Hey guys! It’s been a while; all this news about X/Y has made it very difficult for the regular articles to be scheduled. Thankfully for this article, the news slowed down for now, and we’re able to get into actually posting some articles.
I have to say though, we haven’t learned much about these three starters, but I think I can still do some quick summaries on the three of them. This probably won’t be the best Pokéology, since I can only work off what I see now, but I think you guys will enjoy it.
Basis
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So let’s start out of order and get straight to Froakie.
There may be some people who would debate whether it’s a frog or a toad, but Froakie is definitely a frog. Frogs have smooth, moist skin, as well as long, often bent hind legs. They do not have ridges for their eyes, and so their eyes simply come upwards from their head. Judging by those factors, I think we can all agree it’s a frog.
But where do we start from there? There’s so many species of frog. However, tree frogs are the first thing that comes to mind when I see Froakie, and this quickly led me to an interesting creature. You can see it up there; you may argue with the color, but we can get to that. This is the Yellow-eyed tree frog, also known as the blue-sided tree frog.
This fella is one of the only species of frog with vivid yellow eyes, and it’s a distinctive feature. However, something else catches my eye, although it’s not very visible in the photo above. This frog has white pads on its feet; they’re not visible in that picture, but it’s a very vivid white much like Froakie, and only on the palms and underbelly.
Also, there’s a darkish blue that lines their sides in bands. Personally, if I were to look at Froakie, one might think the design cue for the band between its eyes came from a frog known for its blue bands? Still, on the topic of color, it’s green. However, think about this; could you really imagine a water type starter not being blue? They all have to be colors matching their types, so naturally this green frog would be changed to blue.
Honestly, it’s gonna be hard writing with this picture in my article. My golly. It’s already distracting me.
Fennekin really has no debate as to the basis, but I have to cover all the bases for this basis. Yeah; that joke was a miserable attempt to keep this section interesting.
So here’s the fennec fox. I’d say that it is one of the most popular mammals, they’re known mainly for their massive ears. However, they’re a much more interesting species– for instance, their ears are so adapted that they can hear insects crawling under the sand. This is pretty important in a desert devoid of food, however, they have some interesting methods as well.
Fennec foxes are community based, and make massive dens for individual families. This means that they can divide their food and work, while protecting themselves from predatory eagles. In some cases, dens of individual families may merge and form huge colonies of fennecs.
By the way, their ears? They dissipate heat. So I have to throw some speculation in here and say that Fennekin may very well have fire coming out of its ears in a later evolution; this would mean that it dissipates the internal fire through its large ears.
Honestly, I had to save the hardest for last. This is all up in the air, and we truly have to see from the evolutions, but I think we have some idea on it.
Chespin’s Japanese name, Harimaron, appears to be a combination of hedgehog and chestnut. Now, I would have guessed hedgehog before I saw that name, but it’s the only main factor pointing us to a species.
Frankly, judging by the spines on Chespin already, it should very well be a hedgehog. However, on the other hand, we see that Chespin has some massive rear claws, and this could mean that it is very well a different species. However, we can only really get a good idea of it from its evolutions, and I’d prefer to stay a bit reserved about it until then. Heck, maybe it’s a dinosaur? We really can’t say much for a fact at this point, but a hedgehog is my best guess.
[/spoiler]
Biology
[spoiler]
So here we have a rather happy looking creature with some interesting creature.
The first identifying feature would be the green hood-like form that covers its back and head. Second, the eye would spot the large pair of claws, and then finally the tail. Other than that, some key features include the small buck teeth, and the very small, paddle-like arms.
It seems that the arms are very underdeveloped, and lack much in the form of fingers or claws. The feet, however, are already rather developed, and have a fine set of claws. These claws clearly protect it from just about any predator that would go after it, and seem to be the key factor in its survival.
However, it also has a very strange covering over the back of it, which appears to be some kind of chestnut-like plant. This is most likely a symbiotic plant that uses Chespin to gather sunlight, while Chespin gets a rigid coat to use in its defense.
Chespin also has a small set of buck teeth, which would be good at gnawing at wood. However, we have to see where these teeth end up.
Arguable one of the cutest starters ever, here’s Fennekin.
Fennekin is a very small Pokémon, but it has plenty of space to stand its own.
It has four small legs, a bushy puff tail, two massive ears, tufts on fur across the body, a small nose, and two large eyes.
The legs, although small and undeveloped, appear to be very swift. These legs look very much like they could outrun a predator of almost any size, and appear to be flexible enough to maneuver through bushes or into the tree tops.
