AOTW: Stall

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Oh column. Sometimes you’re too good to me. So good that it actually makes things a little harder. Here I am, picking Abilities almost arbitrarily on a weekly basis, and then having to figure out a somewhat clever lead-in to the article. Maybe a play on words? A what-if scenario? How about a pop-culture reference? And then fate just decides to go a throw me an Ability with a name so obvious to its effect, there’s really nothing I can say except complain that all I can say is this is Ability of the Week: Stall!

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Rare Article: 3 Alternative VGC Strategies

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VGC season is in full swing, as Spring Regionals approach. Perhaps the most common team to see is what has been dubbed in years passed as a "goodstuffs" team. In other words, a team that is made up of the best Pokémon in the metagame, as opposed to a team that subscribes to any particular strategy. Sure, weather is fairly common, but it seems that Zapdos, Hitmontop, Scizor, and Garchomp are on every team.

But what if you want to do something at least a tad gimmicky, if only for the element of surprise? Well, I've got you covered. Here are three VGC strategies that won't be expected, and therefore, hopefully won't be prepared for by your opponent.
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Rare Article: 3 Things in Pokémon You Probably Misunderstand

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The inspiration for this article, which will be about misunderstandings in the Pokémon world, comes my misunderstanding of one of the comments on my last post. Now isn't that funny? I know. It's not that funny, but you don't need to be so hard on me.

This will be an exploration of concepts in the Pokémon videogames that are often misunderstood, just like that kid who always sat alone in the middle school lunch room (read: all of us.) Get ready to have your mind blown like that Psyduck on your right.
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Rare Article: Using Odd Pokémon

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Last week we talked about gimmicks, and how to turn one into a legitimate strategy. One section was about using "good" Pokémon to make your strategy work. However, you all know how much we at PKMNcast cherish using rarely used Pokémon, so I'm going to tell you how to make those odd-ball Pokémon into good Pokémon. Cue the silly chapter headings.
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PotW: Reuniclus

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As the Pokedex can attest, the world of science and the world of Pokemon do not always go hand in hand. Whether it be Magcargo’s body being twice the temperature of the sun, or Wartortles living up to ten thousand years, quite a few of the Pokedex’s entries contain scientific absurdities. This is not to say that I expect Pokemon to be realistic. Where’s the fun in that? But one Pokemon’s origin that is of a very scientific nature is that of Solosis, Duosion, and Reuniclus. 

 

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Team Tactics: Trick Room Bronzong

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Last week we discussed the tentacled rage bucket of madness known as Trick Room Octillery.  Unfortunately, Octillery needs a set-up for Trick Room as he cannot learn it himself.  This is where the defensive monster bell from Pokéhell known as Bronzong steps in.  Slow as molasses and tough as nails, he is perfect to set-up Trick Room as it's move priority forces it to go last, regardless of speed.

Abilities

Bronzong's Dream World ability is Heavy Metal.  While it sounds like it should be accompanied by an amazing hair metal guitar solo, the ability is a mess.  It doubles Bronzong's weight.  Which means that moves like Low Kick and Grass Knot will do twice the damage.  It also has the nice effect of increasing the power of Heavy Slam.  Unfortunately, Heavy Slam is a variable attack power move depending on the opponent's weight, so it isn't really worth it.  Avoid this one.

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Team Tactics: Trick Room Octillery

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"Slow and steady wins the race."  You've no doubt heard the phrase.  The tortoise and the hare taught us that sometimes, speeding through life can be a bad thing.  Stop and smell the roses.  It's good advice, even when it comes to forcibly pitting two creatures against one another in bloody combat.

But, Alan, I thought you told us that speed is good?  Well, it is.  Unless you encounter the move known as Trick Room.  It is a unique move that causes Pokémon with a lower speed stat to attack first.  It lasts for five turns.  High priority moves like Quick Attack will still go first though, and Quick Claw will still allow the Pokémon to attack first if it activates.  Trick Room always goes last when used though, so be sure the Pokémon using it can take a hit.

With Trick Room active, Octillery becomes a beast of a sweeper and can decimate a team with his tentacled fury.

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