I'll just go over the last Gym and Elite 4 super quick:
Ampharos and Gyarados (with Avalanche and Ice Fang) took out Clair with minor issues.
Ampharos and Arcanine make quick work of Will.
Arcanine humiliated Koga.
Heracross beat down Bruno.
Karen was a team effort, and also the easiest of the bunch - except for Gengar. I sent Tauros out thinking that Ghost moves don't effect him and his Zen Headbutt could take out Gengar because of the type alignment advantage and because of Gengar's low Defense. However, Gengar is quick and he know Focus Blast, which finished off Tauros in one hit. That was the first and only time I used Tauros.
I figured that I could use Steelix against Lance, powering up his Attack and Defense with Curse and letting Rock Throw do the rest (since Dragonite is also a Flying type). However, his first Dragonite knew Fire Blast. After defeating it with Gyarados, I threw a revived Steelix back out against Aerodactyl then employed the Curse strategy. It carried Steelix through the rest of the battle.
When breaking down the stats, I'll bold the highest of each particular stat on the team. I'll also italicize the lowest particular stat on the team. For example, Ampharos as the highest Sp Atk out of all team members, but the lowest Attack. So his Sp Atk is bold and his Attack is italicized.
At lv 50, here's the breakdown:
Arcanine (Quirky in nature: neutral)
HP 153
Attack 128
Defense 94
Sp Atk 126
Sp Def 94
Speed 118
Steelix (Hardy: neutral)
HP 149
Attack 102
Defense 217 (wow)
Sp Atk 65
Sp Def 83
Speed 51 (wow...)
Gyarados (Lax: +Defense, -Sp Def)
HP 171
Attack 144
Defense 116
Sp Atk 79
Sp Def 106
Speed 100
Heracross (Hardy: neutral)
HP 149
Attack 138
Defense 99
Sp Atk 55
Sp Def 115
Speed 106
Tauros (Docile: neutral)
HP 148
Attack 112
Defense 116
Sp Atk 56
Sp Def 80
Speed 132
Ampharos (Modest: +Sp Atk, -Attack)
HP 167
Attack 77
Defense 83
Sp Atk 134
Sp Def 102
Speed 72
So Arcanine did not have any particular stat that was the highest on the team, but also did not have any stat that was the lowest. Gyarados, on the other hand, had 2 stats that were the highest and none that were the lowest.
It's tough to pick an MVP out of these two, but I'd have to go with Arcanine for his all-round versatility.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Storytelling
I have a full review for Radiant Historia up on the site, so check it out. I'll also get back to wrapping up Gotta Train 'em All tomorrow. There's already a full wrap-up on the site, but I'll get into more specifics about lv 50 stats here.
I've never given much credibility to games as a platform for compelling storytelling. Games are primarily an interactive art between a problem and the player. Imagine my surprise when the multiple timeline narratives and complexities in interacting with both impressed me in Radiant Historia. I'm not saying that we're at Inception levels of handling parallel narratives, but it's definitely a cut above most of the shlock that gamers endure. Some have even been enamored with modern games' stories. Ugh.
The problem with writing compelling stories in games is that the players transfer themselves into the characters of the game, which is completely natural because the players execute the actions of the character. For all intents and purposes, they are the characters. So there's a disconnect when a character in a game says or does anything uncharacteristic of the player.
Not to mention that all video game writers need serious lessons in writing dialogue and subtlety. I'm looking at you, Square-Enix. Most characters in games are either melodramatic to the worst degrees of after-school specials, or unbelievably emotionally constipated.
Anyway, I'll get off my soap box until I can prove that I'm better.
I've never given much credibility to games as a platform for compelling storytelling. Games are primarily an interactive art between a problem and the player. Imagine my surprise when the multiple timeline narratives and complexities in interacting with both impressed me in Radiant Historia. I'm not saying that we're at Inception levels of handling parallel narratives, but it's definitely a cut above most of the shlock that gamers endure. Some have even been enamored with modern games' stories. Ugh.
The problem with writing compelling stories in games is that the players transfer themselves into the characters of the game, which is completely natural because the players execute the actions of the character. For all intents and purposes, they are the characters. So there's a disconnect when a character in a game says or does anything uncharacteristic of the player.
Not to mention that all video game writers need serious lessons in writing dialogue and subtlety. I'm looking at you, Square-Enix. Most characters in games are either melodramatic to the worst degrees of after-school specials, or unbelievably emotionally constipated.
Anyway, I'll get off my soap box until I can prove that I'm better.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 5 - Gym 7
Everyone is moving along quite well. I did not spend any time in Mt. Mortar just yet. I'll do some cave diving before I boot out the Elite 4.
Team Rocket is a bit more a hassle without a strong Psychic type. Although Tauros did learn Zen Headbutt at lv 31(ish), Koffings have a solid Defense and Tauros's Attack stat is starting to lag. I cannot blame him, he's a simple 1-form. That said, he's stats are still solid, just not up to Gyarados and Heracross levels. Steelix's Rock Throw would be much more useful against the Zubats and Golbats if it were more accurate.
