The Gen 2 Origins of Pokemons Most Mysterious Move Explained

The Gen 2 Origins of Pokemons Most Mysterious Move Explained

As a seasoned gamer with decades of Pokemon adventures under my belt, I can confidently say that Curse is one of the most intriguing moves in the franchise’s history. The mystery surrounding its origins and the eerie ritualistic vibe it exudes have always fascinated me. The tale of Norowara, a cut Pokemon that could potentially have been the inspiration behind this unique move, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.


The realm of Pokémon has expanded significantly following the arrival of nine generations, teeming with a multitude of species, abilities, and moves that have collectively sustained its timeless appeal. Among all these moves, just one has been labeled as the mysterious ???-type and boasts a mechanism unlike any other. Although it may now be categorized as Ghost-type, the move called Curse remains a testament to an elusive aspect of the franchise’s past, with ties to the concealed lore of a missing Pokémon.

Originating in Generation 2, the Curse move stands out with its unique typing and dual impact influenced by its user. Straddling the line between an attack, status, and stat-enhancing move, the mysterious origins of Curse and its peculiar effects can be traced to a beta Pokemon called Norowara from the Gold and Silver era, which may have been omitted due to being too dark and mature for the series.

Curse’s Bizarre Effects Defy Pokemon Standards

The Noroi Dynamic

The effectiveness of this move depends on its user’s type, as it inflicts harm particularly when wielded by Ghost-type Pokémon. Known as Curse, this damaging move initially reduces the user’s HP by half and then gradually depletes the opponent’s HP by a quarter each turn. This prolonged damage seems to symbolize an unsettling ritual sacrifice, causing the adversary to endure pain over time. The visual representation of a nail being driven into the target aligns well with Norowara’s concept as a haunted doll, making its ominous imagery even more fitting within this context.

If the user isn’t a Ghost-type, Curse will instead lower the user’s Speed by one stage while raising their Attack and Defense stats by one stage, leading to a popular offensive Normal-type Pokemon strategy. This unique effect could be assumed to represent the lack of ghost abilities, but it’s actually a play on the Japanese name for the move, Noroi. This word can be a synonym meaning both “curse” and “dull” or “slow” in the language, so this version of the move is unrelated to the original concept.

Norowara and Its Ambitious Evolution Method Were Likely Too Dark for Pokemon

A Pokemon Based on a Sacrificial Doll is a Tough Sell to a Younger Audience

Reportedly, Norowara’s design was said to feature a basic doll with a pin embedded, symbolizing ancient magic and rituals related to curses. Additionally, there were rumors of gameplay elements involving the theme of sacrifice. If Norowara didn’t evolve into Kyonpan, a Pokemon resembling a Jiangshi, it would have learned the move “Curse” at level 100. This is because “Curse” was to be learned only at the maximum level, preventing Norowara from advancing beyond its initial form after refusing evolution with each level-up.

As a fan, I find this game concept quite complex and abstract, which seems unusual for a game aimed at young audiences. Moreover, it appears to stretch the boundaries of content, especially since the Pokémon series has previously faced controversy due to creatures like Kadabra, whose magic-inspired design might be seen as questionable.

Norowara Lives on Through Curse and the Banette Line

It’s understandable that Norowara didn’t officially appear in Pokemon Gold and Silver, but its influence continues through the Curse move and Ghost-type Pokemon who echo its dark theme. Shuppet and Banette from Generation 3 are prime examples, being haunted toys, while Greavard in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has a surprisingly grim backstory as a diseased dog Pokemon’s spirit. The Curse move symbolizes a more ominous aspect of the franchise that persists to this day. There’s still a chance that a concept like Norowara could reemerge.

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2024-10-21 03:06