Ah, Gochiruzeru. One of the first Pokemon leaked before B/W's release, I had high anticipations for this goth-loli look alike. Design-wise, she's elegant looking. When I saw her base stats, I was initially disappointed, but after learning that she got Shadow Tag as a dream world ability, I thought about all of the great things she could do...
This is a general discussion on the Pokémon, and not about what tier it belongs in.
Typing
Psychic
Base Stats
HP: 70
Atk: 55
Def: 95
SpA: 95
SpD: 110
Spe: 65
BST: 490
Abilities:
1) Frisk: When this Pokémon is switched in, the opponent's held item is displayed.
Dream World:
2) Shadow Tag: Enemy Pokémon cannot switch out unless they have the ability Shadow Tag.
Notable moves are in Bold.
Level Up Moves
TM/HM Moves
Resistances and Weaknesses
Resists:
Fighting, Psychic
Weaknesses:
Bug, Dark, Ghost
Pros
1) Shadow Tag: Pretty much the only reason you'd use her over any other supportive psychic-type. Gochi is one of the only 3 current users of Shadow Tag, so you've got to abuse it. Being able to trap the enemy opens up a cornucopia of fun things Gochi can abuse.
2) Decent bulk: 70/95/110 is nothing to scoff at, especially with the supportive role Gochi is meant to play. She's bulky enough on both sides to take a few hits.
3) Great supportive movepool: Reflect, Light Screen, Trick Room, Magic Room, Taunt, and 3 debuffers (Tickle, Fake Tears, Charm) lets her screw around with whatever Pokemon she's got trapped. Too bad she doesn't learn Encore, or she could be Wobbuffet #2.
4) Average special attack and movepool: She has good enough coverage on all fronts, and 95 base SpA + access to Calm Mind means she can hit things.
Cons
1) Below average speed: She speed ties with Sandslash, Kricketune and Banette. 'nuff said.
2) Unimpressive besides her ability: Without Shadow Tag, Gochiruzeru is just another run-of-the-mill psychic-type. There's so much lost potential ability abuse from lacking Hypnosis and Trick, too.
3) No reliable recovery: One of the few psychics lacking either Recover or Wish, she's really in a bind when it comes to walling things.
Potential Sets
Sadistic Debuffer
Gochiruzeru @ Leftovers
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Tickle / Charm / Captivate
~ Calm Mind
~ Rest / Torment
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
Well, she can pull the same kind of trick Wobbuffet does by tickling the opponent until it's too weak to do anything and then bring in a Pursuiter to finish it off. While the opponent is a sitting duck, you can take advantage and CM up, then finish it off when you hit +6. Rest is there as it's the only recovery move Gochiruzeru gets, and might be needed while she's setting up. Torment is there just to further annoy the enemy or potentially cripple it if it doesn't have another SE move to use against Gochiruzeru. As a last note, Psycho Shock would obviously be the better attack if you're using Tickle.
Dual Screener
Gochiruzeru @ Light Clay
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Reflect
~ Light Screen
~ Thunder Wave / Toxic
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
Gochiruzeru can do stuff Uxie only dreams about on a perfect setup: uninterruped dual screens while crippling the enemy with paralysis. Come in a choiced fighting type move, set up screens, T-Wave the sucker (bye bye scarf) and switch out again.
Dedicated CM
Gochiruzeru @ Life Orb
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Def
~ Calm Mind
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
~ HP Fighting / Dark Pulse
~ Energy Ball / Thunderbolt
Again, same idea. Come in on a choiced fighting attack or something else Gochi can resist, CM up, and pick the coverage of your choice. As we have yet to confirm the relationship between Egg Moves and the Dream World, Dark Pulse is slashed a secondary attack.
Hard-Headed Staller
Gochiruzeru @ Rugged Helmet
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Rest
~ Toxic
~ Tickle / Charm
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
Shadow Tag allows for uninterrupted stalling. This set is definitely a boon against physical attackers, as many physical attacks are contact moves. Again, lack of Encore sucks, but switching in to a choiced physical move is almost a guaranteed stall KO with Rugged Helmet's effect. As with before, using Psycho Shock with Tickle is obviously better.
Set Up Support
Gochiruzeru @ Leftovers/Damp Rock
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Relaxed (+Def, -Spe) or Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Trick Room / Rain Dance
~ Taunt
~ Tickle
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
This can easily take advantage of a slow wall like Blissey. Taunt it first, Tickle it until it's extremely vulnerable, then Trick Room or Rain Dance and switch out to a Pursuit user or sweeper that can get a free setup.
