General VGC Discussion Thread

[Wispy Willow]

Greetings, sharkshocker, Glory Blaze and the one other person on this forum that still pays attention to the Battle Center nowadays. Oh, and the other mods too I guess. As you can probably tell by the title of this thread, this here is a place to discus pretty much anything VGC-related. After all, those of us here who participate in this particular batle style may as well have their own place to discuss stuff relating to said battle style, be it the battling itself, ideas for teams, upcoming events and wi-fi competitions or just to have a *ahem* generel chat.

Anyway, assuming I haven't scared any Smogon players away with the mere concept of VGC, I shall now provide the first topic of discussion in this 'ere thread and the reason I made it in the first place - the recently-announced addition to the VGC rules for next year, summed up in the following quote from the official website:

The format for the 2016 Video Game Championship season has been announced. As of January 1, 2016, players competing in Play! Pokémon video game competitions will need to follow these new rules and regulations when building their teams and during battle. This will be the official format for the 2016 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, CA.

Be prepared for competitions with our strategy preview of the restricted Pokémon allowed in battle for the first time since 2010! Get details on the best moves and strategies for playing with—and playing against—these tough Legendary Pokémon.

Here is the basic information that players need to know:

All battles will be Double Battles played in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

Time limits for battles will vary by event. At major events (Regional Championships and above), battles will have a 15-minute time limit, 45-second move timer, and a 90-second Team Preview.

Pokémon brought in via Poké Transporter will not be permitted (the blue pentagon is required).

All discovered Pokémon will be allowed except the following Mythical Pokémon: Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, and Hoopa.

Teams may have no more than two of the following Pokémon: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde.

All items will be allowed except Soul Dew. Each Pokémon must hold a different item.

As you can see, most of that is standard stuff, but the thing that sticks out like a sore thumb is the fact that certian Legendary 'mons will make many an appearence. I'm... not sure how to feel about this. On the one hand, I am not too fussed since the team I am currently using can, assuming things go as planed, handle anything from that list except a Giratina lead because everyone totally cares about that, but on the other I am rather worried about the Primals dominating which probably loudly proclaims that I haven't played Ubers ever. But that's enough about me, time to let the one person who's still here have his/her say on the new additions to the VGC lineup or ignore me completely and talk about something else.

 

[jackatlasred]

Ok imma talk about something completely diffrent.

While the change might be seen as bad by alot of people, I believe that this can be for the better. I like the idea of using legendary pokemon. If course weather teams will be destroyed and sandstorm will die, but in all honesty I hate rock types flying types and golduck get buff's so I'm all in

 

[jackatlasred]

So golduck is absolutely strong. You don't want to get groudon or rayquaza in while this guy is on the field.

On another note, I used skill swap so I could eruption, but used preciple blades anyways, I don't always think. Who else was almost in the 1700's and then the ladder reset?