POTW Pokémon of the Week #82: Zigzagoon & Linoone

SirOni

SirOni

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In the World of Pokémon, there lives a vast number and variety of amazing creatures to befriend and collect. Every week, we will be focusing on one of these Pokémon or evolutionary line and talking about what makes it special. This week's Pokémon of choice is the Linoone-line!

480px-263Zigzagoon.png

20100723142750%21264Linoone.png

The original Pickup pals, Zigzagoon and Linoone are Normal-type Pokémon from Generation III. They are the early regional Normal-type critter for Hoenn following the proud tradition set forth by Rattata and Sentret. Compared to those two lines though Zigzagoon and Linoone easily outclass them in terms of utility, but more on that later. Zigzagoon and Linoone have rather simple pattern schemes with zigzags for Zigzagoon and straight lines for Linoone as clearly stated in their names. These patterns are also an aspect of their behavior and how they move around. Zigzagoon are wildly curious and restlessly dart back and forth rubbing their nose along the ground in search of anything they can get their paws on. They’ll gain joy in whatever they may find be it food or weird shiny things they themselves have no use for. Linoone will always run in straightforward lines and are said to reach speeds of up to 60mph while in pursuit of prey. They are known to have a pretty hard time turning as they will only do so by making a right-angle. This will often result in a failed hunt as many Linoone must come to a complete halt to turn with only the most proficient of them being able to make that right-angle turn on a dime. These Pokémon are based on small woodland mammals like raccoons, badgers, skunks, and tanuki which deserve a special mention. Tanuki, also known as Japanese raccoon dogs, are mammals in the Canidae family that have great cultural and mythological significance in Japan. The tanuki yokai are mischievous and jolly masters of disguise that can be somewhat gullible and absentminded. They are known for their large bellies and their tendency to drum on them which is brought forward in these Pokémon with their ability to learn Belly Drum. Tanuki are also symbols for bringing wealth with statues of them often placed in front of businesses that wish for great prosperity. This belief comes from the tanuki’s habit of seeking and hording valuables which is a trait that is wholly incorporated in Zigzagoon and Linoone as mentioned in their descriptions and seen through their moves and abilities.

One final allusion that not only this line but the Pokémon series have to the mythical tanuki is, well to put it bluntly, their comically large testicles often seen in traditional depictions. The link here is through the Nugget series of items. A recurring joke in a lot of Japanese media is how the words for gold nuggets, kin tama, and testicles, kintama, are homophones which is a gag most well-known to Pokémon fans through Nugget maniacs found in every game. It is believed that the connection was first made during the Kamakura era when goldsmiths would use tanuki skins for hammering gold nuggets into leaf. From there it is easy to see the links between testicles and gold to tanuki and wealth. And with the Pickup ability allowing Zigzagoon and Linoone to often hold Nuggets the allusion comes full circle! It’s a neat cultural reference, but maybe don’t think about it too much.

Now back to utility. Right after their introduction Zigzagoon and Linoone became one of the most likely traveled with Pokémon of their region. Not only could their Pickup ability give players a steady supply of items along their journey these Pokémon also had a wide array of utility moves available at their disposal. Field moves like Surf, Rock Smash, Secret Power, and Dig as well as item thieving moves like Covet and Thief made sure that this line would see a lot of use both during the main game and during the post-game. As a fighter Linoone has some pretty cool options for an early route Pokémon. One major standout is Extreme Speed which a move very few others can have. For a long time it was only available to this line through event distributions but thankfully with USUM they finally have reliable access to Extreme Speed as an egg move. As mentioned before Zigzagoon and Linoone also learn Belly Drum which can make a powerful combo with Extreme Speed, Substitute, and the recently tweaked berries from Figy to Iapapa. Rounding out its physical move pool Linoone also has access to Play Rough, Shadow Claw, Gunk Shot, Seed Bomb, and Stomping Tantrum. It may not win you many competitions but who hasn’t wanted to high speed slam into opponents with your +6 Attack? You should totally name your Linoone something race car related.

