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I did it before , but five-ish years is a decent amount of time for my opinions to change, which means I'm doing it again! Especially considering that my will to live and do basically anything is starting to slip all over again for no real reason.

Also, the original template specifies that it's for the core series only. While that's what it LOOKS like I adhered to, I'll be mentioning the spin-offs I've played and honourable mentions as I go along because Wynaut?

So, with all that said, here we go!

Favourite game: Pokémon Platinum.

Pokémon Platinum will forever be my favourite core series game; it took the flaws Pokémon Diamond and Pearl had and ironed them, giving us a faster Surf speed, overhauled graphics (including some overworld redesigns here and there), a tweak in the original plot to include Giratina in the main story, new animations for certain important Trainers, Sinnoh Dex tweaks to include more Fire types among other new faces, a post-game that lets Team Galactic's role end more conclusively, the second Battle Frontier in the series, the WiFi Plaza (RIP), the ability to re-battle Gym Leaders in the post-game - I could go on, but I can only gush over the game for so long. Of course, there are things I have issues with; Platinum's Sinnoh Dex excludes Murkrow, Misdreavus, Stunky, Glameow and their evolved forms for some reason other than the fact they're version exclusives (Murkrow and Stunky in Diamond, Misdreavus and Glameow in Pearl), you neither battle Charon (the new, fourth Commander Platinum introduces) at any point in the game (main story or post-game) nor do you battle alongside Looker at any point (despite him having a Croagunk at the time), you still can't properly access Poké Ball Seals until Sunyshore after the Team Galactic climax and future Pokémon titles didn't think to use the coloured Shards as Move Tutor currency like Platinum did (Black 2 and White 2 were the only other games to do this). It should be CRIMINAL that I don't replay this gem more often, but it's honestly MORE criminal for me to not feel ABLE to replay it from start to finish without giving up by the time I make it to the 3rd Gym (which is Hearthome in Platinum and not Veilstone like it is in Diamond/Pearl).

Honourable mention: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

This is the game that inspired me to write in proper story format (whereas I was writing in "movie screenplay" style when I first started writing altogether) and inspired the fanfic that started my dA page: "Pokémon Ranger - Almia Shadows", which eventually led to the creation of a two-part reboot in "Pokémon Ranger - Vatonage Reborn" and "Pokémon Ranger: Vengeful Shadows" years later. I pretty much owe my growth as a hobbyist writer to this game, but that's by no means the ONLY reason why I love it so much. Similar to what Pokémon Platinum did for Diamond and Pearl, Shadows of Almia took the original Pokémon Ranger and gave it a huge glow-up; improved graphics, improved mechanics, a wonderful story, spectacular soundtrack and entertaining characters, old AND new. This is another game that I love despite its flaws and despite introducing my absolute LEAST favourite Pokémon character.

Least favourite game: Pokémon Sword/Shield.

Before Sword and Shield came along, I didn't even THINK I could have a least favourite core series game. Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee could've taken this spot, but I ultimately don't care enough about yet another Kanto remake - heck, I care so little about it that I still haven't even finished my copy of Let's Go Eevee yet! Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon could've taken this spot as well because of how they somehow made the original Sun/Moon obsolete; if you want to play an Alola game, skip Sun/Moon and go straight to Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon - you're not missing anything, but you'll get more content out of the Ultras than you would've in the vanillas. But then along came the preview trailer for Sword and Shield. I wasn't sold on them from the get-go; they just didn't look interesting to me. Then the gameplay was revealed and I was even LESS convinced. I didn't actually get the game on release day; I actually got Pokémon Sword a few weeks later. While I'm glad I gave it a chance...I don't intend to play through the game from start to finish again, even though there ARE things I like about it. I liked that the Gyms resembled sports arenas considering Pokémon battling is treated AS a sport. I liked the few Egg group tweaks Sword/Shield made (the Flygon and Noivern lines are FINALLY in the Dragon egg group). I liked the Isle of Armour DLC. I liked being able to use just 26 of an EV vitamin to easily "EV train" my Pokémon. I LOVE Galarian Ponyta/Rapidash. But...I don't have much else I can say about Sword/Shield; the negatives outweight the positives too much for me to give these games another chance.

