Bulbapedia:Featured content/Archive/December 2011
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The following is a list of articles that have been used as Featured Content on the Main page in the month of December 2011.
Thursday December 1, 2011: Blaine
Character of the day: Blaine
- Blaine (Japanese: カツラ Katsura) is the Gym Leader of the Cinnabar Gym. His gym specializes in Fire-type Pokémon and he awards the player with the Volcano Badge upon defeat. In Generation II and Generation IV, his gym is destroyed by a volcanic eruption and he builds a temporary gym inside the Seafoam Islands where he continues his duties as a Gym Leader.
- Blaine is known as "The Hotheaded Riddle Master!" In Generation I and Generation III, he quizzes the player's knowledge of Pokémon and they must answer every question correctly, or face a trainer battle for every incorrect answer, before battling him.
- Blaine made his anime debut in Riddle Me This, offering Ash, Brock, and Misty room and board if they were able to correctly answer his riddles. Ash later earned his Volcano Badge after battling against Blaine's Magmar atop the volcano.
- In Pokémon Adventures, Blaine was part of the team of scientists that created Mewtwo, and actually sacrificed part of the flesh on his arm so that Mewtwo could survive outside the lab. This gave him a psychic connection with the Pokémon, but also caused him great pain. This bond was later severed by Entei who then teamed up with Blaine for a time and later left him for Silver.
- Blaine had his own theme deck in the Gym Challenge expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- Blaine has gone through two different designs: Originally he had reddish-gray hair along the side of his head with a bald crown, but later was made completely bald with a mustache.
Friday December 2, 2011: Blue Flare
Your move: Blue Flare
- Blue Flare (Japanese: あおいほのお Blue Fire) is a Fire-type move that was introduced in Generation V.
- Blue Flare is one of the signature moves of Reshiram, which it learns at level 100.
- The user attacks by engulfing the target in an intense, yet beautiful, blue flame. It may leave the target with a burn.
- Bolt Strike, one of Zekrom's signature moves, is considered a variation of this move.
- It first appeared in the Pokémon Trading Card Game in the Arceus expansion of the Platinum Series on Ponyta under the name of Blue Fire.
- Read more...
Saturday December 3, 2011: RageCandyBar
Professor Rowan's Pick: RageCandyBar
Hi! I'm Professor Rowan, and I just love the RageCandyBar! It's one of my favorite foods.
- The RageCandyBar (Japanese: いかりまんじゅう Rage Manjū) is a delicacy originating from the Johto region. In every game it features in, it has a different purpose (and, often, a different spelling!).
- It was introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver where it is obtainable in Mahogany Town. In this pair of games, as well as Pokémon Crystal it works like a Potion and heals up to 20HP on an injured Pokémon.
- While the RageCandyBar was not obtainable again until Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (where it is a key item and can be traded for TM64 (Explosion)), it was mentioned in Pokémon FireRed, LeafGreen, and Platinum. In each of these three games, all shops claiming to stock RageCandyBar have run out.
- In its most recent appearance, the RageCandyBar is used to unlock Zen Mode Darmanitan in Pokémon Black and White.
- It has never appeared in the anime or Trading Card Game.
Read more...
Sunday December 4, 2011: Lucario (Diamond & Pearl 6)
Pick a card. Any card.
- Lucario is a Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon card that is part of the Diamond & Pearl expansion, POP Series 6, and the Diamond & Pearl Trainer Kit.
- The Diamond & Pearl Trainer Kit print was never released in Japan.
- Each of the three releases has different artwork: they are illustrated by Ken Sugimori, Kouki Saitou, and Kent Kanetsuna.
- The card's attacks, Feint and Aura Sphere, are both moves in the Pokémon games that Lucario can learn. This card's Pokédex entry comes from Pokémon Diamond.
- A promotional parallel foil variant with a "Diamond & Pearl" stamp was also released as part of a Burger King promotion in July 2008.
- The Japanese print of the POP Series 6 release was available as part of a Battle Road trade event in December 2006.
- Read more...
