Feature: 30 Pokémon You Probably Forgot That Deserve A Second Chance

Cocoon Pokémon

Our first 'mon in the Under-Appreciated Misfits category, I noted before that two entries are lump sums, and this is the second. Not enough thought is given to how cocoon stage one evolutions of early-game bug Pokémon are critical to the thematic point of the entire franchise.

In the first generation, Metapod and Kakuna helped teach the evolution mechanic in a way that was instantly relatable to a real-life context. They helped ground the Pokémon universe so that zanier concepts in future generations could thrive.

While actually piloting cocoons in battles does them no favours since they have few options to dish out damage, the short-lived effort is worth it for the irreplicable role they play in the bigger Pokémon picture.

Orbeetle #826

In recent generations, Bug-type lines have really been plussed up by the rule of cool. Most of these caught on, so why is Orbeetle an exception?

This telepathic alien ladybug with hypnosis eyes feels like a late-game design made available early in your adventure across the Galar region, and what's more, its Gigantamax form turns it into a freakin’ UFO! You’d think this UFO form would at least be worthy of a plush or bucket hat or something.

Instead, Orbeetle’s surprising absence from discourse or merchandising has left it without a noteworthy legacy.

Dewott #502

When naming my favourite Pokémon for each letter of the alphabet, I said Ivysaur was “the only first evolution of a starter Pokémon that I prefer over the rest of its line.” Well, let me correct the record because I completely forgot about Dewott.

For an evolutionary line themed around samurai, Oshawott comes off a little clownish and Samurott a lot clunky. It’s the middle evolution, Dewott, that actually makes for a believable samurai thanks to its bipedal stature, shells sheathed like katanas, and believable nimbleness.

If I could have Dewott obtain Samurott’s stats without actually evolving it, I wouldn’t think twice. It really makes you think what could have been if Dewott’s strong points were expanded upon more closely.

Yamask #562

On that same alphabet list, I noted Yamask as my favourite Pokémon that starts with the letter 'Y' due to the sheer creepiness of its backstory (holding the mask of its former human self’s face is downright eerie, especially when you consider the implications).

It’s finding its place here for a related reason: if you don’t look into the Pokédex entries for Yamask, it comes across as an unassuming pipsqueak and is easily overlooked for its flashier coffin evolution.

The same can be said for its Galarian region variant, making it likely that Yamask’s star isn’t likely to rise the way to the forefront of Ghost types. Those of us who know the true horror of its existence will never forget, though.

Jynx #124

It’s hard to say any of the original 151 Pokémon are true misfits, but Jynx is the one exception that was as true three decades ago as it is today.

It lacks the inherent charm of its counterpart, Mr. Mime, and the controversy surrounding its original black colouration tainted that reputation further. Moving from what was intended to represent an empty void to purple 'skin' only emphasised its human-like qualities more, leading to a design that was more appropriate but unsettling in new ways.

Yet even with these elements working against it, Jynx has stayed kickin’ since day one, and we should honour that with equal levels of respect.

Bruxish #779

Bruxish is the Jynx of fish Pokémon. It’s fabulously colourful and a little too freaky for it. But — hear me out — let Bruxish freak. You don’t want to mess with those piranha jaws, nor could you deny the beauty of its ability to make water sparkle.

Alas, what Game Freak presented us with instead is a Pokédex image of a school of Bruxish swimming through muddy water. Maybe we’re supposed to hate Bruxish? Or maybe we just need to find our own beauty in this wannabe beauty queen of the sea.

Lickilicky #463

Most evolutions aim to look more threatening than their priors. Not Lickitung, a big ole’ baby with a bib pattern on its chest and a long tongue hanging from its mouth, carefree. Put otherwise, it upends the slightly horrifying nature of Lickitung in a way that the gritty cultural landscape of 20 years ago wasn’t ready to receive.

Given that silly Pokémon have found increased popularity in the intervening years, it’s time for this rotund derpster to receive a reassessment. At the very least, let Lickilicky become a mainstay at Pokémon-themed balloon animal parties.

Lunatone #337 and Solrock #338

When sauntering through the lower levels of a dank cave, what do you expect to find, Zubats aside? Arcane creatures hidden from the broader Pokémon world, that’s what. Solrock and Lunatone fit this bill perfectly as sun and moon-shaped meteors that are suitably unearthly and also look like they’re pulled straight off the rocky cavern walls.

It’s therefore disappointing that they’ve been left on the sidelines when their presence would’ve made the most sense, most notably missing Sun and Moon altogether. That was the best chance these Pokémon could’ve had at greater relevancy and it’s possible there may never be such an opportunity again.

Finally, Abandoned Mascots.

So far, we’ve discussed lesser-known or lesser-loved Pokémon, but there’s a third category of PokéMisfit that stings the most: has-been mascots of yore. Creatures that couldn’t maintain glory or never lived up to expectations of it in the first place. The Pocket Monsters on page three were pocketed away before their time...