However, Fennekin clearly does not live in a canopy, as it has many features to protect it from the scalding heat of a desert. For a start, the large ears would easily dissipate heat. Next, the tufts of fur would help insulate the body and keep the head out, whilst the light color of its fur would reflect the heat and light away from its body.
We can see there are some parts to Fennekin which are dark reds; it’s likely that these are heat sinks which draw in heat to specific points. This may very well be related to its powers as a fire-type, and we’ll have to see how things pan out.
The eyes on Fennekin are very large and would easily spot prey from a great distance. This means, alongside its large ears, it can spot prey in a desert with very little effort.
This should be pretty simple.
The key features on Froakie would be its two flexible legs, the two long arms, the bubble coated back, the white spheres on its nose, and the massive eyes.
First of all, we can see Froakie is a very active creature in the visual world. The massive eyes would allow Froakie to see at both night and day, and to see a very large area at one time. This would really help Froakie in escape from predators, as well as tracking down prey.
Froakie’s large, spindly legs appear to have much muscle around the joint, allowing it to easily jump through the air without much effort. Combined with the large eyes, Froakie could immediately react and leap away from predators, or towards prey.
It has two large, white masses on its nasal area, which may very well be nostrils; implying a great sense of smell as well. However, the eyes outshine these nostrils, and Froakie remains a visual hunter.
The long arms, however, beg many questions. Does it grab its prey with these hands? Does it use them for swimming? Is it using them intellectually? Sadly, I can’t answer this without any knowledge of the Pokémon, as we haven’t learned anything about where and how it lives yet.
The same thing goes for the bubbles, but in my guess, the bubbles form some sort of protective barrier for Froakie, whether that be visual camouflage, or simply a bubble-like shield.
Still, many questions; which we will find hopefully find the answers to in the future.
[/spoiler]
So I know I had my own questions, but I think we got a lot of that out of the way. I’m excited to learn more about these three, as we clearly have a lot we could find out in the future. I mean, not even game-wise; think of all the biological concepts we could learn from the new generation!
Yeah, I’m the only person who would say that. Either way, I hope you enjoyed the article; it was quite different writing it about Pokémon which I have no real knowledge about.
My question for you though is what starter is your favorite? I haven’t truly decided yet; though I’m leaning towards Fennekin or Froakie. As always, I’m excited to get to talk to you guys in the comments, so don’t feel afraid to ask questions or point things out!
-Mechanos
Perhaps I’m biased from owning an incredibly angry hedgehog, but chespin definitely looks like I’m getting. I hope it’s evolution turns into something less bidoof-y, though
I think it’ll probably end up looking pretty wild, which should look great!
Am I the only one who thinks Chespin looks like a sloth?
He’s way too hyperactive for that.
my best guess as to what chespin is: a mole of some species. its traits lead me to believe that. wide arms, protective ‘hardhat’ chesnut, large back claws, probably meant for digging.
I’ve been toying with the idea that maybe Froakie is water and flying. The white thing around it’s neck sort of resembles a cape and frogs can jump really high so maybe it is one? I’ve heard of such things as flying frog that can sort of glide too so maybe.. I don’t really think it will be a flying type but you know. Anyway, I’m probably going with Fennekin but maybe Froakie. It all depends on if the water types are good in this region. It’s always hard to find a good one..
Well. If Tropius exists then I think anything is possible.
That fox. My goodness, the cuteness factor.
Anyway, based on first evolution alone, I’m going with Fennekin. I usually like waiting to see what the final evolutions will look like first though, as I did with Snivy. I can’t wait to see them!!
I dont know which starter i am going to choose but its between chespin and fennekin….i might even choose froakie but i have to see the evolutions first.
“Could you really imagine a water type starter not being blue? ”
Yes I can, since there is a fire starter that is not red.
Had to check to see if you were right.
They all are red or brown.
Cyndaquil is not red. Actually it has blue on.
1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJAX1As7t4/TcA2pG0a0zI/AAAAAAAAACQ/ROUiNdjdszM/s1600/Cyndaquil.PNG
It still has a light brown body and a red flame.
And you’re right that the current sprite feature a bright blue, but the original Sugimori art looks more like a dark grayish blue.
So the thing is, that frog could be green, and we would say that it still has a shade of blue and while attacking it has water bubbles. Same with Cyndaquil.
Chespin. That smug on his face when killing Magikarp with Solarbeam.
This generation was not too surprising to me, but the starters really shocked me. Chespin has been my favorite so far, which is shocking, because I tend to like Water types the most. I love Froakie, it really seems to make me laugh, but I also wonder what will set it apart from all the other frogs and toads. Fennekin is my least favorite for several reasons. First, I don’t find much to it more than being a fox and possibly having Psychic abilities. Second, while it may be cute, I find the others cuter. Lastly, I really don’t want to get into the Pokemon too much, because if it becomes another Fire/Fighting type I would be a bit disappointed. I am not saying I don’t like it, but I just like the others more. Also it very well could have been a Psychic type move, but I strongly believe it was Growl.
