New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, Shredder's Revenge, announced!

Today on March 10 - also known to some as Mario day - "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge" was announced. The game is being worked on by Tribute Games Inc., and will be published by Dotemu.Tribute Games Inc are known for working on "Flinthook and the Mercenary Kings", while Dotemu have worked on "Streets of Rage 4" and "Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap."

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge" is a throwback to the classic TMNT Beat 'em Up games, and uses the art aesthetics of the iconic 1987 cartoon show. Players can pick between Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo, or team-up in 4-player co-op.

From what little has been said about the story, Bebop and Rocksteady have invaded Channel 6 to steal some "gnarly devices" that will help Shredder and Krang out in their latest scheme. The turtles will go through many iconic locations of the series, from the sewers of New York City to Dimension X, to stop their nefarious plot. In addition, players will also do battle against iconic foes, such as the Foot Soldiers, Baxter Stockman, and the Triceraton Warriors.

The trailer for the game also showcases Splinter - the teacher of ninjutsu to the TMNT - and April O'Neil - friend and companion of the TMNT - beating up a few of the baddies in the game. Whether or not this means they'll be playable characters or not hasn't been said.

You can watch the game's trailer here! The game's release date is currently unknown, though it does have a page up on Steam.

Super Smash Bros. Fighters - Pokémon series - 08 Incineroar

Debut
In the Pokémon series: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon (2016)
In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2017)

Boxing Ring Title: The Ring's Raging Flame

Theme Song:Battle! (Trainer) - Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon 

Incineroar: the Heel Pokémon. Fire and Dark Type. #727 in the Pokédex. Incineroar is the evolved form of Torracat, who is the evolved form of Litten, who is one of the three starter Pokémon in the Alola region. If you chose the Water Type Popplio, then your friendly rival Hop would choose Litten. Litten evolves into Torracat at level 17, and into Incineroar at level 34.

As a species, Incineroar are energetic, and love to fight! In battle, it tends to disregard the safety of both its opponents and the on-lookers, sometimes even attacking an opposing trainer. There are times it'll even ignore the commands of its trainer if it doesn't feel like listening. That being said, Incineroar finds fighting opponents it deems "unworthy" boring, and it can quickly lose interest fighting because of it. Weak or injured opponents also cause this, though some foes are known for taking advantage of that to get the upperhand. Incineroar values the attention of the audience, if they are excited, its spirit goes up as it gives it's all. If they are bored, its confidence starts to falter. While it tends to act like a heel, Incineroar is very happy internally when receiving the admiration of children or young Pokémon. Oh, and that flame belt on it? It's something that Incineroar produced itself. The belt tends to burn brightly as Incineroar's spirit goes up. Incineroar have a higher chance of being male than female.

Notable Incineroar include Ash's Incineroar from "Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon." Back when he was a little Litten, he lived quite a harsh life before being found and taken in by an aging Stoutland. Since then, Litten has been repaying Stoutland's kindness by going off and bringing back whatever food he can find.

Litten makes his proper debut in the 1st episode "Alola to New Adventures!" where he was resting at the beach, only for Ash to accidentally step on his tail while he was chasing Pikachu, which didn't cause a very good first impression for Litten. In the seventh episode "That's Why the Litten is a Little Scamp!" Litten steals Ash's food, which frustrates him, but also motivates him to try and add Litten to his team. When Ash learns why Litten is stealing food, he decides to not catch Litten and let him live in peace with Stoutland. Later on in episode 16 "They Might Not Be Giants!" Litten helps Ash's Rowlet and Lana's Popplio return back to their trainers when they got separated, though after doing so he would run off back to his home.

In episode 21 "One Journey Ends, Another Begins..." Stoutland was trying to teach Litten how to use Fire Fang. During their lesson, Stoutland was growing tired and restless until he eventually collapsed. Litten ran off to find Ash, who would rush him to the Pokémon Center. After Nurse Joy check Stoutland's health, she gave some private confirmation that Stoutland wasn't going to live for much longer. The following day, Litten and Stoutland manage to make it back home, where Litten once again attempts to learn Fire Fang. When Litten still wasn't able to perform it, he decided to take a nap next to Stoutland.

