The Pokémon universe (ポケモン in Japanese) also known as "pocket monsters" in Japan consists of cute cartoon monsters created by Nintendo which appear in animated cartoons, trading cards and video games. There are nearly 400 different characters in the series to be caught or seen by the main character Ash Ketchum (catch-em). His name is Satoshi (named after the creator) in Japan. The series is based on the main character and his friends he meets along the way. On his journey to become a pokemon master he meets other trainers and pokemon whom he befriends.

The series always contains a message of friendship for the young viewers but many teens and adults have fallen in love with the series as well. The idea of having small pets that you can catch, collect, and train have caught the hearts of thousands and continues to charm many today.

The characters have become popular culture icons among the young and young at heart with a Pikachu balloon in the Macy's parade and constant advertising. The best-known Pokémon characters include Pikachu (a cute little yellow mouse with a lightning bolt tail) and Misty (known as Kasumi to Japanese fans), a midriff-baring teenager. The surge of video games, card games, and television series makes it impossible to escape the collectible cuddly creatures that are Pokemon.

Table of contents
1 History
2 Complete list of Pokémon
3 Battle Mechanics
4 Pokémon TV series
5 Controversies
6 External links

History

Pokémon started as a video game series, developed by Game Freak and distributed by Nintendo. It was developed originally for the Nintendo Gameboy. It has since morphed into a popular animated TV cartoon series, a trading card game, and has been the source for a large number of toys, accessories and more.

The Pokémon games are (in system order, then in release order):

Gameboy era

  • Red and Green were initially released in Japan on February 27, 1996.
  • Blue followed the initial two in Japan on October 27, 1996. Blue featured changes from previous two, including updated graphics to make the Pokémon look better and better sounds, other than the Pokémon that can be captured in the game.
  • North America would finally get their first releases of Pokémon, in the form of Blue and Red on December 30, 1997. The North American version of Blue was a mix of the Japanese Blue and Green versions. The only version that remained mostly untouched was the North American Red version.
  • On September 12, 1998, Pokémon Yellow would be released in Japan. It would be initially known as Pocket Monsters Pikachu. It was based off of the by this time very popular animated cartoon, Pokémon. This time the main hero (named Ash Ketchum in the cartoon) would start with Pikachu instead of getting to choose.
  • On October 1, 1999, North American would get their version of Pokémon Yellow. It would be referred to as Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition. It would remain pretty much the same as the Japanese edition.

Gameboy Color era

  • On November 21, 1999, Pokémon Gold and Silver was released in Japan. These two games introduced a total of one hundred brand new Pokémon and had limited capability with the previous versions.
  • North America got their copies of Pokémon Gold and Silver on October 11, 2000.
  • The Ultimate version of Pokémon Gold and Silver was released in Japan on December 14, 2000. It was called Pokémon Crystal. This version, many speculate, is what Gold and Silver should have been in the first place. It was the first version to allow players to choose if they wanted to be a Male or Female character.
  • July 21, 2001 marks the day that North America got Pokémon Crystal.

Gameboy Advance era

Other Games

Since the introduction of the Pokémon games, there have been many Pokémon games released that didn’t belong to the main series. Some of these games were released for the Nintendo 64, some for the Gamecube and others were on the Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance systems. Some of them aren’t RPGs like their Gameboy cousins. Some are interesting puzzle games, other are spin-offs, giving an interesting twist to the Pokémon games.

These games include:

Pokémon has also materialized in non-video game games. Including, but not limited to a trading card game, a portible Tamagotchi-like game, and even a Pokémon board game.

Pokémon was the brainchild of Satoshi Tajiri, founder of the development company "Game Freak". The concept for Pokémon was loosely based on the practice in Japan among schoolchildren of collecting and training beetles for nonlethal fighting. The game got some initial funding and concept work from another game design studio, "Creatures", as Nintendo, partial owner of Game Freak, was unsympathetic to the idea at the time.

"Pokémon" is actually a contraction of the English words "pocket monster" ("poketto monsutaa" in Japanese transliteration). There are several other such contractions in the Japanese language, such as karaoke. The trademarked catchphrase associated with Pokémon is "Gotta catch 'em all!". Although today, it is no longer officially used due to it no longer being possible to catch all 386 species using the two latest games, and therefore it would be self desctructive to suggest the player should aim for the literally unattainable.

