Polarizing Pokemon with Excellent Designs Revealed

Summary

Mr. Mime is a unique and well-designed Pokemon, despite divisive opinions about its appearance.
Barbaracle’s unusual design is a creative take on Pokemon made up of multiple smaller creatures.
Veluza’s seemingly unremarkable appearance hides a clever culinary concept and signature move.

Over almost three decades, the Pokemon series has introduced a multitude of intriguing and one-of-a-kind magical creatures to gamers. Some of them, such as Pikachu, Charizard, Eevee, or Lucario, have become some of the most recognized video game characters ever and are cherished by fans worldwide. Nonetheless, this isn’t always true, as several other Pokemon continue to spark debates within the fan community.

Each generation has its share of Pokémon that spark controversy among fans, due to various reasons. However, it’s essential to note that many of these controversial Pokémon don’t truly warrant the amount of criticism they receive. In fact, they boast exceptional designs that are often overlooked and undervalued. The following Pokémon might be contentious, but in reality, they exhibit outstanding design.

8. Mr. Mime

Unexpectedly Charming And Somewhat Adorable

It’s often argued by some Pokémon enthusiasts that the initial generation didn’t feature any contentious designs, but this is far from accurate. The Psychic/Fairy Pokémon Mr. Mime has always been a subject of debate, as many find it unsettling or eerie due to its humanoid form and mime/jester motif.

As a gaming enthusiast, let me share my take on why I find Mr. Mime so captivating among the Pokémon family. You see, it’s not just its ability to conjure psychic barriers with its mind due to being a mime that sets it apart – it’s the whole package! Its colorful physique and plump visage are more endearing than unsettling, making it a delight to encounter in the game world.

The way Mr. Mime’s concept as a mime/jester is reflected in its design adds an extra layer of charm. And the icing on the cake? Seeing it in live action during Detective Pikachu without appearing creepy only solidifies my belief that its designers truly nailed it!

7. Barbaracle

Looks Ugly, But For A Very Good Reason

In the games Pokemon X and Y, there were some standout designs that are widely admired across the series, such as Greninja, Hawlucha, and Tyrantrum. However, certain Pokemon from the Kalos region with more uncommon types, like Barbaracle (Water/Rock), sparked divided opinions among fans, making them quite controversial.

Many consider Barbaracle an unattractive or frightening Pokemon due to its numerous heads, faces, and eyes scattered across its limbs. However, this peculiar trait is enhanced by the fact that it’s composed of several Binacle, much like how real-life goose barnacles attach themselves to rocks near water. Essentially, Barbaracle represents a more contemporary and imaginative interpretation of Pokemon comprised of smaller beings, similar to Magneton or Dugtrio.

6. Klefki

It’s More Than Just A Living Key Ring

Pokemon resembling inanimate objects have often sparked debates, and among them, one of the most peculiar introductions came in Generation Six – Klefki, a fresh addition to the world of Steel/Fairy Pokemon, appearing as a lively keychain adorned with various keys on its limbs.

In a unique twist, this design for Klefki is quite shrewdly thought out, considering that fairies and other mythical creatures in some European folklore are frequently blamed for misplaced small items. Moreover, it’s important to note that the keys on Klefki aren’t physical attachments; instead, it gathers them from its environment. The Pokedex also hints that certain aristocratic families from past times entrusted Klefki with their vault keys. As a result, among all Pokemon based on inanimate objects within the franchise, this one stands out as particularly impressive.

5. Incineroar

A Ruthless Heel Based On A Classic Wrestling Manga

For three consecutive generations, the Fire and Fighting type mix was used on Starter Pokemon (Blaziken, Infernape, and Emboar). Over time, fans grew weary of this pattern. Consequently, many fans sighed upon learning that Incineroar, appearing to be another humanoid Pokemon with a secondary Fighting Type, would likely continue the trend.

Absolutely, Incineroar is indeed both Fire and Dark type, but its appearance is intentionally deceiving as it’s modeled after a professional wrestling heel – a villainous wrestler known for underhanded tactics. This explains why it has the secondary Dark type. Moreover, its design seems to be influenced by the popular wrestling manga, “Tiger Mask”, featuring a notorious heel wearing a tiger-shaped mask. All in all, Incineroar boasts an impressive design and innovative concept, and it’s unfair to write it off merely because it resembles other Fire/Fighting Pokemon.

4. Crabominable

A Seamless Combination Between A Cryptid And A Real Animal

In the Alola region, the Pokemon called Crabominable is frequently seen as one of the least beloved and unattractive characters within the entire franchise. The stark contrast between its appearance and that of its pre-evolved form, Crabrawler, has done little to enhance its popularity. However, despite its questionable reputation, Crabominable’s distinctive design remains effective in various aspects, particularly when considering its sources of inspiration.

The unique appearance of Crabominable is a fusion of characteristics from the actual crustacean known as the Yeti Crab and the legendary creature, the Yeti or Abominable Snowman. This imaginative and well-executed concept not only makes it visually appealing but also offers an explanation for its oddly shaped pincers. These pincers, rather than functioning like typical crustacean claws, are utilized to make imprints in the snow similar to the way a Yeti is said to leave footprints according to folklore.

3. Ultra Beasts

Bizarre Creatures That Don’t Look Like Pokemon (Because They’re Not Supposed To)

Seven-generation Pokémon games unveiled an extraordinary class of creatures called Ultra Beasts, which originate from dimensions beyond our own and infiltrate the Alola region. Many enthusiasts had varied responses to these Ultra Beasts as they exhibit unique, almost abstract designs that set them apart distinctly from typical Pokémon, creating a different feel.

Of course, it’s clear that the Ultra Beasts are designed to be peculiar and otherworldly, as they’re extradimensional intruders intended to instill a sense of unease in typical Pokemon trainers. Moreover, their unique designs are undeniably clever, creative, and impressive, with some standout examples including Buzzwole, Kartana, Guzzlord, and Naganadel.

2. Flamigo

The Flamingo Pokemon Fans Have Been Asking For So Many Years

Remarkably, it wasn’t until the ninth generation that Game Freak introduced a Pokemon inspired by the vibrant and well-known flamingo. Known as the Flamigo, this character left some fans underwhelmed due to its rather ordinary and unremarkable appearance.

Flamigo might seem ordinary at first glance, but delving into its background reveals a unique and captivating Pokemon. It’s not just resemblant to a plastic garden decoration; its form is reminiscent of an arm with a boxing glove, explaining its secondary fighting type. Moreover, this seemingly simple creature exhibits impressive strength in combat, as demonstrated by its use by Elite Four member, Larry.

1. Veluza

An Unremarkable Fish With A Gorey Secret

The Pokemon series is abundant with common water-dwelling Pokemon that populate the various games’ water bodies. Consequently, Veluza, introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, might at first glance appear to be just another ordinary fish Pokemon without any unique traits. Its appearance, along with its irritating in-game behavior, has led to a less-than-favorable image among fans.

However, Veluza is another exceptional Pokémon often misjudged. Modeled after the hake fish, a popular catch in Spain (the region where Paldea is modeled), its design incorporates culinary aspects, as evidenced by its signature move, Fillet Away, which enables it to discard its own flesh to increase speed. Interestingly, humans can consume the leftover meat, making Veluza a unique Pokémon with a gastronomic twist, setting it apart from other fish characters in the franchise.

2025-02-27 13:34