Judge-a Pokémon Express: Featuring Sirfetch'd!
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Codraroll
On Friday, September 13, the Pokémon Sword and Shield website announced a new Pokémon ...almost. The new Pokémon's page was hidden, its picture was pixelated and glitched, and vital pieces of text were blurred out. The announcement sparked a guessing frenzy for almost a week before the Pokémon was properly revealed on September 18. As many fans had guessed, helped by a leak of information from several months ago, the mysterious Pokémon is none other than a regional evolution of Farfetch'd. Ever since Generation I, fans of this underdog (underbird?) Pokémon have been clamoring for Game Freak to give it an evolution, and seven generations later it seems like they finally gave in. But does Sirfetch'd stand up to the years and years of expectations? We have assembled a team of panelists to find out.
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Kalalokki
I remember hearing about this as a leek ages ago, but it seemed odd if it was actually a legitimate thing. Remember, we hadn't really had any evolutions to old Pokémon since the days of Gen 4, almost 10 years ago. But, then Obstagoon was revealed and those kind of evolutions were brought back. So with the obfuscated teaser we got last week, there was no question about it that this was going to be the fabled Sirfetch'd. Right off the bat we knew that this thing was pure Fighting-type, an unusual change in typing from Normal / Flying. With the full art revealed we get this smug little bird carrying a lance much too big for itself, together with a leeky shield to boot. While I didn't think it was anything special when I first saw it, it has been growing on me every time I look at it. It sort of gives off the same vibe as Marshadow: a fearsome fighter in a small package. Hopefully it can still use the effects of its pre-evolution's signature item Stick and have a better hidden ability revealed down the line, carrying my high hopes for this little knight.
Max. Optimizer
The official Pokémon website states that Sirfetch'd will make an appearance in Pokémon Sword, which leads me to believe that it is not far fetched to assume that Pokémon Shield will also receive a version-exclusive regional evolution. When I first witnessed people discussing an "onion knight"-themed Farfetch'd, my mind immediately went to the Catarina knights as some sort of additional Dark Souls reference, with the first one being Zacian, and I originally also assumed that it would become at least partly a Steel-type Pokémon, in order to complement the Galar region's notable motif of metallurgy. Interestingly enough, it is actually a pure Fighting-type with the ability Steadfast that uses its upgraded weapon to challenge its opponents to duels. "That thing was too big to be called a lance. Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of leek." Interestingly enough, this lance allows Sirfetch'd to perform a unique signature move, Meteor Assault, that functions as a literal double-edged weapon: while it deals damage to the opponent, it also forces Sirfetch'd to skip the next turn in order to recharge, much like Hyper Beam and Giga Impact. I also like the fact that our new Galarian "Sir Lancelot" reference engages in honorable duels specifically with Escavalier, another Pokémon that uses lances to fight. Ultimately, Sirfetch'd might actually be a reference to "Madame," Farfetch'd's evolution that was discovered in the leaked beta versions of Pokémon Gold and Silver.
GatoDelFuego
Apparently, "fans" of Farfetch'd have been clamoring for an evolution for... years? News to me, I haven't heard anybody speak favorably of the Pokémon in the first place. Oh well. Must be a Japan thing. That's a moot point anyway, because Sirfetch'd is here, and it's extremely epic. This design is incredible, that duck is looking Nice. And it just looks so devilishly smug, one of the top 5 smuggest Pokémon I can think of. Pure white as a color is not really pulled off by many Pokémon in history that aren't some kind of bland Normal-type, but Sirfetch'd is accented by the leek shield and onion sword so well that it actually works. The sword is so entirely comical; half lightsaber, half lipstick, all onion. Green onions are one of my favorite foods, actually. The crowning jewel is the onion pommel on the end. I just love this thing to death. Did I mention it's smug? Got to be my favorite of all the Galar Pokémon so far. Now, I wonder how the flavor of Sirfetch'd has improved over the original...
(Oh yeah, if regional evolutions are gonna keep going, I've got a small-but-dedicated-fanbase Pokémon that has been neglected ever since it was released that is making a return in Sword&Shield...hint: it's my avatar. Call me, Game Freak!)
yogi
Personally I really love the design. I always like it when they put the spotlight on older Pokémon, especially previously unviable ones like Farfetch'd. The design actually reminds me of the Onion Knight class from Final Fantasy, yes I know that's a leek but whatever I guess. Similarly to the Onion Knight, Farfetch'd is super weak until you grind it out enough; then all the effort pays off and you get a, hopefully, strong Pokémon; unless this evolution ends up being ass. Hopefully it won't.
lyd
Ok. On one hand I like this because it opens the door for even more retroactive evolutions; the likes of Tangrowth, Magmortar, Electivire, Togekiss, Weavile, and Porygon-Z are all awesome Pokémon, so that's nice. However, the same can't be said about Sirfetch'd; it's just a slightly recolored Farfetch'd with a leek sword and a leaf shield. It just doesn't bring anything really all that new to the table like Sinnoh's retroactive evolutions did, for example. I just find Sirfetch'd almost kinda lame, and it being the only thing revealed in a 30-second trailer didn't help either (especially when it was leaked beforehand anyway). Hopefully Game Freak takes the Obstagoon approach with their (potential) next retroactive evolutions, as opposed to the Sirfetch'd approach.
