Character Sheet: Drayden

DRAYDEN

Next, we have Drayden, one of the two Dragon-type gym leaders of Opelucid City in Black and White, and the sole gym leader in Black 2 and White 2. He shares leadership of the gym with his apprentice Iris, who would go on to become B2W2’s champion. That alone would have the pair at least functioning as echoes to each other. As Iris is a main character in the Gen V era of the Pokemon anime, we naturally have even more to work with from her.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Haxorus

Performing Dragon Rage.

 

Side B: Dragon Strength

This will be the main one different from Iris, as it will focus more on his personal incredible strength more than her noted agility and quick thinking.

 

Up B: Dragon Statue

The dragon statue from his gym will rise up underneath him.

 

Down B: Shrubbery

Based on Iris’s ability to hide out in bushes and trees well in the anime.

 

Final Smash: Opelucid Gym Dragon Masters

He will send out Haxorus, Druddigon, and Hydreigon to rage across the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, crossing his arms and looking down on you. Side, flexing his muscles and stretching his shirt a little. Down, kneeling and petting an Axew.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair and beard

 

Kart: Based on Haxorus

Special Move: Dragon Statue

 

Spirit Battle: On Castelia City (omega form), with Iris and his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Standing with his arms crossed and proclaiming you not ready.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His standard outfit, based on Iris, based on Haxorus, based on Axew, based on Druddigon, based on Hydreigon, based on Reshiram, based on Zekrom.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Iris fights her way to the top.

Character Sheet: Brycen

BRYCEN

Next up, we have Brycen, the Ice-type gym leader of Icirrus City in the first game. He is an actor (a method-acting Daniel Day-Lewis type) who quits being a gym leader to focus on his roles in the second game, though you can encounter him making a movie at PokeStar studios, so we have some to work with.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Beartic

Using Frost Breath

 

Side B: Slip-and-Slide

Based on his ice-covered gym. He will be posing like an action here while doing it.

 

Up B: Flying Leap

He will slide off one of the ramps from his gym and go into an action movie leap.

 

Down B: Movie Strike

He will perform one of his staged attacks from his filming in PokeStar Studios.

 

Final Smash: Icirrus Gym Icicles

He will send out Vanilluxe, Beartic, and Cryogonal, which will freeze the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: Mostly “legally distinct” famous movie lines and poses.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair

 

Kart: Based on Beartic

Special Move: Movie Strike

 

Spirit Battle: On White Forest (omega form), with his original team

 

Victory Screen: Standing and bowing as if having just finished a performance.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original look, Brycen-Man, various other “legally distinct” Hollywood outfits (possibly all based on Daniel Day-Lewis roles, since his original is definitely Hawkeye from Last of the Mohicans).

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Drayden fights like a dragon!

Character Sheet: Skyla

SKYLA

Next, we come to Skyla, the Flying-type gym leader of Mistralton City, and a professional pilot in her own right. Her gym is full of cannons in the first games, and giant fans in the second, probably the second biggest reason I reconsidered the gym leaders in this way.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Swanna

Performing acrobatics

 

Side B: Cannon

She will climb into one of her cannons from the first games’ gym and shoot herself across the stage.

 

Up B: Airplane

Now, just Fly would fit here fine, like with Falkner and Winona, but since she does fly a plane, she can take that up too.

 

Down B: Giant Fan

She will bring up a giant fan from the second games’ gym and use it to blow a strong wind across the stage.

 

Final Smash: Mistralton Gym Flying Aces

She will send out Swanna, Braviary, and Unfezant who will divebomb the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, an “air battle” from the anime. Side, spinning and posing with an ace pilot pose. Down, tinkering with her plane.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair and bows.

 

Kart: Based on her plane.

Special Move: Giant Fan.

 

Spirit Battle: On Castelia City (omega form), with her original team and strong winds.

 

Victory Screen: “See, I told you I would win.”

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her normal outfit, one based on Elesa, one based on Winona, based on Swanna, based on Braviary, based on Altaria, based on Unfezant, based on Mandibuzz.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Brycen makes his Smash stage debut!

Character Sheet: Clay

CLAY

Next, we have Clay, the Ground-type gym leader of Driftveil City and the owner of the nearby mine, his gym having a lot of features connected to said mine. There’s a lot to pull from both. His daughter is Lacey from ScarVio’s DLC, so she’s an option if necessary.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Excadrill

Excadrill with use its Drill Run move.

 

Side B: Minecart

One of the minecarts from his mine.

 

Up B: Elevator

One of the mine elevators used in his gym.

 

Down B: Bulldoze

Obviously the TM he gives out, but I’d like to think he uses the actual equipment from his mine.