Monday December 5, 2011: M14
It's movie time: White—Victini and Zekrom & Black—Victini and Reshiram
- Pokémon The Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom (Japanese: ビクティニと黒き英雄ゼクロム Victini and the Black Hero: Zekrom) and Pokémon The Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram (Japanese: ビクティニと白き英雄レシラム Victini and the White Hero: Reshiram), are the first Pokémon the Series: Black & White movies and, combined, the fourteenth Pokémon movie overall.
- Both of the movies were released as a double feature last July 16 in Japan.
- White—Victini and Zekrom is the first Pokémon film to released commercially in theaters since Pokémon Heroes in 2003.
- For the first time in the series's history, two different versions of a film were released.
- The major difference between the films is that main featured Pokémon in White—Victini and Zekrom is Zekrom while Reshiram is the main Pokémon of Black—Victini and Reshiram. Ash befriends the said Pokémon in those movies, with Damon using the other Pokémon.
- In White—Victini and Zekrom Carlita's Hydreigon is a Shiny Pokémon and Juanita's Golurk is colored normally, whereas in Black—Victini and Reshiram this is reversed, with Golurk being the Shiny one.
- All three Unova starters namely Emboar, Samurott and Serperior, made their debut appearance in the movies.
- If both versions are counted together, these films debut 34 new Pokémon, more than any other film in the series.
Read more...
Tuesday December 6, 2011: Marina
Character of the Day: Marina
- Marina (Japanese: マリナ Marina) is a Trainer from New Bark Town who started with a Totodile. She received her starter Pokémon at the same time as Jimmy and Vincent.
- She appeared in The Legend of Thunder!, where she battled Attila and Hun to save Raikou.
- Her goal, unlike most other Trainers, is to be a "Pokémon Idol".
- In Not on My Watch Ya Don't, Marina appears on the cover of a magazine, modeling the Pokétch. This may imply her goal of becoming an idol has come true.
- Marina loves men in capes, especially Lance, having a whole notebook full of pictures of him.
- Additionally, she makes another cameo appearance in A Stand-Up Sit-Down!, performing in a contest on Zoey's PC. Marina even appears to have her own merchandise; one of the customers to the café in Tanks for the Memories! wears a t-shirt with Marina's face on it.
- Read more...
Wednesday December 7, 2011: Ash's Charizard
Who's that Pokémon: Ash's Charizard
- Ash's Charizard was the fifth Pokémon Ash caught during his journey through the Kanto region.
- It debuted in Charmander – The Stray Pokémon as a Charmander that had been unknowingly abandoned by its trainer, Damian, who considered it too weak and a waste of time. After saving Charmander's life, and helping it realize Damian's true intentions, Ash welcomed Charmander as the newest member of his team.
- It evolved into Charmeleon in The March of the Exeggutor Squad after wiping out a stampede of Exeggutor, and later evolves into Charizard in Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon when it wanted to challenge an Aerodactyl, giving it the ability to fly.
- Since evolving into Charmeleon, Charizard hadn't obeyed Ash until Charizard Chills after being frozen by Ice Beam, and Ash spent the entire day and night keeping Charizard heated. Since then, it had become one of his most used Pokémon at the time.
- In Charizard's Burning Ambitions, Ash decides to leave Charizard in the Charicific Valley where it can get stronger under the care of Liza and her Charizard, Charla. Charizard later forms a romantic interest in Charla.
- Ash's Charizard also appears in The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga.
Thursday December 8, 2011: Hareta
Character of the day: Hareta
- Hareta (Japanese: ハレタ) is the main character of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure and the adopted grandson of Professor Rowan.
- When Hareta was little, his father, Kaisei, left him in the custody of Professor Rowan.
- Hareta is extremely defensive of Pokémon and is angered when he sees them getting abused.
- Because of his living with Pokémon most of his life, Hareta is unfamiliar with technology and is prone to being very curious of places like cities or even confusing things as food.
- He has the tendency to forget the names of people, such as when he called Cyrus "Surface" or calling Mars "Mabs."
- Hareta chose Piplup as his Starter Pokémon. Similar to Dawn's Piplup, it held an Everstone at first but later on, it could not bear all the energy because of it and evolved into a Prinplup then immediately into an Empoleon in the same chapter, after Mitsumi removed the stone.
