As is by now traditional, the initial announcement of the existence of Pokémon Winds And Waves was accompanied by the reveal of the three new starter Pokémon that trainers will be able to choose from at the beginning of the game, and by extension the first three Pokémon revealed as part of Gen X. They are Browt, Pombon and Gecqua. Let’s meet ’em.
Browt
First up is Browt, an owl-ish baby bird with big eyebrows. Just imagine the long nights spent trying to figure out that name. It’s the Grass-type starter, described as a Bean Chick Pokémon, and we already have its vital stats:
Height: 1′ (0.3m)
Weight: 7.7lb (3.5KG)
Ability: Overgrow
It does seem a bit odd that the game’s gone back to owls as a starter inspiration, given Rowlet was only three generations ago. Although this might be more bizarre design choice than actual species, given it’s described as a “chick.” Given the leaf-like brows on the beast, we can assume it’ll lean into those Bulbasaur-like planty attacks.
Pombon
This fluffy pup is yet another dog-like pocket monster, although the first time one’s been a starter. It’s the Fire-type for the set, and classified as a Puppy Pokémon. Its stats are:
Height: 1’4 (0.4m)
Weight: 14.8lb (4.3KG)
Ability: Blaze
There’s not a lot more to discern about this little doggo, other than its obvious inspiration by a Pomeranian. It’ll be interesting to see if it stays cute as it grows, or if things head in a more wolf-like direction.
Gecqua
Hardest to spell is Gecqua, who we can infer from the name alone is an aquatic gecko. Water-type, of course, and with its huge eyes my immediate favorite of the three, with the unimaginative category of Water Gecko Pokémon. Stats are:
Height: 1′ (0.3m)
Weight: 9.5lb (4.3KG)
Ability: Torrent
It was only Gen VIII that we last saw a reptilian starter, and a Water-type to boot, with Sobble. And given the visual similarity between the two, especially when you think about Sobble’s final form, Inteleon, it’s another oddly overlapping design. Still though, Gecqua is completely adorable and is already my pick.
So, who stands out to you? Have you already fallen in love? Or are you just bemused that Game Freak couldn’t think of any other species to be inspired by for the new starters?