The next day, Litten wakes up and discovers that Stoutland had disappeared. Frantic, Litten began searching for him all throughout Melemele Island to no avail. Arriving back home in defeat annd wracked with grief, Litten would cry into the night as a storm began to brew. Ash, Pikachu, and the rest of his Pokémon would later arrive to try and comfort Litten during this harsh time. The next day, the storm has ended, and Litten would wake up and see a cloud formation of Stoutland, seemingly smiling in approval. With newfound resolve, Litten would offer Ash a Sitrus Berry and then have a battle with Ash's Pikachu, during which he finally masters Fire Fang. And with that, Litten joins Ash's team.

Personality-wise, while initially somewhat distant, Ash's Litten would slowly start opening up to Ash and his friends. He would even gain a friendly rivalry with Ash's Rockruff. In episode 63 "Pushing the Fiery Envelope!" Litten would evolve into Torracat. As Torracat, he would develop a more serious, yet also respected, rivalry with Professor Kukui's Incineroar. In episode 143 "Fiery Surprises!" Torracat would evolve into Incineroar aftenr finally defeating Professor Kukui's Incineroar in the Alola Pokémon Tournament, though he would end up fainting from exhaustion afterwards.

Once Ash's adventures in Alola were over, Ash decided to have Incineroar - as well as the other Alola Pokémon  he caught - stay at Professor Kukui's Laboratory.

In Super Smash Bros., Incineroar isn't afraid to use dirty tricks to win the match! (He is the "Heel" Pokémon after all.) Regardless, he's excited to be fighting all of the interesting opponents in Super Smash Bros.!

Special Moves 

Neutral Special: Darkest Lariat

Incineroar spins around, whacking anyone nearby away from him. On the ground, it has high priority, so Incineroar can power through his foes attacks! Incineroar can also move forward slightly while using the move.

Inspired by the move, Darkest Lariat, introduced in "Pokémon Sun & Moon." Darkest Lariat is a Physical Dark Type move with a power of 85. The move ignores any of the opponents stat changes to deliver a powerful hit, which can be useful if the opponent buffed up their defensive, but not so much if the opponent's defenses were lowered. Darkest Lariat was the Signature Move of Incineroar until "Pokémon Sword & Shield."

Incineroar learns this move the instant Torracat evolves into Incineroar. 

Side Special: Alolan Whip

Incineroar rushes forward with his arm outstretched. If he grabs someone, he tosses the opponent behind him towards some wrestling ring ropes that appear behind them. The opponent will bounce off of them back to Incineroar. Depending on when you press the Special Button will depend on what Incineroar will do.

If you press it too early, Incineroar will perform a back body drop on the opponent, flinging them into into the air.

If you press it too late - or not at all - Incineroar will take damage as the foe collides with him. The foe takes damage as well and get slightly flung away from Incineroar.

If you time it just right, Incineroar will perform a powerful lariat on the opponent, flinging them away!

If something happens to the opponent that prevents them from being attacked by a followup from Incineroar, he'll look to the screen and shrug.

This move is original to Super Smash Bros., though the perfectly timed hit could be based on the move, Throat Chop, introduced in "Pokémon Sun & Moon." It has a power of 80, and prevents the foe from using sound-based moves for two turns. It was one of the Signature Moves of Incineroar until "Pokémon Sword & Shield."

Incineroar needs to visit the Move Relearner to learn Throat Chop. 

Up Special: Cross Chop

Incineroar jumps into the air, dragging any nearby foes with him. Incineroar than dives forward in a diagonal direction, and causes a small fiery explosion upon hitting the ground.

Inspired by the move, Cross Chop, introduced in "Pokémon Gold & Silver." Cross Chop is a Physical Fighting Type move with a power of 100, an accuracy of 80%, with an increased chance for Critical Hits. The flame effects shown here are original to Super Smash Bros.

Incineroar learns this move in the later levels. 

Down Special: Revenge

Incineroar puffs out his chest.

Anyone who hits him causes Incineroar's belt to erupt in flames and fling the foe away from him!

