Greetings. In honor of Valentines Day, particularly in honor of getting done with it as soon as possible, I bring you this editorial:
Arceus the Critic
Why is Latias so loved?
Yes, if there is one Pokémon that comes anywhere close to Lucario in terms of popularity and the amount of Epics devoted to it, it would be Latias. Why is that? Latias is by no means the strongest Legendary, though she was one of the first Dragon Type Legends, and doesn't really inspire a sense of awe or terror.
Well, it most likely is the same reason Lucario became so popular; because of the movie that was (somewhat) focused around her. Now, it's no secret that Pokémon has no idea how to make a movie. There was only one generation where they were able to consistently make decent and enjoyable movies, but it's very rare that they actually make a good movie at all. Both Pokémon Heroes and Lucario and the Mystery of Mew are undeniably Pokémon's best movies in terms of quality and storytelling, with only the entire Sinnoh Trilogy managing to compete if put together, and were probably the darkest and edgiest Pokémon has ever come on the television.
In addition to the actual story, it's important to remember that both Latias and Lucario were featured in movies before their generations came out. They essentially became the faces for Generations III and IV, though Latias would later have to step down from that role in favor of Rayquaza. But the hype had its effect, and combined with the movies tragic events, Latias became a sensation.
But, naturally, there was far more to it than just hype. Pokémon Heroes was the best Pokémon movie made, and it wouldn't be challenged until Lucario and the Mystery of Mew came along and fought it for the spot. After all, a kind, innocent and likeable Pokémon that has to suffer having her brother kidnapped, getting chased by undead pre-historic Pokémon, and losing her brother to a tsunami right after they were reunited, all over the course of a day makes for a good, but tragic, movie. Not to mention the fact that Latias was the first girl to kiss Ash, the brother-sister dynamic between her and Latios, and that she confirmed some Legendary Pokémon can disguise themselves as humans, you end up with the perfect combination for Fanfiction fuel.
And that's exactly what happened. Stories like Skyway Avenue, The Black Latios, A New Chance At Life, to a much lesser extent Pokémon World Tour, and even the despicable Latias' Journey all succeeded in popularizing Latias as a character, and solidifying said character's character into the public mind. It would also have the effect of encouraging many more writers to use her as a character, be it in the simple form of a cameo or side character, or trying their own hand at writing a story based around her.
Ultimately, when one puts it to thought, Latias is definitely a curious fan-favorite, particularly amongst the best writers in the fandom, but certainly a justified one.
"Well, that's that." Arceus said as he turned away from his computer, only to find Mew staring back at him.
"Yes?" he asked.
"C'mon! You weren't even trying! It's barely six hundred words!" Arceus sighed, but inwardly conceded that she was right.
"Very well, I suppose I have some filler lying around that I could use..."
Arceus the Critic
Top 11 Pokémon Themes
Why 11? Because, in case if you haven't caught on by now, I have a disparaging tendency to reuse Keldeo's ideas. As you read this, keep in mind that this list isn't about how 'intense' or 'epic' a piece is, but rather about it's composition, and how well it suits its corresponding character/event/area. Also keep in mind that any selection that ends with 'Theme' is referring to a battle theme.
Number 11: Ghetsis' Theme:
This will probably be the most contended inclusion. After all, it seems to be quite divisive, with a sizeable portion of the fans complaining that it is lackluster and relies to heavily on my pilfered drums.
But the fact it completely goes against the expectations of what people expected out of a final battle is what made it so great, in my opinion. Black and White as a whole defied the fan's expectations, for better or worse, and Ghetsis' Theme does as well, yet still fits incredibly well given his design, and what had just transpired. You had just overcame N, your rival, one of the heroes recognized by a Legendary Pokémon, the King of Team Plasma, and proven your convictions were stronger. The long struggle was finally finished.
And then Ghetsis shows up out of the blue and shatters that façade. After revealing that everything was all just part of his grand scheme to take over Unova, and going off on a terrifyingly heartless monologue, he declares he will take matters into his own hands (at least the good one) and defeat you himself. But, considering the fact that you had just triumphed over N and his Legendary Pokémon, not to mention just having your team healed by him, this battle can't possibly be too difficult.
Again, Ghetsis destroys any expectations you had, proving himself to be one of the strongest characters in Pokémon history, and easily brushing aside N in terms of power. In a way, his theme sums up that much so well, while reflecting on his methods as well. Ghetsis consistently acted through proxies, be it N or Colress, and a flashy, energetic theme would not suit his shadowy nature well. If anything, his amplifies his aura, making his influence and presence feel much more powerful without actually bringing him to the forefront. It's almost frightening in that way.
