So I've been doing Pokemon of the Week (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewcolumn&id=2) articles here for a while, and I was wondering what people thought on them, if anything, and what people might like to see that currently isn't there.
I get it, we don't have as many competitive battlers as we once had, so interest for competitive battling advice isn't as big on a site like this as it once was, but it's definitely what I know best when it comes to Pokemon, and I playtest every Pokemon before I write the sets for it to ensure that they work as I've written.
I used to have guest writers do "Unearthed" articles, but to rely on others to consistently put out content every week, especially when it comes to researching something every week when they have other things to do isn't very fair.
So I come to you, people of PKMN.net. I put a lot of time and effort into every one of these articles, and I want people to enjoy them, so help me out here. What would you like to see more of in them?
Personally, I enjoy them! Even if I disagree with some of your opinions on the Pokemon you write about, it's still interesting to hear different opinions of a Pokemon.
I also really like the unearthed parts of the articles, as little as we see them now. I'm not going to be able to contribute to that part because of how busy I'm going to be for a while, but I hope another person will write stuff like that!
I'm wish Sizacu, I'm a big fan, and my haxorus even runs one of your sets.
Thank you both :>
To elaborate on Unearthed, it will likely not see a return, as it was a joint idea by Tim and Kay, and neither of them have the time to write an article every week on it (and I don't blame them, writing anything weekly does feel like a chore after a while), and I don't think I'd do that justice in the way that they did.
However, if there's an idea akin to that that you'd like to see, perhaps focusing on something else in a non-competitive aspect of the Pokemon in question, I'd be up for trying something new, provided I know about it!
Well, there's nothing you need to improve when it comes to the analysis and the sets and the feature for an ingame set is also good. Finding people to help you isn't easy, but if there was someone willing to look into the dex entries and write about them like the unearthed section did, that would be beneficial.
Richard, thank you for everything you've done. It really helps me decide what Pokémon I want to train, and if I want to train something, it shows me effective ways of using them. Besides helping me decide what Pokémon I want to train, I can see if I want to train any one Pokemon or not. It helps me fill in the empty spaces to building an effective team. I haven't seen anything I'd disagree with yet on your Pokémon of the Week. I do have a few questions for you about Competitive Battling, but I don't know where to ask them.
I'd like to know how Pokémon of the Week works, as in, can we request which Pokémon you should discuss, or you can only decide on your own?
Thanks, that means a lot to me. :>
Questions can be PM'd or posted in articles themselves, if the questions pertain to the Pokemon I'm covering. Requests are welcome as well, though it may take a little bit of time for me to get to a certain Pokemon if I've got less experience using it (things like Spinda, for example), but suggestions are completely welcome!
Quote from: Draghost haunts the site! on July 25, 2013, 01:12
Richard, thank you for everything you've done. It really helps me decide what Pokémon I want to train, and if I want to train something, it shows me effective ways of using them. Besides helping me decide what Pokémon I want to train, I can see if I want to train any one Pokemon or not. It helps me fill in the empty spaces to building an effective team. I haven't seen anything I'd disagree with yet on your Pokémon of the Week. I do have a few questions for you about Competitive Battling, but I don't know where to ask them.
I'd like to know how Pokémon of the Week works, as in, can we request which Pokémon you should discuss, or you can only decide on your own?
Aw, Draghost's getting sentimental :')
The articles look very thorough and there is no doubt you know what you're talking about. If I were to take a guess I'd say it might be because not many people view the homepage and go straight to the forums instead. I might be totally wrong but a lot of what happens outside of the forums completely bypasses me because of this and I'm going to assume a lot of people feel the same. I went through a long period of doing lots of painstaking IV breeding for the first half of this year and right now I'm pretty burned out on thinking about competitive battling as a result.
Thanks Turner. I appreciate the feedback from all of you quite a lot. I think lack of knowledge about these being posted, or even existing might be a contributing factor in people not reading them, so would there be interest in me posting here every week alerting people to them being posted? I mean, I don't want to be all self-advertising, I just want people who are interested to be able to find them!
If not, I won't do it again, but as requested by Draghost, I've just posted Porygon-Z's article (and spent many hours not only writing it, but testing it. Jeez, this one took a while with all the sets P-Z can run x_x; )
Nice work on Porygon-Z, it's one of my favourite 'mon so I is whim quite a lot, I might have to try some of these sets if I get chance. Interestingly, I don't actually run any of them, I run a suicide Hyper Beam set, which is:
Porygon-Z @ Choice Specs (Adaptability)
-> Hyper Beam
-> Dark Pulse
-> (doesn't matter)
-> (doesn't really matter)
(4,0,0,252,0,252)
I know hyper beam is hated, but I love it on Porygon-Z, mainly because of this:
Hyper beam vs Aggron (choice band set) = Minimum 74.11% ON A 4x RESIST!
