Best Replacement Mascot

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

It's a fact that Pikachu is mediocre at best, even with the light ball, due to its shallow movepool and not poor stats (the same goes to its evolved form, Raichu). With Game Freak refusing to improve him, it's time for the company to replace him with another cute Pokemon (one who is actually decent in battles when in their full evolved forms). The choice is yours on who will be a fine replacement as the franchise's mascot.

 

[winstein]

This thread isn't quite "Contest Hall" material, because it's not competing all the Pokemon against one another. It could easily fit into the main Pokemon World thread. I will move there immediately.

With that said, I am surprised you missed out Clefairy, the mascot that was considered before Pikachu was chosen. If you see the Pocket Monsters manga in Japan, you might see signs of this, because one of the main characters is a rather rude Clefairy (Pikachu's there too, but not always at spotlight). I would've chosen Clefairy, because I like that Pokemon, although I could understand why they didn't go for that Pokemon.

Thanks for reading.

 

[smalllady]

It was a hard decision...but I picked Togepi.

I had a hard time deciding between Togepi, Marill, and Minccino. Togepi because of Misty's Togepi, Marill because of it's infamous "Pikablu" status, and Minccino because it seems to be one of the "faces" of Gen V. But in the end, Togepi won out because it's my favorite out of those three.

I didn't think about how able they were in battle, though. Unfortunately Togepi would be the worst out of those three orz.

 

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

With that said, I am surprised you missed out Clefairy, the mascot that was considered before Pikachu was chosen. If you see the Pocket Monsters manga in Japan, you might see signs of this, because one of the main characters is a rather rude Clefairy (Pikachu's there too, but not always at spotlight). I would've chosen Clefairy, because I like that Pokemon, although I could understand why they didn't go for that Pokemon.

I was going to put Clefairy on the list, but then I'm reminded that the Reniculus family outclassed her.

 

[Iteru]

I fail to see how the majority of the Pokémon in the poll are better than Pikachu competitively. Most of them are viable in LC, of which Pikachu does not have the requirements for, which makes comparisons hard (and unjustified).

For example:
Togepi is absolute garbage. Marill without Huge Power is a terrible Pokémon with Base 20 attacking stats. Ralts doesn't have a Base stat over 45.

Munchlax is like, the only one that can do better in a competitive environment in my opinion.

 

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

I fail to see how the majority of the Pokémon in the poll are better than Pikachu competitively. Most of them are viable in LC, of which Pikachu does not have the requirements for, which makes comparisons hard (and unjustified).

For example:
Togepi is absolute garbage. Marill without Huge Power is a terrible Pokémon with Base 20 attacking stats. Ralts doesn't have a Base stat over 45.

Munchlax is like, the only one that can do better in a competitive environment in my opinion.

You're missing the point of this poll. The determination of these Pokemon for the best mascot replacement is based on the status of their fully evolved form in the competitive battle.

For example:
Togepi evolves into Togekiss, the best normal/flying type in the series so far. Azumarill can kick arse thanks to huge power. If you have a male Ralts, you can evolve it into Gallade, who while suffering from competition with Lucario, can still be a good Pokemon at his own right.

 

[Iteru]

You're missing the point of this poll.

It's a fact that Pikachu is mediocre at best, even with the light ball, due to its shallow movepool and not poor stats. With Game Freak refusing to improve him, it's time for the company to replace him with another cute Pokemon (one who is actually decent in battles). The choice is yours on who will be a fine replacement as the franchise's mascot.

What point? It doesn't mention the Poké being fully evolved at all. I can only suggest you make it a bit more clearer as to what you mean because it isn't obvious at all, especially as the poll is full of NFE's.

 

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

What point? It doesn't mention the Poké being fully evolved at all. I can only suggest you make it a bit more clearer as to what you mean because it isn't obvious at all.

I suspected everyone to know what I'm talking about because I'm trying to avoid using full evolved forms as mascot replacement (after getting some complaints for that idea), so I instead use their pre-evolved forms.

 

[Radiuh]

Definitely Eevee. Tons of evolution forms could lead to some really interesting plot development to enhance the strong story

 

[ravenclaw1991]

None, I'd prefer it to stay Pikachu because Pikachu is awesome.

