnerable members of your team. Consider a Charizard Vs. Venasuar, you can predict a powerful fire move from Charizard, so Azumarill is switched in. Flamethrower barely does any damage with the Thick Fat ability coupled with the Ev set + type resistance. Now instead of trying to chase Charizard with Aqua Jet, use Aqua Ring to recover your little lost hp because chances are your opponent doesn't want to risk his/ her Charizard to a water type.

Offensively Huge Power Azumarill is a beast! With a few dedicated Evs to Def and Sp. Def you won't have to worry about 1-Hit Ko from super effective opponents. Huge Power doubles physical attack moves while Muscle Band raises them an additional 10% more. Ice Punch gives you coverage from troublesome grass types while dig shields you from electric types. Aqua Jet works always well as a revenge killer and doubles as your Pokemon's STAB move. STAB stands for "Same Type Attack Bonus" and means when you use a move that is the same type as the Pokemon that is using it, that move becomes more powerful.

Fifth Generation Edits:

While I designed this Azumarill with the Heart Gold & Soul Silver generation in mind, slight changes can be made to improve upon the original in the Unova Region. Let's start with the option for a new ability obtained through Dream World called Sap Sipper. This allows you to have your attack raised by one stage when hit with a grass type move that does no damage. This ability I see as being more useful in the double or even triple battle stage than single battle use. It works well if you have a grass supporter or even one that just has a non attacking grass move such as Aromatherapy, to attack Azumarill in order for it's physical attacks to be boosted. Unfortunately if you choose this Azumarill, you'll be fore going Ice Punch being a Fourth Gen Move Tutor attack only. However some attacks to fill the void of Ice Punch could be Brick Break, Waterfall(instead of Aqua Jet), Aqua Tail, Buldoze (instead of Dig), or Work Up (Raises Atk & Sp.Atk) to name a few.

Conclusion:

Azumarill works as a sufficient wall with power. It can vary it's style slightly with the adjustment of movesets and abilities. In the Fifth gen they have a tad more to worry about with the possibility of Eelektross resisting ground moves like Dig or Bulldoze. Yet the new Dream World ability could make up for lacking super effective moves by pure power up alone. This is just one of many ways you could raise this cute power house. If you have a suggestion or personal Ev set that you have tested, comment on this post and spread the info=D I'm DeoGenZ and I'll see you next PokeChat LiveCast this Sunday if this upcoming Hurricane doesn't knock out my electricity like last weekend......

Mobile Posting

Tonight we test technology! This blog comes direct via my Android mobile's text feature. Blogger has a crafty way of capturing these text messages that allow it to be posted as a full Blog post! I'm experimenting in means of communication and consciousness expansion.

Technology has erupted over the past decade, yielding wonders of Wi-Fi, social interaction, and new forms of expression. While it has been over five years since I've had conventional cable; many more are migrating to this once far-fetchd' idea in light of Youtube. The community is taking back the content, and it couldn't be cooler=D Today while waiting for render times, I scrolled through my Subscriptions box joyful to see precisely the kind of content I enjoy. Pokemon battle commentaries and Let's Plays galore! None of this could have happened without our increase in productivity and availability of technologies we rely on today.

The mere Kindle 3G Unlimited web browser is a marvel in itself. Access to the entire database of information, all be it slower than usual times, for no cost right in your hands. Many people may gawk at its black & white screen with lack of flash and slow load times, but truly it's all you need. Knowledge is truly our only tool in this age of mass marketed monocultures with choking corporations suggesting they know best.

I feel technology will be our next ascent into another phase of human evolution. More and more we meld with our machines, and perhaps this is the overall direction for our species. Looking more back in the present moment; technology is bringing us all closer together to understanding one another's stories. I'm DeoGenZ from any where in the world; and I'll catch you next discussion time. Be sure to comment and add your own two sense to keep the talks alive!

Night & Day Appreciation

It's 5Am when I was sitting completing recording for the Elite Four challenge in Pokemon Black. I look up from my play station whilst the credits roll only to realize that the sun is coming up! And then it dawned on me (lulz time pun), I positiviley love day and night cycles plus the transitions that greet their coming.

Overall I'd consider myself a night person. I've never been diagnosed, but I feel I have insomnia and I use this to my advantage. Night is when everyone else in the house is sleeping, giving me ample recording and commentary time. I can't get enough of it! However the day brings in so many more tremendous occurrences. This post isn't a debate of which is more epic (b/c Night pwns every time), this is a piece on my realization of my appreciation of the whole thing and how video games have encouraged this.

My first true termed video game (not Freddie Fish on the computer) was Pokemon Crystal. I say this only so you realize I'm biased in what my feelings for the game was, and maybe that's what leads to this epiphany after all. Making Crystal revolutionary and separate from its predecessors, are the addition of night & day cycles. This allowed for certain Pokemon to appear only at certain times. It also made true day progression, allowing for daily and weekly events such as the bug catching contest. Now everyone's favorite evolutionary titan Eevee had two new time implemented evolutions to look forward to; Espeon & Umbreon. This alone marked big memories in my mind of staying up late with my attachable Gameboy Advanced LED light, searching endlessly for fanciful night time attractions! Most likely this early exposure to long night time jaunts lead to my insomnia, so thank Crystal for efficient uploads.