 

Final Smash: Driftveil Gym Diggers

He will send out Excadrill, Krookodile, and Stunfisk to cause earthquakes all around the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, he will whistle for his workers. Side, he will check his watch impatiently. Down, he will dig his pickaxe into the dirt.

 

Kirby Hat: His hat

 

Kart: Based on Excadrill

Special Move: Bulldoze

 

Spirit Battle: On N’s Castle (omega form) with his base team.

 

Victory Screen: Wiping his hands and saying “Great work today, boys!”

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His standard look, one based on Lian, one based on Lacey, based on Excadrill, based on Krokorok, based on Krookodile, based on Stunfisk, based on Golurk.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Skyla takes flight.

Character Sheet: Elesa

ELESA

Next, we have Elesa, the Electric-type gym leader of Nimbasa City and a famous supermodel. Her original gym has a whole theme park vibe to it, so between all that, I think we have enough.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Emolga

Emolga will use discharge.

 

Side B: Roller Coaster

She will get into her roller coaster car from her gym and race forward along a track.

 

Up B: Vogue

She will perform a number of model poses for a few seconds while moving upward.

 

Down B: Volt Switch

A very commonly featured move in this generation, and the TM she gives out, so . . .

 

Final Smash: Nimbasa Gym Electrifiers

She will send out a Zebstrika, Emolga, and Eelektross, who will electrify the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line

 

Taunts: All various modeling poses.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair and accessories.

 

Kart: Based on Zebstrika

Special Move: Volt Switch

 

Spirit Battle: On Black City (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Striking an iconic pose.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her original design, her B2W2 design, based on Zebstrika, based on Emolga, based on Tynamo, based on Eelektross, based on Skyla, based on Shauntal.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Clay digs deep!

Character Sheet: Burgh

BURGH

Next up, we have Burgh, the Bug-type gym leader of Castelia City, and a flamboyant artist whose gym is completely different between Black and White and Black 2 and White 2, his gym acting as an art installation using bug-themed elements. Naturally, this means we have a bit to work with.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Leavanny

Using string shot

 

Side B: Struggle Bug

The main TM he gives you, and a standard issue bug move.

 

Up B: Silk

He will get wrapped up in a bundle of silk from his second gym setup, which will carry him upward.

 

Down B: Honey

He will set up a wall of honey from his first gym setup that opponents will be able to pass through, but with great effort.

 

Final Smash: Castelia Gym Hive

He will send out a Leavanny, Scolipede, and Escavalier which will summon a swarm of bugs to the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, he will scratch his chin while looking up as if pondering an art piece. Side, he will extend his arm while pulling long strands of silk. Down, he will do his knees pose.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair

 

Kart: Based on Sewaddle

Special Move: Honey Wall

 

Spirit Battle: On Castelia City (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: He will proclaim this battle a masterpiece

Losing Screen: He will hand over his badge

 

Color Swaps: His main outfit, one based on his first gym, one based on his second gym, based on Leavanny, based on Scolipede, based on Escavalier, based on Galvatula, based on Accelgor.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Elesa electrifies the stage!

Character Sheet: Lenora

LENORA

Next up, we have Lenora, the Normal-type gym leader of Nacrene City, and the curator of the museum there alongside her husband Hawes. Her gym is a little basic, and she doesn’t return as a gym leader in B2W2, but I think we have enough to work with.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Herdier

Performing a basic tackle.

 

Side B: Hawes

Like Princess Peach with Toad.

 

Up B: Secret Stair

She will shift a book, and a small stepstool will rise underneath her, similar to her gym challenge.

 

Down B: Dragon Skull

She will drop the stolen dragon skull from her museum in front of her, slamming hard into the ground.

 

Final Smash: Nacrene Gym Masters

She will send out a Watchog, Stoutland, and Audino, who will run around the stage, causing trouble.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, tossing her apron over her shoulder proudly. Side, dusting off a relic and examining it. Down, flipping through one of her books.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair and bandanna

 

Kart: Based on Herdier

Special Move: Hawes

 

Spirit Battle: On N’s Castle (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Picking up Hawes excitedly and spinning him around.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her main outfit, with the apron off, based on Hawes, based on Herdier, based on Watchog, based on Dragonite, based on Tirtouga, based on Archeops.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Burgh brings his art to life.

Character Sheet: Cilan, Chili, and Cress

CILAN, CHILI, AND CRESS

Now, we come to the gym leaders of Unova, starting with Cilan, Chili and Cress, triplets and gym leaders of Striaton City, specializing in the three starter types. The three will be color swaps of each other. Their gym is pretty basic, so we are definitely going to be relying heavily on Cilan’s portrayal as a main traveling companion in the anime.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Monkey

They will send out their respective monkey, who will perform a basic elemental move.