- Hareta owns a Regigigas and befriended five other legendary Pokémon including a Deoxys, a Giratina, a Dialga, a Palkia, and a Shaymin.
- His appearance indicates that he is based on Lucas; however, his hairstyle is vastly different and his vest lacks the white stripe that appears on that of Lucas.
Read more...
Friday December 9, 2011: Who's That Pokémon (Magnemite)
Who's That Pokémon!?
- I love power, but I should stay away from plants.
- I am born with the ability to defy gravity.
- I am based on the objectification of electromagnetism.
- I like to fly, but not with wings...
- ...though, I need a little help getting off the ground.
- It took top professors over three years to fully understand my composition.
- I have a few screws loose...
- bzbzbzz...
Saturday December 10, 2011: Apricorns
Spotlight on: Apricorns
- Apricorns (Japanese: ぼんぐりのみ Bonguri Fruit) are a special fruit orginating from the Johto region.
- They were introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, and can be found growing throughout the region.
- Apricorns can be converted into special Poké Balls by Kurt in Azalea Town. Each of the seven different Apricorns makes a different Poké Ball.
- Grn Apricorns are the most prevalent variety; Wht and Red Apricorns are the rarest.
- Apricorns reappear in the HeartGold and SoulSilver remakes. They cannot be traded to previous games, or sent forward to Generation V.
- Apricorns can be blended into special drinks using an Apriblender. These drinks raise Pokéathlon performance.
- It is said that before Poké Balls were invented, people used hollowed out Apricorns to capture Pokemon.
Read more...
Sunday December 11, 2011: Who's That Pokémon (Victini)
Who's That Pokémon!?
- It is said that I will bring victory to any Trainer who owns me.
- I am the only Pokémon to be listed before the starter Pokémon of its native region.
- I have two signature moves — one of which can only be obtained through a special event.
- You will never find a Shiny version of me.
- I can learn a new move every eight levels.
- Move over Pichu — I am Junichi Masuda's new favorite Pokémon.
- I was the star of one of the Pokémon movies.
- I am the only legendary Psychic-type Pokémon that cannot learn Calm Mind.
Americans! Don't forget to watch Pokémon The Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram tonight on Cartoon Network!
Monday December 12, 2011: Hey You, Pikachu!
Spotlight on: Hey You, Pikachu!
- Hey You, Pikachu! (Japanese: ピカチュウげんきでちゅう Pikachu Genki dechū) was the first game in a series of Pikachu-based games which would later be followed by Pokémon Channel, and PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure.
- It was released in Japan on December 12, 1998, and in North America November 6, 2000 for the Nintendo 64, and was one of only two games for the console to use the Voice Recognition Unit.
- It was the first Pokémon game to be developed by Ambrella
- The player took control of a young boy that lived with his mother who befriends a Pikachu and the pair share a number of adventures together, communicating through voice commands.
- A special blue and yellow Pokémon-themed Nintendo 64 and controller were released in bundle packs with this game.
- In Japan, this game was the first to feature a Generation II Pokémon, Togepi, who would not appear in the main series until a year later.
Tuesday December 13, 2011: Tate & Liza
Character of the Day: Tate & Liza
- Tate and Liza (Japanese: フウとラン Fu and Lan) are the Gym Leaders of Mossdeep City's Gym, known officially as the Mossdeep Gym.
- The twin siblings specialize in Psychic-type Pokémon and give out the Mind Badge once defeated.
- Tate and Liza are the first Gym Leader pair to be introduced in the series and the first Gym Leaders that are battled through a Double Battle.
- In Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Tate and Liza give away TM04 (Calm Mind) to the trainers, once they are defeated.
- They are the only Gym Leaders to carry more than two Hyper Potions in their first battle. This is likely due to them being a duo, with each of them holding two Hyper Potions each.
- In the anime, Tate and Liza first appeared in It's Still Rocket Roll to Me.
- In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Liza and Tate are the guardians of Mt. Pyre.
- Since their father, Jin, owns the Mossdeep Space Center, they often spend time at the Space Center, and even have battles in zero-gravity by using their Baltoy's Confusion technique to levitate them.
Read more...
