NU is a tier where many Pokemon are usable, and there are a ton of different options. Research Week aids in helping explore the tier, and is especially effective right now as NU is relatively balanced. Who knows, maybe in future tier changes one of these Pokemon can be incredibly useful, potentially being able to check the new threats well. Maybe one of these Pokemon may find uses in other tiers and is not just a simple throw-away Pokemon, unlike some unfortunate Pokemon in NU.
Some rules:
-Be open-minded, don't just say something is terrible and walk away; at least look into them and see what options they may be able to utilize!
-Feel free to theorymon, but make it clear that you are theorymon'ing. At the end of the week, however, I want discussion to move towards how useful the Pokemon actually are in NU, and what sets are effective on them.
-Just because an analysis has been done for a Pokemon doesn't mean there isn't more to explore; it's quite possible that something might have gone unnoticed or is missing.
-Do not post in this thread complaining about the Pokemon I choose and/or suggesting ones we should do for future weeks. I want discussion to stay on topic about the 4 Pokemon we are "researching". Feel free to VM / PM me these suggestions, but don't expect the next research week to have all the Pokemon you suggested, or any of them.
Anyways, the 4 Pokemon we will be looking into for this Research Week are:
One of the better Normal-type tanks in the tier, Kangaskhan has excellent overall stats and can present a significant threat to players that underestimate it. It can abuse the Fake Out + Sucker Punch combination to revenge kill many weakened offensive Pokemon, and due to its ability, Scrappy, not even Ghost-types are safe from its powerful STAB attacks. It can also make good use of a Substitute + Focus Punch set, abusing not only Scrappy but the ability to create 101 HP Substitutes, and a Choice Band set can smash through opponents with Double Edge if Rock- and Steel-types are removed.
This cunning cobra can fill the role of a physical tank well despite its somewhat lacklustre stats, due to its access to Intimidate, Coil, Glare, and resistance to Fighting-type attacks. The most common set abuses Coil to boost both the power and accuracy of Arbok's STAB Gunk Shot; even with only a single boost, it has the power to overwhelm many opponents. Meanwhile, access to coverage moves such as Earthquake and Sucker Punch helps Arbok defeat opposing Steel-, Rock-, and Psychic-types when attempting to sweep, ensuring it isn't walled easily.
Ampharos is extremely versatile, and can fill a multitude of roles exceptionally well if given the chance. Offensively, it can run a devastating Choice Specs set to abuse the utility of STAB Volt Switch, or it can use Agility to outspeed and KO opponents that attempt to revenge kill it. Defensively, it can abuse its lack of weaknesses, good defenses and access to Heal Bell to become a specially-defensive cleric for a team, or can provide Dual Screens or Rain Dance support for frailer sweepers. Its Static ability also supports its team by occasionally paralysing fast opponents, regardless of its role.
As one of the many NFE Dragon-type Pokemon that sees use in the tier, it abuses its excellent base 100 Defense (boosted to ridiculous heights by Eviolite) to become a physically-defensive tank, making excellent use of its somewhat unique-resistances and almost unresisted physical STAB. A fully defensive set becomes almost impenetrable against physical attacks while providing Wish support for its teammates, while a bulky Dragon Dance set can reach +6 Attack / Speed with remarkable ease once its checks are removed, smashing through opponents with a high-powered Outrage.
(cheers to erisia for the descriptions!)
In order to participate in the challenge, simply pm me (on irc or on the forums) what Pokemon you're trying and your fresh new alt (yes, this is mandatory). Post battle logs, experiences with your team on the ladder, and generally how a Pokemon has worked out for you: past or present.
Discuss; I can't wait to see the discussion that comes out of this! Don't forget you're not just limited to this topic to discuss these Pokemon, I encourage you to talk about them on the #neverused irc chat as well! At the end of the week I hope we can reach a general consensus on how good these Pokemon really are, and maybe we might find some interesting discoveries.
One person will get chosen as the Research Week Champion for this week. This will be decided by me; the person who ladders the most and contributes to the research week discussion the most will get temporary Half Op status on #neverused and they will potentially get a few other perks! Good luck all!
Also, crashinboombang won last research week and now has temporary hops on #neverused. (and permanent vops!)
Some rules:
-Be open-minded, don't just say something is terrible and walk away; at least look into them and see what options they may be able to utilize!
-Feel free to theorymon, but make it clear that you are theorymon'ing. At the end of the week, however, I want discussion to move towards how useful the Pokemon actually are in NU, and what sets are effective on them.
-Just because an analysis has been done for a Pokemon doesn't mean there isn't more to explore; it's quite possible that something might have gone unnoticed or is missing.
-Do not post in this thread complaining about the Pokemon I choose and/or suggesting ones we should do for future weeks. I want discussion to stay on topic about the 4 Pokemon we are "researching". Feel free to VM / PM me these suggestions, but don't expect the next research week to have all the Pokemon you suggested, or any of them.
Anyways, the 4 Pokemon we will be looking into for this Research Week are:
(cheers to erisia for the descriptions!)
The Research Week Challenge:
- Users will use any number of the research week mons on their team
- Users will attempt to reach as high as possible on the ladder with the Pokemon. Breaking past the 1400 mark on the ladder with your registered alt will earn you a spot on the Hall of Fame: Gold Class. Crossing the 1350 mark will secure you a Silver Class spot while a 1300 rating will earn you a Bronze Class spot. Post a screen-shot of your peak in order to achieve this, and a pastebin of your team.
- Users will be expected to post their experiences with the pokemon they use, the teams they used, the problems they encoutered while trying to make the said pokemon work.
- If a user does not participate in the discussion, he will be passed over.
In order to participate in the challenge, simply pm me (on irc or on the forums) what Pokemon you're trying and your fresh new alt (yes, this is mandatory). Post battle logs, experiences with your team on the ladder, and generally how a Pokemon has worked out for you: past or present.
Discuss; I can't wait to see the discussion that comes out of this! Don't forget you're not just limited to this topic to discuss these Pokemon, I encourage you to talk about them on the #neverused irc chat as well! At the end of the week I hope we can reach a general consensus on how good these Pokemon really are, and maybe we might find some interesting discoveries.
One person will get chosen as the Research Week Champion for this week. This will be decided by me; the person who ladders the most and contributes to the research week discussion the most will get temporary Half Op status on #neverused and they will potentially get a few other perks! Good luck all!
Gold Class: 1400+
Silver Class: 1350-1399
Bronze Class: 1300-1349
Also, crashinboombang won last research week and now has temporary hops on #neverused. (and permanent vops!)