The Pokémon series is classified as a role-playing game, because they have elements similar to many other role-playing games (such as a top-down, tile based view, item management, and a turn based battle system with familiar elements like hit points and status effects), but they do not focus on plot and character development in the manner of Final Fantasy and many other role-playing games. Pokémon games, rather, focus on the collection and training of many little creatures, which are battled against opponents (either AI-controlled, or live opponents). Depending on the game in the series, there may be 151 or 251 available Pokémon, and in Pokémon Sapphire/Ruby, there is a set of 202 with 83 from the originals, though there are 386 in total. An unusual feature is the ability to trade one's Pokémon with other players via the Game Boy Link Cable; this forms an integral part of the game as some Pokémon can only be collected by trading with another version.

Complete list of Pokémon

This is a complete list of all 386 pokémon that are officially known to exist in the video games. The American name is listed before the Japanese name where they differ. A list of the original Pokémon is available at List of Pokémon. the numbering system used here is in accordance with the National Pokédex. Each region in the game uses their own modified Pokédex But the original numbers are considered the national standard.

001 Bulbasaur (Fushigidane)
002 Ivysaur (Fushigisou)
003 Venusaur (Fushigibana)
004 Charmander (Hitokage)
005 Charmeleon (Rizaado)
006 Charizard (Rizaadon)
007 Squirtle (Zenigame)
008 Wartortle (Kameeru)
009 Blastoise (Kamekkusu)
010 Caterpie (Kyatapii)
011 Metapod (Toranseru)
012 Butterfree (Batafurii)
013 Weedle (Biidoru)
014 Kakuna (Kokuun)
015 Beedrill (Supiaa)
016 Pidgey (Poppo)
017 Pidgeotto (Pijon)
018 Pidgeot (Pijotto)
019 Rattata (Koratta)
020 Raticate (Ratta)
021 Spearow (Onisuzume)
022 Fearow (Onidoriru)
023 Ekans (Aabo)
024 Arbok (Aabokku)
025 Pikachu (Pikachuu)
026 Raichu (Raichuu)
027 Sandshrew (Sando)
028 Sandslash (Sandopan)
029 Nidoran ♀ (Nidoran)
030 Nidorina (Nidoriina)
031 Nidoqueen (Nidokuino)
032 Nidoran ♂ (Nidoran)
033 Nidorino (Nidoriino)
034 Nidoking (Nidokingu)
035 Clefairy (Pippi)
036 Clefable (Pikushii)
037 Vulpix (Rokon)
038 Ninetales (Kyuukon)
039 Jigglypuff (Purin)
040 Wigglytuff (Pukurin)
041 Zubat (Zubatto)
042 Golbat (Gorubatto)
043 Oddish (Nazonokusa)
044 Gloom (Kusaihana)
045 Vileplume (Rafureshia)
046 Paras (Parasu)
047 Parasect (Parasekuto)
048 Venonat (Konpan)
049 Venomoth (Morufon)
050 Diglett (Diguda)
051 Dugtrio (Dagutorio)
052 Meowth (Nyaasu)
053 Persian (Perushian)
054 Psyduck (Kodakku)
055 Golduck (Gorudakku)
056 Mankey (Mankii)
057 Primeape (Okorizaru)
058 Growlithe (Gaadi)
059 Arcanine (Uindi)
060 Poliwag (Nyoromo)
061 Poliwhirl (Nyorozo)
062 Poliwrath (Nyorobon)
063 Abra (Keeshii)
064 Kadabra (Yungeraa)
065 Alakazam (Fuudin)
066 Machop (Wanrikii)
067 Machoke (Goorikii)
068 Machamp (Kairikii)
069 Bellsprout (Madatsubomi)
070 Weepinbell (Utsudon)
071 Victreebel (Utsubotto)
072 Tentacool (Menokurage)
073 Tentacruel (Dokukurage)
074 Geodude (Ishitsubute)
075 Graveler (Goroon)
076 Golem (Goroonya)
077 Ponyta (Poniita)
078 Rapidash (Gyaroppu)
079 Slowpoke (Yadon)