 

Side B: Stamp Rally

They will use one of the stamps from the stamp rally Cilan participates in during the anime, stamping a player on the head with a mark that deals continuing damage.

 

Up B: Evaluation Time

They will do the spin Cilan does when evaluating something in the anime, rising as they do so.

 

Down: Order Up

They will present a tray of food used in their restaurant, which they or an ally can then eat for health.

 

Final Smash: Striaton Gym Triple Trouble

They will send out Simisage, Simisear, and Simipour, who will monkey around and cause trouble on the stage.

 

Entrance: Their opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, “Time for an evaluation!” Side, playing around with their monkey. Down, pulling out a magnifying glass and looking for clues.

 

Kirby Hat: Cilan’s hair

 

Kart: Based on their monkey

Special Move: Evaluation Time

 

Spirit Battle: On Castelia City (omega form), all three with their monkeys and Lillipup.

 

Victory Screen: “Another successful evaluation!”

Losing Screen: Handing over their badge.

 

Color Swaps: Cilan, Chili, Cress, all three with outfits more representing their types, Cilan without his apron, and Cilan in a detective’s uniform.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Lenora curates another win! Also, side note: This is where my (current) knowledge of the manga ends, as I got up to the end of the Gen IV stuff before stopping way back when I read them years ago.

Character Sheet: Volkner

VOLKNER

And finally, for Sinnoh, we come to Volkner, the Electric-type gym leader of Sunyshore City. He is portrayed as a Pokemon champion who became bored with winning all the time, and so constantly revamps his gym in a desperate attempt to make something exciting and reignite his spark. As such, the gym has a bit for us to go on. He’d definitely be on the slower side of player characters.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Luxray

Performing Discharge

 

Side B: Dynamo

He will summon a set of dynamos from his gym that will protect him and damage those coming close.

 

Up B: Giant Gear

One of the giant gears from his gym will appear under him and twist upward.

 

Down B: Badge Machine

His badge machine from the anime will appear, grabbing an opponent and throwing them away.

 

Final Smash: Sunyshore Gym Thunderbolts

He will send out a Luxray, Magnezone, and Electivire, who will cause a thunderstorm across the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: Almost all just listless baseline movements, like waving his finger in the air and saying “whoo.”

 

Kirby Hat: His hair

 

Kart: Based on Luxray

Special Move: Dynamo

 

Spirit Battle: On Distortion World (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Rolling his eyes and slumping back on his seat, saying “I win. Again.”

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge, with a look of fulfillment on his face.

 

Color Swaps: His regular outfit, based on Flint, based on Luxray, based on Electivire, based on Raichu, based on Magnezone, based on Medicham, based on Octillery.

 

Thanks for reading! Now, let’s move on to Unova. First, Cilan, Chili, and Cress serve up a battle.

Character Sheet: Candice

CANDICE

Next, we have Candice, the Ice-type gym leader of Snowpoint City, with a gym full of giant snowballs and slick floors that you slide around on. I think we have more than enough to work with, just on that alone.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Abomasnow

Performing Hammer Arm

 

Side B: Slip-and-Slide

She will slide across the stage at high speed as if on ice.

 

Up B: Blizzard

She will be blown up into the air by a blizzard, representing the move Blizzard as well as the blizzard surrounding her city.

 

Down B: Giant Snowball

She will roll one of the giant snowballs from her gym at you.

 

Final Smash: Snowpoint Gym Snowstorms

She will send out Abomasnow, Mamoswine, and Froslass, who will summon a blizzard to the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, spinning and posing. Side, rubbing her arms as wind blows past her. Down, making a little snowman.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair

 

Kart: Based on Abomasnow

Special Move: Slip-and-slide

 

Spirit Battle: On Spear Pillar (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Posing and grinning proudly.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her normal look, an outfit based on Gardenia, an outfit based on Maylene, an outfit based on Zoe, based on Abomasnow, based on Weavile, based on Froslass, based on Mamoswine.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Volkner might as well participate.

Character Sheet: Byron

BYRON

Next, we have Byron, the Steel-type gym leader of Canalave City and the father of Roark from Oreburgh. He is a miner, just like his son, as well as an inventor, with some high-tech gadgets in his gym.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Bastiodon

Using Iron Head

 

Side B: Minecart

Just like his son. Could be the moving platforms from his gym.

 

Up B: Lift

Using the rising platforms from his gym.

 

Down B: Shovel

Just like his son creating a tunnel, but he’ll use just his shovel to do so.

 

Final Smash: Canalave Gym Iron Workers

He will send out Steelix, Bronzong, and Bastiodon, which will rampage around the stage attacking fighters.

