Super Smash Bros. Fighters - Pokémon series - 01 Pikachu

 

Debut

In the Pokémon series: Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green (1996)

In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. 64 (1999)

Boxing Ring Title: Pika Pika!

Theme Song: Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Blue (Melee)

Pikachu: the Mouse Pokémon. Electric Type. #25 in the Pokédex. Mascot of the Pokémon series. As a species, Pikachu tend to live in forests, or near power plants. They use their tails to monitor their surroundings, as well as communicate with others of its kind. It stores electricity in its cheeks, and releases said electricity when startled or angered. When a group of Pikachu gather together, it is said that they can cause thunderstorms. On rare occasions, some Pikachu can be seen using balloons to fly, or even using a surfboard to go surfing. It is the evolved form of Pichu, and can further evolve into Raichu if given a Thunderstone. Pikachu have an even chance of being either male or female, with females having a sort of heart-shaped "dent" in their tails.

 

Pikachu made its debut in Pokémon Red & Blue, where players had a rare chance of finding one at the Viridian Forest, an early location in the game. While it wouldn't be very effective against the first Gym Leader Brock, it could prove helpful against the second Gym Leader Misty if the player lacked a Grass Pokémon at that point. The player could also find Pikachu at the Power Plant where they are more common, but this opportunity is only available about halfway through the adventure. Besides that, Pikachu wasn't really noteworthy otherwise.

 

However, once production on the animated adaption Pokémon the Series began, things began to turn around. Pikachu was chosen to be the Pokémon that the show's protagonist, Ash Ketchum, would start with, and thus Pikachu became the mascot of the series!

 

This newfound role would first be seen in Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, an enhanced remake of Pokémon Red & Blue that took inspiration from the anime. Here, Pikachu serves as the player's starter Pokémon, and would follow the player around in the overworld. While Pikachu isn't initially pleased to be partnered with the game's protagonist Red, he slowly turns his opinion around and grows close to him.

 

In Pokémon Gold & Silver, Pikachu was given an exclusive item called the Light Ball, which would double Pikachu's Special Attack. By Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, the Light Ball would also double Pikachu's Attack power. Pokémon Emerald saw the debut of the move Volt Tackle, which became the signature move of the Pikachu family. It could only learn it if a Pikachu/Raichu holding a Light Ball was put in the Pokémon Day Care with another Pikachu/Raichu of the opposite gender - or a Ditto - in order to produce its offspring, Pichu, who will have this powerful move.

 

Pokemon Sun & Moon would give Pikachu a unique Z-Move called Catastropika, where Pikachu would do a small dance with the player before getting tossed towards the opponent, during which it would use a stronger version of Volt Tackle. In Pokemon Sword & Shield, Pikachu obtains the ability to Gigantamax, which allows it to use G-Max Volt Crash to damage foes and paralyze them too!

Pikachu would also star in its own spin-off games, the first being Hey You, Pikachu, where the player takes care of a curious Pikachu who decides to move in with the player. Another would be PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure. where a Pikachu arrives in a world called the PokéPark, and has to save it by restoring the Sky Prism, which shattered into fourteen pieces. Throughout the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, Pikachu can be chosen as either the player character, or the player's partner.

Notable Pikachu from the games would be none other than Red's Pikachu. Although Pokémon Yellow portrays him as Red's Starter Pokémon, Pokémon Masters EX - as well the first episode of Pokémon  Generations - reveals Red first met him while exploring Viridian Forest. In all of his appearances, Pikachu serves as the highest-leveled Pokémon on Red's team. In fact, Red's Pikachu is tied with Cynthia's Garchomp as being the highest-leveled trainer-owned Pokémon in the entire series, being at Level 88 in Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver. As revealed in Pokémon Masters EX, Red's Pikachu is also capable of Gigantamaxing, though it's unknown if Pikachu always had this talent, or if Red's training allowed him to achieve this.

While much of his personality is unknown, Pokémon Generations reveals that Red's Pikachu was initially curious and childlike, though rather unskilled at battles. After getting caught by Red, Pikachu not only grows a strong bond with him, but also matures and becomes quite an experienced fighter. Pokémon Yellow goes into more depth with him, revealing his initial dislike of Red before growing close to him, falling in love with a Clefairy the two meet at the Pokémon Fan Club, and being afraid of the ghosts haunting the Pokémon Tower. A unique trait only shown in Pokémon Yellow is his dislike of being inside his Poké Ball, which is contradicted in his appearances in other games.

