Project: Overviews- Mark II

[Seven Deadly Sins]

Welcome to the new Project Overviews!

I'm going to leave out a lot of the overhead of the last thread and just get down to business here. Overviews need a lot of improvement across the board, and we're going to use this thread to make sure that any "sub-par" overviews get revamped. What I'm not going to allow is for bad overviews to be replaced by mediocre overviews. In order to fulfill this aim, I'm going to lay down a couple general rules for how Overviews should work.

• Cut the fluff. This is a competitive Pokemon site, not the Pokemon Fan Club. We don't care how dashing your Rapidash's flowing mane is, and honestly we don't even really care that it's a horse on fire. Additionally, cut the metaphors, similes, or cute pet names for the Pokemon. If we're talking about Infernape, don't call it a monkey, don't talk about it swinging, just call it Infernape and concentrate on its competitive aspects.
• Don't sell the Pokemon. Overviews are about describing the Pokemon, not trying to make people use it. Describe the Pokemon, tell people what they're getting into, and let people decide what Pokemon works for their team. It is not your job to try and convince people that they should use the Pokemon in the analysis. This is something that tends to pop up a lot when people are writing about their "favorite Pokemon" and think that the Pokemon they're writing about gets a short shrift in the metagame, and overhype it in order to make up for it.
• Don't undersell the Pokemon. I know this seems like it contradicts #2, but there's something to remember: if a Pokemon has an OU analysis, it's because either it earned that analysis by having an interesting niche, or it's OU, which means it earned the usage to stay in the OU tier. There is an exception for BL Pokemon, which clearly haven't earned a place in OU, but are "too good" for UU. If it's a Pokemon that simply doesn't have a place in OU, but is banned from UU, then explain what makes it broken in UU, and explain how that doesn't translate to OU usage. However, for OU Pokemon, make sure your overview doesn't turn into a list of reasons not to use a Pokemon.
• Brevity is your friend. Make sure that your writing is flowing and easy to read, but still concise. Overviews should generally not be longer than 2 paragraphs- 1 about strong suits, 1 about weaknesses / issues.
• There's a difference between concise and short. Make sure that while you don't get all fluffy and overly wordy, you also don't leave out significant detail. An overview should be a general introduction to the Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses, not a couple words about some things the Pokemon can do.
• This is more stylistic than a "rule", but the first sentence should go out of its way to pull the reader in. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and analyses are no exception. The best analyses have a first sentence that captures the attention of the reader and makes them want to read the rest of the analysis.

While these rules are not hard and fast, it takes an especially good writer to break them and not screw it up, and it takes a special Pokemon to warrant an exception.

Let's take a look at some examples:

Tyranitar's DP Overview:

Monstrous, both competitively and aesthetically, Tyranitar is easily one of the most dangerous Pokemon in the game, and for good reason. Its excellent stat spread gives it incredible versatility, allowing it to perform in nearly any role it wants. Choice Scarf sets make incredible trappers and revenge killers, while mixed and Choice Band sets pack incredible power and generally make stall weep. On top of that, Tyranitar can sweep with a Dragon Dance set. It's no slouch defensively as well, with 100/110/100 defenses bolstered by Sand Stream and its Rock typing.

That said, Tyranitar isn't without issues. Numerous weaknesses to common types make it tough to survive hits from many opponents, and the popularity of Scizor, its greatest nemesis, doesn't help. Despite these faults, Tyranitar is an excellent Pokemon, and easy to fit into nearly any type of team.

An opening line that grabs the reader, and a concise overview of the Pokemon's capabilities. Then a concise overview of its issues, and a solid wrapup.

