As Game Freak ramps up its forward marketing pokemon scarlet and Purple‘s version, he revealed a new addition to the Gen 9 Pokedex which appears to be a continuation of Pokemon long line of selling itself to dog lovers. The lovable Greavard was introduced as a pure Ghost-type, and he replicates all the tropes and stereotypes of what a classic dog should be: energetic, loving, and friendly. While this behavior fuels the troubling lore of Greavard, it’s the latest Pokémon introduced in pokemon scarlet and Purple be based on a dog among all other generations before.
Normally, this might not have garnered much attention from fans, but earlier this year a different dog-inspired Pokémon was introduced. Fidough was another popular Scarlet and Purple announcement when it was revealed, and alongside Greavard, this means that out of twenty new Pokemon currently announced for Gen 9, it is currently very heavy. Gen 8 also introduced several new dog-like Pokémon, like many other generations, which means Pokemon has a subtle tradition of marketing towards gamers who love their furry pets.
Generation 1: Growlithe and Arcanine
Although it was the original Pokemon dog, Growlithe and Arcanine started this unconscious marketing trend. It is understandable for Pokemonit is first generation that many basic concepts and animals would influence their designs, leading to the typical dog-shaped design of these Fire Pokémon. However, decades later and with the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceusthese two would be given all-new hisian forms and would remain just as much a part of Game Freak’s marketing to dog lovers.
Gen 2: Snubbull, Granbull, Houndour, Houndoom and Smeargle
With the release of pokemon gold and Silver, the number of dog-like Pokémon has skyrocketed. Originally introduced as Normal-type Pokemon and retroactively updated to Fairy after Gen 6, Snubbull and Granbull’s designs are inspired by and named after bulldogs, while the artistic Smeargle retained its Normal typing in as a beagle turned painter. Houndour and Houndoom, on the other hand, seem to be inspired by Dobermans, but their namesake and dark typing connects to the hellhounds of folklore. Houndoom even caught Game Freak’s attention in Gen 6 with a Mega Evolution that adds more credibility to this canine trend.
Gen 3: Poochyena, Mightyena, Electrike and Manectric
pokemon ruby and Sapphire introduced two more lines of dog-based Pokémon, though less explicitly than in previous generations. For example, while Poochyena’s name refers directly to her dog-like appearance, the second half refers to him and Mightyena’s inspiration from hyenas. On the other hand, as Electrike stretches the imagination to be seen as a dog, she and Manectric seem to go after wolves more. Manectric eventually joined Houndoom and received a Mega Evolution.
Gen 4 – Riolu and Lucario
Hit something almost like a drought, Pokémon Diamond and pearl added Pokémon that were less dog and more jackal with Riolu and Lucario. Seeming to be inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology around Anubis, the pair took the marketing trend of dog-like Pokemon even further. Despite this, Lucario became and remains a fan favorite among gamers, receiving his own Mega Evolution and headlining one of the pokemonmovies.
Gen 5 – Lillipup, Herdier and Stoutland
As speculative as it may be, when Pokemon Black and White was released, it added a unique three-stage evolutionary line of Pokémon dogs, as if to make up for the lack of real dogs from the previous two generations. Drawing heavily from the Terrier races, Lillipup, Herdier, and Stoutland were on many players’ initial teams since they were some of the first Pokémon encountered in the wild. In a return to form, Game Freak demonstrated a renewed inclination for dog-based Pokémon with a line that directly appealed to dog lovers.
Gen 6 – Furfrou
While Game Freak retreated on the Pokemon dog in X and Yes, his introduction of Furfrou was always a good concept that gave fans what they wanted. Drawing inspiration from Gen 6’s French origins, Furfrou is based on a poodle, but is unique in that it has several different variations informed by the poodle’s association with being a show dog breed. traditional and neat fur. The Pokémon was initially introduced with nine different forms for Furfrou or “fillings”, three of which were even restricted until players healed theirs at least once.
Gen 7 – Rockruff and Lycanroc
Another example of Game Freak testing the limits of dog-like, Rockruff seemed to be based on a Spitz, but its three evolutions are all unmistakably designed as wolves. Introduced in Gen 7 in Pokemon Sun and Moon and the Ultra followed, Rockruff and Lycanroc continued the trend of dog- or wolf-based Pokémon and was probably intended to emphasize the day-night differences of the games with a midday Lycanroc closer to a wolf while the night Lycanroc is inspired by werewolves. An additional rare twilight form Lycanroc only adds to the appeal for fans as it is harder to obtain.
Gen 8 – Yamper and Boltund & Zacian and Zamazenta
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Game Freak introduced not only Yamper, but also legendary gaming mascots based on traditional wolves. Heavily inspired by the region’s English roots, Yamper draws its design from a Corgi, a famous breed associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, while Boltund is meant to parallel Foxhounds which are also linked to royalty in through the controversial fox practice. hunt. Yamper was introduced before the games were released and had his own unique ability, Ball Fetch, which brings home canine connections.
Additionally, Zacian and Zamazenta were the pinnacle of Game Freak’s marketing to dog lovers, as not only were they the mascots of each respective game, but they featured heavily throughout the story. Players were even guaranteed to be able to catch one of the two, and even better, Zacian and Zamazenta stood out from the other legendaries in both lore and design. Combining these two with Yamper and Boltund, and not forgetting the previously mentioned Hisuian forms of Growlithe and Arcanine, this build is perfect for dog lovers. With what’s been shown on Gen 9 so far, it looks like Game Freak is keeping that trend going.
pokemon scarlet and Purple are set to release on November 18 on Nintendo Switch.
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