Also
OHKOs any Neutral Calm Mind Arceus.
And of course
64.45% chance to 2HKO blissey.
The main problem with this is, it's one use. After you attack, he's (nearly) guaranteed to die. A focus sash can work, but then he often loses out on a KO. Dark Pulse is only really there in case he survives and a ghost type comes, it doesn't get used much.
The main problem with Hyper Beam is that it still leaves you completely vulnerable the next turn. While it does indeed have incredible power, you're begging to be setup on, and the common Ghost switch-in will be happy to do so. As Porygon-Z spends most of it's time in UU, you won't see Blissey, Chansey or Aggron (OU, BL, and RU, respectively). If you're using P-Z in an OU enviroment, Hyper Beam is still not an attractive option as there are even more Fighting types who'd love to come in after you've KO'd something with Hyper Beam and setup while you recharge, then proceed to knock you out and possible sweep your team. The risk is not worth the reward.
The Idea of that set is just to basically have an 'I win' button against any single enemy pokemon, for instance my team hugely struggles against Blaziken (this is online, normally Blaze ability) so I just use hyper beam if I see him. It doesn't matter if he dies afterwards, he's done his job (I'm so nice to my pokemon :tongue2:)
But Tri-Attack would KO it anyway, so you've basically screwed yourself!
I understand the point, and if P-Z had a 5th moveslot... well, no, it would use both boosting moves, but if it had about 8 or so, Hyper Beam would be in there as a last-ditch move to wipe out specially bulky Pokemon, but it absolutely does not merit a moveslot as it currently stands, as P-Z needs the coverage of Fighting and Dark to hit Ghosts, Steel types and Rock types, with the final slot being much better filled by a boosting move or Trick in the case of Choice sets. It's not a competitive option, really.
Edit: I'm not trying to be condescending, and I hope it doesn't come off that way, I just really don't want people thinking that Hyper Beam is a competitive option. There are better moves to fill the slot it would take, such as Nasty Plot, which turns all of your Tri-Attacks into Hyper Beams without recharge and with a 20% chance of statusing the opponent. It's just not worth it with the 2 coverage moves it needs to have and Tri-Attack being the reliable STAB it has to use.
8 moveslots... I'd love that...
Yeah, I see your point, I just like the massive amount of OHKOs
On a Side note, imagine Porygon-Z with gen 1s Hyper Beam rule (if it KOs, no recharge)
Now that'd merit a moveslot! ;)
(except it was physical in gen 1, but shh, we'll ignore that!)
I think he'd be banished to Blazikens realm...
(And yeah, we'll ignore it... In fairness, hyper beam does need a boost of some description, be it 200 BP or that, just to give it that 'Most powerful move' feel)
I don't like his P-Z.
None of you seemed opposed to me posting when a new article was published, soo... here you go! (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=31) :>
Still up for discussion about the Pokemon, article, movesets, and all that fun stuff too.
Nice work once again.
Politoed's article has been posted! (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=32)
Sorry about the slight delay of this article. A minor injury at work yesterday as well as watching the Pokemon Worlds Livestream made finishing this article difficult.
Nice. I use the first set for my OU rain team on Pokemon Showdown.
Just out of curiosity, do you have a queue of ideas for Pokemon you're already working on articles for, or do you usually take it one or two at a time? I have suggestions for 'mons to do next, but I wouldn't want to add to your workload ^^;
Anyway, I understand Unearthed isn't returning, and I do like hearing your personal thoughts on the Pokemon themselves, but I do feel something could fill the void. I'm just... having a hard time picturing what that is/should be. Maybe expand the "My Thoughts" section to include hopes/possible solutions for the metagame? Just read the My Thougths on Politoed, and while I'm not a competitive battler, I do know that feeling, where a Pokemon shows up so much and it's like AUGH and then you just think ill of it. 'Course it's much worse when the 'mon in question actually makes things quite broken!
But yeah, point being, a Ways to Improve/Ways to Balance This Pokemon section would be nice. No guarantee Game Freak would be taking notes, but it'd be good to get some insight from a seasoned battler on the competitive scene... though idk how useful it'd be once Gen 6 finally comes around and people have to do tier-testing. Will you still be doing Gen V strategies until things get situated?
Most importantly, keep up the good work!
Nope, I pretty much just take it one at a time, and I'm completely up for suggestions (in fact, I welcome them!). Anything you want to see, just pitch it for suggestion!