080 Slowbro (Yadoran)
081 Magnemite (Koiru)
082 Magneton (Reakoiru)
083 Farfetch'd (Kamonegi)
084 Doduo (Doodoo)
085 Dodrio (Doodorio)
086 Seel (Pauwau)
087 Dewgong (Jugon)
088 Grimer (Betobetaa)
089 Muk (Betobeton)
090 Shellder (Sherudaa)
091 Cloyster (Parushen)
092 Gastly (Goosu)
093 Haunter (Goosuto)
094 Gengar (Gengaa)
095 Onix (Iwaaku)
096 Drowzee (Suriipu)
097 Hypno (Suriipaa)
098 Krabby (Kurabu)
099 Kingler (Kinguraa)
100 Voltorb (Biriridama)
101 Electrode (Marumain)
102 Exeggcute (Tamatama)
103 Exeggutor (Nasshii)
104 Cubone (Karakara)
105 Marowak (Garagara)
106 Hitmonlee (Sawamuraa)
107 Hitmonchan (Ebiwaraa)
108 Lickitung (Beroringa)
109 Koffing (Dogasu)
110 Weezing (Matadogasu)
111 Rhyhorn (Saihoon)
112 Rhydon (Saidon)
113 Chansey (Rakkii)
114 Tangela (Monjara)
115 Kangaskhan (Garuura)
116 Horsea (Tattsuu)
117 Seadra (Shiidora)
118 Goldeen (Tosakinto)
119 Seaking (Azumaou)
120 Staryu (Hitodeman)
121 Starmie (Sutaamii)
122 Mr. Mime (Bariyaado)
123 Scyther (Sutoraiku)
124 Jynx (Ruujura)
125 Electabuzz (Erebuu)
126 Magmar (Buubaa)
127 Pinsir (Kairosu)
128 Tauros (Kentarosu)
129 Magikarp (Koikingu)
130 Gyarados (Gyaradosu)
131 Lapras (Rapurasu)
132 Ditto (Metamon)
133 Eevee (Iibui)
134 Vaporeon (Shawaazu)
135 Jolteon (Sandaasu)
136 Flareon (Buusutaa)
137 Porygon (Porigon)
138 Omanyte (Omunaito)
139 Omastar (Omusutaa)
140 Kabuto (Kabuto)
141 Kabutops (Kabutopusu)
142 Aerodactyl (Putera)
143 Snorlax (Kabigon)
144 Articuno (Furiizaa)
145 Zapdos (Sandaa)
146 Moltres(Faiyaa)
147 Dratini (Miniryuu)
148 Dragonair (Pokémon) (Hakuryuu)
149 Dragonite (Kairyuu)
150 Mewtwo (Myuutsuu)
151 Mew (Myuu)
152 Chikorita (Chikoriita)
153 Bayleef (Beiriifu)
154 Meganium (Meganiumu)
155 Cyndaquil (Hinoarashi)
156 Quilava (Magumarashi)
157 Typhlosion (Bakufuun)
158 Totodile (Waninoko)
159 Croconaw (Arigeitsu)
160 Feraligatr (Oodairu)
161 Sentret (Otachi)
162 Furret (Ootachi)
163 Hoothoot (Hoohoo)
164 Noctowl (Yorunozuku)
165 Ledyba (Rediba)
166 Ledian (Redian)
167 Spinarak (Itomaru)
168 Ariados (Ariadosu)
169 Crobat (Kurobatto)
170 Chinchou (Chonchii)
171 Lanturn (Rantaan)
172 Pichu (Pichuu)
173 Cleffa (Pii)
174 Igglybuff (Pupurin)
175 Togepi (Togepii)
176 Togetic (Togechikku)
177 Natu (Neiti)
178 Xatu (Neitio)
179 Mareep (Meriipu)
180 Flaaffy (Mokoko)
181 Ampharos (Denryuu)
182 Bellossom (Kireihana)
183 Marill (Mariru)
184 Azumarill (Mariruri)
185 Sudowoodo (Usokkii)
186 Politoed (Nyorotono)
187 Hoppip (Hanekko)
188 Skiploom (Popokko)
189 Jumpluff (Watakko)
190 Aipom (Eipamu)
191 Sunkern (Himanattsu)
192 Sunflora (Kimawari)
193 Yanma (Yanyanma)
194 Wooper (Upaa)
195 Quagsire (Nuoo)
196 Espeon (Eefi)
197 Umbreon (Burakkii)
198 Murkrow (Yamikarasu)
199 Slowking (Yadokingu)
200 Misdreavus (Muuma)
201 Unown (Annon)
202 Wobbuffet (Soonansu)
203 Girafarig (Kirinriki)
204 Pineco (Kunugidama)
205 Forretress (Foretosu)
206 Dunsparce (Nokocchi)
207 Gligar (Guraigaa)
208 Steelix (Haganeeru)
209 Snubbull (Buruu)
210 Granbull (Guranburu)
211 Qwilfish (Hariisen)
212 Scizor (Hassamu)
213 Shuckle (Tsubotsubo)
214 Heracross (Herakurosu)
215 Sneasel (Nyuura)
216 Teddiursa (Himeguma)
217 Ursaring (Ringuma)
218 Slugma (Magumaggu)
219 Magcargo (Magukarugo)
220 Swinub (Urimuu)
221 Piloswine (Inomuu)
222 Corsola (Saniigo)