 

Entrance: His opening line and pose

 

Taunts: Up, laying his shovel against his shoulder. Side, he will look over a chunk of ore for a second. Down, he will sit down crosslegged for a second.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair and beard

 

Kart: Based on Bastiodon

Special Move: Shovel

 

Spirit Battle: On Distortion World (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Holding up a chunk of ore and saying he hit the motherlode.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His main look, his son’s look, based on Bronzong, based on Bastiodon, based on Steelix, based on Lucario, dirty and covered in coal dust, dirty and covered in gold dust.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Candice puts the competition on ice.

Character Sheet: Fantina

FANTINA

Next, we have Fantina, the Ghost-type gym leader of Hearthome City, as well as a famous Pokemon Contest star who consistently speaks with an over-the-top French accent in pretty much every medium she’s been adapted into. Her gym and the contests give us plenty to work with.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Mismagius

Performing Shadow Claw

 

Side B: Performance

She will do a flourish like she would in the Pokemon Contests.

 

Up B: Drifblim Float

She will fly into the sky on her Drifblim as she is frequently shown to do.

 

Down B: Darkness

Like Brawly’s gym, hers is completely in the dark in Platinum too, so we’ll have the same move here.

 

Final Smash: Hearthome Gym Superstars

She will send out Mismagius, Drifblim, and Spiritomb, which will cause all kinds of ghosts to swarm the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Lots of Beauty Contest poses, complete with her French accent.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair

 

Kart: Based on Drifblim

Special Move: Drifblim Float

 

Spirit Battle: On Beauty Contest (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Winning her beauty contest.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her main look, plus most of the dresses available to wear in the beauty contests.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Byron steels himself for the battle.

Character Sheet: Crasher Wake

CRASHER WAKE

Next, we have Crasher Wake, the Water-type gym leader of Pastoria City and a professional wrestler known for wrestling strong Pokemon. Between that and his gym’s gimmick of shifting water levels, I think we can work with it.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Floatzel

Performing Aqua Jet.

 

Side B: Grapple

We’ve got to get at least one wrestling move in here.

 

Up B: Floatie

He will stand on one of the floating platforms from his gym as water rises beneath him.

 

Down B: Fen

Sorta based on just the water from his gym, but also the fens that his gym badge is named after, which are somewhat represented in the nearby Safari Zone. He will make a spot on the floor before him that characters will sink into if they walk over it.

 

Final Smash: Pastoria Gym Tsunami

He will send out a Gyarados, Floatzel, and Gastrodon, which will summon a tidal wave to the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Mostly wrestling moves and poses.

 

Kirby Hat: His mask

 

Kart: Based on Floatzel

Special Move: Grapple

 

Spirit Battle: On Beauty Contest (omega form), with rising water.

 

Victory Screen: Holding up a champion’s wrestling belt.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His main outfit, based on several other real world wrestlers.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Fantina puts on a show!

Character Sheet: Maylene

MAYLENE

Next, we have Maylene, the Fighting-type gym leader of Veilstone City. Her gym may or may not be the specific thing that made me reconsider the gym leaders the way I am in the first place, because those punching bags are smash moves if I ever saw some.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Lucario

Performing Force Palm

 

Side B: Punching Bag

She will punch a punching bag from her gym and send it sliding forward to slam into someone else.

 

Up B: Flying Jump Kick

It’s her main game pose. Of course it’s going to be here.

 

Down B: Heavy Door

She will slide one of the heavy doors from her Diamond and Pearl gym in front of her as a shield.

 

Final Smash: Veilstone Gym Fight Squad

She will send out Lucario, Medicham, and Toxicroak to beat everyone up.

 

Entrance: Her starting pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, throwing her fist upward in victory. Side, she will beat on one of her punching bags. Down, she will crouch and meditate.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair and bandage.

 

Kart: Based on Lucario

Special Move: Punching Bag

 

Spirit Battle: On Beauty Contest (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Standing triumphant over her beaten opponent.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her standard look, based on Candice, based on Gardenia, a gi, based on Lucario, based on Meditite, based on Medicham, based on Croagunk.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Crasher Wake accepts your challenge.

Character Sheet: Gardenia

GARDENIA

Next up, we have Gardenia, the Grass-type gym leader of Eterna Gym, and protector of the nearby Eterna Forest. On top of her gym and game appearances, she has an especially notable role in the anime, becoming the owner of James’s Cacnea in one of the more emotional episodes.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Roserade

It will perform a small Solar Beam.

 

Side B: Honey

A common thing to do in Gen IV specifically, she will use that to draw in opponents.

 

Up B: Giant Flower

A giant flower like the one in her Platinum gym will rise up underneath her.