Ahh, now that sounds like a good idea! I didn't know how interested people would be in me rambling on about what I think, but if you think it'd spice up future articles, that's certainly something I'd give a shot!
I'd say keep your eyes peeled for Pokemon of the Week around the time X and Y come out. ;>
But thanks guys, I'm glad to see people are actually getting interested in these, it means a lot to hear feedback from you all. :>
I have an interesting request. How about you try Audino?
Sorry guys, PotW will be delayed this week. I've been recovering from an injury and just haven't been in the mood to write much. Next week, I promise.
@Draghost: Due to the fact that 5th generation is coming to a close, I'm thinking of doing OU Pokemon from here on until gen 6, to cover the most important Pokemon in the metagame. When gen 6 does roll around, it'll be a whole new ballgame though. :>
Ok, thanks for the heads up. How about tyranitar?
YES - Tyranitar is a good idea. In fact, just do every pokemon I even own ;)
Including the color changing suicune? ;)
All joking aside, tyraniter is a great pokemon in ou, I would love to see an article on it.
Tyranitar is the second most common weather Pokemon, so expect a Tyranitar article this Sunday!
Excuses! Even a competitive battling brain like yourself cannot tackle Audino. ::) :police:
That's perfectly fine. Dammit Huntail... why can't you be OU?
Huntail's all like "I suck now and hope for a buff in gen 6". Clamperl's other evolution seems to be the better one. Although, huntail in ou would be interesting.
@Draghost: Audino is used as an NU Wish-passer, cleric, and special defensive wall, if you really need to know. =P
Huntail gets Shell Smash, though it's nowhere near as amazing as Gorebyss. If you have Swift Swim and the opponent sets up rain, however, Shell Smash Huntail can be usable, but it's outclassed by Gorebyss and SD Kabutops, among many others.
So, when is the next pokemon of the week?
Work called me in today, so it'll be up when I get home from work tonight. :>
And posted! (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=33) Late, but holy cow I wrote TONS of stuff for this one. I will be a little sad if no one reads it because I literally spent hours on it. x_x;
I guess I should chip in here, just to say I've read it, and it's great as always ;)
Although, I've got to agree with you on the annoyance of weather teams, I prefer variety!
I have a weather team, sorry. Nice job, though.
Next, do espeon, please.
Thanks you guys! I think I'd rather cover the other Magic Bouncer, as it's my personal favorite and makes it onto nearly every team I create. But next week, we're going with weather once again, as I'm trying to close out the most important Pokemon in the OU tier before 6th gen arrives.
@SB2K: I'm not saying you shouldn't run weather teams. In fact, if you're playing OU, Rain is probably your best bet for winning, and I'm not discriminating against people that use them. I'm more lobbying for the ban of Drizzle and Drought from OU, and possibly Sand and Hail, though they seem far less problematic.
Can you do Typhlosion at some point? :ohmy: :yeswink: ^.^
Quote from: Richard and Blaziken on August 27, 2013, 01:51
Thanks you guys! I think I'd rather cover the other Magic Bouncer, as it's my personal favorite and makes it onto nearly every team I create. But next week, we're going with weather once again, as I'm trying to close out the most important Pokemon in the OU tier before 6th gen arrives.
@SB2K: I'm not saying you shouldn't run weather teams. In fact, if you're playing OU, Rain is probably your best bet for winning, and I'm not discriminating against people that use them. I'm more lobbying for the ban of Drizzle and Drought from OU, and possibly Sand and Hail, though they seem far less problematic.
I understand completely, I made that team to actually win battles while trapping other rain users.
And Chloe, he's not really doing non OU pokemon until gen 6.
I know next week's pokemon.
Also, can you cover keldeo or tentecruel before Kalos?
Wow, you're requesting so far ahead into the future. It might be a hard thing to guarantee if it's that distant, even though it apparently sounds so simple. It would be an easy thing to forget and end up not doing it, perhaps. Well, I'll certainly go easy on you. I'd say you should save Audino till far later into 6th gen, and I might just remind you to get it going then. Huntail is NU and you might not have something fair in length to say about it, though you just may surprise me, so anyways, you could always consider it much later into 6th gen after Audino. But no Pressure (http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pressure_(Ability)).
I think it will do us all a favor if you tackle the weather war generals first. PKMN.NET needs an official competitive writeup on Pokemon that set up a crossfire in OU that takes up most if not of all of that metagame.
Nice updates Rich, keep them coming but don't overwork yourself. ;)
Ninetales' issue is up! (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=34) It's a bit short, but there isn't too much Ninetales can do in OU. I still hope you'll enjoy it regardless. Next week we get back to Pokemon I actually enjoy, and I discuss one of my favorite Pokemon to use in any team! Look forward to it! ;)
Ninetales! - yes, another one from my HG party! ^.^
Yes, and same favorite pokemon is now on my hate list, thanks Richard.