 

[Iteru]

I suspected everyone to know what I'm talking about because I'm trying to avoid using full evolved forms as mascot replacement (after getting some complaints for that idea), so I instead use their pre-evolved forms.

Okay, so you're using their fully evolved forms to compare against Pikachu competitively, who isn't fully evolved.

The comparisons you're making aren't really that fair.

 

[winstein]

I was going to put Clefairy on the list, but then I'm reminded that the Reniculus family outclassed her.

I should point out that Cleffa is a decent TCG card, because its effect is very good. Currently, in the HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion (meaning it's still usable now as it hadn't been obsoleted by being "rotated out"), its move puts all cards back in the deck (no matter how many you have), but in return, you get six new cards. Best part is that this move doesn't have any Energy requirement, so you can use it for free. As a baby Pokemon, it has the privilege of having the ability to not be harmed while it is asleep. Guess what? That move automatically puts it to sleep. It also has no retreat cost, so it can be exchanged with another Pokemon in the bench any time if it chooses to. One of the more flexible cards, although there's the 50% chance of waking on the opponent's is a risk (getting out of a bad hand definitely makes the effect worthwhile). Also, I take a liking for Clefable because of its massive movepool and generally being a flexible 'mon (for example, it can be a team healer with Wish and Aromatherapy), and being under-loved in general.

It's interesting to note that while Pikachu have always been the mascot, each Generation gave us some other Pokemon that is also treated like mascots because they are prominently starred (so you get to see merchandise with them). Take for example, during the Diamond and Pearl saga, Piplup is prominently starred in the anime, and I guess that is good for you because Empoleon is a great Pokemon in competitive battling. Togepi was Misty's Pokemon in the anime, and while there was no Togekiss at that time, was treated as such.

Thanks for reading.

(Before you ask, neither of the current two Solosis cards have such useful effect (one of them can summon another Solosis in the deck as a move), and it is as frail as Cleffa (30HP), and neither have any immunity)

 

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

Okay, so you're using their fully evolved forms to compare against Pikachu competitively, who isn't fully evolved.

The comparisons you're making aren't really that fair.

Would it be fair enough if I mention Raichu, which I just did?

 

[Keldeo94]

Togepi pretty much was the mascot of the series for Johto, it completely over shone Pikachu in that series, and when I say to people can you think of any Johto Pokemon, the only ones they know are the 3 starters and Togepi, I'd say Totodile came pretty close though.

Similarly Piplup was pretty much the mascot while in Sinnoh. In Hoenn, there wasnt really one, as to my knowledge but I suppose Mudkip had that meme.

As for Unova, it's Oshawott, although recently he's not appeared as much, early on he always appeared and everyone loved him. So yeah, water starters seem to do well as Mascots, only poor Squirtle never really got that much attention.

Also towards the end of the Kanto region and the Orange Islands, Charizard was way more focused on than Pikachu and became almost similar to a mascot

 

[Darth Zekrom]

I don't think Pikachu needs to be replaced. The purpose of the mascot is basically to sit there, look cute, and be recognizable, and Pikachu is by far the best known Pokémon. If it was going to be replaced, though, I think a Unova Pokémon would be best, and Axew is probably the best choice. It can do the mascot job just fine, but Haxorus is great too. (I'm hoping for a shiny one.)

 

[raychuu]

I don't see the need to replace the mascot just because it's not "good in battle". Even more so, mascots aren't suppose to be the best at what the "sport" is. For example, I doubt football (or soccer, for those who call it that) mascots are tailored to be the perfect football ace, nor are the people who wear the disguises required to know how to even play it. They are good at their job, and that's how they should be. Pikachu does his job pretty well; he looks cute and appeals both genders. Also, while Raichu isn't topnotch, both he and Pikachu are pretty decent battlers on their own right. Sure, they can't easily beat a Mewtwo, but does that really make them bad? Besides, one does not simply replace the mascot, a Pokémon everyone knows. With that said, I think Pikachu is a wonderful mascot and Pokémon in his own right. He is a fine ambassador to the series.

 

[Bikini Miltank]

Why do mascots have to evolve into something powerful?