 

Another notable Pikachu in the games would be Cosplay Pikachu from Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire. After competing in the Pokémon Contest Spectacular for the first time, a famous coordinator by the name of Lisia gives her to the player. Cosplay Pikachu differs from regular female Pikachu by sporting a black "heart" on her tail, as well as the ability to wear five different types of clothes - Rockstar, Belle, Pop Star, Ph D., and Libre -  that each grant her a unique attack!

Yet another one would be Partner Pikachu from Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu. Just like in Pokémon Yellow, Partner Pikachu serves as your starter Pokémon. Unlike Yellow, the Pikachu here is given better stats and powerful, exclusive moves so that it can keep up with the stronger Pokémon you'll encounter later on. In Pokémon Let's Go Eevee, Partner Pikachu is given to your friendly rival Chase instead.

 

As previously mentioned, Pikachu is also the star of  Pokémon the Series. Pikachu debuted in the first episode in the show's first season: "Pokémon - I Choose You!" Four new Pokémon Trainers were going to start their journey, and Pikachu was one of the four choices Professor Oak had for the the group. (The other three being Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.)

 

Due to the main protagonist Ash Ketchum oversleeping, he was stuck with Pikachu. Although Ash was thrilled, Pikachu wasn't, electrocuting his trainer - as well as Ash's mom Delia and their various friends - without a care. Pikachu continued to be disobedient and rude up until a flock of angry Spearow began to chase them. When the two were down and beaten, Ash told Pikachu to hide in his Poké Ball while he tried to fight the Spearow off. Realizing how much Ash cared for him, Pikachu fired off a massive Thunder Shock and defeated the angry birds. Having now forged a strong bond - as well as seeing a mysterious Pokémon fly by - Ash carried Pikachu to Vermillion City to restore Pikachu back to full health, where they would then go off to have many adventures.

 

Personality-wise, Ash's Pikachu is Ash's most loyal Pokémon. While not immediately trusting of strangers, he tends to be friendly to the various humans and Pokémon he meets. Due to being Ash's first Pokémon, he tends to be act as the leader to the rest of Ash's Pokémon. He'll even try to meditate and keep the peace between quarreling Pokémon to the best of his ability. Pikachu also has a notable fondness for ketchup, and hates being inside his Poké Ball.

 

Ash's Pikachu also enjoys battling, though during the early episodes there were a few times he was hesitant or reluctant to do so. Speaking of battling, Pikachu's strength is also noteworthy, as it's been said a few times that his power exceeds his species. This strength has also allowed Pikachu to go toe-to-toe with the best and strongest Pokémon, even putting up a good fight against Legendary Pokémon! Though on a more negative note, this strength has also made him a target to the Team Rocket Trio - consisting of Jessie, James, and Meowth - who plan on kidnapping him and presenting him to their boss Giovanni.

 

Pikachu also appears in the ongoing manga series Pokémon Adventures, where he debuted in the chapter "Wanted: Pikachu!" Here, the electric mouse enjoyed causing trouble and mischief for the residents of Pewter City before Red managed to capture him with the help of his Bulbasaur, after which he nicknamed the mouse Pika. Although Red was eager to befriend him, Pika couldn't care less about his new trainer. In the next chapter, Red was forced to use him to fight against Brock's Onix since his other Pokémon were exhausted, though the mouse still refused to listen to any of Red's commands. However, once Red saves Pika from Onix's Skull Bash, Pika has a small change of heart and listens to Red, allowing them to win. Following this, Pika would slowly grow to become a close - if somewhat aloof - ally of Red's.

 

Later on during the Yellow Arc, Pikachu would team with a young girl named Yellow in order to rescue Red and the others, during which he and the trainer would also form a tight bond. At its conclusion, he would be reunited with Red. During the Gold & Silver Arc, Red's Pikachu would become acquainted with Yellow's newly acquired female Pikachu named ChuChu. The two hit it off very well, and together would have a son named Pibu the Pichu, who's currently adventuring with another trainer named Gold.

In Super Smash Bros., Pikachu has an assortment of Electric moves at his disposal. He may be small and seem weak, don't underestimate him. He's been through a lot of battles, so he knows what he's doing!

Pikachu's also one of the twelve members of the "Perfect Attendance Crew," as well as acting as one of the four faces of the series; Mario, Link, and Kirby being the other members.

Special Moves

 

Neutral Special: Thunderjolt

Pikachu fires off an electric ball at a diagonally downwards angle. Once it hits a surface, it'll bounce forward in an arc. It'll wrap around corners and even bounce on the walls, and even the ceiling as long as it's not jump-throughable!

The move does the most damage up-close, and gets weaker as it bounces along.