Wednesday December 14, 2011: Dream Mist
Trainer's toolkit: Dream Mist
- Dream Mist (Japanese ゆめのけむり Dream Smoke) is a smoke released by Munna and Musharna after they have eaten a dream. It is an unobtainable, yet key item to the plot of Pokémon Black and White.
- Fennel is a scientist studying dreams and dream mist.
- In the games, the player is asked to retrieve Dream Mist for Fennel from the Dreamyard. After taking care of some Team Plasma Grunts, Fennel successfully collects a sample of Dream Mist from a Musharna.
- In the anime, a Musharna's Dream Mist flooded Striaton City, causing the Pokémon there to fall asleep if they came into contact with it. Fennel appeared to investigate and used her Munna to help awaken Iris's Axew. It then released a cloud of Dream Mist, revealing Axew's dream of evolving. Fennel later explains her research to utilize Dream Mist as a clean energy source to power machinery. They later use this energy to revive an Archen.
- In Pokémon Adventures, Black's Munna, Musha eats one of N's dreams and reveals N's true, good intentions through Dream Mist. Musha is later drawn to the Dreamyard where he is attacked by Team Plasma grunts. Black arrives with Fennel and successfully rescues Musha, and Fennel is able to receive a sample of Dream Mist from Musha's head.
- The Pokémon Dream World is a feature that revolves around Dream Mist, and allows the player to enter their Pokémon's dream and befriend rare Pokémon, and find valuable items.
Thursday December 15, 2011: Pokémon Crystal Version
It's game time: Pokémon Crystal
- Pokémon Crystal Version (Japanese: ポケットモンスター クリスタルバージョン Pocket Monsters Crystal Version) is the sixth Pokémon in the main series; seventh in Japan; and the third in the second Generation.
- It was released for the Game Boy Color on December 14, 2000 in Japan, July 29, 2001 in the United States, November 2, 2001 in Europe, and September 30, 2001 in Australia.
- The game's mascot and key legendary Pokémon is Suicune, who is being pursued by Eusine. Eusine becomes somewhat of a rival to the player, seeing who is worthy of challenging Suicune, but inevitably Suicune challenges the player to a battle.
- Pokémon Crystal Version was the first version to feature a female player character, Kris, and was the first to use animations when Pokémon first entered a battle. It also introduced a minor quest with the Unown Dex in the Ruins of Alph, as well as the early concept of what would be the Battle Frontier in later Generations, the Battle Tower.
Friday December 16, 2011: Dark Rush
In the news: Dark Rush
- Dark Rush (Japanese: ダークラッシュ Dark Rush) is the fourth Japanese expansion in the BW era of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and is released today, December 16th.
- Dark Rush is the largest expansion of the era, having a total of 76 cards.
- Much of the artwork features locations around Unova, such as Sableye in Chargestone Cave and Plusle and Minun in Mistralton City.
- Dark Rush features
Pokémon, such as Darkrai and Zoroark, and has many Trainer cards that benefit the type. - The Pokémon-EX cards in the set are Entei-EX, Raikou-EX, Darkrai-EX, and Tornadus-EX. The Ultra Rare cards are Shiny reprints of Gardevoir from Hail Blizzard, Archeops from Red Collection (Noble Victories in English), and Pokémon Catcher from the White Collection (Emerging Powers in English.
- Two of the cards, Swoobat and Mandibuzz, were pulled from the Japanese set and released in the English Emerging Powers expansion in August 2011 in order to complete Pokémon families.
Saturday December 17, 2011: Who's That Pokémon (Kabuto)
Who's That Pokémon!?
- I have four eyes, two pairs of different colors.
- I have four yellow legs.
- A prominent character wore a costume of my image in the anime.
- When I'm flipped over, I have a hard time getting back on my feet...
- You won't be able to find me living in the wild, but you might find my shell.
Sunday December 18, 2011: Battle Subway
All Aboard!: Battle Subway
- The Battle Subway (Japanese: バトルサブウェイ Battle Subway) is a facility located in Nimbasa City where trainers may engage each other in a series of battles. Its function is similar to that of the Battle Towers.
- For every 7 straight victories the player achieves, they will receive BP which they can then use to purchase valuable training items.