Honourable mention: Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs.

Guardian Signs couldn't have waited until gen 5 to come along? Then again, even if it HAD, I wouldn't be surprised if it decided to shoehorn in some of the Unovan Legendaries among the 21 (19 + Deoxys side mission and the traditional Manaphy special mission) it's ALREADY crammed in for I don't know what purpose. It even botched Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres's lore by connecting them to Ho-Oh instead of Lugia, even though both Lugia and all three Legendary Beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune, who are connected to Ho-Oh) are in the game as well, and had Regigigas as a boss WITHOUT the Hoenn Regis being included in the game. I know I shouldn't really complain about that kind of stuff, but the Legendary Birds and Beasts had their official lore in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescue games, while Regigigas could only be challenged after awakening the Hoenn Regis in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers games and in Shadows of Almia! I honestly can't say I'd ever want to play Guardian Signs again, and this is now that I'm less salty about the whole "Elite Ranger Kellyn" thing because it's apparently nothing more than a translation thing.

Favourite region/generation: Sinnoh, 4th generation.

Need I say more than what I've already said?

Honourable mention: Kalos, 6th generation.

Yes, I liked Kalos and gen 6. Fight me.

Least favourite region/generation: Galar, 8th generation.

Need I say more than what I've already said?

Favourite rival: Hugh, Pokémon Black 2/White 2.

Some people like the asshole rivals of old because defeating them in the end makes for a more satisfying experience. Some people like the more friendly rivals because they're more likable from the get-go. Some people like the more "emo" rivals because...reasons. Me? I like the rival who wants to grow stronger to defeat the people of Team Plasma who wronged him in the past by stealing his sister's Purrloin. Sounds like vigilantism, but Hugh's reason for facing Team Plasma is more than the player's reason for facing Team Plasma, which amounts to "because the game demands it" or "because they're the player". In the end, he succeeds and becomes a better person as a result; Purrloin, despite evolving since it was stolen, is reunited with Hugh's sister and Hugh himself grows to understand the difference between the two Team Plasma sects. Hugh is amazing.

Honourable mentions: Wally, Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire. Keith, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

Wally:
What started as a precious, shy little green bean ultimately grows to become one of the most formidable Trainers in every game he appears in, and that's even WITH whatever his sickness is. And YOU help him get there! YOU are responsible for starting the chain reaction that leads this dear, sweet summer child to mature into a VERY worthy opponent. I honestly don't have too much to say about him, but now that I've been introduced to My Hero Academia, I can't help but make slight comparisons between him and Izuku Midoriya... Anyone else see that or is it just me?

Keith:
I personally don't even consider him as a "rival", per se, but I absolutely LOVE his character and it's absolutely CRIMINAL that this INCREDIBLE boy doesn't get the spotlight he truly deserves after everything he achieves in Shadows of Almia's main story. Once Operation Brighton's over with, he only reappears in the Liberate The Tower special mission, during the ending of the "Roserade Red, Roserade Blue" quest and after you complete the Capture Arena. Meanwhile, his only other official appearance - in the manga adaptation I so thoroughly despise - is relegated to ONE CAMEO...IN A VISION...where it's only MENTIONED that he was Kellyn and Kate's classmate. I'm most certainly biased because of what I've done with his character in my own works when I say this, but Keith needs more love and appreciation.

Least favourite rival: Shauna, Pokémon X/Y.

Pokémon X and Y started the trend of giving you more rivals than you know what to do with, but Shauna's arguably the worst one of the Kalosian rivals for me. I don't have a problem the fact she doesn't have a specific goal in mind because, truth be told, I'd be that kind of Trainer myself. I don't have a problem with her being a friendly rival because I don't have too much of a problem with friendly rivals as a whole. But Trainers who don't have a goal really can't call themselves a "rival" to the player, whose goal is to become the Pokémon Champion and kick Team _____ butt along the way. Tierno wants to build a "dance" themed team. Trevor wants to travel around and complete his Pokédex. But Shauna...? To me, Shauna looks like the kind of person who only became a Pokémon Trainer because it was trending on Instagram or TikTok. I used to hate Bianca because I considered her personality and the "exposed upper teeth" design she has, but at LEAST Bianca's growth carries far more weight to it; once all's said and done in X/Y...nothing can be said about Shauna.