Number 10: Rayquaza's Theme:
One of the most memorable parts of the Hoenn soundtracks were the trumpets. Perhaps they're best remembered in the Hoenn Elite Four theme, but in my opinion they truly shine here. If Giratina's theme represents the absolute madness of the setting and Pokémon, then Rayquaza's theme represents the proud and powerful nature of the Pokémon. The drums, trumpets, and various other brass and woodwinds simply herald Rayquaza's overpowering might. Surprisingly there is not much else I can say in regards to it, but the piece simply speaks for itself.
Number 9: Giratina's Theme:
Giratina's theme is probably remembered best for its frantic chaos, and with good reason. This piece is quite literally everywhere and nowhere at once, and it reflects the Distortion World perfectly. It's chaotic; an area that seemingly defies so many laws of physics and gravity that it cannot be put to words. Water flows downwards and upwards at the same time from two different floating platforms, but does not actually move, plants and rocks can simply grow out of the ground and disappear at a whim, and time and space themselves do not seem to flow at any sort of constant or regular rate, if not at all.
And then there is Giratina himself. His motives and actions are just as confusing and contradictory as the Distortion World is. Since the Lake Trio are unable to control both Palkia and Dialga, Giratina arrives and drags Cyrus into the Distortion World to prevent him from destroying both worlds. But since Giratina leave the portal to the Distortion World open, presumably in his anger, it still leaves the world unstable and threatened. And after forcing Cyrus into the world, it simply abandons him, but still forces a battle with the trainer. Overall, the sheer chaos of the piece and the frantic, unpredictable feeling of it, suits Giratina perfectly.
Number 8: N's Castle:
This piece, both for it's musical composition and how well it fitted the situation at hand, was more than enough to make the list. It sets itself aside from many of the other 'confrontational' themes, such as Route 10, due to the fact that, though it is tense, it also has an undercurrent of sadness to it. After all, you are marching into the heart of Team Plasma; their secret castle built around the Pokémon League, to confront what amounts to your rival and their leader; N. And it urges you forward to that confrontation, but rather than portraying it as something to be looked forward to, it gives it an air of bittersweet hesitation, a sadness that would later be manifested in how N states that he actually thought of you as something of a friend, and later is revealed to have only been a pawn. Then the organ in the background of this piece, the one that is seemingly the cause of both the intensity of this theme and the sadness of it, can be said to represent the greater evil lurking in the shadows that was the driving force behind everything; Ghetsis.
Number 7: Through the Sea of Time:
This piece out of the Explorers games is one of the many memorable storyline-exclusive tracks that can serve as something of a dialogue for the game. It speaks to a determination among the members of your group, and their willingness to sacrifice everything if necessary, a sacrifice that would be carried out by everyone's favorite Shakespeare-quoting Grass Type, and the impeding collision that will put that very willingness to the test. It is a very 'confrontational' piece, one that summarizes a final push towards the end, and makes you look back on everything that you have accomplished so far.
Number 6: Opelucid City (White):
The White theme of Opelucid City is, per my opinion, better than Black's. While both themes set up their settings particularly well; Black's being for a futuristic city while White's being for a rustic city, White's sets up what is something of an accompaniment to the last leg of your journey. It inspires you to reflect on everything you have endured and overcome to get to where you are, looking back over your past achievements, and sets the stage for Route 10's theme. Black's Opelucid City theme feels more like an unnecessary preview to Route 10 rather than a foil and prelude to it, whereas White's rustic tones inspire that feeling of nostalgia, which in turn reminds you of your purpose and spurs you onward to Route 10.
Number 5: Dialga's Fight to the Finish/Don't Ever Forget:
Now, I had these two pieces share number five because of their similarities. In a way, they can be said to be two parts of a larger piece if music, with both being alike in how they convey the situation. Perhaps I should begin with Dialga's Fight to the Finish.
The music itself is rather upbeat and serene, if not energetic, despite the fact that you literally watch the world fall apart around you as you try to take down an insane Legendary. At a glance, the music is probably one of the most laughably unfitting choices made in a game. But, rather than think about the music being geared towards the battle, think about it in terms of the story. You had known for some time that, were you and Grovyle to save the world and time itself from destruction, the future, and everyone in it or from it, would disappear. And, like Grovyle, you had made your peace with that fact. The fact that your existence would be virtually erased no longer troubled you at this point, in the shadow of Dialga; all you cared about was ensuring that you and your partner would avert the hell that was the future and that Grovyle's own sacrifice would not be in vain.