Iconic's Sharpedo, from the last thread:

Like a plethora of other Pokemon that were hopelessly useless in DPP, Sharpedo went from a sub-par attacker to a legitimate BW OU threat as a result of its new Dream World Ability. Sharpedo is used almost exclusively as a Life Orb sweeper on offensive rain teams, utilizing Protect to nab a free Speed Boost and then attempting a sweep with its great movepool and deadly dual STAB. Thanks to impressive mixed attacking stats, Sharpedo can choose to go either fully physical or mixed, and it has access to powerful moves such as Waterfall, Crunch, Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Earthquake. While Sharpedo possesses all the tools it needs to be a top-tier sweeper, its hampered by its pitiful defenses that rank among the worst in the entire game, meaning it can't even switch into resisted attacks. Sharpedo is also almost completely walled by the one Pokemon that almost always gives rain teams the shivers: Ferrothorn. However, when played to its strengths as a late-game cleaner with Drizzle support, Sharpedo can prove to be both a unique and useful offensive presence.

Again, a first sentence that grabs the reader, an overview of its abilities, a touch of realism, and a solid wrapup.

In general, these are the types of overviews that we're looking for. Note that I'll be personally judging all overviews suggested, and any that violate the rules above will be rejected and need to be retouched. Approved overviews will be GPed and uploaded by staff. Additionally, any analysis currently in progress is ineligible to be revamped in this thread, and instead will be done in its own thread.

This thread is going to run similar to the last one. People can reserve on-site analyses that need an overview revamp, and submit their own takes on the overview. However, before being GPed and pushed to the site, they will have to go through me. If you want, you can consult with me on IRC for help- if I'm on IRC you can always find me in #C&C.

Looking forward to a new set of overviews!

[Lavos Spawn]

Thank you. This needed to change. Some analyses are so buried in fluff that it's hard to find the actual substance underneath it all. I'd also agree with you in saying that the first sentence of any analysis is of extreme importance. Most beginners are drawn into using a Pokemon by its overall appeal due to aesthetic factors as well as the description it's given in the first line of the analysis. One sentence can make or break a Pokemon for some people. The rest of the opening paragraph is just as critical. Iconic's paragraph on Sharpedo, in particular, is an example of excellent prose that we should all strive to emulate.

[PK Gaming]

Alright, time to get the ball rolling!

New Overview

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Zoroark is all about fighting dirty, using sneaky tricks and underhanded tactics to win matches. It achieves this by utilizing its signature ability, Illusion, which allows to appear as the 6th slot Pokemon on your team. This can lead to some pretty tricky mindgames, as your opponent has no idea if you've sent Zoroark out or not. That Scizor that just switched in might be secretly a Zoroark in disguise that's just waiting to roast your Skarmory with Flamethrower. Your Heatran might not stop that Jirachi if it happens to carry Focus Blast. When all's said and done however, Zoroark is burdened with several limitations that prevent it from being an absolute murderer. It's disappointingly frail, to the point where it can never switch into anything and any remotely powerful attack will OHKO it. It relies on its Speed to KO opposing Pokemon, but 105 Base Speed is a step below several prominent Pokemon, notably the Swords of Justice, Gengar and Tornadus-T. Still, when it comes down to it, Zoroark is the perfect assassin, taking out unaware targets with impunity. Just don't let it get caught outside of the shadows.

Old Overview

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Zoroark is blessed with awesome attacking stats, a great Speed stat, and a plethora of move options, making it an offensive threat to watch out for. Access to both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance makes it an unpredictable and effective sweeper, which allows it to pose as a major threat to both offensive and stall teams. However, the main draw to using Zoroark is its unique ability Illusion, which allows it to take on the appearance of the last Pokemon on your team. When properly used, Illusion can temporarily trick the opponent into thinking Zoroark is a different Pokemon altogether, which can allow it to get a surprise kill or even set up. Illusion works well with Zoroark's incredible coverage, which, when paired with Sucker Punch, allows it to take out the vast majority of the metagame. However, Zoroark's miserable defenses mean that almost any strong STAB or super effective priority move will OHKO it. Zoroark's typing also pales in comparison to that of Gengar or Lucario, and it has a hard time switching in. As a result of this, Zoroark is a difficult Pokemon to use and unforgiving if you make a mistake. However, despite these flaws, Zoroark is still a solid Pokemon; a successfully executed feint from Zoroark can instantly turn the tide of the match.

