Earlier today as part of a live-streamed, special Pokémon event, Nintendo revealed Pokkén Tournament: the long-rumored fighter from Namco and Nintendo. If you haven’t picked up on it already, the name is derived by merging Tekken, Namco’s famous fighting series, and Pokémon. Tekken + Pokémon = Pokkén. I hope I’m not insulting anyone’s intelligence.
The possibilities are pretty endless for Pokkén, and there’s a lot we still don’t know. Will the game include any non-Fighting type Pokémon? How large will its roster be? When, if ever, will it see a release outside of arcades? Though the latter thankfully seems likely (Namco is known for following up with a console version after a new Tekken is released), there’s plenty to discuss, theorize, and learn before we start worrying about the game’s release date on Wii U. Which had better happen, Namco. I’m serious. *Sends friendly telepathic threat to Namco Bandai HQ.*
With that, it’s time to speculate. Which fighters should be included? I’ve limited the list to Fighting type monsters for now, but it’s certainly possible that mascots like Pikachu will eventually make the cut for kicks. If that proves to be the case, I’ll add more hopes and dreams to the list. For now, check out these possibilities, and share your own! There are 719 Pokémon, after all.
Pokkén Tournament
-
Primeape
Primeape seems an obvious choice -- who better than an insane, possibly rabid monkey to bring some excitement to your Pokémon-themed fighter? Primeape's stats are pretty mediocre in the Pokémon RPGs, so Namco may have to take some liberties in order to bring him up to snuff. As long as there's an attack for leaping onto the opponent's face and not letting go, I'm sold.
-
Poliwrath
Poliwrath's potential is huge for Pokkén Tournament. See that swirly patch on his belly? Exactly.
Strategy with Poliwrath could consist of repeatedly distracting or hypnotizing the enemy, only to pummel him relentlessly upon successful coma-induction. Poliwrath can take a beating stat-wise too; we'll have to see if his trademark resilience carries over.
-
Machop
Machamp has already been confirmed thanks to Pokkén Tournament's reveal trailer, but so what? Every fighting game needs quick and agile combatants, and Machop is a fantastic candidate.
I almost picture Machop contolling a bit like Squirtle from Smash Bros. Obviously Tekken isn't a jump-centric fighter, but even so, that same sort of airy agility can still apply. Machop is no heavy-hitter, but it's easy to imagine lightning speed and flurries of fast punches that catch the enemy off guard. There's potential for awesomeness here, so I hope Namco is considering Machop as an option.
-
Hitmonlee
There's no way Hitmonlee won't be a part of Pokkén Tournament, which is all the more reason to speculate. His moveset will obviously be kick-centric, but there are many variables for how that might play out in battle.
Personally, I think Hitmonlee ought to take advantage of his stretchable legs, fighting the way you might expect Mr. Fantastic or Elastigirl (of The Incredibles) to. Fluid motion of flexible limbs ought to be the name of Hitmonlee's game -- he'll still be able to hit hard when it counts, of course.
-
Hitmonchan
Hitmonchan is the yin to Hitmonlee's yang, and if Machop were included it'd be important to differentiate the two. Hitmonchan should have similarly fast fists, perhaps less overall speed, and most importantly, the ability to deliver a devastating haymaker. Something akin to Dead or Alive's Critical Stun feature to assist in doing so would be fantastic.
-
Heracross/Mega Heracross
Will Mega Evolutions outside of Lucario make their way to Pokkén? We've yet to see them in action. Still, if Pokémon like Lucario are already confirmed as part of the roster, it stands to reason that others will reach their Mega-forms at some point or another. Poké-logic.
It's not easy to pinpoint how Heracross would fight, but perhaps his Bug type abilities could be included to grant unique abilities. Poisoning foes is an option, as is inflicting damage over time. One thing's for sure, though; if Mega Heracross is included, he'll be one of the most devastating attackers in the game. Just look at that attack stat.
-
Hitmontop
My main memory of Hitmontop is his appearance in Pokémon Stadium's spinning top minigame, which gives me an idea: a constantly-spinning Hitmontop who delivers kicks and stranglehold grabs in fits of blind intensity. That would be incredibly fun to watch.
Hitmontop would be tough to control effectively, but maybe that's what would make him compelling; one of those easy to learn, difficult to master type of deals. I almost picture his style like that of Yoda with a lightsaber -- constant motion. Hopefully Hitmontop makes the final cut.
-
Hariyama
I don't have to explain why Hariyama would make an amazing inclusion, but if I did, I'd use two words. Body slam. I'm pretty sure there's no living thing that wouldn't be KO'd by a Hariyama body slam, sans maybe a Snorlax. I don't expect Snorlax will be included, though.
Hariyama's design is inspired by sumo wrestlers, so grabbing definitely needs to be a big part of his game. Whether that will lead to bone-crunching slams or slow-but-powerful blows remains to be seen, but there's no question he'll be all about girth and power. Who knows, maybe he'll even be able to use Belly Drum -- if he does, then watch out.
-
Infernape
Infernape is a clear choice, and would probably make a great all-arounder and potential beginner character. The Kirby of Pokkén, one might say.
The main point of interest for Infernape is its fire abilities, and how'd they'd factor into combat. Will special attacks make up a substantial part of Pokkén fighting, or will their importance be reduced? If the former is true, expect lots of fire-type attacks complemented by some standard punches, kicks, and grabs. Thinking about a wild ape hurtling toward me from within a 10-foot blaze is what nightmares are made of.
-
Conkeldurr
If included, Conkelfurr would probably control like a cross between Machamp and Hariyama. Slow and strong, but not sumo-sized either.
Of course, Conkeldurr's main differentiating traits are the giant stone slabs he holds, and it'd only seem logical that getting clubbed by one would result in something very-near-resembling a KO. Should one-hit KOs be a part of the Pokkén experience? They'd have to be handled carefully, but it's certainly possible.
-
Throh
I can't imagine Throh being anything all that special; just another well-rounded fighter to throw into the mix. He's shorter and burlier than Sawk, and that should be apparent in the way he fights.
One interesting note about Throh is that he's described as having "rocky skin." An ability to greatly boost his defenses for short periods of time, perhaps? Such a move could have very interesting results.
-
Sawk
Sawk, on the other hand, is leaner and quicker, and is known for training and traveling alone. It stands to reason that Sawk and Throh would be semi-clones of each other, with slight adjustments made according to personal preference. Again, not a game-changing inclusion, but every fighter needs its well-rounded contestants.
-
Mega Lucario
Aaaand here's the best one -- Mega Lucario. I already discussed how insanely powerful Mega Heracross would be, and Mega Lucario is no different.
Despite a reduced competancy with physical attacks compared to Mega Heracross, Mega Lucario could easily make up for it with Pyschic powered moves. Again, we don't yet know how heavily special-based moves will factor into the Pokkén experience, but as a prime means of separating the game from Tekken itself, it seems like a good idea.
Just look at that image of Mega Lucario, though. Badass personified. Well, Pokéfied.