- After 21 consecutive wins on the regular lines, the player will face a Subway Boss; Subway Boss Ingo on the Single Lines, and his twin brother, Subway Boss Emmet on the Double Lines. The player may face them both in a Tag Battle on the Multi Lines.
- In the anime, Cilan took part in a stamp rally challenge within the Gear Station, and winning participants got to take part in a challenge on the Battle Subway, battling either Ingo or Emmet. Cilan managed to collect every stamp after helping Erina, and he and Ash challenged the twin brothers to a Tag Battle, which resulted in a loss for Cilan and Ash.
- In Pokémon Adventures, White is set to take part in the Battle Subway challenge to help her to learn about Pokémon battling.
Monday December 19, 2011: Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition
Sinnoh Now: "Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition"
- The Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition is the tournament that Ash, Brock and Dawn took part in Tag! We're It!, Glory Blaze, and Smells Like Team Spirit.
- The winners get two Soothe Bells, one for each winner.
- The tournament pairs up two different people, using a battle card with a presumably two numbers, that person and their partner.
- The notable trainers among the participants include Ash, Paul, Brock, Holly, Dawn and Conway.
- Other than Pokémon League Conferences, this is the second time Ash and a rival participated in the same competition. The first time this happened was when Ash and Gary took part in an extreme Pokémon race.
- During the tournament, Paul releases his Chimchar. However, Ash invites it to join his team instead, upon which Chimchar agrees.
- Ash and Paul defeat Dawn and Conway in the final round and win Soothe Bells.
- The entire arc, Tag! We're It...!, Glory Blaze! and Smells Like Team Spirit! was aired as a 90 minute special on February 1st, 2008 on Cartoon Network.
- The time between the original Japanese airing and first English dub airing of this episode is the shortest of all episodes, with only 99 days between them.
- The final episode of the arc, Smells Like Team Spirit!, is the last episode where Pokémon USA's voice actors dub at TAJ. Beginning with the following episode, DuArt was used as the studio to record and distribute the anime.
Read more...
Tuesday December 20, 2011: Nacrene Gym
Trainer's Guide: Nacrene Gym
- The Nacrene Gym (Japanese: シッポウジム Shippou Gym) is the second gym in the Unova region, and specializes in Normal-type Pokémon. The leader of the gym is Lenora.
- The gym also serves as a museum, and a library for the citizens of Nacrene City. The leader, Lenora, is an archeologist, and her husband, Hawes, is the caretaker of the museum.
- The gym features a puzzle where clues are hidden inside certain books within the library. After revealing a secret passage, the player finds Lenora, who gives out the Basic Badge to trainers that are able to defeat her.
- Team Plasma steals the head of a Dragonite skull from the gym which is later returned. The Dark and Light Stone are also on display here.
- In Night at the Nacrene Museum, the gym was haunted by a Yamask after its mask was accidentally put on display when mistaken for a prop. It later left the museum once the mask was returned to it. Ash battled against Lenora in The Battle According to Lenora!, and won the Basic Badge in Rematch at the Nacrene Gym!.
- Black arrives at the Nacrene Gym in Battle At The Museum where he challenges Lenora to a battle.
Read more...
Wednesday December 21, 2011: Pokéblock
Time for May's Pink Surprise: Pokéblock
- Pokéblocks (Japanese: ポロック Polock) are colorful candy blocks made for Pokémon.
- Pokéblocks are used to prepare a Pokémon for Pokémon Contests by raising its condition in the category it will participate in, as well as the two adjacent attributes.
- They are primarily used to increase a Pokémon's condition in one of five areas: Cool, Beauty, Cute, Smart, and/or Tough, for Pokémon Contests.
- They are made by mixing berries with one to three other people in a Berry Blender, found at Contest Halls.
- In the process of blending, berries with a sour flavor cancel out bitter, bitter cancels sweet, sweet cancels dry, dry cancels spicy, and spicy cancels sour.
- The Feel of a Pokéblock depends on the berries used and the number of people using the Berry Blender. The more people blending together, the lower the Feel.
- A Pokéblock case is required before Pokéblocks can be made. It stores them for later use, and can be obtained by speaking to a small girl in the Hyper Rank Contest Hall in Slateport City in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and in the Contest Hall in Lilycove City in Pokémon Emerald.