Why it was changed: The old analysis had too much hype. Way too much hype for a Pokemon that wasn't even OU. Illusion is useful, but even if you use it properly, it'll hardly turn the tide of battle. The overview mentions Zoroark's frailty, but there was too little emphasis on Zoroark's second biggest flaw; its "good-but-not good-enough" Speed stat. I've corrected these issues, and toned down the hype (while also giving its fair due).

Note: I am aware of the fact I use some text from its "counters" section, i'll be revamping its counters section too.

[Seven Deadly Sins]

I like it. This is what I'd like to see more of. Any GPers checking out this thread can check PK's Zoroark.

[Lord of Bays]

Are we doing every single OU entry/again? I know Aldaron's topic already had an archive and some were even uploaded already (my Hydreigon included).

[PK Gaming]

Originally Posted by Fat Lord of Bays

Are we doing every single OU entry/again? I know Aldaron's topic already had an archive and some were even uploaded already (my Hydreigon included).

Yes

Some of the old ones are being uploaded by QC team's discretion; if the overview hasn't been updated, assume that that you're free to make another one.

EDIT: Don't forget to keep in mind that some of the analyses are getting revamps, so some of the updated overviews aren't necessary.

[complete legitimacy]

Zoroark is all about fighting dirty, by using sneaky tricks and underhanded tactics to win matches. It achieves this by utilizing its signature ability, Illusion, which allows to appear as the 6Pokemon in the sixth slot Pokemon onof your team. This can lead to some pretty tricky mindgames, as your opponent has no idea if you've sent Zoroark out or not. That Scizor that just switched in might be secretly a Zoroark in disguise that's just waiting to roast your Skarmory with Flamethrower. Your Heatran might not stop that Jirachi if it happens to carry Focus Blast. When all's said and done however, Zoroark is burdened with several limitations that prevent it from being an absolute murderer. It's disappointingly frail, to the point where it can never switch into anything, and any remotely powerful attack will OHKO it. It relies on its Speed to KO opposing Pokemon, but 105 Bbase 105 Speed is a step below several prominent Pokemon, notably the Swords of JusticeKeldeo, Terrakion, Gengar, and Tornadus-T. Still, when it comes down to it, Zoroark is the perfect assassin, taking out unaware targets with impunity. J; just don't let it get caught outside of the shadows.

c/p

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Zoroark is all about fighting dirty by using sneaky tricks and underhanded tactics to win matches. It achieves this by utilizing its signature ability, Illusion, which allows to appear as the Pokemon in the sixth slot of your team. This can lead to some pretty tricky mind games, as your opponent has no idea if you've sent Zoroark out or not. That Scizor that just switched in might be secretly a Zoroark in disguise that's just waiting to roast your Skarmory with Flamethrower. Your Heatran might not stop that Jirachi if it happens to carry Focus Blast. When all's said and done however, Zoroark is burdened with several limitations that prevent it from being an absolute murderer. It's disappointingly frail, to the point where it can never switch into anything, and any remotely powerful attack will OHKO it. It relies on its Speed to KO opposing Pokemon, but base 105 Speed is a step below several prominent Pokemon, notably Keldeo, Terrakion, Gengar, and Tornadus-T. Still, when it comes down to it, Zoroark is the perfect assassin, taking out unaware targets with impunity; just don't let it get caught outside of the shadows.

GP Approved .

Great job with this; I enjoyed reading it.

[Lord of Bays]

@PK Gaming: Awesome, thanks.

[ScraftyIsTheBest]

Deleted above post 'cause I might as well right a new set of overviews.

Anyways, here are some overview I think could be worth changing.