Conclusion
Gochiruzeru has a lot of interesting options with Shadow Tag, for sure. I'm sorta disappointed with how GF handled her movepool; not giving her a sleep move or recovery move makes something like Shadow Tag harder to use. Lastly, if I missed a potential viable set, feel free to reply.
This is a general discussion on the Pokémon, and not about what tier it belongs in.
Typing
Psychic
Base Stats
HP: 70
Atk: 55
Def: 95
SpA: 95
SpD: 110
Spe: 65
BST: 490
Abilities:
1) Frisk: When this Pokémon is switched in, the opponent's held item is displayed.
Dream World:
2) Shadow Tag: Enemy Pokémon cannot switch out unless they have the ability Shadow Tag.
Notable moves are in Bold.
Level Up Moves
Lv1: Pound
Lv1: Confusion
Lv1: Tickle
Lv1: Fake Tears
Lv3: Confusion
Lv7: Tickle
Lv10: Fake Tears
Lv14: Doubleslap
Lv16: Psybeam
Lv19: Embargo
Lv24: Faint Attack
Lv25: [M473] Psycho Shock: Special Psychic PP: 10 Power: 80 / Accuracy: 100 Effect: Calculate's damage with the target's Def stat.
Lv28: Flatter
Lv31: Future Sight
Lv34: Heal Block
Lv39: Psychic
Lv45: [M477] Telekinesis: Other Psychic PP: 15 Power: --- / Accuracy: --- Effect: Makes Target easier to hit for 3 turns.
Lv54: Charm
Lv59: [M478] Magic Room: Other Psychic PP: 10 Power: --- / Accuracy: --- Effect: Negates all held items for 5 turns.
Lv1: Confusion
Lv1: Tickle
Lv1: Fake Tears
Lv3: Confusion
Lv7: Tickle
Lv10: Fake Tears
Lv14: Doubleslap
Lv16: Psybeam
Lv19: Embargo
Lv24: Faint Attack
Lv25: [M473] Psycho Shock: Special Psychic PP: 10 Power: 80 / Accuracy: 100 Effect: Calculate's damage with the target's Def stat.
Lv28: Flatter
Lv31: Future Sight
Lv34: Heal Block
Lv39: Psychic
Lv45: [M477] Telekinesis: Other Psychic PP: 15 Power: --- / Accuracy: --- Effect: Makes Target easier to hit for 3 turns.
Lv54: Charm
Lv59: [M478] Magic Room: Other Psychic PP: 10 Power: --- / Accuracy: --- Effect: Negates all held items for 5 turns.
TM/HM Moves
TM03 - Psycho Shock
TM04 - Calm Mind
TM06 - Toxic
TM10 - Hidden Power
TM12 - Taunt
TM15 - Hyper Beam
TM16 - Light Screen
TM17 - Protect
TM18 - Rain Dance
TM19 - Telekinesis
TM20 - Safeguard
TM21 - Frustration
TM24 - Thunderbolt
TM27 - Return
TM29 - Psychic
TM30 - Shadow Ball
TM31 - Brick Break
TM32 - Double Team
TM33 - Reflect
TM39 - Rock Tomb
TM41 - Torment
TM42 - Facade
TM44 - Rest
TM45 - Attract
TM46 - Thief
TM47 - Ankle Sweep
TM48 - Troll
TM53 - Energy Ball
TM56 - Fling
TM57 - Charge Beam
TM63 - Embargo
TM66 - Payback
TM68 - Giga Impact
TM70 - Flash
TM73 - Thunder Wave
TM77 - Psych Up
TM80 - Rock Slide
TM85 - Dream Eater
TM86 - Grass Knot
TM87 - Swagger
TM90 - Substitute
TM92 - Trick Room
TM04 - Calm Mind
TM06 - Toxic
TM10 - Hidden Power
TM12 - Taunt
TM15 - Hyper Beam
TM16 - Light Screen
TM17 - Protect
TM18 - Rain Dance
TM19 - Telekinesis
TM20 - Safeguard
TM21 - Frustration
TM24 - Thunderbolt
TM27 - Return
TM29 - Psychic
TM30 - Shadow Ball
TM31 - Brick Break
TM32 - Double Team
TM33 - Reflect
TM39 - Rock Tomb
TM41 - Torment
TM42 - Facade
TM44 - Rest
TM45 - Attract
TM46 - Thief
TM47 - Ankle Sweep
TM48 - Troll
TM53 - Energy Ball
TM56 - Fling
TM57 - Charge Beam
TM63 - Embargo
TM66 - Payback
TM68 - Giga Impact
TM70 - Flash
TM73 - Thunder Wave
TM77 - Psych Up
TM80 - Rock Slide
TM85 - Dream Eater
TM86 - Grass Knot
TM87 - Swagger
TM90 - Substitute
TM92 - Trick Room
Egg Moves
Mirror Coat
Uproar
Miracle Eye
Captivate
Mean Look
Dark Pulse
Uproar
Miracle Eye
Captivate
Mean Look
Dark Pulse
Resistances and Weaknesses
Resists:
Fighting, Psychic
Weaknesses:
Bug, Dark, Ghost
Pros
1) Shadow Tag: Pretty much the only reason you'd use her over any other supportive psychic-type. Gochi is one of the only 3 current users of Shadow Tag, so you've got to abuse it. Being able to trap the enemy opens up a cornucopia of fun things Gochi can abuse.