- Pokéblocks are used in Hoenn's Safari Zone in feeders to attract Pokémon of certain Natures.
- Pokéblock bears some similarity to the popular candy Pez. They are both small candies that are stored in a dispenser.
- The Generation IV equivalent of Pokéblocks are Poffins.
Read more...
Thursday December 22, 2011: Who's That Pokémon? (Volcarona)
Who's That Pokémon!?
- My family and I have a unique type combination.
- I am slow when it comes to evolution.
- I have a signature move.
- I can fly but am not a Flying type.
- I can learn a new move every ten levels apart from the one I evolve at.
- I share my species name with two other Pokémon.
- I made my anime debut in a Pokémon movie.
- I am not very attractive.
Friday December 23, 2011: Hanukkah Special: Litwick
Pokémon of the day: Litwick
- Litwick (Japanese: ヒトモシ Hitomoshi) is a dual Ghost and Fire-type Pokémon that debuted in Generation V.
- Litwick is known as the Candle Pokémon and is #607 in the National Pokédex. Litwick is known to evolve into Lampent at Lv. 41, and later into Chandelure when it comes into contact with a Dusk Stone.
- Litwick use the life energy of people and Pokémon to fuel the flame on its head.
- Litwick debuted in the anime in Scare at the Litwick Mansion! when a trio of Litwick haunted Ash, Iris, Cilan, and drained the life from Jessie, James, and Meowth.
- A Litwick has been shown in Pokémon Adventures under Bianca's ownership.
- Litwick has been featured on four different cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Read more...
Saturday December 24, 2011: Christmas Eve Special: Delibird
Pokémon of the Day: Delibird
- Delibird (Japanese: デリバード Delibird) is a dual Ice and Flying-type Pokémon that debuted in Pokémon Gold and Silver. It is #225 in the National Pokédex.
- The only move Delibird learns naturally is Present.
- Delibird's first anime debut was in Delibird's Dilemma when it was carrying presents from Santa Claus. Ash's Pokémon then accidentally cause it to drop all its presents, and then help it retrieve them.
- Its main series anime debut was in Dues and Don'ts as a messenger for Team Rocket sent to retrieve the Team Rocket Trio's debts. It has since become a reoccurring character.
- Delibird appears in Pokémon Adventures under the ownership of Pryce, as well as the Masked Man.
- Delibird has been featured on seven different cards in the Trading Card Game.
Read more...
Sunday December 25, 2011: Holiday Special: Present
Your move: Present
- Present (Japanese: プレゼント Present) is a Normal-type move introduced in Generation II, and is the signature move of Delibird.
- Present has a 20% chance of healing the opponent when used.
- Due to a glitch in Pokémon Gold and Silver, the amount of damage done is based on the opponent's and the user's respective types. It is also 1/4× effective and Rock- and Steel-type Pokémon rather than 1/2×. This is not the case in any other game, including Pokémon Crystal and Pokémon Stadium 2.
- Present is a Cute move in Pokémon Contests.
- Present has been featured four times in the Pokémon TCG: twice on Delibird, once on Pikachu and once on Bulbasaur.
Monday December 26, 2011: Boxing Day Special: Hitmonchan
Still Gotta Catch Them All: Hitmonchan
- Hitmonchan (Japanese: エビワラー Ebiwalar) is a Fighting-type Pokémon that made its debut in Pokémon Red and Green. It is #107 in the National Pokédex, and evolves from Tyrogue if its Defense is higher than its Attack.
- Its English name comes from Jackie Chan, while its Japanese name comes from Hiroyuki Ebihara, both being known for their punching ability.
- It learns the most increased-priority moves by leveling up out of all Pokémon, with six.
- It is said to throw punches that are faster than a bullet train.
- It made its anime debut in The Punchy Pokémon, where it was owned by a Trainer named Anthony and entered in the P1 Grand Prix. Due to a sabotaged match, it lost to a Hitmonlee stolen by Team Rocket.
- In the TCG, Hitmonlee is usually
-type, and made its debut appearance in the first expansion.
Read more...