Unfortunately the euphoria did not carry over into the third generation of Ruby and Sapphire. For some mysterious reason day and night cycles were cut. I speculate it was due to weather effects testing, perhaps an interference in code. Nonetheless many hardcore poke-fans found this unacceptable and dropped the series! Luckily glorious time differential by shading shifts of scenery were brought back in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. Many did return to the series due to the enhanced Wi-Fi features, but I see solar rotation as being key! Diamond & Pearl went as far as to make different sound-scapes for varying times on routes. This heightened the sense of ambiance you had when trekking down a route at different times. It also made you stop and take in your surroundings as to double check if the audio had certainly and truly changed.

The Pokemon franchise seems to have trained my brain to pay special attention to the shifting times. I played through Ruby & Sapphire enjoying it despite the lack of sunsets, however I missed them every moment! So now putting it back into perspective at 5am I stare upon the sunrise groggy eyed and gleaming. This epiphany hits me how much I appreciate visually based day & night cycles, and as the sun rise I know from sight it is time for me to sleep......

Pokemon of the Week 8/14/11 Eelektross

This week we take a look at the electric eel Pokemon Eelektross in a more offensive light. Below I provide you with a view at its base stats along with my Ev spread suggestion. Something to note is that it can easily be switched to be a modest Sp.Atk sweeper, however it depends on your moveset preference.

Ability: Levitate

Nature: Adamant

Base Stats:

Hp-85

Atk-115

Def-80

Sp.Atk-105

Sp.Def-80

Spd-50

Ev Spread: (510)

Hp-248

Atk-252

Def-5

Sp.Atk-0

Sp.Def-5

Spd-0

Moveset Suggestions:

Set 1 Item:Life Orb

-Crunch

-Crush Claw

-Dragon Claw

-Hone Claw

Set 1 Side Notes: This highly physically offensive eel will be your heel for repelling type disadvantages. With the levitation ability, it is no longer affected by pesky ground types. Use this to surprise your opponents in a pinch where a flying Pokemon won't suffice for a switch. Once on the field, power up your attack power and accuracy with hone claws, and begin your sweeping finish! Optionally you may switch crush claw with a STAB electric move like Wild Charge. With copious amount of Hp from your Ev training, the Hp lost from Life Orb will be worth the damage increase, especially with hone claws enabled.

Set 2 Item: None

-Acrobatics

-Wild Charge

-Rock Slide

-U-Turn

Set 2 Side Notes: Again your high Hp and Attack allow this set to work well. Wild Charge has recoil, but a base damage of 90 with 100 percent accuracy makes it worth while with heightened hit points. Rock slide provides coverage from strong fire, flying, and ice types while also giving added flinch bonus effects sometimes. Acrobatics destroys bug and stalling grass Pokemon, but beware attaching items disables the sweet secondary effect of the move's power being boosted 100 percent. No items equal big power boosts on this particular move-set for Eelektross. U-Turn offers the user to switch with effective damage if Eelektross is grounded by a move like Smack Down.

Conclusion:

Eelektross makes a great sweeper if used with proper timing. You have to work around the small speed stat, perhaps by using the switch method or boosting stats then baton passing it off to this Poke could work. Use levitate to your advantage in keeping key players and retaliating properly. If you have further Ev spread suggestions post a comment to this Blog and create the collective of training knowledge=D Tune in to next week's PokeChat LiveCast hosted on www.whatzinsidemyhead.com Sunday @9:30pm Edt to catch the next Ev Trained Pokemon

PokeChat LiveCast Episode 14

Here is the full recorded LiveCast from 8/14/11

We discuss the new Japanese Pokemon Rumble Blast, Brawl the viewers, and chit chat about all that is Pokemon. Tune in and be sure to comment here within the Blog post=D

Welcome to the Blog

Hey everyone, DeoGenZ here with the first Blog of my new website www.whatzinsidemyhead.com

This first post acts as a test to the site integration and also as an announcement of what you can expect specifically and exclusively from the Blog. Being in written format you'll be able to view it from multiple formats ranging from desktop, to mobile, to kindle, even Wii for Pete's sake! Whoever that guy Pete is anyway....

It is a realm for me to expand ideas I may brush upon in many of my Let's Plays and Walkthroughs on Youtube. Many notes I have scratched down into various notebooks will be "re-uploaded" here in a digital Blog format! This pleases the archivist in me and also gives you the viewer alternate content aside from video viewing. Feel free to comment on the Blog posts to have your voice heard. It's all about open discussion for me, the more ideas the merrier.

Additionally I'll be posting the Stats page of each PokeChat's "Pokemon of the Week." This means at any time on the fly, you'll be able to access Ev trained spreadsheets for your training simplicity without having to view an entire LiveCast. Leading me to my next idea of embedding Full Length episodes of the LiveCast into the written Blog. This streamlines the process of normally having to go through a hectic menu system on Youtube, just tune into the website and the LiveCasts will be found here=D

Yes many good things are to come from this text based format of communication. Be sure to tune in through Twitter @DeoGenZ for any urgent Blog posts that may emerge. For now it is time to render more Walkthroughs, so I'll see you in another video comrades; peace!