Staraptor:

Current Overview

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With apologies to anthropologist Ashley Montagu, Staraptor's purpose is "to die young as late as possible." This predatory bird can certainly make an impact with its fearsome Attack, decent Speed, and high Base Power moves, with enough power to OHKO and 2HKO some of the most common threats in OU with little support. The reason why Staraptor outclasses comparable Normal/Flying-type Pokemon is no mystery: it has Close Combat to round out its type coverage, disposing of Rock- and Steel-types that would otherwise wall its Normal- and Flying-type STAB attacks. What differentiates Staraptor from other competitors in OU is its ability to abuse the Flying-type STAB, which has deceptively great coverage in the current metagame alongside Close Combat.

The bad news is that while Staraptor is capable of sweeping whole teams, its lackluster defenses, weakness to Stealth Rock, and reliance on recoil moves limit its survivability on the battlefield severely. The mere existence of faster competitors and priority attacks in the metagame regulates Staraptor's own presence as well. Despite these weaknesses, Staraptor has qualities that differentiate it from the many physical attackers that roam this new generation, making it a significant threat given the right conditions.

Proposed Overview

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Staraptor is a Pokemon with numerous shortcomings. Firstly, it has a weakness to Stealth Rock, and when combined with constant recoil from Brave Bird, means it will get worn down rather quickly. Staraptor also suffers from the fact that its Base 100 Speed stat simply isn't up to par in this fast-paced metagame, so it will be outpaced very frequently. It also has poor defenses, meaning that it will usually cringe in one move. Finally, Staraptor's crippling weaknesses to Ice, Rock, and Electric make it so that threats such as Mamoswine, Thundurus-T, and Terrakion can dispose of it before it can react.

However, Staraptor does have some perks that make it usable in OU. With 120 Attack along with an ability in Reckless and two powerful STABs in Brave Bird and Double-Edge, can put massive dents in teams. It also has Close Combat to put the hurt on numerous Steel-types, as well as U-turn to keep up offensive momentum. Despite Staraptor's many shortcomings, it can be good enough to perform well in the right conditions.

Reason for change: Okay, this bird may have been OP in UU, alright, but, to put it bluntly, it's not exactly up to par in OU. It does have some perks and all, but there was a need to emphasize on why it's BL and not OU.

Pants Lizard:

Current Overview

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Blessed with Dark / Fighting typing and decent stats all around, Scrafty lives up to its reputation of being a bad-ass ghetto lizard. Sporting good defenses, decent Attack, and two different boosting moves in Bulk Up and Dragon Dance, Scrafty is a versatile threat, viable on both balanced and offensive teams. The combination of Rest and Shed Skin is another neat perk of Scrafty's that allows it to heal itself somewhat reliably and distinguish itself from similar Pokemon. While its low Speed and weakness to Fighting-type moves hold it back from being a top-tier threat, Scrafty has just the right moves, stats, and typing to find a niche in the standard metagame.

Proposed Overview

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To put it bluntly, Scrafty is one of the Pokemon who got hit the hardest in the transition to BW2. Although he still has his good qualities going for it, he just struggles to find his place in the OU metagame. With powerful attackers such as Keldeo and Thundurus-T, Scrafty's bulk just doesn't come up to par in this much more offensive metagame. With a poor Speed stat, Scrafty often struggles to outspeed much of the metagame even with a Dragon Dance boost. His weaknesses to Fighting and Flying are much more prominent than ever, meaning that he will more than often struggle to nab a boost. Scrafty has also lost his former niche as a stallbreaker, as stall is much less prominent a force in BW2. However, as grim as things may be for Scrafty, he does have a few things going for him that make him viable for use in OU. With great type coverage along with Moxie and Dragon Dance, Scrafty still can sweep some unprepared teams in the right conditions. Just do keep in mind though; Scrafty isn't the kind of Pokemon you can just slap onto a team and expect initial improvements, as a matter of fact, doing so usually will provide the opposite effect.

Reason for change: I made it pretty different this time around. I really love Scrafty, as my name says, but I mean really, it's just not up to par in this meta. I know it's got that cool typing and awesome boosting moves and abilities, but really, it struggles to find a place in this metagame. Its low speed really kills it, and its bulk just isn't up to par. I know it can be successful, but it's often outclassed by other Fighting-types. Wow, I never thought I'd say those words.