Not only that, but Incineroar's fur will now be glowing! This indicates that Incineroar has been "Powered Up" and that his next attack will be devastating! Follow up with a Smash Attack, or maybe the Alolan Whip. Just don't take too long deciding, Revenge's power boost only lasts for 60 seconds, and the timer decreases quickly if your attack misses. The power boost will be lost immediately if Incineroar is grabbed and tossed.

Inspired by the move, Revenge, introduced in "Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire." Revenge is a Physical Fighting Type move with a power of 60 and lowered priority of -4. This ensures the user will go last unless another Pokémon uses a move with lower priotrity or uses Revenge and is slower. (in case of a speed tie, it's randomly decided who attacks last) While it's power is always 60, if user happens to get hit by an attacking move, the move's power doubles to 120. The flame effects shown here are original to Super Smash Bros.

Incineroar can learn this move through the use of a TM. 

Final Smash: Max Malicious Moonsault

Incinium Z flashes above Incineroar's head before he charges forward. If he happens to grab someone, he and the opponent teleport to a wrestling ring where Incineroar performs the Irish--I mean, Alolan Whip and then uppercuts the foe into the air before chasing after them, barraging them with a drop kick and another uppercut.

Incineroar then flies above the foe and performs a Diving Battering Ram on them...

and proceeds to slam both of them back down to the middle of the wrestling ring as a giant explosion occurs!

After which, both Incineroar and the foe return to the stage as the foe goes flying away. If anyone happens to be nearby when Incineroar grabbed his foe, they will also get flung away when the two return to the stage.

Inspired by the move, Malicious Moonsault, introduced in "Pokémon Sun & Moon." Malicious Moonsault is a Z-Move exclusive to Incineroar that has a power of 180, though it can double to 360 if the foe Incineroar is targeting used Minimize beforehand. To use it, the player needs the Z-Ring, the Incinium Z-Crystal, and an Incineroar that knows the move Darkest Lariat. Once they give their Incineroar the Z-Crystal, going into battle and selecting Z-Move will allow the player to use Malicious Moonsault, where Incineroar summons a Wrestling Ring around the opponent before rushing on over to leap on top one of the turnbuckles, engulf itself in flames, and then perform a powerful 450° splash on them.

Additional Notes 

Being a Fire type, Incineroar takes additional damage in the water if he falls in, so don't go swimming in there for too long!

Incineroar will strike poses after performing certain moves. If he hits the foe, he'll be happy, but if he misses, he'll be frustrated. These poses can be interrupted whenever you want, so no need to worry about leaving yourself open.

One of Incineroar's alternate colors resembles his Shiny form!

One of Incineroar's victory animations has him hold up a Championship belt!

Incineroar was not the initial choice to represent the 7th generation of Pokémon. Decidueye was. Decidueye is a Grass and Ghost Type Pokémon who is the evolved form of Dartrix who is the evolved form of Rowlet, who is one of the three starter Pokémon of the Alola Region. Masahiro Sakurai changed his mind on adding Decidueye when he thought Incineroar would be more interesting since he never made a fighter with professional wrestling-based moves before.

Super Smash Bros. Fighters - Pokémon series - 07 Greninja

 

Super Smash Bros. Fighters - Pokémon series - 07 Greninja

Debut

In the Pokémon series: Pokémon X and Pokémon Y (2013)
In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U (2014)

Boxing Ring Title: Master of Stealth

Theme Song: Battle! (Trainer Battle) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y

Greninja: the Ninja Pokémon. Water and Dark Type. #658 in the Pokédex. Greninja is the evolved form of Frogadier, who is the evolved form of Froakie, who is the one of the three starter Pokémon in the Kalos Region. If you chose the Grass type Chespin, your friendly rival Shauna will pick Froakie. On the flipside, if you choose the Fire type Fennekin, your main rival - either Serena or Calem - will pick Froakie. Froakie evolves into Frogadier at Level 16, who then evolves into Greninja at Level 36.

As a species, Greninja tend to move about with the speed and the grace of a ninja, and it uses this fact to toy with foes in battle by utilizing hit-'n-run tactics, hitting the foes with Water Shurikens while trying to keep out of the foe's sight. When Greninja isn't in battle, it's mostly quiet and reserved, sometimes observing its surrounding with its watchful eyes. Oh, and the pink scarf its wearing? That's actually its tongue. Greninja have a higher chance of being male than female.