 

Down B: Shrubbery

She will hide behind a tree or bush, just like the trainers in her Diamond and Pearl gym.

 

Final Smash: Eterna Gym Forest Guardians

She will send out Roserade, Cherrim, and Torterra, and they will make Eterna Forest pop up on the stage itself.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, her little spin that accidentally erased her top for one frame in the anime. Side, she will hug and snuggle a Cacnea. Down, she will smile as her Turtwig runs around her feet.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair

 

Kart: Based on Turtwig

Special Move: Shrubbery

 

Spirit Battle: On Spear Pillar (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: She will dance around excitedly and strike a pose.

Losing Screen: She will hand over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her original look, a dress like Cheryl’s, based on Roserade, based on Cherrim, based on Turtwig, based on Cacnea, based on Carnivine, based on Shaymin.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Maylene joins the battle!

Character Sheet: Roark

ROARK

Now, we’ll move on to Sinnoh and cover the gym leaders there. First is Roark, the Rock-type gym leader of Oreburgh City, and an important figure at the local mine. His gym is fairly basic, but the mine does give us quite a bit to work with as well.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Cranidos

Obviously performing Headbutt.

 

Side B: Minecart

He will hop into a minecart from the Oreburgh mine and barrel across the stage.

 

Up B: Rock Climb

One of the most notable new HMs in this generation, so naturally he can feature it.

 

Down B: Explorer’s Kit

The mine was our first major introduction to the underground aspect of Sinnoh, so we could have him dig and form a tunnel, similar to Bugs Bunny from Multiversus.

 

Final Smash: Oreburgh Gym Rockstars

He will send out Rampardos, Bastiodon, and Golem, which will rampage across the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, tipping his helmet. Side, wiping his glasses. Down, inspecting some gems and fossils.

 

Kirby Hat: His helmet

 

Kart: Based on Cranidos

Special Move: Minecart

 

Spirit Battle: On Spear Pillar (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Examining a jewel he just unearthed.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original design, based on Byron, based on Cranidos, based on Shieldon, based on Geodude, based on Onix, based on a hiker, based on Brock.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Gardenia protects the forest!

Character Sheet: Juan

JUAN

Next is Juan, the Water-type gym leader of Sootopolis City during Emerald specifically. He is the older mentor of Wallace and a contest star himself, though he plays more into the suave Don Juan archetype more. He will be mostly an echo of his student.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Walrein

Performing Ice Fang.

 

Side B: Waterfall

 

Up B: Contest Flourish

More his own personal style.

 

Down B: Ice Block

 

Final Smash: Sootopolis Gym Superstars

He will send out Walrein, Kingdra, and Crawdaunt instead.

 

Entrance: His opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: All Beauty Contest poses.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair and mustache.

 

Kart: Based on Walrein

Special Move: Ice Block

 

Spirit Battle: On Battle Frontier (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Performing a big contest finish.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His main version, an outfit based on Wallace, based on Walrein, based on Milotic, based on Kingdra, based on Crawdaunt, based on Whiscash, based on Luvdisc.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Roark mines for the gold.

Character Sheet: Wallace

WALLACE

Now, we come to Wallace, the Water-type gym leader of Sootopolis City during Ruby and Sapphire, and ORAS. In Emerald, he takes the place of his, ahem, “friend” Steven Stone as Hoenn’s champion, and his mentor Juan becomes the new gym leader. Wallace is also a well-known Pokemon Contest star, so we’ve got quite a bit to work with.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Milotic

Milotic will perform Water Pulse.

 

Side B: Waterfall

Based on the waterfalls around his gym.

 

Up B: Contest Flourish

He will perform a big contest spin, with ribbons and his Milotic flying around him.

 

Down B: Ice Block

He will set down an ice spot in the stage. It can be walked across once before it shatters and a player is buried.

 

Final Smash: Sootopolis Gym Superstars

He will send out Milotic, Walrein, and Luvdisc, which will put on a spectacular water display.

 

Entrance: His opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: All Beauty Contest poses.

 

Kirby Hat: His turban thing.

 

Kart: Based on Milotic

Special Move: Contest Flourish

 

Spirit Battle: On Sky Pillar (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Performing a big contest finish.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original version, his champion version, his ORAS version, his original version with the cape covering himself, crossdressing in Lisia’s outfit, Steven’s outfit, based on Milotic, based on Walrein.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Juan makes a splash.

Character Sheet: Tate & Liza

TATE & LIZA

Next up, we have Tate and Liza, the Psychic-type twin gym leaders of Mossdeep City. They play a bit into the creepy psychic twins trope from lots of movies, and they’re also heavily tied to the Mossdeep space center, so there’s a bit we can do here. They will act similarly to the Ice Climbers.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Lunatone and Solrock

The pair will perform a psychic blast.

