Let’s Talk About Pokemon - Lugia and Ho-oh
249: Lugia
It is here, that Gold and Silver invented the now long-kept tradition of having each version be represented by its very own signature Legendary Pokemon. Lugia here, representing the Silver version, is the weirder of the two. They're both “birds” of some description, but Lugia easily could've been passed as a Dragon type. Psychic/Dragon is a neat idea for a typing that's not been done at the time. Though the Psychic half of its typing doesn't seem to be explained. It just sort of is. But interestingly enough, Lugia's also aquatic, but isn't Water type either. For some reason, I always found that neat.
Lugia's an odd amalgamation of creatures. Part heron, part whale, part dragon. All with bits that you wouldn't think would give it that pleasant a design, but all around it does look aesthetically pleasing. All on top of the weird hand-wings, that do not look at all like it should allow it to fly. But whatever, in all honesty it's got weirder things going on with it. The color scheme is nice, and I like its back “fins.”
Personal Score: 8.5/10
Lugia's got lots of neat bits, but some other features have me wonder “why.”
250: Ho-oh
Ho-oh, overall, feels a little more focused of a design. Ho-oh is more clearly a phoenix, with its Fire/Flying typing and its ability to apparently revive the dead, if the legend of the three Beasts is to be believed. I always dig me some red and gold color schemes, and the green isn't a half-bad choice as another accent color. Ho-oh looks very regal, appropriate for the Pokemon to represent Gold version. It’s a far, far cooler fire bird. Sorry, Moltres.
Personal Score: 8/10
Ho-ohs before Uh-ohs.
Overall:
I'm having a hard time deciding which of these two I like better. They both have parts to them to like a lot. But Lugia edges ahead just a little bit. Really nice start for the start of the boxed Legendary trend.
[Archive]