Estronic
Finally, after waiting more than 20 long years in the dark, Farfetch'd gets the respect it deserves with its brand new evolution in Sirfetch'd, and Game Freak certainly rewarded it nicely for its patience. Along with its clean-cut design, its battle gear definitely makes Sirfetch'd stand out from any other Pokémon that has been revealed so far. Its leaf shield seems to have curved layering to it, giving it some dimension and making it look unique, though a shield made up of such flimsy material defeats the purpose of it. However, it certainly upgraded its weapon of choice when it evolved from Farfetch'd. Sirfetch'd carries a leek similar to Farfetch'd's, but Sirfetch'd's leek is much longer and sharper and acts more like a spear or javelin compared to Farfetch'd's rod-like leek. I'll admit, when also considering how it'll retire as soon as it becomes ineffective, utilizing a leek as a weapon is very silly in terms of design. Does that mean I'm not fond of it, though? No. Not at all. Absolutely not. The leek is amazing, and there's no questioning it. The leak that revealed this news earlier? Not too amazing, considering the fact that the info was believable and not too far fetched. No, I will not apologize for the cheesy wordplay. You'd do the same thing too.
Rabia
Sirfetch'd is an interesting new Pokémon for sure. I particularly like the smug expression it has, which makes it reek of "yeah, I'm a beast, what about it?". Even when attacking its foes, Sirfetch'd exudes personality; it knows it'll dominate any encounter, and it'll look badass doing it. I will say that I'm very surprised that Sirfetch'd is seemingly exclusive to Pokémon Sword; perhaps it's because of the aggressive nature it displays rather than defensive? Maybe this hints that we'll be getting yet another evolution to an already existing Pokémon that'll be exclusive to Pokémon Shield? Regardless, this reveal did not disappoint.
Blitzamirin
Once upon a time, a young adventurer set out on their journey and sought to claim the championship and complete the Pokédex for Professor Oak. Undertaking the latter involved a challenge of seeking 150 critters known to be in existence. The adventurer looked all over the Kanto region, flying on their trusty Pidgeot until coming across a house where, inside, a promise would soon be fulfilled. "A trade? Sure. Just give me a Spearow for it." This was the Pokémon no one could find elsewhere, and thrilled he could finish his task, the adventurer took the enticing offer. However, upon use, this was no Pidgeot. No, it was nothing but mediocrity: a Pokémon by the name of Farfetch'd. Its appearance wasn't very impressive, but the adventurer was intrigued by the leek it carried. They tried to make the duck work, but be that as it may, it was no use, and they were forced to abandon Farfetch'd. Now cast aside by its own masters twice, the duck had but one choice: improve itself. The Kanto region was of no use, and traveling to Johto allowed it to find some members of its dwindling species, which were quite weak. Journeying through Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos yielded arduous training, growing tired and older. When it finally got to Alola, it was now up to 377 BST! However, this was not enough, and it made a Final Gambit to improve in the Galar region. About to collapse and give in, light enveloped the duck: its plumage now elegantly white, its leek a refined lance from years of battles, and in its other wing a custom shield, it was granted a signature move to boot! Sirfetch'd is born, now renowned by adventurers from Galar, and soon, the world.
Repu
So, we are getting an Arthurian-like Pokémon this time. That's quite neat. The only literature reference I've got about King Arthur is Thomas Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur", a book that I downloaded last year and still haven't read (though I will, it's a promise!). Sirfetch'd may not have eyes as mysterious as Cramorant's, nor does it have an appearance as exquisite as a certain teapot-looking Pokémon, but it definitely has its own charm. And gallantry. And handsomeness. Too bad it has lost its Flying typing. What kind of adventures could this duckly knight have if he hadn't lost it? Maybe fighting against Dynamaxed monsters in sky-high battles like there was no tomorrow, or hanging out with the Swords of Justice trio as the Flying-type of the group. Well, it still could ride on Leon's Charizard in the Pokémon League while battling against us. Just imagine Sirfetch'd Meteor Assaulting everything in its way combined with Charizard's draconic flames. A hot crispy leek blade of pure justice. BANZAI!