One thing that I noticed that was left out of the Basis/Biology part of this article was that during the Chespin/Golurk battle in the announcement video, just before chespin attacked, the green extensions on it hood/back turned into spiky points which gives it a better chance of being a “Hedge”Hog.
Also I think Froakie could be a tree frog maybe even based off this particular one (except for the coloring)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_foam-nest_tree_frog
I feel like you bulls eyed the basis of Fennekin!!
I think Froakie’s foam has got to be based on the Foam Frog. The Japanese name has “foam/bubble” in it too.
Here’s a pic. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8481102.stm
I like all three starters, but Froakie was my first pick. It seemed cool and interesting the first time I saw it.
Anyway, I’ve been wondering for a while if Fennekin will become a Fire/Ground type since it’s based on a desert dweller.
Fennekin, just based off the starters. Revelation of the starter evos don’t usually change my opinion, but if Fennekin changes into a Fire/fighter. I may have too!!
Im definitely choosing Froakie, i normally go for the Grass Starter but theres something about Froakie i love it looks very smart to me XD I am nicknaming mine Dexter haha
My opnions have changed. But I still team fennekin. I mean who WOULDN’T pick it. It’s cute and cool. It will deftinaly my pick along as it’s ears don’t get to big or it’s ear hair doesn’t grow out if control.
Chespin: it’s kinda meh. I’m not a big fan of it’s desgin, I don’t like it’s grass beanie and it dosent seem like a grass starter material. It reminds me more of a regional rodent
Froakie: I think it has the most original/creative desgin. But I’m tired of frog/toad Pokemon we have WAY to many of them. So I’m not really feeling a frog Pokemon as a starter :/. But I’m might trade it over if I don’t like any of the water Pokemon
I’m feeling like Fennekin is gonna be my pick as well, since it’s the only one that feels ‘right’ to me at this point.
I mean, I should absolutely love the frog; reptiles and amphibians are my favorite type of animal, but Froakie doesn’t feel right for some reason.
Chespin is pretty cool, but man, it’s not the kind of fella I’d pick for a starter. He’s not my style.
How can you seriously say that? We have WAY too many frog/toad Pokemon? Politoed is one (And Poliwrath barely counts since it’s still a tadpole and you didn’t say tadpole). Croagunk and Toxicroak, okay. Seismitoad line I suppose, even if still more tadpolish. And then what else?
And yet you want Fennekin so bad and you don’t say anything about how many foxes we already have. We’ve got Vulpix and Ninetales. Zorua and Zoroark. And the Eevee line are more foxlike than they are dog or catlike. So there are arguably 11 fox Pokemon compared to the 9 toad/frogs I named. You can’t single them out like that and not say anything about your dear foxes.
I don’t mean to come off nasty, I’m sorry. When I see things like that they just irk me. /:
(I posted this twice but accidentally replied to the wrong person.)
Fennekin, I love foxes and Fire is my fave type (I normally pick the Fire starter) unless they completely ruin the evos it will be him. Also on Chespin you forgot the plant side of his basis, it seems to be based on a horse chesnut, here’s a picture of them.
http://www.herbalbiosolutions.us/images/horse-chestnut-extract.jpg
Note hari means simply “Fine Needle”… Maybe it could be based on both a chipmunk/gopher and a hedgehog?
“Hari” by itself does, but in this case “harinezumi” (Hedgehog lit:spiky rodent) is where it’ll be coming from. Of course the “hari” in “harinezumi” is also from “hari”. From a Japanese language point of view, it’d be really weird and unnatural to have a name like that and it not be a hedgehog.
Think of it like this. Imagine there was a Ghost Hammerhead shark Pokémon called “Hammerdead” (weird but yeah), then someone tried to argue that the hammer comes from simply the word hammer as opposed to “hammer head”, claiming its a different fish that just happens to have a hammer on it. It’s just longwinded and unnecessarily confusing right? I’m not sure if my explanation is clear, but if you don’t get it I’ll try again lol.
Nice! When I get into detail with their evolutions once they get revealed, I’ll keep this in mind! Thank you. 😀
Not sure if it’s worth mentioning; but Chespin (in my opinion) has a lot more in common with a gopher biologically than a hedgehog. I think that the spikes on its head are based on the fact that its also partially based on the horse chestnut (which is…well spiky. pretty neat nut imo)
plus gophers have some gnarly hind leg claws, much like chespin.