With all that in mind, calling Team Rocket more of a hassle this time is like saying that opening doors is more of a hassle than automatic ones.
Gyarados picked up Ice Fang at lv 32. Awesome.
Bryce was easy pickings for Arcanine and Ampharos.
Team Rocket is a bit more a hassle without a strong Psychic type. Although Tauros did learn Zen Headbutt at lv 31(ish), Koffings have a solid Defense and Tauros's Attack stat is starting to lag. I cannot blame him, he's a simple 1-form. That said, he's stats are still solid, just not up to Gyarados and Heracross levels. Steelix's Rock Throw would be much more useful against the Zubats and Golbats if it were more accurate.
With all that in mind, calling Team Rocket more of a hassle this time is like saying that opening doors is more of a hassle than automatic ones.
Gyarados picked up Ice Fang at lv 32. Awesome.
Bryce was easy pickings for Arcanine and Ampharos.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 5 - Gym 5 & 6
My biggest concern on the way to Olivine was Onix. He was at lv 20 and I decided to evolve him then because all his stats (other than Defense) were severely lacking. Evolving him gave his a nice boost across the board, but he has yet to learn a powerhouse move with good accuracy. I taught him Iron Tail after beating Jasmine, but I'm getting way ahead of myself there. By the time I worked my way up to the top of the lighthouse, he was caught up with everyone at lv 25.
The only pokemon that was not at lv 25 was Flaffy, but this was on purpose. She was the only monster I used while surfing (taught Surf to Gyarados) to Cianwood against wild pokemon (usually Tentacools) and trainers. By the time I reached Cianwood, she had evolved into Ampharos (lv 30) and learned Thunderpunch. After swimming around the Whirl Islands and picking off the rest of the trainers, she was a lv 36 powerhouse.
Heracross has not yet learned much because most of the move he would have learned, he inherited from breeding. With Aerial Ace, Chuck's Gym was no sweat for him by himself.
I did not have a pokemon who could Fly, so I had to catch a Farfetch'd to do so.
Arcanine made quick work of Jasmine with absolutely no issues.
The only pokemon that was not at lv 25 was Flaffy, but this was on purpose. She was the only monster I used while surfing (taught Surf to Gyarados) to Cianwood against wild pokemon (usually Tentacools) and trainers. By the time I reached Cianwood, she had evolved into Ampharos (lv 30) and learned Thunderpunch. After swimming around the Whirl Islands and picking off the rest of the trainers, she was a lv 36 powerhouse.
Heracross has not yet learned much because most of the move he would have learned, he inherited from breeding. With Aerial Ace, Chuck's Gym was no sweat for him by himself.
I did not have a pokemon who could Fly, so I had to catch a Farfetch'd to do so.
Arcanine made quick work of Jasmine with absolutely no issues.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 5 - Gym 4
Thank God for Gyarados. At lv 20, all his stats, but especially his Attack and Sp Atk took a huge jump and he learned Bite. Congratulations, you are now useful.
There's a schoolboy trainer (that is to say, a pokemon trainer that attends some sort of elementary academic institution, not someone who trains schoolboys) right before the Sudowoodo that gives you his phone number. When I arrived in Ecruteak, he called saying he had something for me. It turned out to be a Fire Stone, which I used on Growlithe immediately. At lv 20, he already knew Flame Wheel, Flame Thrower and Bite, so any other moves he needs, I'll teach him via TM's. As an Aracanine, he'll pick up Extreme Speed later. His stats all grew by 14 or 16 points.
With Gyarados and Aracanine in tow, Morty and his juniors did not put up much of a fight.
More details on stats tomorrow.
There's a schoolboy trainer (that is to say, a pokemon trainer that attends some sort of elementary academic institution, not someone who trains schoolboys) right before the Sudowoodo that gives you his phone number. When I arrived in Ecruteak, he called saying he had something for me. It turned out to be a Fire Stone, which I used on Growlithe immediately. At lv 20, he already knew Flame Wheel, Flame Thrower and Bite, so any other moves he needs, I'll teach him via TM's. As an Aracanine, he'll pick up Extreme Speed later. His stats all grew by 14 or 16 points.
With Gyarados and Aracanine in tow, Morty and his juniors did not put up much of a fight.
More details on stats tomorrow.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 5 - Gym 2 + 3
Magicarp is a drag. Not because is he completely useless in battle (this I expected) but because he takes so much experience to level up - doubly so because I have to switch him in and out.
Mareep continued her winning streak on the way to Union Cave against some fishermen. She evolved into Flaffy at lv 15. In Union Cave, Heracross's Brick Break (which he learned through breeding) made hikers a cakewalk.
There was no easy solution for Team Rocket in the well. Onix's Rock Throw make quick work of Zubats, but elbow grease was needed to fell the Koffings within.
Growlithe made quick work of Bugsy and his junior trainers, and even earned some experience for Magicarp along the way.