Tuesday December 27, 2011: Combusken
Third day of Christmas: Three French Combusken
- Combusken (Japanese: ワカシャモ Wakasyamo) is a dual-type Fire/Fighting Pokémon that made its debut in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. It is #256 in the National Pokédex, evolves from Torchic, starting at level 16, and evolves into Blaziken starting at level 36.
- Its English name comes from combust and chicken, while its Japanese name comes from 若い wakai, young, and 軍鶏 shamo, a breed of Japanese chicken once raised for fighting.
- Its pre-evolution is a starter Pokémon of the Hoenn region.
- It is said to throw ten kicks per second.
- It made its anime debut in Having a Wailord of a Time, where a Torchic meant to be a starter Pokémon accidently evolved while under the care of a Nurse Joy. May would later gain a Combusken when her Torchic evolved in A Shroomish Skirmish.
- In Pokémon Adventures, Sapphire's Toro evolved into Combusken while training in the Granite Cave.
- In the TCG, Combusken is usually
or -type, and made two appearances in the first expansion of the EX Series era of the game.
Read more...
Wednesday December 28, 2011: Hearthome City
Tourist Spot: Hearthome City
- Hearthome City (Japanese: ヨスガシティ Yosuga City) is a modern city located in the Sinnoh region and is the fifth largest city in the Pokémon world.
- It is home to the Ghost-type Hearthome Gym with Gym Leader Fantina.
- Trainers and Coordinators can participate in Pokémon Super Contests at the Super Contest Hall.
- Walks can also be taken with certain Pokémon in the Amity Square. Pokémon will fetch Accessories or Berries for their owners every 200 steps.
- At the Poffin House, coordinators can make Poffins to boost their Pokémon's condition for Pokémon Super Contests, either alone or through DS Wireless Communications with other players.
- In the anime, the city first appeared in Dawn's Early Night!. During their visit, Ash and his friends participated in the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition and Dawn participated in a Contest.
Thursday December 29, 2011: PokéPark: Fishing Rally DS
Obscure game: PokéPark: Fishing Rally DS
- PokéPark: Fishing Rally DS is a game that could only be played via Nintendo DS Download Play.
- It was available for download at Japanese Pokémon Center stores and Pokémon Festa from May 10, 2005 until September 25, 2005.
- The game has never been released in English.
- While it contains "PokéPark" in its name, it is not related to PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure or its sequel. Instead, it is named after the real park.
- The game involved fishing for Pokémon using the touch screen.
- Pokémon from the first three generations could be caught while fishing.
- All Pokémon that could be caught apart from Dratini and Dragonair were Water-type.
Friday December 30, 2011: Guyana
Spotlight on: Guyana
- Guyana is a location in the Pokémon world based on a real world location of the same name.
- It has appeared in both the games and the anime, and both times in relation to Mew.
- In the games, it is the location of Faraway Island, an event-only location in Pokémon Emerald that requires the Old Sea Map to access.
- In the anime, it is seen at the start of Mewtwo Strikes Back, where Dr. Fuji and other members of Team Rocket are searching for Mew DNA in order to clone it.
- In the anime, the only Pokémon confirmed to live here are Butterfree, Mankey, and Mew.
- Guyana is mentioned in the Pokémon Mansion journals.
- In the real world, Guyana is a South American sovereign state, officially known as the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
Saturday December 31, 2011: New Years Special: Draco Meteor
Your move: Draco Meteor
- Draco Meteor (Japanese: りゅうせいぐん Dragon Meteor Shower) is a Dragon-type move introduced in Generation IV.
- Draco Meteor can only be taught to a Dragon-type Pokémon with maximum happiness and is tutored by Wilma in Generation IV and Iris or Drayden in Generation V, depending on the game.
- Considered a variation of Leaf Storm, Overheat, and Psycho Boost, Draco Meteor lowers the user's Special Attack by two stages upon successful use.
- Draco Meteor is a Smart move in Pokémon Super Contests.
- Cynthia's Garchomp takes the distinction of first using the move, both in an anime episode and in the Pokémon Adventures manga.
- Ash's Gible's Draco Meteor is known in the anime for targeting Dawn's Piplup, wherever the Pokémon may be.
- Draco Meteor has only appeared once in the Trading Card Game. The player flips a coin for each of the opponent's Pokémon and damages each one for a heads.
