Key Takeaways
- Pokemon Yellow started a tradition that was never broken with Pikachu as the face of the franchise and its mascot.
- Pikachu is the face of Pokemon due to its popularity, and a lot of games and other media feature it.
- Pikachu remains a staple in every mainline game and spin-off so far.
As a die-hard Pokemon fan since the early days of Red and Blue, I can confidently say that the release of Pokemon Yellow was a game-changer for me and the entire franchise. The decision to make Pikachu the only starter and the main companion throughout the journey set a trend that has endured for over two decades now!
2024 will be the 28th year since the launch of the Pokémon franchise, which started back in 1996 with the Japanese releases of Pokémon Red and Green, later known as Pokémon Red and Blue for international distribution. The unique Pokémon Yellow was released in 1999, featuring a departure from the norm due to its non-selectable starter character, Pikachu, who couldn’t even evolve. Unlike all mainline games before and after Pokémon Yellow, players usually got to choose their preferred starter from three creatures. Despite the distinct approach of Pokémon Yellow not being continued, a tradition that has remained in all Pokémon media has been solidified – one that significantly impacts the entire franchise.
The Pokemon games have evolved significantly over time, with each new generation introducing fresh mechanics that eventually become integral to the series. Unlike many other games, Pokemon Yellow didn’t innovate radically, but it made a significant impact when it was released internationally in 1999, coinciding with the start of the Pokemon anime outside Japan. This version of the game featured Pikachu, the popular Electric-type Pokemon who starred alongside Ash in the anime. Notably, Pikachu was the only starter Pokemon in Pokemon Yellow and certain story elements mirrored the anime. As a result, Pikachu became an iconic symbol for the franchise, deeply ingrained in its core essence, reflecting the overall evolution of the franchise as a whole.
Pokemon Yellow Started a Huge Tradition Was Never Broken
Pikachu As The Undisputed Face of Pokemon Explained
Since Pokemon Yellow, Pikachu has gained immense popularity worldwide, not just within the franchise. With each new release, merchandise featuring Pikachu continues to be a top seller, regardless of its appearance in various media – from Pikachu plushies for every holiday to clothing and gaming accessories sporting its image. The fact that Pikachu is the series’ mascot is evident in multiple ways, as both the anime and games reflect this prominently.
Since Ash and Pikachu’s departure from the Pokemon anime, Captain Pikachu continues to play a significant role in the series, demonstrating the enduring connection between Pikachu and The Pokemon Company. Moreover, main games have consistently featured Pikachu, even after the removal of the National Pokedex, with it appearing in every title until Gen 9. Additionally, Pikachu has its own lineage of creatures, as generations 2 through 9 introduced “Pika-clones” – Pokemon inspired by Pikachu in some way, often Electric in nature. Examples of these Pokemon include:
- Pichu, Gen 2
- Plusle and Minun, Gen 3
- Pachirisu, Gen 4
- Emolga, Gen 5
- Dedenne, Gen 6
- Togedemaru, Gen 7
- Morpeko, Gen 8
- Pawmi, Pawmo, and Pawmot, Gen 9
One might contend that Mimikyu from Generation 7 resembles a Pikachu copy because of its physical likeness, yet it dons a Pikachu costume and isn’t an Electric-type like other Pokémon associated with Pikachu. However, the fact that Mimikyu disguises itself as a Pikachu is additional evidence that Pikachu serves as the uncontested emblem of the franchise. According to the Pokédex, Mimikyu conceals itself as a Pikachu in an attempt to be accepted and cherished by other Pokémon and humans.
Regardless of the context, Pikachu is consistently featured in one form or another within various films. For instance, Detective Pikachu has emerged as a complete franchise with this character taking center stage, and it also inspired a line of video games.
How Pokemon Yellow’s Pikachu Set a 25-Year Trend
25 years ago, Pokemon Yellow revolutionized the Pokemon franchise by enabling players to journey through Kanto accompanied by Pikachu as their primary companion, much like in the Pokemon TV show. This unique version of Pikachu followed players outside its Poke Ball and was given a dedicated Gen 1 sprite, marking the beginning of regularly featuring this Electric mouse-like creature in all main series games and numerous spin-offs. Although it’s uncertain if the Pikachu line will be absent from Pokemon Generation 10, based on the teaser for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the upcoming installment of the series seems likely to include it once more.
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2024-10-20 15:36