Day 20: Aegislash

(BGM: Route 15 Pokemon X & Y)

Let's go back to talking about a Pokemon from the puniest, but also one of the more interesting rosters, Pokemon X & Y.

Like I said back when I talked about Gogoat at the start of this marathon, while the roster of Pokemon's sixth generation is the smallest one of all, the pocket monsters that are great are really something amazing! And with the announcement of Pokemon Z-A occurring recently, we can only hope that the Kalos Pokedex can get a little bit bigger too with hopefully new evolutions to older Pokemon and Kalosian forms.

Me: Now I just hope they don't release Generation 10 in 2025 with this news.

Lyra: What happened to you hoping you were right about that?

Me: A: That was before this game got announced, and B: The more I think about it, Pokemon turns 30 in 2026, so it would honestly make more sense if Generation 10 were released then.

Lyra: Wow, 30 years…

Me: Yeah, feel old yet, readers?

But, whatever, our excitement for Legends Z-A and despair for existential terror is for another day. In the meantime, how about we talk about my third favorite Kalos Pokemon, and one I'm honestly surprised wasn't saved for the release of Sword & Shield, given what this next Pokemon is based on.

I'm of course talking about Aegislash!

(Insert Aegislash cry here)

(BGM: Battle! Elite Four from X & Y)

"Augh, a Pokemon based on a sword and shield?! Game Freak is running out of ideas for Pokemon! First a trash bag, then an ice cream cone, and now this! Game Freak is over! Generation 1 for life, bro!" - Anonymous Genwunner.

Okay, first of all, we're tired of you Genwunners! You're free to like what you like, and if you like the first generation of Pokemon more power to you, but don't have to ruin everything for everyone else. And second…have you ever used Aegislash? This thing is awesome, especially if you're someone who likes to play Pokemon strategically.

And thirdly, while the idea of 'Pokemon based on this object' sounds lazy in theory, Game Freak have proven time and time again that they can take said object and put their own unique twist on it, and I like how they treated the majesty of the classic sword and shield weapon.

Starting with design, Aegislash is one of my favorites. He looks so regal and gives off the vibe that a great weapon like Excalibur should give off, and having the ribbons attached to his hilt act as arms to hold his shield in both forms is a clever idea.

Yes, I said both forms.

Because Aegislash comes with a defensive form and an attacking form, and he has an interesting way of switching between them.

See, Aegislash's ability is called 'Stance Change'. He starts the battle in his defensive form, but by using an attacking move, he turns into his blade form and the only way he can go back to his shield form is if he uses his signature move, King's Shield, which is basically moves like Protect, but if the opposing Pokemon hits it with a move that makes contact, then the opposing Pokemon's attack stat gets lowered by two stages. It's a very useful move, and a great way to not only psych your opponents out, but change Aegislash's forms on a dime.

Speaking of Aegislash's two forms, it only makes sense that the Shield Form's defenses are it strong point, while the Blade From's attack and special attack stat are its strong point, and in both cases they total up to a whopping 140, making Aegislash a tough nut to crack competitively. The only downside is that Aegislash's speed and HP stat are kinda bad. But, his ability to change between forms more than makes up for that.

Finally, we come to Aegislash's movepool, and given that his Physical attack stat is equal to his Special Attack stat, a point made very apparent when he's in his Blade Form, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store when making a moveset for him.

Aerial Ace, Head Smash, Shadow Sneak, Sacred Sword, Iron Head, Solar Blade, Rock Slide, Air Slash, Brutal Swing, Shadow Ball, Close Combat, Flash Cannon, Brick Break! All amazing moves, all for Aegislash to use to demolish the competition.

Even better, is that Aegislash can learn moves like Swords Dance and Metal Sound to really give opponents a hard time.

Aegislash is easily one of my favorite Pokemon from the sixth generation. His design is cool, the concept behind his ability and how he changes forms is cool, and his potential of having a devastating moveset is off the charts amazing!

Me: Nothing else to say here except Aegislash is living proof that swords and shields were truly amazing weapons…then some damn fool invented gunpowder…and an even bigger fool split the atom.

Lyra: I know you're not quoting that god awful 'Garbage Pail Kids' movie.

Me: Hey, even the crappy movies are allowed at least one poignant quote. Remember this ditty?

(Cue clip from Sharkboy & Lavagirl)

Mr. Electric: For every person who dreams up the electric lightbulb, there's the one who dreams up the atom bomb!

Me: I often have to remind myself that I not only grew up with that movie...but loved the hell out of it!

Lyra: Mmm-hmm, you would.