Honourable mentions: Klara, Marnie and Bede, Pokémon Sword/Shield.

I care so little about these three that I won't bother elaborating.

Favourite villain: Cyrus, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

I don't know how, but the older I grow, the more I relate to this glorious man. He believes human spirit to be the source of all strife in the world, so he seeks to destroy the universe and create a new one to HIS liking and become its God. If you still don't understand what his goal is, imagine you're erasing the save file of a life-simulation game like Animal Crossing and you get the gist. It's a pity that not many know his backstory: "Born and raised in Sunyshore City, he was known to be a good, albeit asocial, student, and so preferred the company of machines over humans and Pokémon. Despite being such a good student, however, he did not live up to his parents' expectations, and so felt rejected".

I borderline cherish this man.

Honourable mention: Lysandre, Pokémon X/Y.

Truth be told, Lysandre is a PAINFULLY close second favourite villain of mine, sometimes tying for #1 with Cyrus, but that might have something to do with the fact that Lysandre resonates with me the same way Cyrus does due to their similar goals. After spending so long trying to help people to the best of his abilities, he became convinced of humanity's stupidity and became misanthropic. I absolutely feel this it's almost frightening.

Least favourite villain: Lusamine, Pokémon Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.

Lusamine...is a mess. She's a more concrete villain in the vanilla Sun/Moon, while she seems to be a delusional "vigilante" (I guess...?) in Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon's main story before becoming a "damsel in distress" in the Rainbow Rocket episode. I...don't have anything I can say about her; I never liked her from the moment I saw her, but can anyone blame me when her role always seems to change across all media she appears in? Antagonistic to relatively antagonistic turned damsel in the games, a supporting character in the anime and then antagonistic again in the manga. She's a damn mess.

Honourable mentions: Sordward and Shielbert, Pokémon Sword/Shield.

They have no reason to exist. Even if they did, they could've - and probably should have - been incorporated into the main story if only has red herrings. I don't have much to say about such worthless "villains" other than this: Sordward's hair would look so much better...IF IT WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN like a ponytail!

Favourite Professor: Professor Sycamore, Pokémon X/Y.

This was a tough decision... It was between Sycamore and Rowan, to be honest... I mean, Rowan was firm and had that AMAZING moment where he verbally TROUNCES two Team Galactic grunts in Jubilife, I think I have to go with Professor Sycamore, whom Rowan mentored. I can't really put my finger on what makes Sycamore my favourite core series professor, but...he is. (Look, I'm REALLY getting tired...at the time of typing this sentence, I've been AT this description thing for ABOUT FOUR/FIVE HOURS...)

Honourable mention: Professor Hastings, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

Definitely biased for having this as an honourable mention because of how much I love the game itself and from writing "Pokémon Ranger - Almia Shadows", "Pokémon Ranger - Vatonage Reborn" and "Pokémon Ranger - Vengeful Shadows", but, honestly...I love him. ...not like THAT; get your mind out of the gutter...

Favourite Gym Leader: Norman, Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.

To be honest, I mostly love Norman because he's currently the only "player's dad" in the entire core series. I don't like that he has Slaking on his team because I don't like Slaking itself, but...yeah, him being the only "player's dad" in the core series is the only reason why he's my favourite; I don't actually have a favourite Gym Leader otherwise.

Least favourite Gym Leader: Fantina, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

She's a pain in the butt to defeat in whatever game she's in and I don't like her character at all.

Favourite Elite Four: Malva, Pokémon X/Y.

I'm GUESSING this means "single member" rather than "region's Elite Four", but I'm going with "single member" here because I can. I chose Malva because she's unique in the sense that she has connections with Team Flare, the villain team for X/Y. It was just a pity that this wasn't as addressed as it was in the actual game because that would've made for an interesting plot point if only for its potential impact on the rest of the Kalos Elite 4 members and Diantha. I wish more of this kind of thing would happen in Pokémon; otherwise "good" institutions being infiltrated by the villains.

Least favourite Elite Four: Kahili, Pokémon Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.

I never liked her from the moment I saw her, but I have absolutely nothing to say about her. Still getting too tired for this description crap...