223 Remoraid (Teppouo)
224 Octillery (Okutan)
225 Delibird(Deribaado)
226 Mantine (Mantain)
227 Skarmory (Eaamudo)
228 Houndour (Derubiru)
229 Houndoom (Herugaa)
230 Kingdra (Kingudora)
231 Phanpy (Gomazou)
232 Donphan (Donfan)
233 Porygon2 (Porigon2)
234 Stantler (Odoshishi)
235 Smeargle (Dooburu)
236 Tyrogue (Barukii)
237 Hitmontop (Kapoeraa)
238 Smoochum (Muchuuru)
239 Elekid (Erekiddo)
240 Magby (Buubii)
241 Miltank (Mirutanku)
242 Blissey (Hapinasu)
243 Raikou (Raikou)
244 Entei (Entei)
245 Suicune (Suikun)
246 Larvitar (Yoogirasu)
247 Pupitar (Sanagirasu)
248 Tyranitar (Bangirasu)
249 Lugia (Rugia)
250 Ho-oh (Houou)
251 Celebi (Serebii)
252 Treecko (Kimori)
253 Grovyle (Juputoru)
254 Sceptile (Jukain)
255 Torchic (Achamo)
256 Combusken (Wakashamo)
257 Blaziken (Bashaamo)
258 Mudkip (Mizugorou)
259 Marshtomp (Numakuroo)
260 Swampert (Raguraaji)
261 Poochyena (Pochiena)
262 Mightyena (Guraena)
263 Zigzagoon (Jiguzaguma)
264 Linoone (Massuguma)
265 Wurmple (Kemusso)
266 Silcoon (Karasarisu)
267 Beautifly (Agehanto)
268 Cascoon (Mayurudo)
269 Dustox (Dokukeiru)
270 Lotad (Hasuboo)
271 Lombre (Hasuburero)
272 Ludicolo (Runpappa)
273 Seedot (Taneboo)
274 Nuzleaf (Konohana)
275 Shiftry (Daatengu)
276 Taillow (Subame)
277 Swellow (Oosubame)
278 Wingull (Kyamome)
279 Pelipper (Peripaa)
280 Ralts (Rarutosu)
281 Kirlia (Kiruria)
282 Gardevoir (Saanaito)
283 Surskit (Ametama)
284 Masquerain (Amemoosu)
285 Shroomish (Kinokoko)
286 Breloom (Kinogassa)
287 Slakoth (Namakero)
288 Vigoroth (Yarukimono)
289 Slaking (Kekkingu)
290 Nincada (Tsuchinin)
291 Ninjask (Tekkanin)
292 Shedinja (Nukenin)
293 Whismur (Gonyonyo)
294 Loudred (Dogoomu)
295 Exploud (Bakuongu)
296 Makuhita (Makunoshita)
297 Hariyama (Hariteyama)
298 Azurill (Ruriri)
299 Nosepass (Nozupasu)
300 Skitty (Eneko)
301 Delcatty (Enekororo)
302 Sableye (Yamirami)
303 Mawile (Kuchiito)
304 Aron (Kokodora)
305 Lairon (Kodora)
306 Aggron (Bosukodora)
307 Meditite (Asanan)
308 Medicham (Chaaremu)
309 Electrike (Rakurai)
310 Manectric (Raiboruto)
311 Plusle (Purasuru)
312 Minun (Mainan)
313 Volbeat (Barubiito)
314 Illumise (Irumiize)
315 Roselia (Rozeria)
316 Gulpin (Gokurin)
317 Swalot (Marunoomu)
318 Carvanha (Kibania)
319 Sharpedo (Samehadaa)
320 Wailmer (Hoeruko)
321 Wailord (Hoeruoo)
322 Numel (Donmeru)
323 Camerupt (Bakuuda)
324 Torkoal (Kootasu)
325 Spoink (Banebuu)
326 Grumpig (Buupiggu)
327 Spinda (Pacchiiru)
328 Trapinch (Nakkuraa)
329 Vibrava (Biburaaba)
330 Flygon (Furaigon)
331 Cacnea
332 Cacturne
333 Swablu
334 Altaria
335 Zangoose
336 Seviper
337 Lunatone
338 Solrock
339 Barboach
340 Whiscash
341 Corphish
342 Crawdaunt
343 Baltoy
344 Claydol
345 Lileep
346 Cradily
347 Anorith
348 Armaldo
349 Feebas
350 Milotic
351 Castform
352 Kecleon
353 Shuppet
354 Banette
355 Duskull
356 Dusclops
357 Tropius
358 Chimecho
359 Absol
360 Wynaut
361 Snorunt
362 Glalie
363 Spheal
364 Sealeo
365 Walrein
366 Clamperl
367 Huntail
368 Gorebyss
369 Reilcanth
370 Luvdisc
371 Bagon
372 Shelgon
373 Salamence
374 Beldum
375 Metang
376 Metagross (Metakurosu)
377 Regirock (Reji-Rock)
378 Regice (Reji-Ice)
379 Registeel (Reji-Steel)
380 Latias (Latias)
381 Latios (Latios)
382 Kyogre (Kaiorga)
383 Groudon (Gurodon)
384 Rayquaza (Rekuzaa)
385 Jirachi (Jiraachi)
386 Deoxys

