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Pokémon: Difference between revisions
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:''This article is about Pokémon, also known as Pocket Monsters, as a series. For other uses of the words, see [[Pokémon (disambiguation)]]''. | :'' This article is about Pokémon, also known as Pocket Monsters, as a series. For other uses of the words, see [[Pokémon (disambiguation)]]''. | ||
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[[File:Pokémon logo English.png|250px|thumb|International logo of the Pokémon franchises]] | [[File:Pokémon logo English.png|250px|thumb|International logo of the Pokémon franchises]] | ||
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
[[File:RedGreenMenu.png|frame|The Game Boy's limited screen forced short words.]] | [[File:RedGreenMenu.png|frame|The Game Boy's limited screen forced short words.]] | ||
Much as happens with many other {{wp|wasei-eigo|words and phrases borrowed from English}}, the Japanese name for the series, Pocket Monsters, became contracted into "Pokémon" during the development of the original games, likely as much for convenience when referring to it as to save on screen real estate, considering the small size of the [[Game Boy]]'s screen. The official romanization of "Pokémon" at this time was derived from the contraction of '''Po' | Much as happens with many other {{wp|wasei-eigo|words and phrases borrowed from English}}, the Japanese name for the series, Pocket Monsters, became contracted into "Pokémon" during the development of the original games, likely as much for convenience when referring to it as to save on-screen real estate, considering the small size of the [[Game Boy]]'s screen. The official romanization of "Pokémon" at this time was derived from the contraction of '''Po've'''ke'''t and '''Mon'''sters, and can be seen explicitly in ''[[EP025#Trivia|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', even in the dub. | ||
The "Pokémon" name used today came about during the translation of the games for an English audience during 1997 and 1998. Whereas in Japan, Pocket Monsters was easily able to be trademarked, the release in the United States would prove difficult had this name been used, due to the unrelated {{wp|Monster in My Pocket}} franchise. Thus, an alternate romanization of the contraction was used, with an {{wp|Acute accent#English|acute accent}} over the e to indicate its specific pronunciation, ''poh-kay-mohn''. Despite this issue, however, the fact that Pokémon is short for Pocket Monsters has been referenced in English, with an NPC in {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}} asking the player what Pokémon is short for after thinking about the name of the [[Pokétch]], itself a contraction, as well as on the back of the DVD set containing the [[M01|first]], [[M02|second]], and [[M03|third]] {{pkmn|movie}}s. | The "Pokémon" name used today came about during the translation of the games for an English audience during 1997 and 1998. Whereas in Japan, Pocket Monsters was easily able to be trademarked, the release in the United States would prove difficult had this name been used, due to the unrelated {{wp|Monster in My Pocket}} franchise. Thus, an alternate romanization of the contraction was used, with an {{wp|Acute accent#English|acute accent}} over the e to indicate its specific pronunciation, ''poh-kay-mohn''. Despite this issue, however, the fact that Pokémon is short for Pocket Monsters has been referenced in English, with an NPC in {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}} asking the player what Pokémon is short for after thinking about the name of the [[Pokétch]], itself a contraction, as well as on the back of the DVD set containing the [[M01|first]], [[M02|second]], and [[M03|third]] {{pkmn|movie}}s. | ||
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[[File:Spr 1g 006.png|frame|{{p|Charizard}}'s Red and Green sprite]] | [[File:Spr 1g 006.png|frame|{{p|Charizard}}'s Red and Green sprite]] | ||
With help from [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the series began development, with the concepts of the original games, {{game|Red and Green|s}}, going into production between 1990 and 1995. At last, in early 1996, the first games in the series were released in Japan, and Tajiri's dream had become reality. Compared to other games of its time, Pokémon was very limited, with comparatively poor graphics and sound. The series was an overnight success though, and Red and Green were quickly followed by an upgraded [[third version]], {{game|Blue| (Japanese)}}. | With help from [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], the series began development, with the concepts of the original games, {{game|Red, and Green|s}}, going into production between 1990 and 1995. At last, in early 1996, the first games in the series were released in Japan, and Tajiri's dream had become reality. Compared to other games of its time, Pokémon was very limited, with comparatively poor graphics and sound. The series was an overnight success though, and Red and Green were quickly followed by an upgraded [[third version]], {{game|Blue| (Japanese)}}. | ||
An {{pkmn|anime}} was produced, | An {{pkmn|anime}} was produced, to cover the journey players took through the [[Kanto]] region in the games over the course of a year and a half. About halfway through the anime's run in late 1997, tragedy struck, and [[EP038|an episode]] of the anime was found to be responsible for {{wp|epileptic seizure}}s in more than 600 children due to a flashing strobe effect. No one died of these seizures, and after an investigation was put into place, the anime was put on hiatus for four months, later returning to the air to complete the Kanto run in April 1998. | ||