 

Side B: Telekinesis

Depending on the version, they are shown capable of this power, so we’ll feature it.

 

Up B: Warp Pad

Featured in their gym, so of course, it will be part of their moveset.

 

Down B: Rocket

They will launch a small version of the rocket from the space center, where their parents work.

 

Final Smash: Mossdeep Gym Masterminds

They will send out their Lunatone and Solrock, plus a Gardevoir and a Chimecho, which will perform a psychic blast upon the stage.

 

Entrance: Their opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, they will high five each other. Side, they will stand back to back. Down, they will look all creepy for a second.

 

Kirby Hat: Their hair (Tate’s probably)

 

Kart: Based on Lunatone and Solrock.

Special Move: Rocket Ship

 

Spirit Battle: On Sky Pillar (omega form), with their original team.

 

Victory Screen: Performing a whole twin high-five routine with each other.

Losing Screen: Handing over their badge.

 

Color Swaps: Their original look, their ORAS look, a Ruby and Sapphire look, based on Brendan and May, based on Lunatone and Solrock, based on Plusle and Minun, based on Volbeat and Illumise, based on Zangoose and Seviper.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Wallace puts on a show!

Character Sheet: Winona

WINONA

Next up, we have Winona, the Flying-type gym leader of Fortree City. Her gym has a unique revolving door mechanic, and the city you challenge her in was notable for its invisible Kecleon infestation, so I think we can work with that.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Altaria

It will perform Aerial Ace.

 

Side B: Revolving Door

This will let her dodge oncoming attacks by revolving the door around herself and sending them flying behind her.

 

Up B: Fly

Just a given for any Flying-type leader really, at this point.

 

Down B: Kecleon

She will summon a Kecleon that will act as an invisible obstacle on the stage for a short time.

 

Final Smash: Fortree Gym Flight Squad

She will send out an Altaria, Swellow, and Pelipper who will all divebomb the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line.

 

Taunts: Up, her Altaria will fly around her while singing. Side, she will test the mechanisms on a revolving door. Down, she’ll use a Devon Scope to reveal a hidden Kecleon.

 

Kirby Hat: Her flight cap and hair.

 

Kart: Based on Altaria.

Special Move: Revolving Door.

 

Spirit Battle: On Sky Pillar (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Taking to the sky on her Altaria.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her main outfit, her ORAS outfit, based on Skyla’s outfit, based on Wallace (because of their manga relationship), based on May, based on Altaria, based on Swellow, based on Pelipper.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Tate and Liza prepare for trouble and make it double!

Character Sheet: Norman

NORMAN

Next, we have Norman, the Normal-type gym leader of Petalburg City and the father of the game’s protagonist. His gym is very basic, which may give us some trouble, but considering his familial relations, he is a major player in both the anime and manga, so I think we’ll be fine (Hopefully, I don’t have to use the rather infamous moment in the manga where he straight up beats his son. I . . . think we’ll be fine without it).

 

Standard B: Slaking

It will use Dynamic Punch, delivering a devastating blow.

 

Side B: Retaliate

The TM he gives out in ORAS. Basically, a counter move.

 

Up B: Beautifly Fireworks

I am more than happy to represent a depiction of him as a loving husband and father, rather than a child abuser, so I’ll use his anniversary gift to his wife from the anime as a move, carrying him up into the air with it.

 

Down B: Truant

The infamous ability of his Slaking, he will lay down and rest for a moment, deflecting attacks.

 

Final Smash: Petalburg Gym Masters

He will send out Slaking, Delcatty, and Linoone, which will run around beating characters up.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, he’ll wave and say “Hi, Kiddo!” Side, he will cross his arms and look serious. Down, he will look down with a disgusted look, like in the manga.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair

 

Kart: Based on Vigoroth

Special Move: Truant

 

Spirit Battle: On Mt. Chimney (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: For what it’s worth, the scene of him in shadow, standing up above Ruby while lightning flashes behind him, just after the aforementioned infamous scene, would be a pretty baller victory screen for him.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original design, his ORAS design, a “day off with the family” outfit, based on Slaking, based on Vigoroth, based on May, based on Brendan, based on Max.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Winona takes to the skies!

Character Sheet: Flannery

FLANNERY

Next, we have Flannery, the Fire-type gym leader of Lavaridge Town. Her gym is based on a steamy bathhouse, or onsen, with geysers that shoot you from floor to floor. We also see her setting up her gym in the anime, so we can pull some from there too.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

Standard B: Torkoal

It will use ember.

Side B: Smoother

She will use the device from the anime that she uses to smooth out the gym and make it flat.

Up B: Geyser

The geyser that shoot you to the upper floor in the game.

