Day 17: Heracross

(BGM: Route 38 from Heart Gold & Soul Silver)

In days past we've discussed what I view to be the weaker two of the eighteen Pokemon types, Ice and Rock. Today, let's talk about a Pokemon from a type that, while I don't hold as much disdain for, I still wouldn't call it one of my favorites; the Bug Type.

Bug Type Pokemon are honestly a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, you have some pretty weak sauce and basic bugs like the Caterpie line, the Wurmple line, the Kricketot line, the Ledyba line, the Spinarak line, and the Paras line. Pokemon that are nowhere near my Top 300 favorites. But trust me, when Game Freak makes a good Bug pokemon, they go all the way with it.

Some of my favorite Bug Pokemon include, but aren't limited to Galvantula, Vikavolt, Ninjask, Yanmega, Escavalier, and the subject of today's segment…

Heracross!

(Insert Heracross cry here)

(BGM: Battle! Johto Gym Leader Theme)

Let me just start by saying that Heracross is my second favorite Johto Pokemon. I don't know why but the Johto Pokedex doesn't strike the same chord with me as other generations have. That's not me saying the Pokemon introduced in Generation 2 are bad, far from it, it's just that there's not that many Pokemon that I'd consider 'stellar' or 'must haves'. But I can safely say that, alongside the previously mentioned Crobat and Octillery, Heracross and my number 1 favorite Johto Pokemon are two monsters that I'll take with me on any journey.

We'll discuss what my favorite Johto Pokemon is in due time, but for right now let's talk about Heracross.

First, let's go over that design. Like Seismitoad, there's something about Heracross' shade of blue that's appealing to me. And his overall design, while simple, is still memorable; he's based on a Japanese Rhinoceros beetle, which makes sense given that Johto seems to be more rooted in Japanese culture if the architecture of locations like the Violet City and Ecruteak City are anything to go by.

Anyway, Japanese Rhinoceros beetles are known as some of the strongest species on the planet. As such, of course Heracross would be part Bug and part Fighting type. While this type combination gives him a quadruple weakness to Flying, Rock type moves do neutral damage to Heracross, so I think it's a decent trade off.

Still on the subject of Heracross design, he was one of the Pokemon fortunate enough to get a Mega Evolution in Generation 6, where his design goes from being based on a Japanese Rhinoceros beetle to the Hercules beetle, which is how Heracross got his name. I just really like the idea of Heracross transforming from one bug species to the next when Mega Evolving; it's a really cool and unique concept, and proves that the evolution from Remoraid to Octillery isn't the only species changing evolution.

Now let's go over those stats.

Fighting Types are usually known for having great Physical Attack stat, and Heracross is no exception. His Physical Attack stat is 125 starting off, and it becomes 185 when it Mega Evolves! On the subject of Heracross' Physical Attack stat, all three of his abilities cater to it in some way, shape, or form.

First, there's Swarm, which powers Heracross' bug type moves when he's at a third of his health. This can be especially useful as Heracross' most powerful move is Megahorn, a 120 power Physical Bug move. It may be a little inaccurate, but when it connects, look out!

Second, we have Guts, which boosts Heracross' Physical Attack stat when inflicted with a major status ailment; always a good ability to have.

And finally, there's his hidden ability, Moxie! This one is easily my favorite as it boosts Heracross' attack every single time he knocks out an opposing Pokemon! No wonder this is a hidden ability, Heracross would be almost unstoppable otherwise.

Heracross' other stats aren't bad; his decent speed and slightly above average Special Defense are two other noteworthy stats, and both of his defenses get an increase when he Mega Evolves, but his Physical Attack stat steals the show.\

Speaking of his Mega Evolution, Mega Heracross ability becomes Skill Link, which always makes sure that moves that hit opponents multiple times hit the maximum number of times. So moves that it can learn like Arm Thrust, Bullet Seed, and Fury Attack will always hit five times no matter what! This is especially good because, speaking from experience, moves that hit multiple times always max out at two or three for me.

…

I swear the AI in Pokemon games can just feel rigged sometimes.

Anyway, as usual, we end this segment by going over Heracross' moves. So, let's see, what other moves can Heracross learn that can join his ever so powerful Megahorn?

Well, there's Brick Break, Close Combat, Night Slash, Aerial Ace, Throat Chop, Shadow Claw, Earthquake, Smart Strike, and Stone Edge!

Yeah, this thing has no shortage of useful and powerful moves that can give it type coverage.

In the overall mixed bag that is the Bug-Type, Heracross is one that really stands out from the crowd, being an absolute beast with great moves, great abilities, a banger Mega Evolution, and a fantastic movepool.

Definitely worthy of being one of my favorite Bug-Types and second favorite Pokemon from Generation 2!