Encouraged by the games' success in Japan and their upcoming release in the United States, [[Game Freak]] began development on sequels to them. Rather than releasing the sequels immediately, however, Game Freak instead chose to draw from the story of the anime (which differed from the games in that its protagonist was given a {{p|Pikachu}} instead of the standard [[starter Pokémon]] received in [[Red]], [[Green]], and [[Blue]]) and created a fourth game, {{game|Yellow||Special Pikachu Edition}}, to buy some more time for development on the announced sequels. | Encouraged by the games' success in Japan and their upcoming release in the United States, [[Game Freak]] began development on sequels to them. Rather than releasing the sequels immediately, however, Game Freak instead chose to draw from the story of the anime (which differed from the games in that its protagonist was given a {{p|Pikachu}} instead of the standard [[starter Pokémon]] received in [[Red]], [[Green]], and [[Blue]]) and created a fourth game, {{game|Yellow||Special Pikachu Edition}}, to buy some more time for development on the announced sequels. | ||
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Even after the initial worldwide hype for the series died down, the Pokémon franchise remained strong. A third version was produced for Generation II, focusing on the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Suicune}}. With {{game|Crystal}}, a female player character was finally introduced, and the games became fully dependent on the [[Game Boy Color]], abandoning the now long-outdated [[Game Boy]]. [[Generation III]] was announced for the new [[Game Boy Advance]], and at least among fans, the hype returned. | Even after the initial worldwide hype for the series died down, the Pokémon franchise remained strong. A third version was produced for Generation II, focusing on the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Suicune}}. With {{game|Crystal}}, a female player character was finally introduced, and the games became fully dependent on the [[Game Boy Color]], abandoning the now long-outdated [[Game Boy]]. [[Generation III]] was announced for the new [[Game Boy Advance]], and at least among fans, the hype returned. | ||
Despite this, when {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} were initially released many people considered them, and Generation III in general, a disappointment. {{an|Misty}}, {{Ash}}'s longtime companion in the anime, left the show and a new girl {{an|May}} joined him. Although 135 new Pokémon were introduced, the games, unlike the Generation II games, were completely incompatible with their predecessors, making 184 of the 251 previously released Pokémon unobtainable without [[cheating]]. This issue was addressed with the unprecedented release of [[remake]]s of the original pair of games, {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, which included many of the Pokémon missing from Ruby and Sapphire. In addition, an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, {{game|Emerald}}, was released and introduced the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} and many other features that would be enjoyed by those who battled Pokémon competitively, as well as including even more of the Pokémon missing from the prior Generation III games | Despite this, when {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} were initially released many people considered them, and Generation III in general, a disappointment. {{an|Misty}}, {{Ash}}'s longtime companion in the anime, left the show and a new girl {{an|May}} joined him. Although 135 new Pokémon were introduced, the games, unlike the Generation II games, were completely incompatible with their predecessors, making 184 of the 251 previously released Pokémon unobtainable without [[cheating]]. This issue was addressed with the unprecedented release of [[remake]]s of the original pair of games, {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, which included many of the Pokémon missing from Ruby and Sapphire. In addition, an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, {{game|Emerald}}, was released and introduced the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} and many other features that would be enjoyed by those who battled Pokémon competitively, as well as including even more of the Pokémon missing from the prior Generation III games. | ||
Much like the previous generations, [[Generation IV]] was highly anticipated. {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in the US, received much praise. These games brought with them many enhancements from Emerald, and for the first time, Pokémon could be played online to battle against and trade with other players across the world. This generation was also noted for introducing the [[physical move|physical]]/[[special move|special]] damage category split, another improvement which would be enjoyed by those who battled Pokémon competitively. 107 new Pokémon were added as well, bringing the total to 493. | Much like the previous generations, [[Generation IV]] was highly anticipated. {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in the US, received much praise. These games brought with them many enhancements from Emerald, and for the first time, Pokémon could be played online to battle against and trade with other players across the world. This generation was also noted for introducing the [[physical move|physical]]/[[special move|special]] damage category split, another improvement which would be enjoyed by those who battled Pokémon competitively. 107 new Pokémon were added as well, bringing the total to 493. | ||