Down B: Submerge

Several of the trainers in her gym wait underwater to surprise the trainer. She’ll do that for a few seconds.

Final Smash: Lavaridge Gym Firestorm

She will send out a Magcargo, Camerupt, and Torkoal, which will set the stage on fire.

Entrance: Her opening line and pose

Taunts: Up, lighting one of the kindler’s sticks and waving it around. Side, posing excitedly for a second. Down, relaxing in a hot spring.

Kirby Hat: Her hair

Kart: Based on Camerupt

Special Move: Geyser

Spirit Battle: On Mt. Chimney (omega form) with her original team.

Victory Screen: Taking up a dynamic pose and boasting of her prowess.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

Color Swaps: Her original look, her ORAS look, a kindler outfit, a ninja outfit, based on Blaziken, based on Magcargo, based on Torkoal, based on Camerupt. Considering her gym and . . . the manga, there’s an argument for a “hot spring” look, but I think that falls into “Mai Shiranui” territory.

Thanks for reading! Next up, May’s dad is gonna beat up your dad!

Character Sheet: Wattson

WATTSON

Next up, we have Wattson, the Electric-type gym leader of Mauville City. He’s also an inventor and the mind behind New Mauville. He always gave me John Hammond from Jurassic Park vibes, personally. Either way, between the games, manga, and anime, we’ve got a bit.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Electrike

It will use Thunder Fang and bite the opponent.

 

Side B: Mauville Coaster

The mine cart from his anime appearance will appear under him and barrel forward, coming to a stop at a robo-Raikou that will explode on impact.

 

Up B: Magnet Rise

Two Magnemites will carry him upward.

 

Down B: Energy Barrier

Like those used in his gym.

 

Final Smash: Mauville Gym Thunderbolts

He will let out Manectric, Magneton, and Electrode, which will electrify the entire stage.

 

Entrance: His opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: Up, spreading his arms to show a sign for New Mauville. Side, petting his Robo-Raikou. Down, tinkering with something for a moment.

 

Kirby Hat: His beard

 

Kart: His Robo-Raikou

Special Move: Energy Barrier

 

Spirit Battle: On Battle Frontier (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: “Come on back any time,” while belly laughing.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original look, his ORAS look, a white suit like Hammond, a Hawaiian shirt like Dennis Nedry from the same, based on Electrike, based on Manectric, based on Magnemite, based on Electrode.

 

Thanks for reading! Next, Flannery erupts onto the scene.

Character Sheet: Brawly

BRAWLY

Next up, we have Brawly, the Fighting-type gym leader of Dewford Town. He is a surfer dude, living on an island, so he feels like he’d be water, and his gym’s main gimmick is the whole thing being dark? Hmm, I think Pokemon was a little confused on their theming with this guy. But hey, it works well for me!

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Makuhita

Using Arm Thrust.

 

Side B: Treadmill

One of those blocking the path in ORAS.

 

Up B: Surf’s Up

He will ride a wave upward.

 

Down B: Lights Out

He will flash with darkness and turn invisible for a short period.

 

Final Smash: Dewford Gym Fight Squad

He will let out Hariyama, Medicham, and Blaziken, who will race around the stage, beating people up.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, “surf’s up, dude!” Side, high-fiving his Makuhita. Down, waxing his surfboard.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair and headband

Special Move: Surf’s Up

 

Spirit Battle: On Battle Frontier (omega form), with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Riding a big wave into the distance.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original outfit, his ORAS outfit, shirtless with trunks, based on Makuhita, based on Hariyama, based on Meditite, based on Medicham, based on Blaziken.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Wattson takes charge!

Character Sheet: Roxanne

ROXANNE

Now, we move on to the Hoenn region of Gen III. Roxanne is first, the Rock-type gym leader of Rustboro City, who also acts as a teacher at the nearby Pokemon school. Her gym is pretty basic, but I think we’ve got enough to go on.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Nosepass

Probably performing just Rock Throw.

 

Side B: Quiz Question

Similar to Blaine’s version of this.

 

Up B: Magnet Rise

She will hold onto Nosepass as it rises.

 

Down B: Rock Tomb

Using the TM she gives you.

 

Final Smash: Rustboro Gym Rockstars

She will send out a Nosepass, Aggron, and Relicanth, which will drop giant rocks on the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: Up, pointing at something on a chalkboard. Side, opening a book and flipping through it. Down, looking over a fossil.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair

 

Kart: Based on Nosepass

Special Move: Magnet Rise

 

Spirit Battle: On Battle Frontier (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: Handing back an F to their opponent.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her original outfit, her ORAS costume, based on Brock, based on Roark, based on Nosepass, based on Aggron, based on Cradily, based on Armaldo.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Brawly hangs ten!