Notable Greninja include Ash's Greninja from "Pokémon the Series: XY." As shown in episode 92 "Cloudy Fate, Bright Future," Ash's Greninja, back when he was a little Froakie, lived near a pond with others of his kind. While all the Froakie there loved to play, he preferred to isolate himself to train for battles instead, which eventually caused the other Froakie to see him as a disturbance and attack him. He was then rescued and restored to full health by Nurse Joy, during which he learned that he could become stronger if a capable Pokémon Trainer raised him. Froakie was then given to Professor Sycamore, a man who gave new trainers their first Pokémon to begin their adventure. Froakie journeyed with many trainers, but he would always end up returning to Professor Sycamore's lab, as the Trainers he journeyed with lacked something he was looking for: love.

Fraokie made his proper debut in Episode 1: "Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!" One day while roaming around Lumiose City, Froakie happened to spot Ash Ketchum and Pikachu after they got kicked out of the Gym's security system, and decided to keep an eye on them. When the Team Rocket Trio - comprised of Jessie, James, and Meowth - interrupted a friendly battle Ash was having with a boy named Clement, Froakie stepped in to help fend them off, which left him weak and injured. Ash would rush Froakie back to Professor Sycamore's lab so he could be healed. Here, he asked about Froakie's trainer, only to be informed that Froakie's trainer was planning on returning him because of Froakie's disobedience. 

The Team Rocket Trio, recovering from their previous defeat, would disguise themselves as scientists to steal the Pokémon living at Sycamore's Lab. Froakie recognizes them and informs a nearby Garchomp. The Team Rocket Trio decide to test out a ring device they made on Froakie, but it ends up capturing Garchomp instead. The device malfunctions, which causes Garhcomp to go on a rampage throughout Lumiose City. Ash, Pikachu, and Froakie would chase her down to the top of Prism Tower, where they manage to break the ring device and save her. All of these events make Froakie realize that Ash is the Pokémon Trainer he was looking for, and so the next day would join Ash's team.

During their travels, Froakie would be shown to be a loyal and protective ally with a huge sense of honor, though he notably would feel embarrassed if he lost in a bad way. In Episode 52 "A Stealthy Challenge," Froakie would evolve into Frogadier. Later on in Episode 100 "A Festival of Decisions," Frogadier would evolve into Greninja.

Once Ash's Greninja became a... Greninja, he would also acquire a unique form called "Ash-Greninja," a transformation that would occasionally occur due to the bond Greninja and Ash had. It took a awhile While Greninja is noticeably stronger as Ash-Greninja, any pain he receives during battle would also be transferred to his trainer as well.

Once Ash's adventures in Kalos were over, Greninja would choose to stay in the region and help protect the Kalos region with the two Zygarde cells, Squishy and Z2.

In Super Smash Bros., Greninja uses his speed and stealth to gain the upperhand! He's also not above pulling some dirty tactics to win. This is a Pokémon to watch out for!

Special Moves 

Neutral Special: Water Shuriken

By holding the Special Button, Greninja charges up a Water Shuriken. Once it's all charged up, Greninja will automatically toss it forward, though you can also have him throw it earlier by simply letting go off the Special Button.

A fully charged Water Shuriken will drag any foes that it hits with it before flinging them away, while a not-fully charged one will disappear after hitting the foe, though it compensates by being faster.

Inspired by the move, Water Shuriken, introduced in "Pokémon X & Y". Water Shuriken is a Special Water Type move with a power of 15, and the potential to hit a foe 2-5 times. It also has a priority of 1, meaning the user will act first unless the foe is using a higher priority move, or is faster when using a move with the same priority. (in case of a speed tie, it's random who goes first) This move was the signature move of the Greninja line until "Pokémon Sword & Shield".

Greninja learns this move when its prior form, Frogadier, evolves into Greninja. 

Side Special: Shadow Sneak

A shadow appears in front of Greninja, and as long as you hold the Special Button, it moves a certain distance away from him.