Sableye:

Current Overview

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While Sableye has been considered a mediocre Pokemon in past generations, it received a godsend from the Dream World in the form of Prankster, an ability that gives an added +1 priority to all non-attacking moves. Not only is it the only Ghost-type with Prankster, but it is also the only Pokemon with this ability that has access to both Recover and Will-O-Wisp. Add to this the fact that Sableye is immune to many attacking moves with priority, and you have an insanely annoying Pokemon that can cripple entire teams—if the opponent doesn't quit beforehand. However, despite these perks, it is still an all-around mediocre Pokemon outside of Prankster, with none of its base stats exceeding 75. Furthermore, Sableye can only really switch in to a few select Pokemon, like Alakazam, Reuniclus, or Skarmory. However, Sableye is still a Pokemon you can trust to perform its job well on your team.

Proposed Overview

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Sableye, once languishing in the forgotten depths of NU, has gained a wonderful new ability in Prankster. Along with that comes the proper movepool to abuse it; that includes Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Recover. This, along with a coveted Dark / Ghost typing, gives Sableye some unique niches in OU; a spinblocker who can annoy teams, a stallbreaker with its priority Taunt, and a hindrance to physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. With all of these in mind, Sableye can fit itself on most teams, however, where it shines most is on sun teams, where it benefits from weakened Water-type attacks from Tentacruel and Starmie to help it do its spinblocking annoyer job much more effectively.

Reasons for change: Mmmhmm. Why not just mention why we should even bother using Sableye in OU?

Crawdaunt

Current Overview

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After a long history of being relegated to the lower tiers due to its horrid Speed, paper-thin defenses, and lack of powerful STAB options, Crawdaunt once again appears unable to avoid its tiering fate in this generation of Pokemon. Though cursed with such dubious attributes, there is at least one good reason to use Crawdaunt in OU: Adaptability. This amazing ability from the Dream World gives it access to more power than it has ever had before, and with rain support, grants Crawdaunt plenty of opportunities to crush its enemies with its crustaceous claws. Once-feared tanks such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory crumble beneath its awesome might, and serve only as an example as to why one should not underestimate this unorthodox, albeit formidable foe

Proposed Overview

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Crawdaunt's sole reason to be used in OU is its ability, Adaptability. This gives it enough power to smash through even the bulkiest of Pokemon such as Skarmory and Hippowdon. Along with it comes a boosting move in Dragon Dance, allowing it to hit significantly harder while also outspeeding some notable things in OU. However, Crawdaunt is still cursed with its poor atributes that really hold it back from being a truly dangerous powerhouse. It has a low Speed stat, meaning that even with Dragon Dance, numerous Pokemon such as Terrakion can smash through it. It also has very poor defenses, meaning it struggles to survive long enough to hit enough targets. In short, use Crawdaunt for its sheer power, or don't use it at all.

Reason for change: Yeah. The current overview is really hyping up Crawdaunt. It really isn't that good in this meta and should only be used if you want something that has so much power to smash through lots of bulky Pokemon. Otherwise, stick to something else.

[Lord of Bays]

With blessing from PK Gaming, I give thee... Garchomp.

Old and busted...

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With a change in the definition of Evasion Clause now banning Sand Veil from OU, Garchomp lost most of his strength in sandstorm, leaving him with only his Rough Skin ability. However, don't think Sand Veil was the only reason for Garchomp's success; a great Dragon / Ground dual typing coupled with high base stats is nothing to scoff at. Garchomp's almost perfect STAB coverage is only resisted by Skarmory and the rarely seen Bronzong and inviable Shedinja. Resisting Stealth Rock and working well under any weather condition are just a few more of his many perks.