Pikachu315111
It's here. For 20+ years, fans of Farfetch'd dreamed of one. Gold & Silver beta had a possible evolution planned, but it was scrapped. Numerous leaks every generation mentioned it. But here it finally is: Sirfetch'd. Is it what was dreamed of? Well, a reason for a Farfetch'd evolution is to make it better, but until we can see its stats that remains up in the air. But one change that many agree is an improvement is it changing from Normal / Flying to a pure Fighting-type. No longer an idiom about a fool heading to its doom, it has now become a knight. Its white coloring may be a reference to a white knight or knight-errant, knights in medieval literature who rode around the countryside performing good deeds, mostly by jousting. Using its leek now as a jousting lance, it could also be a reference to the "onion knight" (onions are close relatives to leeks). "Onion knight" seems to be a newer term yet has seen wide use such as in the Final Fantasy games, the Song of Ice and Fire books and Game of Thrones TV series, and the Dark Souls games. While used in different ways, a connecting theme of "onion knights" is that they are lowborns who have worked their way up to being honorable knights. It's a theme that matches Sirfetch'd quite well. If Farfetch'd's moves haven't changed much in Sword & Shield, then Sirfetch'd is looking to be a versatile Pokémon, even getting a new Fighting-type signature move (though hopefully will get other Fighting moves like Sacred Sword or Cross Chop, which would work great with its signature held item, Stick). But I wonder if it has a bigger secret, a GIGANTic one thAt brings it to the MAX.
Ryota Mitarai
From "almost extinct" to "very arrogant", this is how Farfetch'd transitioned into Sirfetch'd. I mean, look at its face. It looks so arrogant, thinking it's the best. It is like a movie character that is a 10-year champion of some tour, knows everyone, is known by everyone, and is confident that it won't be losing any soon. However, deep in its heart, it is insecure and is willing to do anything just to have friends that truly value it and for whom it would do anything.
Now, in terms of color schemes, I really like the shield. It uses a gradient-like effect with those different shades of green, and it does stand out from the whole design. On the other hand, the sword, in my opinion, doesn't achieve this. I don't really think going from green to white or vice versa really looks great. Also, it came to my mind that Sirfetch'd possesses both a sword and shield. Is this perhaps a very clever reference to the games by Game Freak? We might never learn.
Finally, I am worried about it being an evolution, because I worry that Game Freak will screw this up and make it a trade evolution (looking at you, Gen 4 trade evolutions). At least Koffing and Zigzagoon have evolved by level, so I don't worry about the others. And just like many other people, I am unable to trade and get those Pokémon for myself :(. It'd be very sad if Game Freak yet again just disregards people that are incapable of trading (in my country, Pokémon is virtually not played outside of Pokémon GO, other than by me and probably some minority that I have yet to find). Or, if they do make it a trade evolution, at the very least make it obtainable through other normal means, like how Generation 7 did it (e.g. SOS battles, in-game trades, just not that Haunter please, and etc.).
Codraroll
And so, one of the last bastions has fallen. Generation I debuted with 20 non-legendary Pokémon that had no evolutionary relatives. Over the generations, most of these have received evolutions, pre-evolutions, or Mega Evolutions. By Gen VII, Farfetch'd was one of only four Gen I Pokémon to remain completely standalone. But now its wait is over, and it leaves the thinning ranks of Gen I loners (leaving only Tauros, Lapras, and Ditto behind) and entering the brilliant glow of evolution. And what comes out at the other end? Like the transformation of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, the dull grey-brown cloak is shed and new Farfetch'd emerges clad in white. Otherwise, little has changed, and Sirfetch'd looks pretty much the same as Farfetch'd. It stands a little taller, its hairstyle is less messy, and the expression on its face is one of confidence. That's probably on account of its knighthood. Sirfetch'd still manages to have a very distinct visual profile thanks to its new sword and shield, making it stand out on its own while keeping it almost identical to Farfetch'd at its core. I think Sirfetch'd is a really good compromise both for those who liked Farfetch'd so much they wanted it to evolve and for those who liked it so much they wouldn't want it to change.
Codraroll
And so we welcome Sirfetch'd to the ranks of Pokémon. Finally, Farfetch'd fans got the evolution they have been asking for, or at least something quite like it! We don't yet know if it will be possible to evolve the old Farfetch'd you've painstakingly raised since Gen III, but if you feel like catching a Farfetch'd in Pokémon Sword and Shield, at least you know it can grow and turn into a stronger form. It even has a knighthood and everything. As a bit of a Farfetch'd fan myself, I'm certainly happy. Now, Game Freak, one big question remains: What about Dunsparce?
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