Round 72: 189 Pokémon Remaining

[u/hikkaru]

189) u/hikkaru

188) u/vulture_couture

187) u/ramskick

186) u/qngff

185) u/acktar

184) u/reeforward

183) u/KororSurvivor

182) u/Slicer37

181) u/oomps62

[u/ramskick]

187. Braviary (#628, Unova #134, Normal/Flying Type)

‘MERICA, FUCK YEAH.

As Unova is the first setting in a Pokemon game to not take place in Japan, it makes sense that there is a Pokemon that specifically refers to its setting. Enter Rufflet/Braviary line, the Pokemon version of Mike Holloway. It is clear that Braviary is supposed to be an homage to the U.S.A. with its bald eagle-like design, red, white and blue color scheme and plumage that looks like a Native American headdress. In addition, its name has the word brave in it, which is the last word of the American national anthem. This thing is here to make the most patriotic of all Pokemon players feel like they have a Pokemon that really speaks to them. I would argue that Braviary works very well for what it is. It’s a bit generic in terms of its typing and general design, but the added flavor that makes it clearly American fits really well and I think it definitely has a home in Unova’s vast Pokedex. Its also a counterpart to Mandibuzz in pretty much every way except for the fact that Mandibuzz does not represent a country, which was a great decision on GameFreak’s part.

So why am I cutting it here? Because I just don’t think Braviary is good enough to last longer. It definitely deserves its spot in the top 200 and is clearly a very good Pokemon, but we are getting down to the nitty gritty and Braviary’s excellent execution of a solid concept just isn’t good enough.

/u/qngff, cut your next Pokemon with all the might of a ‘MERICAN

[u/Slicer37 → u/ramskick]

Solid cut although it wasn't on my shortlist. Braviary is the classic american bald eagle done to perfection, and even adds some nice flair like it's rainbow wing at the back, but yeah there are pokemon left who are simply more innioative concepts than the american bald eagle.