After a few seconds - or if you release the Special Button - Greninja disappears and reappears where the shadow was, attacking anyone nearby.

Greninja is able to freely move and jump around while using the move, though he is unable to dash or attack until he executes Shadow Sneak. As Greninja moves, the Shadow will remain at a relative distance away from him. If the shadow goes off the stage, Greninja will simply teleport near the ledge if he's on the ground.

Inspired by the move, Shadow Sneak, introduced in "Pokémon Diamond & Pearl". Shadow Sneak is a Physical Ghost Type move with a power of 40 and a priority of 1, meaning the user will act first unless the foe is using either a higher priority move, or is faster when using a move with the same priority. (in case of a speed tie, it's random who goes first)

Greninja needs to visit a Move Relearner in order to use this move. 

Up Special: Hydro Pump

Greninja shoots water out of his hand to fling himself in whatever direction you're holding, with upwards being the default if nothing is held. The liquid Greninja is shooting can also push foes away and deal minor damage.

Greninja can also fire himself in another direction during the halfway point of Hydro Pump's distance, otherwise he'll continue to fling himself in the same direction he's currently traveling.

Inspired by the move, Hydro Pump, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue". Hydro Pump is a Special Water Type attack with a power of 120 (in Gens 1-5) or 110 (in Gen 6 onwards) though it has an accuracy of 80%.

Greninja tends to learn this move in the later levels. 

Down Special: Substitute

Greninja strikes a pose. If he gets hit during it...

... Greninja gets replaced by a Substitute doll!

After which he reappears while delivering a powerful flying kick! Depending on the direction you're holding will depend on where Greninja reappears for his counter attack, otherwise it's randomly chosen.

Sometimes instead of a doll, Greninja will be replaced by a log. Speaking of which, both the doll and the log will stick around on the stage for a bit before vanishing. During this, they can block projectile attacks, making them situational shields of sorts.

Loosely inspired by the move, Substitute, in "Pokémon Red & Blue". Substitute is a Status Normal Type move that gives the Pokémon a Substitue Doll to hide behind, but they have to sacrifice about 25% of their maximum health to set it up, and if doing so would KO them, it'll fail. The Doll will have the same amount of health the user lost to summon it, and it'll take every hit except for Sound-based moves, like Hyper Voice, as well as a select few other moves. In Super Smash Bros., Greninja will not take any damage from using it, and it will also allow Greninja to block and counter Sound-based moves. The use of a log is a reference to popular folklore of ninja using it as a substitute/body-replacement to escape danger.

Greninja tends to learn this in some of the later levels. 

Final Smash: Secret Ninja Attack

Greninja transforms into Ash-Greninja, and uses Mat Block to fling any opponents in front of him up towards the top-center of the stage.

Ash-Greninja then begins barraging the opponent with various attacks...

...before slamming them back down towards the ground! After that, Ash-Greninja will then turn back into Greninja.

If Ash-Greninja fails to hit anyone with his Mat Block, then the move fails and he'll turn back into Greninja.

Very loosely inspired by the move, Mat Block, in "Pokémon X & Y". Mat Block is a Status Fighting Type move that will block any move that isn't a Status move for the user, as well as the user's allies. The move doesn't have any increased priority, so if the user goes last, then Mat Block does nothing. It must be used on the first turn that the Pokémon is sent out, otherwise it'll fail on every subsequent turn. The only way to use it at that point would be to switch it out with a different Pokémon and then put it back into the fight. Mat Block was the Signature Move of Greninja until "Pokémon Sun & Moon." Greninja would have to visit the Move Relearner to use it. Unlike it's portrayal in Super Smash Bros., it has no offensive utility, nor does it send opponents to the sky.

The barrage of attacks and overall aesthetics could be inspired by the move, Night Slash, introduced in "Pokémon Diamond & Pearl." Night Slash is a Physical Dark Type move with a power of 70 and has a high chance of scoring a critical hit. Greninja learns this move at the later levels, though it could also visit a Move Relearner to learn it sooner.