Battle Mechanics

A whole subculture exists which is devoted to the study of Pokémon battling and strategy. Usually research centers around Internet bulletin boards such as the GameFAQs message boards, Azure Heights and The Pokemasters.

Different aspects of battle mechanics include:

  • Characteristics
  • Damage
  • Statistics
  • Techniques
  • Types

Pokémon TV series

The main heroes of TV series are Ash (Satoshi) and his companions Misty (Kasumi) and Brock (Takeshi). Ash wants to become the best Pokémon trainer, and the others accompany him for other reasons.

There are also two Team Rocket (Roketto-Dan) members, Jessie (Musashi) and James (Kojirou), who along with their Pokémon Meowth serve as the bad guys of the series. Jessie and James were for a long time the largest divergence between the game and the television series. In the game, the Team Rocket organization is a dangerous and widespread source of crime--in the series, Team Rocket is almost exclusively represented by the bumbling, not quite so evil Jessie and James (in some cases, two evil members called Butch and Cassidy showed up). This was rectified in the later Gameboy game "Pokémon Yellow", which incorporated several elements of the television series into the game, most notably Jessie and James who follow you around and battle you occasionally.

The music of the Pokémon TV show was composed by Hirokazu 'Hip' Tanaka, better known for his work on Nintendo games such as Metroid. Nintendo disapproved of Tanaka working on the project, so he quit the company to turn his attentions completely to Pokémon.