Given that just about any Pokemon can be made useful in-game (my Elite Four teams have included such powerhouses as Delcatty, Corsola and Spinda), why would the average fan of the franchise care about any mascot's competitive viability? In what universe would tier lists influence a company's choice of mascot?

I just... don't see where you're going with this.

 

[Ghetsis-Dennis]

Why do mascots have to evolve into something powerful?

Given that just about any Pokemon can be made useful in-game (my Elite Four teams have included such powerhouses as Delcatty, Corsola and Spinda), why would the average fan of the franchise care about any mascot's competitive viability? In what universe would tier lists influence a company's choice of mascot?

I just... don't see where you're going with this.

As kids are gaining more access to the internet and discover Smogon, they'll think its competitive viability and tier list is by law and anyone who uses low tier Pokemon will lose more often. Kids like strong Pokemon, not weak Pokemon, which can bring a threat to Pikachu's mascot status because Ryu has proven himself to be a good fighter while being the mascot of the Street Fighter franchise. Because Game Freak refuses to make more improvements to the Pikachu family, they need to replace it with another family who has both a marketing potential and decency in competitive battles (seeing as reusable TMs and the Battle Frontier are a message that they do care about the Stop Having Fun Guys).

 

[Keldeo94]

Why do mascots have to evolve into something powerful?

Given that just about any Pokemon can be made useful in-game (my Elite Four teams have included such powerhouses as Delcatty, Corsola and Spinda), why would the average fan of the franchise care about any mascot's competitive viability? In what universe would tier lists influence a company's choice of mascot?

I just... don't see where you're going with this.

As kids are gaining more access to the internet and discover Smogon, they'll think its competitive viability and tier list is by law and anyone who uses low tier Pokemon will lose more often. Kids like strong Pokemon, not weak Pokemon, which can bring a threat to Pikachu's mascot status because Ryu has proven himself to be a good fighter while being the mascot of the Street Fighter franchise. Because Game Freak refuses to make more improvements to the Pikachu family, they need to replace it with another family who has both a marketing potential and decency in competitive battles (seeing as reusable TMs and the Battle Frontier are a message that they do care about the Stop Having Fun Guys).

Why do we have to take Smogons fun little rankings into account all the time??? On the discussion about Kyurem's new formes, people talk about Nintendo picking Type X instead of type Y to be in Uber or BL or whatever, as if Nintendo takes a fan site such as Smogon into account when designing Pokemon either for movies or mascots!

 

[Bikini Miltank]

I'm sure that Game Freak are aware of the competitive scene, and the metagame may well be taken into account when designing new Pokemon and assigning learnsets (the scarcity of Stealth Rock in Gen V is likely a result of this). But that's as far as it goes. Choosing mascots is a whole other business, and I'm sorry, but the competitive metagame doesn't factor into it at all. Most fans of the franchise don't do serious competitive battling. Most people who do battle competitively will not deride a Pokemon simply because it doesn't have the stats of Garchomp. There is a thriving NU metagame.

The fact that more kids have access to the internet now than they did in 1996? It means nothing, especially since widespread access to the internet has been common now for a decade or more. In the Red and Blue days, you didn't need a tier list to tell you that Mewtwo was stronger than Butterfree. The differences in power between certain Pokemon have always been obvious even to the most casual players. And hey, those power differences are the very reason that tier lists exist. If there were no tiers, everyone would play the same small number of overpowered Pokemon, and the vast majority of the Pokedex, with all its variety and potential for interesting teams, would go unused. Splitting Pokemon into tiers is a way of ensuring that people can use the Pokemon they like without running into legendaries that can beat them on the basis of stats alone. It is not a means of ranking which Pokemon is best, and those who think it is are not only gravely mistaken, but also represent a tiny fraction of the fandom.

Seriously, go and take a look at the favorite Pokemon poll. The favorites are a mixture of the competitively strong and weak, as well as the cute and the badass-looking. The winner? Charizard, which has languished in the lower tiers since forever. Many kids like strong Pokemon, no doubt about it. But this generally means a Pokemon that looks and seems strong. Whether that Pokemon has been proven competitively viable based on metagame analysis is not going to be important to the average young fan.