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[[Generation VII]] began with the release of [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]] in November 2016; like Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, these games were released on the same day worldwide except in Europe, where the games' release was delayed a few days. This generation introduced 81 new Pokémon, taking the total up to 802. The games were released on the year of the [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary|20th anniversary of the franchise]] and are notable for being the first in the core series to lack Gyms, Badges, and HMs. [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]], enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon, were released worldwide in November 2017. These are the first games to introduce new Pokémon during a generation, excluding [[Mythical Pokémon]] that were already present in the older games' data, bringing the total to 807. [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], [[remakes]] of {{game|Yellow}}, were released worldwide in November 2018. These are the first core titles for the [[Nintendo Switch]], and the first time a core title has switched to a new system mid-generation. | [[Generation VII]] began with the release of [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]] in November 2016; like Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, these games were released on the same day worldwide except in Europe, where the games' release was delayed a few days. This generation introduced 81 new Pokémon, taking the total up to 802. The games were released on the year of the [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary|20th anniversary of the franchise]] and are notable for being the first in the core series to lack Gyms, Badges, and HMs. [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]], enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon, were released worldwide in November 2017. These are the first games to introduce new Pokémon during a generation, excluding [[Mythical Pokémon]] that were already present in the older games' data, bringing the total to 807. [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], [[remakes]] of {{game|Yellow}}, were released worldwide in November 2018. These are the first core titles for the [[Nintendo Switch]], and the first time a core title has switched to a new system mid-generation. | ||
[[Generation VIII]] started with the release of [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]] for the Nintendo Switch worldwide in November 2019. This was the first generation not to feature all Pokémon and moves from previous games, and when it was announced that not all Pokémon were usable in the new games, a controversy started within the fanbase. Another | [[Generation VIII]] started with the release of [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]] for the Nintendo Switch worldwide in November 2019. This was the first generation not to feature all Pokémon and moves from previous games, and when it was announced that not all Pokémon were usable in the new games, a controversy started within the fanbase. Another 84 Pokémon were introduced in this game, bringing the total up to 893. | ||
==Creatures== | ==Creatures== | ||
{{main|Pokémon (species)}} | {{main|Pokémon (species)}} | ||
The creatures themselves, which are based on various plants, animals, objects, and other concepts, inhabit virtually every corner of the {{pkmn|world}}, no matter which canon's interpretation is seen. Many make their homes in forests and on rural [[route]]s stretching across the various regions, while still others are native to cities and other urban centers. Currently, there are {{numpkmn}} known Pokémon. | The creatures themselves, which are based on various plants, animals, objects, and other concepts, inhabit virtually every corner of the {{pkmn|world}}, no matter which canon's interpretation is seen. Many make their homes in forests and on rural [[route]]s stretching across the various regions, while still others are native to cities and other urban centers. Currently, there are {{numpkmn}} known as Pokémon. | ||
Typically, Pokémon that are owned by a person are kept in [[Poké Ball]]s, which allow for them to be quickly sent into battle or to perform a task while keeping them safe and making them easier to transport, with the balls typically being able to fit into a pocket. HeartGold and SoulSilver have the lead Pokémon out of their Poké Balls. Many Pokémon owned by Trainers, however, choose to remain outside of their Poké Ball | Typically, Pokémon that are owned by a person are kept in [[Poké Ball]]s, which allow for them to be quickly sent into battle or to perform a task while keeping them safe and making them easier to transport, with the balls typically being able to fit into a pocket. HeartGold and SoulSilver have the lead Pokémon out of their Poké Balls. Many Pokémon owned by Trainers, however, choose to remain outside of their Poké Ball and travel with their Trainer [[walking Pokémon|on foot]]. | ||
Pokémon begin their lives by hatching from {{pkmn|Egg}}s (with the exception of most [[Mythical]] and [[Legendary Pokémon]]), and many of them will [[Evolution|evolve]] to grow stronger and larger during | Pokémon begin their lives by hatching from {{pkmn|Egg}}s (with the exception of most [[Mythical]] and [[Legendary Pokémon]]), and many of them will [[Evolution|evolve]] to grow stronger and larger during their lives. Most Pokémon are not immortal, as can be seen from the Pokémon gravestones found in various {{cat|burial grounds}}. Though their abilities far surpass those of normal animals, the majority of Pokémon are not immortal (as those who do not follow the series as closely may deduce). | ||
Many Pokémon are much more powerful than others, and some, due to this, have [[legendary Pokémon|passed into legends]] that are told in the Pokémon world. It has not been consistently illustrated whether or not these Pokémon really do have the power that their legends state, though the general consensus is that, in the wild, a Pokémon's abilities are truly those of the legends, while a Trainer who captures one in a Poké Ball will limit its strength. | Many Pokémon are much more powerful than others, and some, due to this, have [[legendary Pokémon|passed into legends]] that are told in the Pokémon world. It has not been consistently illustrated whether or not these Pokémon really do have the power that their legends state, though the general consensus is that, in the wild, a Pokémon's abilities are truly those of the legends, while a Trainer who captures one in a Poké Ball will limit its strength. | ||