Here are some questions to consider for getting conversation rolling. You don't have to answer all of them or any of them in your post as long as you're staying on topic and within global forum rules.
-Do you like or dislike this Pokémon? Why?
-How is this Pokémon in-game?
-How is this Pokémon in competitive play? Are there any interesting strategies you like to use for them?
-Do you like this Pokémon's representation in the anime? Are there any moments or qualities in particular you enjoy/dislike?
-How do you think this Pokémon would interact with our world?
-If given the power to, would you change anything about this Pokémon and if so, what would you change?
-How do you rate this Pokémon with the other early access Normal-types of other generations?
-If you are an avid user of Pickup what are some of your favorite items that your received with the ability?
-Is this line your preferred Pickup companion or is it another Pokémon and why?
If you have any suggestions for Pokémon you'd like to discuss in the future just leave your ideas at the bottom of your post. Make sure you give your thoughts about the current Pokémon first!

Previous Pokémon of the Week:
 
They're not my favorite but they are nice looking. Zigzagoon looks like a raccoon and I was always encountering it in the wilds. As a matter of fact, I used a Linoone on Ruby and I taught it Surf. Linoone is memorable to me in Ruby but I don't remember seeing a Linoone in the anime and I've never used Linoone for pickup. I sometimes get Linoone and Furret mixed up because they have similar colors and design.
 
I like this line. Zigzagoon is the only unevolved early-game mammalian Pokemon that I like the design of, and Linoone is my second favourite fully evolved regional mammal, the first one being Furret. I love their designs, from Zigzagoon's bristly fur to Linoone's sleek build, stripes and arrowhead mark on its head. Linoone's sprites in Generation III and IV games weren't that good, unfortunately. For a Pokemon known for running in straight lines, its pose looks off. Luckily, they fixed its sprite in Generation V. Its stats (aside from Speed) are underwhelming, though, but at least its wide movepool somewhat makes up for it. It can finally learn Extreme Speed as an egg move, and it makes a good combination with Belly Drum, Salac Berry and Gluttony. Pickup is also a fun Ability, and I raised Linoone to high levels to get rare items, such as PP Ups, rare TMs, Leftovers, and Rare Candies.
 
Zigzagoon is so cute and fluffy! I would definitely want one as a pet. It's also the first Pokemon I caught in any game. I appreciate how Linoone makes the straight line/zigzag contrast with Zigzagoon, but it's not the most exciting Pokemon on earth and looks quite simple. At least it's not ugly as some of its sucessors.

In the anime, I liked Zigzagoon's trainer's episode, because he was called Nicolay. I also found the episode where Linoone collected round things to be very heartwarming and memorable.
 
MY BABIES.
Do you like or dislike this Pokémon? Why?
I love them! Zigzagoon is so cute! I kinda wish Linoone kept a bit of the raccoon look though. That said, when little me discovered that Zigzagoon got me free items way back when I first played Sapphire I fell in love with the little guy. He's been my favorite regional rodent ever since.
How is this Pokémon in-game?
Go my good boy! Get me loot! Good boy!
How do you think this Pokémon would interact with our world?
Take every instance of Racoons. Replace Racoons with Zigzagoon. Profit. Additionally, more videos of Zigzagoon sneaking into houses through the doggy door and running off with loot.
If given the power to, would you change anything about this Pokémon and if so, what would you change?
*Makes Linoone look a bit more like Zigzagoon* Fixed.
How do you rate this Pokémon with the other early access Normal-types of other generations?
My boy is the best of the best. He's super cute. He's super brown. He's super fluffy. He gets you free stuffs. Zigzagoon is best boy.
If you are an avid user of Pickup what are some of your favorite items that your received with the ability?
Nuggets, Rare Candies, Free Berries, free potions.
Is this line your preferred Pickup companion or is it another Pokémon and why?
It was the first pickup buddy I ever had. Whenever I think Pickup I tend to think of this little guy first. Plus, unlike other pokemon I know have the ability and I've used for pickup (Meowth/Lilipup), Linoone also has the ability so when my pokemon evolves it'll still pick up nice stuff for me! I don't have to choose between evolved pokemon and FREE STUFF.
 