Chespin <3 I always go for the Grass Starters, even Chikorita (stat-wise, not design-wise). Although my favorites will always be Serperior and Sceptile, I would love it if it did infact turn out to become Grass/Dark. It, alongside Grass/Steel, is my favorite typing (Cacturne <3).
Yeah. The snivy line was my favirote Pokemon ever. However I was disappointed by it’s stats and attacks. I just hope chespin isn’t pure grass because pure grass Pokemon usually have bad stas and their move pool is mostly grass and normal type moves.
you’re beautiful <3 :*
I really think Froakie’s evolutionary line is going to based on a gentleman from the restoration period (1700s). Here’s why:
1. Foam on back- Powdered wig
2. Foam on chest- Cravat
3. White nostrils- glasses or moustache
4. Hands- Gloves
Great analysis! You should have an account, that way I can know which commentor is the one with a good eye.
If that ends up true, it Would be kinda like the piplup evolution line (penguin wearing tux)
I’ll easily pick Froakie! 😀
I’m stoked to see a Chespin evolution. I usually refrain from pre-picking starters, but man…
Fennekin is the one ill pick..just look at the little guy x3 though ive been growing really fond of chespin thanks to all the fanart xD
Froakie..its cool but im not to fond of frogs but I have a feeling itll get an amazing final evolution
I always have fun reading these articles!
I know the feeling! I’m totes leaning towards Fennekin right now, since it just feels right to me.
Thank you! Glad to hear.
Am I the only one who though of a woodchuck when I saw Chespin?
Actually, you bring a good point! I think you may very well be right; possibly even a Gopher as well.
However, it’s incredibly abstract and hard to tell. So I figured the best explanation would be the one that was pointed towards by its Japanese name, but we’ll have to see. 😀
But, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
How much Chess could a Chespin Pin if a Chespin could Pin Chess?
A Chespin would Chess so much Pin he wouldn’t know he much Pin he Chessed.
I really love froakie. I think he will end up part fighting, which won’t be as bad as if he was water/flying like I hope… (that 4x weakness to electric kills me, bad swanna memories.) So I hope for fighting, like everyone speculates.
I think he’ll end up a dojo master or a gentlemanly fighting frog.
Either could be really cool, I agree. We’ve only had water, water/ground, and water/steel; and water/fighting would change the water type to be more of a heavy hitter of the three in a way.
The x and y takes place in an alternate universe.
Where you and goku have to find the seven magic pokeballs
To wish for other letters of the alpahbet to come back to town and play music
On the jukebox of haunted raviolis
That’s for the third version, Pokémon Z
You’re completely forgetting about X2/Y2 and X3/Y3 where Colress teams up with Vegeta and Ash sacrifices himself to create a bond between N and Yveltal.
There will be no X2, only Y2. Pardon the lame pun.
Doing in order of favorite to least favorite (but I still love all three).
Tbh, I really only have two requests for Fennekin, keep it quadrupedal and please not Fire/Fighting type, lol. Idc if it’s Fire/Psychic (my preferred choice), Fire/Ghost, Fire/Ground or just Fire as long as my two requests are met, lol. I also love the idea of the ear fur (a feature that scares me when it comes to it’s evolutions) will turn into fire, playing off of Fennec foxes dispersing heat from their ears. Hopefully kitsunes (not kyuubi) will play a role in it’s evolutions inspiration.
For Froakie, this one’s a hard one, I could see just Water, Water/Fighting, Water/Electric, Water/Ice or Water/Flying from him. I also could see his evolutions going the Frog Prince route, Superhero route, Ben Franklin route, Gentlemanly route, Toad Sage route, Sumo route or the Monk Journey to the West route and those things on his face could be a nose, “spectacles” or a budding mustache, I honestly have no clue where he’s going.
As for Chespin, I see his inspiration coming from (on the fauna side) Hedgehogs, Chipmunks, Moles, Gophers, Groundhogs, Woodchucks, etc… and his flora side from the horse chesnut. As for typing I could see Grass/Dark, Grass/Fighting, just Grass, Grass/Steel or Grass/Ground. I see spikes being emphasized in his design and maybe even having Pangolin or Armadillos contribute into his evolutions, maybe a kind of armor with that chestnut shell.
It’s interesting you should say Toad Sage. I’m wiling to bet it’ll go frog Sage route too. Historically, Sennin are often seen as related to either turtles or toads. The beard is a hint.
I really don’t know who I’m going to choose but I’m actually leaning towards Chespin. We’ll just have to see how to future evolutions end up.
Also thanks for calling me cool. (I read the tags)