Character Sheet: Clair

CLAIR

Next up, we have Clair, the Dragon-type gym leader of Blackthorn City, and the cousin of Lance. Her gym has an extensive, lava-themed puzzle, which will help us, and after her defeat, she will refuse to give you a badge until you’ve passed a trial in the Dragon’s Den, which may help too. She’s also a companion to Ash for a few anime episodes, so basically, we have a bit to work with.

Here’s what I came up with:

 

Standard B: Dragonair

It will use Dragon’s Breath

 

Side B: Lava Boulder

She will push forward a boulder that will drop after a short distance and splash up some burning lava.

 

Up B: Dragon Rising

She and her Dragonair will fly upward at high speed.

 

Down B: Dragon Fang

She will use it to give herself a temporary stat boost.

 

Final Smash: Blackthorn Gym Dragon Hoard

She will summon Dragonair, Dragonite, and Kingdra, who will unleash draconic rage upon the stage.

 

Entrance: Her opening line and pose.

 

Taunts: Up, she will raise the Dragon Fang to the sky. Side, she will throw back her cape and pose. Down, she will call you a cheater.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair

 

Kart: Based on Dragonair

Special Move: Dragon Rising

 

Spirit Battle: On Mt. Silver (omega form), with her original team.

 

Victory Screen: She will tell you that you must pass the Dragon’s Den to beat her.

Losing Screen: She will hand over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her original design, her HGSS design, an outfit based on Lance, based on Dragonite, based on Gyarados, based on Salamence, based on Garchomp, based on Hydreigon.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Roxanne rocks the school!

Character Sheet: Pryce

PRYCE

Next up, we have Pryce, the Ice-type gym leader from Mahogany Town, and your pretty standard grumpy old man trope. He’s also (spoilers, I guess) the main villain of the Gold Silver Crystal arc of the manga, trying to get ahold of Celebi to resurrect his lost Swinub. It’s a whole thing. His masked persona there might become its own thing. We’ll see.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Swinub

Probably Icicle Crash

 

Side B: Ice Block

He will push one of the ice blocks from his HGSS gym.

 

Up B: Icy Wind

It is the TM he gives out, and it’s been a lot of my Ice types’ Up B, so . . .

 

Down B: Mask in the Fog

He will create the icy fog around himself that he used in the manga, his masked persona appearing for a second.

 

Final Smash: Mahogany Gym Blizzard

He will summon Piloswine, Sneasel, and Delibird to whip up a snowstorm across the stage.

 

Entrance: His opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, he will wave his stick around in annoyance. Side, he will put on his mask for a second. Down, he will sit in a wheelchair and pet his Swinub for a second.

 

Kirby Hat: His hair

 

Kart: Based on a Piloswine

Special Move: Ice Block

 

Spirit Battle: On Mt. Silver (Omega form) with his original team.

 

Victory Screen: Standing over his opponents and holding up a Silver and Rainbow Wing.

Losing Screen: Handing over his badge.

 

Color Swaps: His original outfit, his HGSS outfit, his normal manga appearance, his masked form, based on Swinub, based on Sneasel, based on Delibird, based on Dewgong.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Clair fights like a dragon!

Character Sheet: Jasmine

JASMINE

Next up, we have Jasmine, the Steel-type gym leader of Olivine City. In game, she famously has an extended story arc where she is tending the sick Ampharos in the city’s lighthouse, and won’t leave its side until you receive medicine from Chuck and his wife in Cianwood. From that story, we have a bit to work with.

Here’s the moveset I came up with:

 

Standard B: Steelix

It will perform Iron Tail.

 

Side B: Amphy Flash

Amphy will appear and flash a bright light with its tail.

 

Up B: Magnet Rise

Using her Magnemites.

 

Down B: Secret Potion

This will restore some of her health.

 

Final Smash: Olivine Gym Strikers

She will send out a Steelix, Magneton, and Skarmory, which will slash around the stage at high speed.

 

Entrance: Her opening pose and line

 

Taunts: Up, waving excitedly at the camera. Side, petting Amphy on the head. Down, nodding and thanking the player.

 

Kirby Hat: Her hair

 

Kart: Based on Steelix

Special Move: Amphy Flash

 

Spirit Battle: On Ecruteak Towers (omega form), with her original team and an Ampharos.

 

Victory Screen: Thanking you for the great battle.

Losing Screen: Handing over her badge.

 

Color Swaps: Her original design, her HGSS design, based on Amphy, a steely silver dress, based on Steelix, based on Magnemite, based on Skarmory, based on Palmer.

 

Thanks for reading! Next up, Pryce’s fighting style is ice cold!