Favourite Champion: Cynthia, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

I don't know how this happened; Cynthia used to be someone I hated, but now she's my favourite Champion. I'd have more to say about why she's my favourite Champion, but I still need to process the "how" first...

Least favourite Champion: Iris, Pokémon Black 2/White 2.

I...just don't like Iris. But, even if I DID, her goal of becoming the champion was POORLY established; you only see her talking about it with Drayden through Memory Link, a feature that requires you to link up with a copy of Black/White that's already been completed - if you DON'T have a completed Black/White file, Iris becoming the champion seems to come out of left field and makes absolutely ZERO sense. And, if I remember correctly, she decides to become the champion because she wanted people and Pokémon to grow closer. You don't need to be a champion to get that message across.

Favourite Player: Hilda, Pokémon Black/White.

I've got nothing; I don't normally care much about player characters. BUT...

Least favourite Player: Kellyn, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

When I DO care about player characters, it's almost guaranteed to be about how much I can't STAND Kellyn.

Favourite Pokémon: Meowstic.

I don't know how THIS happened either, but Meowstic...is my favourite Pokémon, hands down. I love how the male and female are different in terms of their level-up movepools, Hidden abilities (Prankster for him, Competitive for her) and their designs, but they're both as cute as each other. I don't know what else I can say about this, my brain's turning into goo.

Honourable mentions: Sawsbuck, Zangoose, Pachirisu, Midnight Lycanroc, ALL the Eevees.

Least favourite Pokémon: Dugtrio.

While not strictly my least favourite, Dugtrio's on thin ice.

Dishonourable mentions: Audino, Magcargo.

Favourite Starter: Litten.

It's a fire kitty. I need the entire STOCK.

But in all seriousness, it's a tie between Litten and Charmander because I'm growing to love Charizard again.

Honourable mentions: All of them...except the Tepig line.

Favourite Legendary: Giratina.

I don't know why. Please...I'm getting tired...

Honourable mention: Reshiram.

Least favourite Legendary: Calyrex.

I don't know, it just seems more at home in a Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons game to me...or better off not existing at all...

Honourable mention: Eternatus.

Favourite Mythical: Mew.

I couldn't really choose, (most of) the little ones are all so cute.

Honourable mentions: Shaymin, Darkrai.

Least favourite Mythical: Zeraora.

I don't know.

Honourable mentions: Zarude, Phione (if it counts).

Favourite Mega Evolution: Mega Charizard X.

Charizard finally becomes a Dragon type, you happy now?

Honourable mentions: Mega Lopunny, Mega Sableye.

Least favourite Mega Evolution: Mega Mewtwo.

BOTH of them.

Dishonourable mentions: Mega Heracross (looks ugly as hell), Mega Audino (I hate Audino in general).

Favourite Z-Move: Oceanic Operatta.

I don't know, I want to stop explaining things I can't explain...

Least favourite Z-Move: Breakneck Blitz.

It's boring and the animation - or lack thereof - is lacklustre. Also, I don't like Illima, who gives it to you.

Favourite Gigantamax: Butterfree.

And that's not saying very much...

Least favourite Gigantamax: The rest of them.

...because I hate the Dynamax/Gigantamax mechanic.

Favourite type: Fire.

It's just a shame that several of the Fire type Pokémon aren't ones I personally like...

Honourable mentions: Psychic, Fairy.

Least favourite types: Rock, Steel.

I don't exactly hate the types themselves...but a lot of the Pokémon IN those types...aren't ones I like...

Favourite pairing: HughXRosa, Pokémon Black 2/White 2.

I don't know, leave me alone.

Honourable mention: OlliexElaine, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

I mean, c'mon, THEY GET MARRIED for goodness' sake! It's cute...

Least favourite pairings: Anything with Kellyn from Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia in it, yaoi pairings, yuri pairings, humanXPokémon pairings.

...my arm hurts and I'm tired...

EDIT: Added a tiny bit more description to this piece of garbage.

Blank by PurfectPrincessGirl .
Pokémon (c) Nintendo, Game Freak & The Pokémon Company.
All images found via DuckDuckGo (which is kinda like Google, but...NOT Google). Except the Mew. That one's from my New Pokémon Snap album.