Although he faces competition from his Dragon-type brethren Dragonite, Salamence, and Haxorus, Garchomp can stand his ground thanks to his unique attributes, including the ability to set up Stealth Rock and an immunity to Electric-type moves that leaves him completely unaffected by Thunder Wave and Volt Switch. His weaknesses to Dragon- and Ice-type moves do leave him vulnerable to faster Dragon-types and Ice Shard users, but these are issues team support should take care of.

New hotness

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With the banning of Sand Veil under a revised Evasion Clause, the infamous Mach Pokémon returns to rampage in OU. His nearly-unresisted STAB coverage and excellent Attack and Speed stats provides him with an always terrifying offensive presence, and with bulk practically unheard of on a Pokémon as powerful as Garchomp, stopping him in the middle of a sweep is no mean feat. Garchomp's Ground-subtyping is even more of a blessing, providing immunity to Electric attacks such as Thunder, Volt Switch, Thunder Wave, and a resistance to Stealth Rock, giving him switch-in opportunities his Flying brothers would rage for.

Garchomp's versatility is not to be underestimated either. His fantastic base 108 HP and 95/85 defenses gives him better all-around bulk than Swampert! Garchomp was given every tool he needs to succeed as a defensive pivot and harasser in the generation shift: Rough Skin ensures any physical attacker will be wishing they had stayed home; Dragon Tail gives Garchomp a powerful phazing tool, which mixes perfectly with Stealth Rock, a gift from the Black and White 2 Move Tutors. His excellent base 102 speed even makes Garchomp quite possibly the most devastating RestTalk phazer in the game, as opposing attackers will find him far sturdier than other Pokémon as powerful and walls that can take his punishment will quickly find themselves returned to their Pokéballs only to take more damage upon re-entry.

As incredible as we've painted Garchomp to be, and he most certainly is incredible, he has his fair share of shortcomings. The most obvious is the absence of Sand Veil, and the free turns it provides. Despite his unique speed, the only 102 Pokémon in the game, it's just not as fast as it once was, especially with Keldeo, Terrakion, and the twin Eon Pokémon running amok. Finally, his Ground-subtyping removes his resistances to Water- and Grass-type attacks, which are always dangers in the weather-torn OU metagame, as well as compounding Dragon's fatal Ice weakness.

[Seven Deadly Sins]

Will check out Scrafty's when I get home, but the Garchomp one is a bit long at first glance. I like the intro sentence, though.

[Lord of Bays]

Yeah, that's what PK Gaming and I thought. I'd love for any advice, because I'm stuck right now. I'll get bursts of inspiration (the entire overview after the first sentence was written in about 20 minutes last night) and then I sit on it for weeks at a time.

And thanks.

[tehy]

I can give you some stuff to take out in the final paragraph if you'd like:
Cut the second incredible in the first sentence.
Maybe just cut the whole 'absence of Sand Veil'? That's not really much of a shortcoming IMO, more of a 'thing that is banned/made him banworthy'. Yes, he used to have it, but given as no non-uber has that NOW, it's not exactly a shortcoming.
As long as nothing relevant has 102 Speed, is it really necessary to mention the uniqueness?


Also, resisting SR doesn't give him switch-in opportunities so much as it gives him freer switch-ins. If Mence could switch in and do whatever Chomp was about to do, he'd probably do it.

Oh yeah and finally:Chomp is versatile as hell, as you yourself have noted. So his analysis might be a little longer, because there's more to cover.
(Also, provide him, not provides him, in the first paragraph.)

Maybe cut out mentions of BW move tutors and generation shift? I've seen such mentions before and allowed in, but it's just kind of taking up space. (Sub-typing? Just typing?)

Does Chomp even restalk phaze? Never really seen that.

[Jukain]

@Lord of Bays: It shouldn't be that hard to shorten that. What you have to do is cut out some of the fluff. A few examples:

providing immunity to Electric attacks such as Thunder, Volt Switch, Thunder Wave, and a resistance to Stealth Rock, giving him switch-in opportunities his Flying brothers would rage for.