2) Decent bulk: 70/95/110 is nothing to scoff at, especially with the supportive role Gochi is meant to play. She's bulky enough on both sides to take a few hits.
3) Great supportive movepool: Reflect, Light Screen, Trick Room, Magic Room, Taunt, and 3 debuffers (Tickle, Fake Tears, Charm) lets her screw around with whatever Pokemon she's got trapped. Too bad she doesn't learn Encore, or she could be Wobbuffet #2.
4) Average special attack and movepool: She has good enough coverage on all fronts, and 95 base SpA + access to Calm Mind means she can hit things.
Cons
1) Below average speed: She speed ties with Sandslash, Kricketune and Banette. 'nuff said.
2) Unimpressive besides her ability: Without Shadow Tag, Gochiruzeru is just another run-of-the-mill psychic-type. There's so much lost potential ability abuse from lacking Hypnosis and Trick, too.
3) No reliable recovery: One of the few psychics lacking either Recover or Wish, she's really in a bind when it comes to walling things.
Potential Sets
Sadistic Debuffer
Gochiruzeru @ Leftovers
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Tickle / Charm / Captivate
~ Calm Mind
~ Rest / Torment
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
Well, she can pull the same kind of trick Wobbuffet does by tickling the opponent until it's too weak to do anything and then bring in a Pursuiter to finish it off. While the opponent is a sitting duck, you can take advantage and CM up, then finish it off when you hit +6. Rest is there as it's the only recovery move Gochiruzeru gets, and might be needed while she's setting up. Torment is there just to further annoy the enemy or potentially cripple it if it doesn't have another SE move to use against Gochiruzeru. As a last note, Psycho Shock would obviously be the better attack if you're using Tickle.
Dual Screener
Gochiruzeru @ Light Clay
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Reflect
~ Light Screen
~ Thunder Wave / Toxic
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
Gochiruzeru can do stuff Uxie only dreams about on a perfect setup: uninterruped dual screens while crippling the enemy with paralysis. Come in a choiced fighting type move, set up screens, T-Wave the sucker (bye bye scarf) and switch out again.
Dedicated CM
Gochiruzeru @ Life Orb
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Def
~ Calm Mind
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
~ HP Fighting / Dark Pulse
~ Energy Ball / Thunderbolt
Again, same idea. Come in on a choiced fighting attack or something else Gochi can resist, CM up, and pick the coverage of your choice. As we have yet to confirm the relationship between Egg Moves and the Dream World, Dark Pulse is slashed a secondary attack.
Hard-Headed Staller
Gochiruzeru @ Rugged Helmet
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Rest
~ Toxic
~ Tickle / Charm
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
Shadow Tag allows for uninterrupted stalling. This set is definitely a boon against physical attackers, as many physical attacks are contact moves. Again, lack of Encore sucks, but switching in to a choiced physical move is almost a guaranteed stall KO with Rugged Helmet's effect. As with before, using Psycho Shock with Tickle is obviously better.
Set Up Support
Gochiruzeru @ Leftovers/Damp Rock
Ability: Shadow Tag
Nature: Relaxed (+Def, -Spe) or Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
~ Trick Room / Rain Dance
~ Taunt
~ Tickle
~ Psychic / Psycho Shock
This can easily take advantage of a slow wall like Blissey. Taunt it first, Tickle it until it's extremely vulnerable, then Trick Room or Rain Dance and switch out to a Pursuit user or sweeper that can get a free setup.
Conclusion
Gochiruzeru has a lot of interesting options with Shadow Tag, for sure. I'm sorta disappointed with how GF handled her movepool; not giving her a sleep move or recovery move makes something like Shadow Tag harder to use. Lastly, if I missed a potential viable set, feel free to reply.