Description
I did it before , but five-ish years is a decent amount of time for my opinions to change, which means I'm doing it again! Especially considering that my will to live and do basically anything is starting to slip all over again for no real reason.

Also, the original template specifies that it's for the core series only. While that's what it LOOKS like I adhered to, I'll be mentioning the spin-offs I've played and honourable mentions as I go along because Wynaut?

So, with all that said, here we go!

Favourite game: Pokémon Platinum.

Pokémon Platinum will forever be my favourite core series game; it took the flaws Pokémon Diamond and Pearl had and ironed them, giving us a faster Surf speed, overhauled graphics (including some overworld redesigns here and there), a tweak in the original plot to include Giratina in the main story, new animations for certain important Trainers, Sinnoh Dex tweaks to include more Fire types among other new faces, a post-game that lets Team Galactic's role end more conclusively, the second Battle Frontier in the series, the WiFi Plaza (RIP), the ability to re-battle Gym Leaders in the post-game - I could go on, but I can only gush over the game for so long. Of course, there are things I have issues with; Platinum's Sinnoh Dex excludes Murkrow, Misdreavus, Stunky, Glameow and their evolved forms for some reason other than the fact they're version exclusives (Murkrow and Stunky in Diamond, Misdreavus and Glameow in Pearl), you neither battle Charon (the new, fourth Commander Platinum introduces) at any point in the game (main story or post-game) nor do you battle alongside Looker at any point (despite him having a Croagunk at the time), you still can't properly access Poké Ball Seals until Sunyshore after the Team Galactic climax and future Pokémon titles didn't think to use the coloured Shards as Move Tutor currency like Platinum did (Black 2 and White 2 were the only other games to do this). It should be CRIMINAL that I don't replay this gem more often, but it's honestly MORE criminal for me to not feel ABLE to replay it from start to finish without giving up by the time I make it to the 3rd Gym (which is Hearthome in Platinum and not Veilstone like it is in Diamond/Pearl).

Honourable mention: Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

This is the game that inspired me to write in proper story format (whereas I was writing in "movie screenplay" style when I first started writing altogether) and inspired the fanfic that started my dA page: "Pokémon Ranger - Almia Shadows", which eventually led to the creation of a two-part reboot in "Pokémon Ranger - Vatonage Reborn" and "Pokémon Ranger: Vengeful Shadows" years later. I pretty much owe my growth as a hobbyist writer to this game, but that's by no means the ONLY reason why I love it so much. Similar to what Pokémon Platinum did for Diamond and Pearl, Shadows of Almia took the original Pokémon Ranger and gave it a huge glow-up; improved graphics, improved mechanics, a wonderful story, spectacular soundtrack and entertaining characters, old AND new. This is another game that I love despite its flaws and despite introducing my absolute LEAST favourite Pokémon character.

Least favourite game: Pokémon Sword/Shield.

Before Sword and Shield came along, I didn't even THINK I could have a least favourite core series game. Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee could've taken this spot, but I ultimately don't care enough about yet another Kanto remake - heck, I care so little about it that I still haven't even finished my copy of Let's Go Eevee yet! Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon could've taken this spot as well because of how they somehow made the original Sun/Moon obsolete; if you want to play an Alola game, skip Sun/Moon and go straight to Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon - you're not missing anything, but you'll get more content out of the Ultras than you would've in the vanillas. But then along came the preview trailer for Sword and Shield. I wasn't sold on them from the get-go; they just didn't look interesting to me. Then the gameplay was revealed and I was even LESS convinced. I didn't actually get the game on release day; I actually got Pokémon Sword a few weeks later. While I'm glad I gave it a chance...I don't intend to play through the game from start to finish again, even though there ARE things I like about it. I liked that the Gyms resembled sports arenas considering Pokémon battling is treated AS a sport. I liked the few Egg group tweaks Sword/Shield made (the Flygon and Noivern lines are FINALLY in the Dragon egg group). I liked the Isle of Armour DLC. I liked being able to use just 26 of an EV vitamin to easily "EV train" my Pokémon. I LOVE Galarian Ponyta/Rapidash. But...I don't have much else I can say about Sword/Shield; the negatives outweight the positives too much for me to give these games another chance.