The name of the move is taken from the original Pikachu Trading Card in the "Pokémon Trading Card Game" (both it's US and JP names on the card are similar to what the attack is called in Super Smash Bros.) The small chance of Pikachu accidentally "hurting itself" is - thankfully - not included. Otherwise, this move is mostly inspired by Pikachu's electric abilities.

 

 

Side Special: Skull Bash

Pikachu gets in a crouching position before firing himself forward, head-first. The move can be charged by holding the Special Button. The longer you charge it, the further Pikachu flies!

Inspired by the move, Skull Bash, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Skull Bash is a Physical Normal-Type Move that has a power of 100 (in Gens 1-5) or 130 (in Gen 6 and onward) and is a two-turn attack, the first turn being the Pokemon prepping itself, and the second turn being the attack. Starting in "Pokémon Gold & Silver," the user's defense would get slightly boosted as well, though this effect isn't in Super Smash Bros.

Pikachu could learn Skull Bash by using a TM in "Pokémon Red & Blue" and "Pokémon Yellow," but lost the ability to do so in later games.

 

 

Up Special: Quick Attack

Pikachu stalls for a sec before dashing forward in whatever direction you hold. (upward if nothing is held) Pikachu will use the move a second time if you tilt the control stick in a different direction.

It's not very strong, but it's a good move to use to recover back to the stage, or to play mindgames.

Inspired by the move, Quick Attack, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Quick Attack is a Physical Normal-Type move that has a power of 40 and a priority of 1, allowing the user to go first unless the opponent is using a higher priority move, or if the opponent also uses Quick Attack and is faster. (in case of a speed tie, it's random on who attacks first)

Pikachu learns this move at early levels.

 

Down Special: Thunder

Pikachu summons a Thunder Cloud from above him! The Thunder Cloud shoots lighting downward where Pikachu is standing when he used the move. Anyone who hits the lighting takes damage and gets flung away, unless they happen to be upclose and underneath the Thunder Cloud, in which case they'll get sent flying downwards towards Pikachu! That will be devastating for them, because once the lightning hits Pikachu, he releases a powerful burst of electrical charges, and anyone nearby will get sent flying!

Inspired by the move, Thunder, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Thunder is a Special Electric-Type Move with a power of 120 (in Gens 1-5) or 110 (in Gens 5 and on) and is one of the stronger Electric attacks, though it has poor accuracy. (70%, to be exact) It's accuracy would change depending on the weather, though. (always accurate during Rain, 50% accurate during Harsh Sunlight)

Thunder tends to be the last move Pikachu can learn in the higher levels, though it can also learn the move much earlier by using a TM.

 

 

Final Smash: Volt Tackle

Pikachu charges himself up with electricity and charges forward! If he hits someone, the camera zooms in to where Pikachu is and he begins wildly bouncing around, trapping the opponent and anyone else nearby in the center of his attack! After which Pikachu goes to the center of the camera and unleashes a powerful surge of electricity, zapping everyone away from him! The camera returns to normal after this.

Inspired by the move, Volt Tackle, introduced in "Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire"..Volt Tackle is a Physical Electric-Type Move with a power of 120, though it causes the user to take recoil damage. Starting in "Pokémon Emerald", it is the Signature Move of the Pichu-Pikachu-Raichu line. In order for a Pikachu to learn the move, a female Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball must be put in the Pokémon Daycare with a compatible Pokémon - such as a male Pikachu, a male Raichu, or a Ditto - and the end result will be that it's offspring, Pichu, will know the move.

Notably, Pikachu does NOT take recoil damage in Super Smash Bros. if he lands the move.

Additional Notes

 

 

One of Pikachu's alternate costumes is Cosplay Pikachu wearing the "Pikachu Libre" outfit. She certainly looks ready to fight in her getup, huh?

 

Some of Pikachu's other alternate costumes are a Shiny Pikachu wearing Red's hat from Pokémon Red & Blue, a Pikachu wearing Ethan's hat from Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, a Pikachu wearing Brendan's bandanna from Pokémon Emerald, a Pikachu wearing Calem's Red Outdoors Cap with Wide-Frame Glasses from Pokémon X & Y, and a female Pikachu wearing Selene's Casual Cap from Pokémon Sun & Moon.

Pikachu's move, Volt Tackle, is a reference to Pulseman, an unrelated game made by Game Freak, creators of Pokémon. In that game, the protagonist had a special move called "Voltteccer" which surrounded him in an electrical barrier. Back in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as well as Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U, the move even controlled in a similar way to Voltteccer before Super Smash Bros. Ultimate changed the way the move works.

 

Although Pikachu was chosen to be the star of Pokémon the Series, the other choice for that position was Clefairy. While Pikachu won out due to better reception, who knows how different things could've been if Clefairy was chosen instead?