Controversies

On December 16, 1997, an episode (called Electric Soldier Porygon) of the cartoon broadcast in Japan caused several children to have epileptic seizuress. Japan's Fire Defense Agency reported 685 affected people were admitted into hospitals of 30 prefectures by the following day. The phenomenon was repeated when a news broadcast about the event inexplicably replayed the offending scene. It was discovered that the very quickly alternating red and yellow patterns of the scene in question caused a reaction due to a previously undiagnosed (in Japan) form of epilepsy. (As it turned out, the American Federal Communications Commission, and equivalent agencies in most European countries, already knew that television used in this manner could sometimes invoke epilepsy, and had banned extremely high frequency color switching on television broadcasts in their countries years ago.) Nintendo's stock dropped significantly, and the episode with the flashing scene was not broadcast (not even dubbed like the others) in the United States. On March 30, 1998 TV Tokyo announced its intention to resume broadcasts.

In addition to episode that caused epileptic seizures, a handful of other episodes in the first season of the series were deemed to have content too mature for American audiences and not shown or cut (for instance, in one episode the Safari Zone ranger threatens Jessie and James with a loaded gun, in another (Beauty and the Beach) James was showed with fake breasts to win a beauty contest). This has prompted complaints from among those American fans who are denied the right to see these episodes, especially since the episodes in question are not classed as too mature on British television.

Many Protestant Christian groups in the United States believe Pokémon to be Satanic in origin. After the US release of Pokemon Yellow, there was a sudden widespread criticism of it passed through Christian congregations primarily by word-of-mouth. Most people believe these claims to be nonsense, and note that they are spread as urban legends. While this criticism has been a widespread phenomenon in the United States, little about it has been committed to print. It would be incorrect to state that the Christian religious community has an official opinion on this, but its widespread nature makes it a legitimate topic of study.

Pokémon has been criticised by some members of the Jewish community for its use of the swastika, the most widely known symbol of Nazism. This is considered by some to be a matter of cultural misunderstanding, as the swastika used to be used in Asian cultures as a symbol for "good fortune". However, many Jewish groups, as well as many Asians, hold that today it should be common knowledge how the swastika is perceived, and that it is inappropriate to use this symbol on children's toys. As a result of this controversy Nintendo stopped using this symbol.

Nintendo Tells ADL it will Raise Concerns of Swastika with Japanese Maker of Pokémon Cards

The confusion was in fact caused by ignorance on the behalf of the American producers. They did not notice that the Hindu swastika (a symbol of good luck) depicted on the Zubat card would become a Nazi swastika when reversed. All images were reversed due to the Japanese tendency to read right-to-left.

Many Islamic religious speakers in the Arab-Muslim nations of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt hold that Pokémon is part of a "Jewish conspiracy to corrupt Muslim children. They claim that the word "Pokeman" is a Japanese word which means "I am Jewish" (this claim is patently false). One Saudi Arabian Sheikh has written "The Pokémon craze is a Jewish plot aimed at forcing our children to forgo their faith and values and to distract them from more important things such as scientific ambitions." (Sheikh Abdel Moneim Abu Zant)

The Anti-Defamation League has spoken out against these conspiracy theorites. ADL denounces claim by Muslim leaders that Pokémon game is "Jewish Conspiracy"

Frequent parallels drawn between Satanism and Pokémon

Note that these parallels may not be in accordance with a strict definition of Satanism, or even make sense. This is a point of contention to be held with their proponents, not the author.

Some groups in the United States also believe the show encourages children to run away from home like the main character Ash does in the game and cartoon. Others who are unfamiliar with Japanese beetle fighting claim that the game and show, which involve training of animals to fight other trainers' animals, were inspired by the practice of cockfighting. (See above to learn why this is not the case.)

Uri Geller, Israeli psychic famous for ostensibly bending spoons with his mind, has sued Nintendo over the Pokémon "Kadabra" ("Un-geller" in Japanese), whom he claims is an unauthorized appropriation of his identity. The Pokémon in question has psychic abilities and carries bent spoons. The name is a pun; the katakana letter 'n' looks quite like the letter 'ri'. Geller sued for the equivalent of 100 million dollars, but lost.

A parents' group is suing Nintendo of America and other manufacturers of collectible cards (such as baseball card makers), claiming that the collectible nature of randomly purchased cards constitutes illegal gambling.

Two other parents also set up a site named Pokémon Kills after their son choked on a Burger King PokéBall toy. The toy had two pieces. The top red lid piece could easilly fit over the mouth of a child. The site was not particularly successful in its aim, but it did cause Burger King to issue a voluntary recall of the toys in exchange for food.

External links