Summary
One creativePokemonfan artist has given Slugma a regional variant and a new evolution. The Gen 2 Fire-type Pokemon was introduced inGold and Silverback in 1999. Outside the starter Pokemon Cyndaquil, Slugma was one of the few new Fire types introduced in the second generation. Slugma isn’t likely to rank at the top of many fans’best Fire types inPokemonlists, but as every pocket monster is likely a favorite of at least one fan out there, there are certainly those who have a soft spot for the lava creature.
While some gimmicks come and go in the franchise,regional Pokemon variant formshave stuck around for the past few generations. Regional variants were introduced with Alolan forms back inPokemon Sun and Moonon the Nintendo 3DS. The idea behind regional variants is that Pokemon who grow up in different regions will adapt and become different over time. For example, the Alolan sun caused Exeggutor to grow even taller in the tropical region. As a result, Alolan Exeggutor shed the need for its psychic ability and awakened its inner Dragon-type ability.
Reddit user EliDwebster took the idea of regional variants inPokemonand ran with it, creating one for Slugma and along with a new evolution. Rather than featuring a Fire-typing, Slugma’s fan-created regional variant is a Ghost-type. Like Slugma’s official evolution, Magcargo, EliDwebster’s Plascargo adds an additional Rock-typing. According to the artist, the regional variants take inspiration from “the concept of ectoplasm, a supernatural substance of manifested spirits.”
Not only is the design itself impressive, but the thought that went into the pocket monsters is also commendable. Both Slugma’s regional variant and Plascargo are inspired by Yokai, spirits from Japanese folklore. The explanations behind the two creatures are quite detailed, as they take inspiration from not only Japanese folklore but biology and Turkish mythology as well. The Pokemon is also given a new signature move, Mineral Shots, and the Heated Hollow ability which raises the creature’s defensive stats by a stage if hit with a Ghost-type move. Additionally, the artist shares an image of the Pokemon’s shiny variants on the last slide.
With Slugma and Magcargo being two of the moreunderrated Fire-type Pokemon, it’s nice to see the pocket monsters get some time in the spotlight. Many artists focus on popular creatures like starters and their evolutions, along with Legendary Pokemon. With the Pokedex sitting at well over 1,000 at this point, some will inevitably fall to the wayside, but it’s nice that the community can showcase some often-forgotten Pokemon from time to time.
While trainers are likely still exploring the new Indigo Disk DLC,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetfans should circle January 11on their calendars, as even more content is coming to the current RPGs. For the proud Slugma and Magcargo fans out there, both Pokemon are already attainable in the latest games, along with hundreds of other fan-favorite pocket monsters.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
WHERE TO PLAY
The school that you’ve enrolled in as you playPokémon ScarletandPokémon Violethosts a special independent study project. The theme of this assignment is “A Treasure Hunt.” Explore the world and seek out your very own treasure!Three stories will be woven into your adventure while traversing the sprawling Paldea region. Along Victory Road, you will go to Gyms in different locations in order to to achieve Champion Rank. On the Path of Legends, you may join Arven in search of rare ingredients. And in ★ Starfall Street ★, you’ll challenge Team Star, a group of delinquents causing trouble for the school.These stories are set in an open world, so where you go is all up to you. A world teeming with Pokémon and people to meet is waiting for you—traverse the Paldea region wherever you heart desires.
