Gettin' Schooled in His Own Game

Afternoon, everyone. I know, I know - what the heck was up with yesterday's entry?
I still don't know, but unfortunately, I'm not disclosing any information - that's not what I feel like raving about today.

*shoves Poké Balls in everyone's faces*

Right now on Pokémon: White, I just defeated the fourth gym in the game, and as an expert of the series, I have to say... I'm getting my butt handed to me.

(Author's Note: This blog delves deeply into Pokémon theorycraft and what not, so non-Trainers are advised to stay away... or keep reading if you want to see my expertise/nerdism. =P)

 

Around this point on each of my Pokémon journeys, I tend to have a well-rounded team of four or five Pokémon whose varied types allowed me to battle all kinds of opponents.
However, this time, my team seems shoddy compared to what I would have had.
Now, I'm not saying my Pokémon suck (heavens, no! I can't say that about my teammates!), but strategically, they're not faring so well.



As of today, here's what my team looks like:


Dewott (Aquos) Lv.28
TYPE: Water
ABILITY: Torrent (powers up Water moves whenever HP falls below 33%)

Zebstrika (Volgin) Lv.28
TYPE: Electric
ABILITY: Lightning Rod (absorbs Electric attacks and powers up Special Attack)

Petilil (Nellington) Lv.28
TYPE: Grass
ABILITY: Own Tempo (cannot be confused)



Now, the fourth gym in Black and White's Unova region is an Electric-type gym, which gave me problems when I first encountered the trainers inside a few days ago.
Trainers can easily see why I'd be having difficulty, but to the non-Trainers or the beginners out there who're still reading, I'll explain what difficulties my team had:

Dewott:
Aquos' problem is glaringly obvious, even to non-Trainers.
Water's a big no-no when it comes to electricity - both in real life and in the world of Pokémon.
The irony here is that Aquos had the only move I could've used to sweep the floor - Dig (a Ground-based move, which are strong against Electric-types) - and yet he was too slow to outrun the faster, more nimbler Electric guys.

Zebstrika:
Volgin's concern was that he himself is also Electric-type - which can pose to be a bit of a problem.
While he'd be completely immune to everyone thanks to Lightning Rod, his move pool wouldn't be of much help, either.
Thing is, he does have a Fire-type move in his arsenal (Flame Charge), but that alone wouldn't have done much - especially if half the Pokémon in the gym have Static (may paralyze Pokémon that come into contact with you) as their ability...

Petilil:
Trainers might be questioning why Nellington also was a challenge to use here as well.
As she's a Grass-type, she's naturally resistant to Electric attacks.
However, she did have two shortcomings when this gym became my goal:

1. Being a pure Grass-type means a more limited move pool.
   Unfortunately, all Petilil (and in turn, their evolved form Liligant) can only learn Grass-type attacks... and while that may be good, it also means I can't do well against the new Electric/Flying Pokémon Emolga... and the gym packed those flying squirrels in spades.
2. Grass-types tend to suffer from poor defensive and speed stats - especially if they're not evolved.
   As such, Nellington was usually the first one to get smacked - and it only got worse when I found out the gym leader had her own Zebstrika that also knew Flame Charge...

But, by sheer luck and amazing persistence, I was able to down the gym with the three I had.
Thank goodness.



Okay, well... I think I've done enough Pokémon training (and in turn, ranting) for today.
Time to get lunch and prepare for work!

Until the 'morrow, everyone!