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.