Kanto starters [kahn-toh-stahrt-ers]
noun
1. The Pokémon that Professor Oak offers to the protagonist in the 1st Generation of Pokémon games; Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and, technically, Pikachu. But we'll ignore the last choice for the purposes of this article.
EX. So, let's talk about the mega evolutions of the
Kanto starters (excluding Pikachu, even though it would be awesome if he got a competitive mega evolution).
With the knowledge that in Pokémon X & Y, players will be receiving a new starter from the Kalos region (seen
HERE), a special event Torchic over wi-fi, AND a
Kanto starter, I have a feeling that X & Y will be the biggest game release since Red & Blue catapulting Pokémon's popularity to greater heights and selling a lot of 3DSes. Seriously, this is a key franchise for Nintendo. The biggest gimmick, so far, in the new games coming out WORLDWIDE on OCT. 12 is mega evolution.
The basic concept of the mega evolution, which seems to be a huge factor in the Pokémon X & Y games as both a theme and possible plot point, is taking a Pokémon fan favorite and kicking them up a notch. Sometimes they get new abilities or typing, but usually they at least get a stat boost and an awesome design. Let's talk about the mega evolutions of Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard.
A lot of people think Mega Venusaur has gotten the short end of the stick, but I completely disagree. He gets the very useful ability Thick Fat to protect him from Fire & Ice moves, defensive boosts, and will make a great wall on any team. Furthermore, I like the design. The leaves placed on his legs look like pauldrons and the added foliage gives him this bulkier tank look that I think fits him well.
Mega Blastoise is probably the fan favorite since, if you pick up Chespin (the most popular 6th gen starter so far) and Torchic, he completes the trio. He gets Mega Launcher which makes certain special attacks more effective and will get other boosts accordingly to this aggressive stance. As for his design, I think it works since any more metal on his design and we'd probably be questioning why he doesn't change to Water/Steel type.
Last but not least, everybody and their mom wanted a Mega Charizard and, while the design is cool, his typing didn't change. Boo! But hey, let's look on the bright side, he got Drought (lol, nice accidental pun). His design is pretty slick with all the angles and I'm sure that Shiny Mega Charizard will be the bee's knees.
And really, I don't have much else to say. Which starter/s do you want to get in Pokémon X & Y? At the moment I'm leaning toward Froakie, Bulbasaur (even though Charmander is my main man), and Torchic (since we don't get a choice there).