My second favorite of the "rodent" Pokemon you get early in the game (my absolute favorite is the Bunnelby-line). They looks so cute! I love raccoons so Zigzagoon was a lovable little guy. Linoone looks cool. Love the fierce look it has. Surprisingly, in-game they are not too great, but in competitive circles, have it with Belly Drum and Extreme Speed and you have a monster on your hands! Gluttony or Quick Feet are the best abilities, unless you want a Pickup Linoone in competitions in which I ask, "why?"

I barely watched the Advanced Generation episodes of the anime so I have no opinion on how their portrayal in the anime is.

If these Pokemon were in the real world, I'd imagine they'd be like ordinary raccoons. Cute yet you don't want them near your trash nor you should get up close and try to pet them.

If I could change anything, I'd rather Linoone had Scrappy instead of Quick Feet.

Again, these Pokemon are my second favorite of the Normal-type rodents. Bunnelby is my first.

I've gotten some useful items early in the game. Sun Stones are great gets. So are potions and Pokeballs.

I wouldn't call it my favorite Pickup companion. If I have a Pokemon on my team that knows Pickup, it usually evolves into something that has a different ability.
 
-Do you like or dislike this Pokémon? Why?
Like, for several different reasons. I generally do like early route Normal-types, this one has a nice design and name too. In Hoenn games, great HM slave that makes good use of Pickup. Later during the game, it can be caught at a decent level ready as a Linoone and be taught TMs/HMs for wide type coverage. In Pokemon GO, Zigzagoon are everywhere around my area especially in Partly Cloudy and are a great source of Stardust and mass evolutions, I had more than 1000 Candy stocked up on it before the last XP event and will regain it and even more, eventually.
-How is this Pokémon in-game?
Great for HM and Pickup utility, even somewhat viable later on with Lilycove Dept Store TMs in Hoenn games.
I also remember trading a Linoone over in FRLG to use as a Covet mon, I liked stealing items from wild Pokemon :)
-How is this Pokémon in competitive play? Are there any interesting strategies you like to use for them?
Not really using it in competitive, so I don't know.
-Do you like this Pokémon's representation in the anime? Are there any moments or qualities in particular you enjoy/dislike?
That early AG episode featuring it was nice. Don't remember it somewhere else.
-How do you think this Pokémon would interact with our world?
Some people would find it cute and like it. Others probably just wouldn't mind it, as it's not looking like the kind of Pokemon that people should be afraid of or consider an ill omen.
-If given the power to, would you change anything about this Pokémon and if so, what would you change?
Better stats and a non-Pickup second Ability that makes it much better in battle.
-How do you rate this Pokémon with the other early access Normal-types of other generations?
It's a bit difficult to rate them all, to be honest. I like them all, each for different reason. Zigzagoon's niche is TMs/HMs and Pickup while Rattata is F.E.A.R and Biddof is all about Moody. Sentret's not one of my favourites in-game (but I like it more in GO because of the 25 Candy evolution) and it has some HM utility too. Patrat's the Hypnosis one, Bunnelby gains a secondary Ground typing upon evolution so it's a different thing entirely. Similarly Rattata-A gets Dark while Yungoos... I guess its niche is Stakeout. It's just hard to compare in the end, they're all so similar yet so different.
-If you are an avid user of Pickup what are some of your favorite items that your received with the ability?
I've received Rare Candies, PP Up/Max and even a few TM10 Hidden Powers in RSE :)
-Is this line your preferred Pickup companion or is it another Pokémon and why?
It most certainly is for the Hoenn games because of early accessibility and TM/HM utility.
 
I could see Zigzagoon as Gen 3 counterpart more to Growlithe and Houndour instead of Rattata and Sentret, since Zigzagoon are dogs.
They're also quite similar to Lillipup and Rockruff, but extra fluff since it's based on raccoon dogs with traits from other dog breeds (like Pekingese dogs and Wheathen Terriers).
 
Ah, Ziggy. Best Pick-up mutt/raccoon/thing I ever had. I kept mine unevolved in R/S and got it up to Lv. 80 or something, got me Rare Candies all day.
 
Please note: The thread is from 8 years ago.
Please take the age of this thread into consideration in writing your reply. Depending on what exactly you wanted to say, you may want to consider if it would be better to post a new thread instead.
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