Honourable mention: Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs.

Guardian Signs couldn't have waited until gen 5 to come along? Then again, even if it HAD, I wouldn't be surprised if it decided to shoehorn in some of the Unovan Legendaries among the 21 (19 + Deoxys side mission and the traditional Manaphy special mission) it's ALREADY crammed in for I don't know what purpose. It even botched Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres's lore by connecting them to Ho-Oh instead of Lugia, even though both Lugia and all three Legendary Beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune, who are connected to Ho-Oh) are in the game as well, and had Regigigas as a boss WITHOUT the Hoenn Regis being included in the game. I know I shouldn't really complain about that kind of stuff, but the Legendary Birds and Beasts had their official lore in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescue games, while Regigigas could only be challenged after awakening the Hoenn Regis in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers games and in Shadows of Almia! I honestly can't say I'd ever want to play Guardian Signs again, and this is now that I'm less salty about the whole "Elite Ranger Kellyn" thing because it's apparently nothing more than a translation thing.

Favourite region/generation: Sinnoh, 4th generation.

Need I say more than what I've already said?

Honourable mention: Kalos, 6th generation.

Yes, I liked Kalos and gen 6. Fight me.

Least favourite region/generation: Galar, 8th generation.

Need I say more than what I've already said?

Favourite rival: Hugh, Pokémon Black 2/White 2.

Some people like the asshole rivals of old because defeating them in the end makes for a more satisfying experience. Some people like the more friendly rivals because they're more likable from the get-go. Some people like the more "emo" rivals because...reasons. Me? I like the rival who wants to grow stronger to defeat the people of Team Plasma who wronged him in the past by stealing his sister's Purrloin. Sounds like vigilantism, but Hugh's reason for facing Team Plasma is more than the player's reason for facing Team Plasma, which amounts to "because the game demands it" or "because they're the player". In the end, he succeeds and becomes a better person as a result; Purrloin, despite evolving since it was stolen, is reunited with Hugh's sister and Hugh himself grows to understand the difference between the two Team Plasma sects. Hugh is amazing.

Honourable mentions: Wally, Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire. Keith, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

Wally:
What started as a precious, shy little green bean ultimately grows to become one of the most formidable Trainers in every game he appears in, and that's even WITH whatever his sickness is. And YOU help him get there! YOU are responsible for starting the chain reaction that leads this dear, sweet summer child to mature into a VERY worthy opponent. I honestly don't have too much to say about him, but now that I've been introduced to My Hero Academia, I can't help but make slight comparisons between him and Izuku Midoriya... Anyone else see that or is it just me?

Keith:
I personally don't even consider him as a "rival", per se, but I absolutely LOVE his character and it's absolutely CRIMINAL that this INCREDIBLE boy doesn't get the spotlight he truly deserves after everything he achieves in Shadows of Almia's main story. Once Operation Brighton's over with, he only reappears in the Liberate The Tower special mission, during the ending of the "Roserade Red, Roserade Blue" quest and after you complete the Capture Arena. Meanwhile, his only other official appearance - in the manga adaptation I so thoroughly despise - is relegated to ONE CAMEO...IN A VISION...where it's only MENTIONED that he was Kellyn and Kate's classmate. I'm most certainly biased because of what I've done with his character in my own works when I say this, but Keith needs more love and appreciation.

Least favourite rival: Shauna, Pokémon X/Y.

Pokémon X and Y started the trend of giving you more rivals than you know what to do with, but Shauna's arguably the worst one of the Kalosian rivals for me. I don't have a problem the fact she doesn't have a specific goal in mind because, truth be told, I'd be that kind of Trainer myself. I don't have a problem with her being a friendly rival because I don't have too much of a problem with friendly rivals as a whole. But Trainers who don't have a goal really can't call themselves a "rival" to the player, whose goal is to become the Pokémon Champion and kick Team _____ butt along the way. Tierno wants to build a "dance" themed team. Trevor wants to travel around and complete his Pokédex. But Shauna...? To me, Shauna looks like the kind of person who only became a Pokémon Trainer because it was trending on Instagram or TikTok. I used to hate Bianca because I considered her personality and the "exposed upper teeth" design she has, but at LEAST Bianca's growth carries far more weight to it; once all's said and done in X/Y...nothing can be said about Shauna.

