Pokemon Unite launched with a roster of 20 Pokemon, which is more than it sounds when you consider the evolutionary lines involved. For example, twisted Fire starters Charizard and Cinderace count as two Pokemon, but really, they’re six, because having them there means Charmander, Charmeleon, Scorbunny, and Raboot are all in the mix too. Limiting the field is largely a good idea too – it gives the game room to grow, and means there are only a handful of styles for you to get used to. There’s just one massive problem with all this – there are no Pokemon from Gen 2 whatsoever.
Of all the Gens to overlook, Gen 2 is the most ridiculous. Obviously, Gen 1 was going to feature heavily, and as the most recent entry, it’s no surprise that Gen 8 has a healthy three ‘mons in there. But Gen 2 is Pokemon’s greatest generation, in terms of the ‘mons themselves, the overall game design, and its cities. “Oh, you’re just saying that because it was the first one you played.” Nah, mate. I’d beaten Red, Blue, Yellow, and Pinball before playing Gold. I think Gen 2’s the best because it is.
Related: Pokemon Unite Tips And Tricks GuideGen 2 had the unenviable task of following Gen 1. It had to provide a worthy sequel to one of the most iconic games of all time, reinventing what a Pokemon game was while staying true to what we loved about the first set of games. It delivered in spades, and frankly, it deserves better from Unite. There are some atypical picks in Unite anyway, but even sticking with the obvious ones, Gen 2 is bursting at the seams with great choices. Skarmory, Houndoom, Donphan, Gligar, Sudowoodo, and Ampharos would all be great additions. Heracross and Blissey meanwhile are so perfectly suited to Unite’s format it’s baffling they’ve been left out.
Gen 2 isn’t the only one that gets a raw deal. Gen 5 has just one Pokemon representing it, and that’s the lowly Crustle. Not Hydreigon, not Chandelure, not Volcarona – Crustle. It’s a bit of an odd choice, but I have no real issues with the game placing some of the lesser spotted ‘mons in the limelight. Right now, Zeraora is probably the most overpowered Pokemon in Unite, so it’s seeing a lot of use. The Gen 7 ‘mon had largely been forgotten already, despite having debuted fairly recently, so it’s good to see Unite doing its bit to uplift it. Gen 3 also only has one, but it uses the extremely popular Absol, and we know Gardevoir is set to join the game at some point in the near future.
Crustle is also important for another of Unite’s strengths – across just 20 evolutionary lines, it manages to cover all 18 types in the game. Crustle, as well as being the sole Gen 5er, is also the only Rock type and the only Bug type in the game. This dedication to covering each type only makes the choice to forgo Gen 2 all the stranger. On the whole, fans would much rather see each generation represented than they would each typing, especially in a MOBA with non-traditional battling mechanics.
Of all the generations you might expect to miss the cut with such a short guest list, it’s Crustle’s Gen 5 that would be most likely. In fact, Gen 2 even has a Bug-Rock Pokemon of its own in Shuckle, which is more of a crowd pleaser than Crustle ever will be. I’m not advocating for that though; there are great Pokemon across the gens, and Crustle is a very viable defensive pick in Pokemon Unite. It’s earned its seat at the table – but so have so many Gen 2 stars that for some reason are being left behind.
That’s why I want to turn attention away from Crustle, and onto Gen 1’s continued dominance. As the original generation, it remains the most popular, but there’s a little bit of overkill with it all. Pikachu? Absolutely. Charizard? Yeah, a guaranteed pick. Venusaur? It’s weird that there’s no Blastoise at launch, but there’s always room for Bulby. Gengar? Sure, although surprisingly the mischievous Ghost is pretty rubbish. Machamp, Mr. Mime, Snorlax, Wigglytuff, and Slowbro? I mean, I think that’s quite enough by now, don’t you?
That’s nine of the 20 from Gen 1, and when you consider Gen 7 includes Alolan Ninetales, a regional variant of a Gen 1 ‘mon, it’s arguably ten. Half the roster. You’re telling me Mr. Mime brings more to the game than Girafarig? That Forretress isn’t tailor made to be a MOBA Defender? I’m not so sure.
Pokemon Unite could be the future of the Pokemon series, and it's off to a great start, sure to only get better with balances and a mobile version set to launch in September. But the lack of Gen 2 is a huge oversight, and it means the best generation ever has to sit Pokemon’s move into MOBA out.