We can credit Ken Sugimori for designing all 151 Pokémon of the first generation. He would later use teams to come up with designs, but he still plays a significant part in finalizing them. According to Ken Sugimori, “What I actually do is take something cool and make it less cool. [laughs].” His thought process seems to work since Pokémon is one of gaming’s most prominent franchises.
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Many of Pokémon’s designs are based on animals or inanimate objects. While Pikachu is based on the pika animal, a Pokémon like Magnemite is based on magnets. There are also cases of Pokémon based on fictional creatures like dragons or the Loch Ness monster. Which Pokémon design is your favorite? This is every Pokémon generation, ranked by their Pokémon designs.
8 Generation IV
A popular part of Generation IV is its legendary Pokémon. Giratina, a Ghost and Dragon-type, makes this generation worth mentioning. Pokémon X and Y‘s mascots, Dialga and Palkia, are also iconic additions to spectacular games. Some of the games’ most notable Pokémon are Leafeon, Glaceon, Magmortar, Lucario, and Infernape.
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For the first time, there is a Pokémon that can combine with your Pokédex. Rotom is an Electric-type and Ghost-type who can transform itself into the shape of a Pokédex. Pokémon designs are not all about how they appear, but their visual design is your first impression. In this case, Rotom is smartly designed to play a significant part in in-game progression.
7 Generation V
The weak suit of Generation V is its starter Pokémon. Having quality designs for a generation’s starter Pokémon is critical. At this point in the series, The Pokémon Company begins to show some laziness with designs. Zebstrika is essentially a zebra with Electric-type moves. Also, who could forget Garbdor, a Pokémon that is made out of trash? These designs are amusing, but not ideal choices for a Pokémon master’s party.
6 Generation VI
This generation of Pokémon introduced Mega Evolutions. It could be argued that Pokémon copied Digimon‘s Ultimate Evolution. However, Mega Evolutions were later changed into Dynamaxing in Generation VIII. The introduction of new Mega Evolutions like Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Mewtwo X and Y, and Mega Rayquaza was a game-changer. In addition, there are several legendaries and mythical Pokémon that make the generation stand out. We can’t forget Generation VI Pokémon like Volcanion, Hoopa, Yveltal, and Xerneas.
5 Generation III
There was a noticeable downgrade in Generation III Pokémon appearances compared to Generation II. The Pokémon had less memorable designs, despite being a robust entry in the mainline series. You can find a whopping 213 in Pokémon Emerald without trading.
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Generation I Pokémon appear in Generation III, so it could be argued that it’s better. However, this list only takes the Pokémon that were introduced in the generation into account. With Pokémon designs like Milotic, Salamence, Sharpedo, Metagross, Rayquaza, Groudon, and Blaziken, this generation was a worthy addition to the Pokédex.
4 Generation VII
The seventh generation of the Pokémon mainline games was headlined by Pokémon Sun and Moon. Many of the Pokémon contained in this generation follow a Hawaiian theme, the location the generation is loosely based on. Set in the Alola region, we see Alolan themed Pokémon like Raticate, Grimer, Diglett, and Raichu. These Pokémon gave players a taste of the classic games, but with subtle changes. Little thought went into a Pokémon like Toucannon, but we didn’t mind it because of the rich detail. Other notable Pokémon include Golisopod, Primarina, Palossand, and Guzzlord, Solgaleo, and Greninja.
3 Generation II
The second generation of the Pokémon games contained polished designs that resonated with fans. Some of our favorite Pokémon designs from the second generation include Tyranitar, Umbreon, Lugia, Ho-Oh Houndoom, and Totodile. The elusive roaming legendary beasts include Entei, Suicune, and Raikou. The remote chance that you would run into one made the second generation awesome.
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There are plenty of examples of Pokémon designs that we like in Generation II, even if there are a few that we don’t. Qilfish, Igglybuff, and Unown had designs that don’t fit the themes of the generation. Regardless, there is plenty to love in the Johto region. After all, it’s a generation that introduced baby Pokémon like Pichu and Magby.
2 Generation VIII
Seeing Pokémon for the first time in 3D on a video game console was eye-opening. This generation contained Pokémon Sword and Shield, the first mainline games to launch on video game consoles. Visually pleasing designs were one of the highlights of the generation. There are subtle details in the Pokémon that you don’t see in the previous games. Some of the best Generation VIII Pokémon designs include Centiskorch, Toxtricity, Obstagoon, Sirfetch’d, and Zacian.
1 Generation I
The first generation may not have had the most detailed designs, but it gave us an abundance of iconic Pokémon. The designs didn’t need to be needlessly complicated. We like nearly every design (if not all of them). Ultimately, each person is entitled to an opinion, and some people will love or hate a generation’s designs.
This generation of the Pokémon mainline games will forever be remembered for Pokémon like Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Squirtle, Gengar, Gyarados, and Zapdos. Charizard is like a dragon but has a lizard-like appearance. Pikachu is based on the pika animal, but with electric attacks. These designs will forever be mainstays of the series, and they will continue to appear in generations for years to come.
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