Xatu's issue is up! (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=35)
Sorry for being late again, it's been a busy weekend for me. :<
I hope you enjoy it though! I really like Xatu :3
Speaking of Xatu, I'm thinking of banning your's from all future tourneys that I hold. Well, of course I'm just kidding.
Whoops late again (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=36)
Man, there was a lot to write in that one. I hope this one's educational, and shows just how versatile a Pokemon can be. Everyone should go train a Gliscor!
Actually on time this time! (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=37)
Continuing on with my series of important OU Pokemon before gen 6 arrives, this week I have covered Ferrothorn, one of the most influential Pokemon in the metagame.
Also, one of my favorites in OU.
Well written, as usual! It's great, although, I don't use Ferrothorn so I won't get much use, (forretress <3 I love having a Rapid Spinner that can have all 3 entry hazards...)
Thanks guys. Just as a heads up, PotW won't be published this week due to unexpected circumstances coming up that are out of my control. A new issue will be posted up on October 6th. Sorry for the delay. =/
That's cool, I can't blame you if it's out of your control.
As promised, I've written up a new issue (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=39) of PotW! This time, it's on Breloom, one of the most diverse Pokemon in the OU tier. How do you feel about Breloom? Do you find his low Speed to be too much of an issue, or does that even matter to you with his STAB Technician Mach Punch? I hope you enjoy the issue!
Quote from: Richard and Blaziken on October 06, 2013, 07:53
As promised, I've written up a new issue (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=39) of PotW! This time, it's on Breloom, one of the most diverse Pokemon in the OU tier. How do you feel about Breloom? Do you find his low Speed to be too much of an issue, or does that even matter to you with his STAB Technician Mach Punch? I hope you enjoy the issue!
Honestly, I really wouldn't mind breloom at all if it wasn't for spore. On the one hand, no one would use any type of sleep status condition if it didn't have near 100% accuracy, but at the same time a 100% chance to effectively shut down a pokemon for a good number of turns is pretty ridiculous. I'm glad that they're giving grass types an immunity from it in X&Y at least.
It can be very frustrating to sometimes be forced to sacrifice a Pokemon to Sleep. Luckily for me, I find Xatu to be amazing in OU with the right setup and team support, so it stops opponents from spamming Spore (sometimes... other times, they do it anyway, then ragequit when Breloom Spores itself xD), which makes it a non-issue for me. Still, without Xatu, dealing with Breloom will often force a sacrifice to Sleep, which is a bit broken. I agree that Grass types being immune to Spore will help balance this out quite a bit.
--Big Announcement Time!--
So with generation 6 just around the corner, we're going to have an entirely new metagame for the competitive battling scene. After a bit of time and research, I will be posting entirely made up movesets for new Pokemon that I think will work in the early gen 6 metagame. Obviously, the metagame will change a lot after the point of release, but these will help people out that want to test out new Pokemon in the metagame. This Sunday will be the last Pokemon covered in 5th gen's PotW, and it'll be on a Pokemon that I put on all of my gen 5 OU teams, regardless of the team, because it's just that good.
I will also be re-covering old Pokemon in an entirely new 6th Generation Pokemon of the Week section that is separate from the one I've been doing. I will be taking requests for Pokemon to cover, but at first, I will only be covering new Pokemon.
So you can begin requesting now, and in a 2-4 weeks, I will begin posting up entirely new Pokemon of the Week articles in a brand new section, based on what you guys want to see the most!
I'd quite like to see Malamar, it looks like it's sets are going to be mainly for doubles, but it looks like he'll have a few very interesting niches. I would imagine his sets would be something like:
-> Topsy-Turvy
-> Trick Room
-> Hypnosis
-> <STAB move>
Buuuut, it'd be interesting to see how it actually looks when released.
I'd like to see milotic.
Quote from: ShinyBlaziken2000 on October 09, 2013, 22:42
I'd like to see milotic.
Like I said, I'll be revisiting old Pokemon eventually, but I'd like to start with new Pokemon first.
Damn, even with new glasses I'm blind. Oh well.
Try aegislash please.
And now, for the last time in the 5th gen metagame, I present the new Pokemon of the Week: Rotom-W (http://pkmn.net/?action=columns&page=viewissue&id=38)
It's listed as #34, while Breloom is #35 due to some coding issues; I actually wrote this up 2 weeks ago, but couldn't get the coding for some things down. Luckily, Joeno was nice enough to help me out, so here you are!
As mentioned before, 6th gen PotW articles will be up in 2-3 weeks, I think. :>