Then there was Don't Ever Forget. If Dialga's Fight to the Finish was a serene preparation, then Don't Ever Forget was the emotional storm that followed. You had just saved the world, averted and destroyed the future, and knew what was coming next. But your partner didn't, and as you were literally starting to fade away, you could no longer keep up the façade. And the piece finally kicks into full swing as your partner begs you not to dissipate, but is powerless to stop it. Making it even more sad, though, is that the piece perhaps reflects the feeling of your character. Even amidst all the sadness of the piece, there is a relief to it, a melancholy longing. Your character is finally relieved that everything is over, and was glad for all the time it spent with its partner, and the fact that they became good friends. Even as he is fading away into oblivion, he still manages to keep a smile, and urges your partner to carry on living in memory of them. And, I imagine it's around that point that both the partner and the player break down into tears while the piece manages to hit its emotional high as the last of your sprite is consumed by the light.
It's really the emotional prowess of these pieces that earned them their spot, and how well they portray the characters feelings and thoughts.
Number 4: Rayquaza's Entrance:
Those who have played Emerald probably remember this short piece. And, even if you do not, you might remember it's improved remix that serves as Sky Pillar's theme in ORAS. This is mainly an organ piece, and perhaps that is what makes it work. This piece is pressing; not frantic in the manner that Giratina's was, or bittersweet like N's Castle, rather it holds promise of the looming disaster at hand, and the unshakable might needed to put an end to it.
Emerald holds this in Rayquaza's cutscene as it races to stop Groundon and Kyogre, but in my opinion ORAS does a better job of sending such a message. After arriving at Spear Pillar, you have to climb through it while Zinnia relates to you a history of Rayquaza and the Draconids, and how they averted a previous catastrophe, all the while getting closer to said catastrophe with every ladder you climb.
Number 3: Route 10 (BW):
For some odd reason, Black and White's best pieces were the ones near the end.
Route 10 is fondly remembered by the fans, even by many people who disliked Black and White, and with good reason. It is invigorating amidst your weary character, and despite the fact that your most difficult challenges lay ahead, inspires you to give one final push. In a way, Route 10 helped transform many of the last themes in Black and White into an opera; regaling your silent character's emotions and struggles as they head to their final battle. It was also one of the few pieces selected to be remixed and incorporated into Super Smash Bros.
Number 2: Zinnia's Theme:
Zinnia's Theme is probably the most recent theme to take the fans by storm, and I can't fault it for that. It reflects Zinnia and her quest with aplomb, and the dire situation during your battle. The theme itself has an air of liberty to it; it suits a person who will goes where they will to do what they must, and that itself is reflected in it's composition. But it is also has an air of desperation, reflecting someone willing to give up everything to defend that and fulfill their goals. Aside from how well it shows Zinnia, the composition itself has to be some of the best in Pokémon's history.
Now, why don't we take a look at the honorable mentions before moving onto the painfully obvious number one?
Honorable Mentions:
End Credits (BW):
The End Credits of Black and White played another memorable theme, and probably the best End Credits theme possible. It is incredibly fitting; an energetic and relieving piece that tells you your struggle against Plasma is over, but still promises more adventure for you in the near future.
The only thing that kept it off the list was how poorly the games fulfilled that promise. Black and White had vey poor post games, though they were still better than X and Y's, and really that adventure would have to be carried out off-screen in Black and White 2. However, even then it was cut down short; being as Hilbert/Hilda was supposed to make an appearance at the PWT as their dialogue in the coding demonstrates, only to get cut out last minute.
Mt. Coronet:
This was another very memorable theme that had to sadly get struck down from the list due to something situational. Mt. Coronet's theme is filled with uncertainty and mystery, much like the formation itself, but it also is energetic; spurring you forward to thwart Team Galatic before they can unleash their devastating plot, even though you have no idea what lies ahead. It's unnerving not knowing what waits ahead in a place that is filled with so much of Sinnoh's lore, and it fits perfectly to that angle. Sadly, after Team Galatic is defeated, it loses much of it's edge.
Nobunaga's Theme:
This is piece is probably the only memorable piece from Pokémon Conquest, and is arguably one of the best themes composed for an anti-hero. It suits a character like him; unlike Ghetsis' theme it does not scream evil, but rather exemplifies a barely restrained strength that enabled him to roll across the region, swatting away everything in his path. To put it quite simply; it's all about his intimidating and overwhelming might rather than the motive behind it.
Elite Four Theme (Hoenn):
Trumpets.