Ash-Greninja is a form that debuted in "Pokémon the Series: XY." Ash's Greninja obtained it while trying to protect Pikachu. Ash-Greninja would later on appear in the games through a unique Greninja having the ability, "Battle Bond". Upon scoring a KO, Greninja would transform into Ash-Greninja and have increased power.

Additional Notes 

While incredibly weak. Greninja's Down Taunt can damage and opponents and fling them skywards. Despite the previous statement, it is capable of KOing foes, but only at ludicrous damage percentages.

Although Greninja is a Water type, he can still drown if you leave him to swim in the water for too long. Don't think about it too much, I suppose.

To celebrate Greninja joining the cast of "Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U", a special Greninja was distributed to players of "Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire" in Japan from December 9, 2014, to March 25, 2015. This Greninja was male and at level 36, and had the same attacks as he does in Super Smash Bros. (Water Shuriken, Shadow Sneak, Hydro Pump, and Substitute.)

Unlike the other Pokémon fighters, who were chosen due to their popularity in other media - like "Pokémon  the Series" - Greninja was chosen before it was even revealed to the public. Masahiro Sakurai wanted someone from the (then) upcoming "Pokémon X & Y" to join the battle, and decided to go with Greninja after looking through the concept art of various Pokémon Game Freak had made. Pretty lucky that Greninja turned out to be quite a popular Pokémon, huh?

Pokemon Legends Arceus revealed at Pokemon Direct! Remakes of Diamond & Pearl also confirmed!

 

The Pokemon Company held a direct today to reveal upcoming events for Pokemon Sword, Pokemon Shield and Pokemon Masters EX; as well as reveal new info about the upcoming New Pokemon Snap and two new projects.

Fans of the Nintendo DS games, Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl, will be happy to know that the games are getting remade on the Nintendo Switch and titled Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl. They are being developed by Ilca Inc., who also worked on Pokemon Home.

Compared to Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, these games take a more chibi-style approach to it's artwork akin to "The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening" remake on Nintendo Switch. At least when exploring the overworld. In battle, the humans return their more normal-looking look.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl put the player in the cold region of Sinnoh. After picking their starter Pokemon - Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup - players journey throughout the region to find and catch Pokemon, beat the eight Gum Leaders, become Champion, and stop nefarious schemes of Team Galactic.

While previous remakes tended to give the characters new looks/clothes, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl seem to have forgone this and just keep the characters as-is. It is currently unknown if certain elements from Pokemon Platinum will be included or not, or if you can customize your character's appearance.

For those looking for something different, than they should be pleased to hear about Pokemon Legends Arceus! Just like Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends Arceus takes place in Sinnoh, though the adventure takes place years in the past before those two games happen. Playing as either Dawn or Lucas - or at least their similar-looking ancestors - the player starts off with either a Rowlet, an Oshawott, or a Cyndaquil as they journey across the land to discover the legend of Arceus and find out how Sinnoh - and the Pokemon World - came to be.

The game is planning on shaking up the classic formula that Pokemon has rigidly followed, for better or worse. Following on the footsteps of Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Legends Arceus looks to be an open-world adventure where the player can go anywhere, akin to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Catching is slightly different in this game, as the player must try and learn a Wild Pokemon's pattern, sneak up on it, and then try and aim a Poke Ball at it in hopes of catching it. If the player walks into a Wild Pokemon, they enter a battle against it. However, a new mechanic introduced in this game can allow players to try and sneak attack Wild Pokemon by taking out a Poke Ball that contains one of their Pokemon team members and tossing it near the Wild Pokemon.

The Pokemon Company also briefly revealed some new info on New Pokemon Snap. Within the Lental region, you and your rival Phil will be helping Professor Mirror and his assistant Rita by getting photos of various Pokemon, as well as investigate the mysterious Ilumina phenomenon. The Ilumina phenomenon is a strange orb of light that the professor created, and if you throw it at a Pokemon, it'll glow and be worth more points. Sometimes it'll even make a Pokemon do something different. For an example, there's a Scorbunny who is kicking the air and leaving a trail of fire behind it. If you throw the orb at Scorbunny, the flames will become blue!