Honourable mentions: Klara, Marnie and Bede, Pokémon Sword/Shield.

I care so little about these three that I won't bother elaborating.

Favourite villain: Cyrus, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

I don't know how, but the older I grow, the more I relate to this glorious man. He believes human spirit to be the source of all strife in the world, so he seeks to destroy the universe and create a new one to HIS liking and become its God. If you still don't understand what his goal is, imagine you're erasing the save file of a life-simulation game like Animal Crossing and you get the gist. It's a pity that not many know his backstory: "Born and raised in Sunyshore City, he was known to be a good, albeit asocial, student, and so preferred the company of machines over humans and Pokémon. Despite being such a good student, however, he did not live up to his parents' expectations, and so felt rejected".

I borderline cherish this man.

Honourable mention: Lysandre, Pokémon X/Y.

Truth be told, Lysandre is a PAINFULLY close second favourite villain of mine, sometimes tying for #1 with Cyrus, but that might have something to do with the fact that Lysandre resonates with me the same way Cyrus does due to their similar goals. After spending so long trying to help people to the best of his abilities, he became convinced of humanity's stupidity and became misanthropic. I absolutely feel this it's almost frightening.

Least favourite villain: Lusamine, Pokémon Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.

Lusamine...is a mess. She's a more concrete villain in the vanilla Sun/Moon, while she seems to be a delusional "vigilante" (I guess...?) in Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon's main story before becoming a "damsel in distress" in the Rainbow Rocket episode. I...don't have anything I can say about her; I never liked her from the moment I saw her, but can anyone blame me when her role always seems to change across all media she appears in? Antagonistic to relatively antagonistic turned damsel in the games, a supporting character in the anime and then antagonistic again in the manga. She's a damn mess.

Honourable mentions: Sordward and Shielbert, Pokémon Sword/Shield.

They have no reason to exist. Even if they did, they could've - and probably should have - been incorporated into the main story if only has red herrings. I don't have much to say about such worthless "villains" other than this: Sordward's hair would look so much better...IF IT WAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN like a ponytail!

Favourite Professor: Professor Sycamore, Pokémon X/Y.

This was a tough decision... It was between Sycamore and Rowan, to be honest... I mean, Rowan was firm and had that AMAZING moment where he verbally TROUNCES two Team Galactic grunts in Jubilife, I think I have to go with Professor Sycamore, whom Rowan mentored. I can't really put my finger on what makes Sycamore my favourite core series professor, but...he is. (Look, I'm REALLY getting tired...at the time of typing this sentence, I've been AT this description thing for ABOUT FOUR/FIVE HOURS...)

Honourable mention: Professor Hastings, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

Definitely biased for having this as an honourable mention because of how much I love the game itself and from writing "Pokémon Ranger - Almia Shadows", "Pokémon Ranger - Vatonage Reborn" and "Pokémon Ranger - Vengeful Shadows", but, honestly...I love him. ...not like THAT; get your mind out of the gutter...

Favourite Gym Leader: Norman, Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.

To be honest, I mostly love Norman because he's currently the only "player's dad" in the entire core series. I don't like that he has Slaking on his team because I don't like Slaking itself, but...yeah, him being the only "player's dad" in the core series is the only reason why he's my favourite; I don't actually have a favourite Gym Leader otherwise.

Least favourite Gym Leader: Fantina, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

She's a pain in the butt to defeat in whatever game she's in and I don't like her character at all.

Favourite Elite Four: Malva, Pokémon X/Y.

I'm GUESSING this means "single member" rather than "region's Elite Four", but I'm going with "single member" here because I can. I chose Malva because she's unique in the sense that she has connections with Team Flare, the villain team for X/Y. It was just a pity that this wasn't as addressed as it was in the actual game because that would've made for an interesting plot point if only for its potential impact on the rest of the Kalos Elite 4 members and Diantha. I wish more of this kind of thing would happen in Pokémon; otherwise "good" institutions being infiltrated by the villains.

Least favourite Elite Four: Kahili, Pokémon Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.

I never liked her from the moment I saw her, but I have absolutely nothing to say about her. Still getting too tired for this description crap...