Hidden Highland:
Now, this piece from the Explorers games does a better job reflecting the situation at hand rather than the characters. The Hidden Land's theme was whimsical and upbeat, reflecting the nature of discovering and exploring a paradise that you could get lost in. But the theme that followed was one that radiated despair, that even such a place was falling apart due to the imbalance of time, and that the world would follow unless if something was done to stop it. The hopelessness of the theme also gave you an idea as to who was up ahead...
Old Chateau:
This also serves as the theme for other incredibly fitting places, such as Newmoon Island and Turnback Cave.
Unlike the Lavender Town theme, which once you get past the hype feels more depressing than scary, this one is genuinely unnerving. And once you actually think about it, it can be a bit horrifying.
The piece is incredibly subtle in the way it works; it seems to be everywhere when you first listen to it, but in fact it's actually all concentrated on building up the unknown feeling from the Old Chateau. When you go in, you have no idea what awaits you or what even happened. You don't know who the old man or the ghost girl is or when or how they appear, what is inside of the blinking picture or how the TV can work by itself. And it's maddening fretting over it. The song creeps up on you in that way; slowly building up a phobia that threatens to drive you mad or consume you with terror, and again, you don't even know it. Add in the fact that, unlike Lavender Town or the Mysterious House, you have almost no idea what happened at the Old Chateau, but know just enough to make it imposing on its own, but know not enough to make it even scarier by trying to figure out what happened, and the fact that the theme plays off all those doubts and mysteries, then that cements it as one of the scariest themes in Pokémon history. Really, the only thing that kept it from getting on the list is the fact that it needs the games to have its full effect.
Canalave City:
The Canalave City theme is somehow both relaxing and invigorating at the same time, which perhaps would suit the Canalave Library. It reflects a peaceful, laidback area where the more benign scholarly disciplines are pursued vigorously.
Jubilife City:
The only Sinnoh theme where I can say that the nighttime theme is better than the daytime. The theme still reflects a very business-oriented city, one that works diligently at everything, but the addition of the prominent saxophone reflected that even as the daily grind was beginning to come to an ended, the city was still hard at work, even if that work was a break.
Champion Alder:
Not to be confused with his battle theme. Rather I'm referring to the one that begins to play as you meet him throughout your journey. It speaks to a seasoned traveler; one that is down to earth, and has seen so many different places and met so many different people, and pretty much sums up Alder in a nutshell.
Cyrus' Theme:
This piece of music is cold, emotionless and calculating. In other words, it fits Cyrus perfectly, and is probably the only theme I've seen that can pull that off. All that can really be gleamed from it is a steely determination to see his plan through, but nothing more.
Number 1: Champion Cynthia:
That piano...
This pre-battle piece you hear before Cynthia has been etched into the memories of the fans; either through her position in Gen IV, or her appearances in Gen V. And rightfully so. It serves for a very dramatic buildup, as if you are about to fight the most powerful trainer in the world (which you are), and makes you realize that this battle will be the last hurdle in your journey, and will be the one that is seemingly insurmountable. The piece speaks to her strength without making it feel overbearing, almost graceful and cunning in a way, but you still know that does not make it any less powerful. As for the composition itself... let's just say Beethoven would be proud. Quite frankly, I can't say anything else on the matter; this is one of the few themes that actually speaks for themselves.
"There." Arceus said as he turned away from the device, only to be met with a disapproving frown from Mew.
"It's good, but the filler is more than six times the length of the actual point of this chapter!"
"Yes, it is. And you're not helping by adding to the word count." Arceus then turned away from the frantic Mew, and decided to cut off the author, partly for payback, and partly to keep him from inflating the word count any more with lengthy descriptions like the one I am writing right now about the leng-
"And now..."
Note From the Author:
It's...
Well, another birthday came and went in the shadow of Valentine's Day, and-
An Apology from the Author:
The Author would like to apologize for complaining about his personal life and bemoaning all he has lost when he should be talking about the chapter. And now back to said chapter.
The Continued Note From the Author:
Great, now I'm cutting myself off. It was bad enough when I did it to Arceus, but now it's really starting to get old. Frankly I'm sickened I've gotten to this point.
Er, sorry. Anyways, I just found Latias' popularity, to the point where it exceeds most of the major legendaries, to be really interesting, and figured that I could devote a chapter on why the fandom loves her so much. Anyways, if you're in the mood for a longer editorial, I've gone back and greatly revised/expanded Chapter 2 (two thousand more words!).
This will also be the last list I do for a long time; it takes more time doing the actual research, judging the candidates, ruling them in or out, organizing and ranking the ones that did make it in, and then going back and revising it to make sure my assessments were accurate than actually writing it. That, and the filler actually became the main point of the chapter. I don't know whether to be ashamed or proud.