Whitney in Goldenrod was a cinch for Heracross.
I will stick up for Magicarp a little, he does have good Speed and Defense. But his other stats are horrid and he does not learn anything except Tackle at lv 15. Bring on Gyarados. I'm ready.
Mareep continued her winning streak on the way to Union Cave against some fishermen. She evolved into Flaffy at lv 15. In Union Cave, Heracross's Brick Break (which he learned through breeding) made hikers a cakewalk.
There was no easy solution for Team Rocket in the well. Onix's Rock Throw make quick work of Zubats, but elbow grease was needed to fell the Koffings within.
Growlithe made quick work of Bugsy and his junior trainers, and even earned some experience for Magicarp along the way.
Whitney in Goldenrod was a cinch for Heracross.
I will stick up for Magicarp a little, he does have good Speed and Defense. But his other stats are horrid and he does not learn anything except Tackle at lv 15. Bring on Gyarados. I'm ready.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 5 - Gym 1
I finally got started on our next team for the month. It consists of Magikarp, Growlithe, Mareep, Onix, Tauros and Heracross. All but a couple have neutral natures. I usually breed 5 of each species and take my pick of the litter, but against those odds, I some did not achieve a neutral nature.
What drives a man to be neutral? Is he born with neutrality in his heart?
Growlithe carried the heaviest load in the early going, through the bug trainers and Bellsprout Tower. He came with Flamethrower as a result of breeding, but learned Ember pretty quickly (lv 6). Starting with Magicarp and swapping in Growlithe made earning Magicarp a few extra levels simple. He and Onix will be the thoughest to train, until they evolve.
Through Falkner's gym, all is well. Mareep picked up up Thundershock at lv 10 and her stats are lagging behind just a touch. But I have 100% faith in Ampharos. Onix's impenetrable defense made him useful against Falkner. He picked up Rock Throw at lv 9, which also made him useful.
I grinded a bit with Heracross and Tauros, and they are growing well. He learned Rage and Horn Attack at levels 5 and 8, and both his an Heracross's Attack is growing very well. They'll end up being the brawlers of the group.
If I don't make it, tell my wife I said hello.
What drives a man to be neutral? Is he born with neutrality in his heart?
Growlithe carried the heaviest load in the early going, through the bug trainers and Bellsprout Tower. He came with Flamethrower as a result of breeding, but learned Ember pretty quickly (lv 6). Starting with Magicarp and swapping in Growlithe made earning Magicarp a few extra levels simple. He and Onix will be the thoughest to train, until they evolve.
Through Falkner's gym, all is well. Mareep picked up up Thundershock at lv 10 and her stats are lagging behind just a touch. But I have 100% faith in Ampharos. Onix's impenetrable defense made him useful against Falkner. He picked up Rock Throw at lv 9, which also made him useful.
I grinded a bit with Heracross and Tauros, and they are growing well. He learned Rage and Horn Attack at levels 5 and 8, and both his an Heracross's Attack is growing very well. They'll end up being the brawlers of the group.
If I don't make it, tell my wife I said hello.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February 2011
I sat down to hammer out a schedule for features, reviews and podcasts for the month, only to realize that The Conduit 2 is actually coming out in April. I'm positive it was slated for February at some point, but I guess I missed the delay. Imagine my surprise. de Blob is coming out for the Wii this month, but I think I'll save my money for some 3DS games. Sorry, THQ. Radiant Historia is coming out on the same day as de Blob 2 (February 22), so I'll be reviewing that one instead.
I was incredibly please to see that Kirby's Epic yarn sold almost 1.4 million in 2010, and I have no doubt that is has reached that number by now. Retro's Donkey Kong Country Returns sold an incredibly impressing 4.2 million. I'm blown away by both numbers, especially DKC. I'm pretty sure Nintendo has only released the sales numbers for first-party games in 2010 because Goldeneye is nowhere to be found on their Top 10. I'm 90% sure that it beat out Kirby.
On the movie side of the site, this month I'm putting together a pretty extensive feature on Hong Kong film director Wong Kar Wai (or Kar Wai Wong, whichever order of nomenclature you prefer). I'll be watching (and in some cases, re-watching) all of his movies and writing reviews for all of them, followed by a feature about him as a director at the end of the month.
I was incredibly please to see that Kirby's Epic yarn sold almost 1.4 million in 2010, and I have no doubt that is has reached that number by now. Retro's Donkey Kong Country Returns sold an incredibly impressing 4.2 million. I'm blown away by both numbers, especially DKC. I'm pretty sure Nintendo has only released the sales numbers for first-party games in 2010 because Goldeneye is nowhere to be found on their Top 10. I'm 90% sure that it beat out Kirby.
On the movie side of the site, this month I'm putting together a pretty extensive feature on Hong Kong film director Wong Kar Wai (or Kar Wai Wong, whichever order of nomenclature you prefer). I'll be watching (and in some cases, re-watching) all of his movies and writing reviews for all of them, followed by a feature about him as a director at the end of the month.
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