This whole section can easily be shortened to "providing an immunity to Electric attacks and a resistance to Stealth Rock." You don't really need the rest.

His fantastic base 108 HP and 95/85 defenses gives him better all-around bulk than Swampert! Garchomp was given every tool he needs to succeed as a defensive pivot and harasser in the generation shift: Rough Skin ensures any physical attacker will be wishing they had stayed home; Dragon Tail gives Garchomp a powerful phazing tool, which mixes perfectly with Stealth Rock, a gift from the Black and White 2 Move Tutors. His excellent base 102 speed even makes Garchomp quite possibly the most devastating RestTalk phazer in the game, as opposing attackers will find him far sturdier than other Pokémon as powerful and walls that can take his punishment will quickly find themselves returned to their Pokéballs only to take more damage upon re-entry.

Yes, pretty much all of the second paragraph. You don't need to mention the secondary Dragon STAB for the last set in the overview. RestTalk phazer Garchomp doesn't exist. This can be shortened to one or two sentences talking about Stealth Rock and Rough Skin briefly. You have the sets to explain Garchomp; the overview is exactly what the word implies, an overview.

Fixing those two sections should get your overview down to a good length. You might want to look over the rest of it, but to me, it looks good.

[Lord of Bays]

Thanks man, I had completely forgotten about this. I'll give it a looksie tonight, real life has been really weird the last few weeks.

[Lord of Bays]

So I haven't touched this in nearly two months, but I looked at Garchomp's overview again, and I hope this is up to snuff.

Old and busted...

---

With a change in the definition of Evasion Clause now banning Sand Veil from OU, Garchomp lost most of his strength in sandstorm, leaving him with only his Rough Skin ability. However, don't think Sand Veil was the only reason for Garchomp's success; a great Dragon / Ground dual typing coupled with high base stats is nothing to scoff at. Garchomp's almost perfect STAB coverage is only resisted by Skarmory and the rarely seen Bronzong and inviable Shedinja. Resisting Stealth Rock and working well under any weather condition are just a few more of his many perks.

Although he faces competition from his Dragon-type brethren Dragonite, Salamence, and Haxorus, Garchomp can stand his ground thanks to his unique attributes, including the ability to set up Stealth Rock and an immunity to Electric-type moves that leaves him completely unaffected by Thunder Wave and Volt Switch. His weaknesses to Dragon- and Ice-type moves do leave him vulnerable to faster Dragon-types and Ice Shard users, but these are issues team support should take care of.

New hotness

---

With the banning of Sand Veil under a revised Evasion Clause, the infamous Mach Pokémon returns to rampage in OU. His nearly-unresisted STAB coverage and excellent Attack and Speed stats provides him with an always-terrifying offensive presence, and with bulk practically unheard of on a Pokemon as powerful as Garchomp, stopping him in the middle of a sweep is no mean feat. Garchomp's Ground subtyping is even more of a blessing, providing immunity to Electric attacks and a resistance to Stealth Rock, giving him switch-in opportunities his Flying brothers would rage for. Garchomp's versatility is not to be underestimated either. His fantastic base 108 HP and 95/85 defenses gives him better all-around bulk than Swampert! Garchomp was given every tool he needs to succeed as a defensive pivot and harasser in the tail end of the generation: Black and White 2's Move Tutors gave him access to Stealth Rock, Rough Skin punishes physical attackers, and Dragon Tail uses his excellent Attack and bulk in combination.

As incredible as we've painted Garchomp to be, and he most certainly is incredible, he has his fair share of shortcomings. The most obvious is the absence of Sand Veil and the free turns it provides. Despite his unique speed, the only 102 Pokemon in the game, it's just not as fast as it once was, especially with Keldeo, Terrakion, and the twin Eon Pokemon running amok. Finally, his Ground subtyping removes his resistances to Water- and Grass-type attacks, which are always dangers in the weather-torn OU metagame, as well as compounding Dragon's fatal Ice weakness.