Favourite Champion: Cynthia, Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum.

I don't know how this happened; Cynthia used to be someone I hated, but now she's my favourite Champion. I'd have more to say about why she's my favourite Champion, but I still need to process the "how" first...

Least favourite Champion: Iris, Pokémon Black 2/White 2.

I...just don't like Iris. But, even if I DID, her goal of becoming the champion was POORLY established; you only see her talking about it with Drayden through Memory Link, a feature that requires you to link up with a copy of Black/White that's already been completed - if you DON'T have a completed Black/White file, Iris becoming the champion seems to come out of left field and makes absolutely ZERO sense. And, if I remember correctly, she decides to become the champion because she wanted people and Pokémon to grow closer. You don't need to be a champion to get that message across.

Favourite Player: Hilda, Pokémon Black/White.

I've got nothing; I don't normally care much about player characters. BUT...

Least favourite Player: Kellyn, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

When I DO care about player characters, it's almost guaranteed to be about how much I can't STAND Kellyn.

Favourite Pokémon: Meowstic.

I don't know how THIS happened either, but Meowstic...is my favourite Pokémon, hands down. I love how the male and female are different in terms of their level-up movepools, Hidden abilities (Prankster for him, Competitive for her) and their designs, but they're both as cute as each other. I don't know what else I can say about this, my brain's turning into goo.

Honourable mentions: Sawsbuck, Zangoose, Pachirisu, Midnight Lycanroc, ALL the Eevees.

Least favourite Pokémon: Dugtrio.

While not strictly my least favourite, Dugtrio's on thin ice.

Dishonourable mentions: Audino, Magcargo.

Favourite Starter: Litten.

It's a fire kitty. I need the entire STOCK.

But in all seriousness, it's a tie between Litten and Charmander because I'm growing to love Charizard again.

Honourable mentions: All of them...except the Tepig line.

Favourite Legendary: Giratina.

I don't know why. Please...I'm getting tired...

Honourable mention: Reshiram.

Least favourite Legendary: Calyrex.

I don't know, it just seems more at home in a Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons game to me...or better off not existing at all...

Honourable mention: Eternatus.

Favourite Mythical: Mew.

I couldn't really choose, (most of) the little ones are all so cute.

Honourable mentions: Shaymin, Darkrai.

Least favourite Mythical: Zeraora.

I don't know.

Honourable mentions: Zarude, Phione (if it counts).

Favourite Mega Evolution: Mega Charizard X.

Charizard finally becomes a Dragon type, you happy now?

Honourable mentions: Mega Lopunny, Mega Sableye.

Least favourite Mega Evolution: Mega Mewtwo.

BOTH of them.

Dishonourable mentions: Mega Heracross (looks ugly as hell), Mega Audino (I hate Audino in general).

Favourite Z-Move: Oceanic Operatta.

I don't know, I want to stop explaining things I can't explain...

Least favourite Z-Move: Breakneck Blitz.

It's boring and the animation - or lack thereof - is lacklustre. Also, I don't like Illima, who gives it to you.

Favourite Gigantamax: Butterfree.

And that's not saying very much...

Least favourite Gigantamax: The rest of them.

...because I hate the Dynamax/Gigantamax mechanic.

Favourite type: Fire.

It's just a shame that several of the Fire type Pokémon aren't ones I personally like...

Honourable mentions: Psychic, Fairy.

Least favourite types: Rock, Steel.

I don't exactly hate the types themselves...but a lot of the Pokémon IN those types...aren't ones I like...

Favourite pairing: HughXRosa, Pokémon Black 2/White 2.

I don't know, leave me alone.

Honourable mention: OlliexElaine, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia.

I mean, c'mon, THEY GET MARRIED for goodness' sake! It's cute...

Least favourite pairings: Anything with Kellyn from Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia in it, yaoi pairings, yuri pairings, humanXPokémon pairings.

...my arm hurts and I'm tired...

EDIT: Added a tiny bit more description to this piece of garbage.

Blank by PurfectPrincessGirl .
Pokémon (c) Nintendo, Game Freak & The Pokémon Company.
All images found via DuckDuckGo (which is kinda like Google, but...NOT Google). Except the Mew. That one's from my New Pokémon Snap album.