Pokémon’s Coolest Power-Up Is Actually Its Most Horrific
There are several notable power-ups available in the Pokémon franchise, and arguably the coolest of all these is also the most horrifying. Pokémon’s power-ups are all visually striking in their own ways, making each unmistakable and unique. However, it is worth noting that none of these additions have remained a truly permanent part of the franchise by appearing in all subsequent games; as a result, each of these power-ups is best described as simply being a gimmick in the long run.
Recent Pokémon Generations have been defined in large part by their region’s signature battle gimmick, which places a strong twist on the standard formula and introduces new strategic angles to any battle. Of course, Gen 10 will almost certainly have a gimmick in the same vein, although any such details have naturally yet to be revealed. The lore behind Pokémon’s various battle gimmicks varies wildly to account for both the region’s history, unique quirks, and even the influence of Legendary Pokémon, but arguably the coolest of these power-ups also has a deeply horrifying side to it.
Mega Evolution Is A Horrendously Painful Transformation
The Pokédex Reveals A Nightmarish Side To The Cool Power-Up
Mega Evolution allows a wide range of Pokémon to temporarily transform into a new form. Requiring the use of a Key Stone (held by the trainer) and Mega Stone (a species-specific item held by the Pokémon), the lore surrounding the origins of Mega Evolution is vague, although there are suggestions the required Stones are either transformed meteorites or Evolution Stones affected by the light produced by Xerneas or Yveltal. What has been made much clearer, however, is that for the Pokémon that achieve Mega Evolution, it is an agonizing experience.
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Pokédex entries can be unlocked for the various Mega Evolutions available in the game. Far from the straightforward power boost that actual gameplay depicts, this additional lore reveals a far darker side to Mega Evolution. Constant references are made to the transformations being extremely painful, even driving Pokémon into a berserk state in many cases. Moreover, themes of body horror are also common in these Pokédex entries, further indicating that Mega Evolution does not just break a Pokémon’s limits, but pushes them beyond a point that arguably should never be crossed.
Mega Evolution Needs Strong Bonds For Good Reason
The Experience Would Be Extremely Cruel To Force A Pokémon Through
The Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon suffer for it, with the wider implication being that even those that are unavailable in the games face similar effects. For example, Mega Houndoom is so hot that parts of its body are melting painfully, Mega Tyranitar’s back is blown open, leaving it in a mindless rage, and Mega Gengar will attempt to kill everything around it (its trainer included). As a result, Mega Evolution is clearly extremely dangerous for both participants.
Not every Mega Evolution has the same level of negative drawback; Mega Slowbro is noted to be “very comfortable” in its shell, while Mega Kangaskhan simply worries for its child (although said child does seem somewhat obsessed with fighting).
These dex entries are some of the most disturbing Pokédex entries in the franchise, and explain why a strong bond is needed between a trainer and their Pokémon to Mega Evolve. The Pokémon has to be willing to effectively torture themselves on their trainer’s behalf, and the Trainer likewise has to trust their Pokémon not to turn around and attack them. Otherwise, it is very easy to see an attempt at Mega Evolution not only being extremely cruel, but potentially ending in tragedy.
There is no clear explanation for why Mega Evolution affects so many Pokémon like this. Of course, it is possible that these effects and their root cause will be explored during the course of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which is confirmed to feature the return of Mega Evolution. But regardless of what further light the franchise may shine on Mega Evolution, there is no denying that many trainers aware of the consequences may think twice before making use of it, even though games with Mega Evolution naturally encourage its use.
Mega Evolution Fits Pokémon’s Dark Side Perfectly
The Series Has A Notable Amount of Other Disturbing Lore
Despite being family-friendly as a whole, it is well known that the Pokémon games have a darker side to them. Many Pokémon species have tragic backstories, and concepts like war and death are themselves directly referenced on many occasions. Mega Evolution is also deeply tied to the firing of the Ultimate Weapon in Pokémon X and Y, a single act that claimed countless lives. As such, even the terrible drawbacks of Mega Evolution are not entirely out of place within the franchise, and arguably reflect the terrible cost of its origins in Kalos’ ancient war.
Mega Evolution gives a wide variety of Pokémon cool new appearances in addition to a significant power boost, which has easily made it one of the most popular gimmicks in the franchise. However, Mega Evolution is also a perfect example of just how dark Pokémon’s lore can be, with those same transformations often being horrific experiences for the Pokémon involved. The contrast is striking, and the truth of Mega Evolution may only get darker as the concept is revisited and expanded in the future.
- Created by
- Satoshi Taijiri, Ken Sugimori, Junichi Masuda
- First Film
- Pokemon: The First Movie
- Latest Film
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
- First TV Show
- Pokémon
- First Episode Air Date
- April 1, 1997
- Current Series
- Pokémon
- TV Show(s)
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- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Snap, Pokémon GO