As for other news, players of Pokemon Sword and Shield have a chance to fight - as well as try to capture - Gigantamax Pikachu. Meanwhile, players of Pokemon Cafe Mix who log on will receive 2500 Golden Acorns. Both of these are available from 02/25/2021 to 2/28/2021.

For Pokemon Go players,  Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Mewtwo will be showing up as Raid Bosses from 2/20/2021 to 3/1/2021

And finally, for players of Pokemon Masters EX, Galar Champion Leon and his Charizard will be available to recruit to your growing team from 2/25/2021 to 3/17/2021.

New Pokemon Snap wll arrive on the 30th of April, while Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokmeon Shining Pearl are expected to be released sometime this year. Pokemon Legends Arceus will be released sometime next year.

Pre-order New Pokemon Snap here!

Super Smash Bros. Fighters - Pokémon series - 06 Lucario

Debut

In the Pokémon series:

In the "Pokémon the Series" animated adaption (first appearance): Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005) 

In the games

As a cameo: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team (2005) 
Proper debut: Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl (2006)

In the Super Smash Bros. series: Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)

Boxing Ring Title: Master of Aura

Theme Song: Battle! (Wild Pokémon) - Pokémon Diamond / Pokémon Pearl

Lucario, the Aura Pokémon. Fighting and Steel Type. #448 in the Pokédex. Lucario is the evolved form of Riolu. Riolu will evolve into Lucario if it has high friendship with its trainer, and only during the day,

As a species, Lucario possess a strong sense of justice and are quite prideful, though they are also loyal to a fault. Lucario have strong connections to aura, using it to sense where people or Pokémon are half-a-mile away. It can even use aura to read minds and anticipate an opponents moves, though sometimes it may learn some disturbing things that the person is thinking. Lucario is also capable of using aura in its attacks, like its iconic Aura Sphere attack. Lucario is capable of understanding human language, some even using telepathic powers to communicate with humans. Lucario are carnivores, though it has also been seen eating berries and plants, and some are even shown enjoying the taste of chocolate! Lucario tend to live deep in the mountains, away from others to improve its skills. Lucario have a higher chance of being male than female.

In "Pokémon Diamond & Pearl" the player first sees a Lucario owned by the trainer, Riley, on Iron Island. Riley and Lucario decide to help the player traverse the islands mines. Once they find out that some of Team Galactic's grunts are hiding on the island, Riley and Lucario help the player deal with them. Afterwards Riley gives the player a Pokémon Egg. If the player keeps it in their party, Riolu will hatch out of the egg! As long as they treat Riolu well, it won't be long before the player has their own Lucario!

Notable Lucario include the Lucario from the movie "Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew" which aired during the "Pokémon the Series: Ruby & Sapphire" season. 1,000 years ago, Lucario trained under a man named Sir Aaron, a knight of the Cameran Palace and a master of aura, to learn how to better control and refine his own aura. During their training, Aaron came to view Lucario as a friend, though Lucario only saw their relationship as nothing more than "master and student." Some time later, a massive war broke out near the Kingdom, and they were both sent out to try and stop it. During their trek to get there, Lucario, who rushed on ahead, gets blinded by some Houndoom kicking sand in his face, after which Aaron catches up and tells Lucario that he (Aaron) will not be returning. Lucario takes this to mean that Sir Aaron is abandoning the kingdom, but before he can do anything, he gets sealed away in Sir Aaron's staff.

1,000 years later, Lucario is released from the staff by Ash Ketchum during the Cameran Palace's "Hero of the Year" tournament celebration. Due to still being blinded by the sand, as well as completely unaware that centuries have passed, he initially mistakes Ash for Sir Aaron due to both of them sharing similar auras. Once Queen Ilene explains to Lucario that he's no longer from his time period, Lucario becomes angry upon learning that the kingdom has been celebrating and praising Sir Aaron as a hero. Ash's Pikachu is then discovered to be missing, having been dragged off by Mew earlier during an incident, so Lucario is assigned by Queen Ilene to help Ash and friends by guiding them to where Mew is hiding. While Lucario agrees to do so due to him trusting the descendant of the his former queen, he has a huge amount of distrust towards every other human, due what Sir Aaron did to him. Over the course of the adventure, Lucario slowly learns to trust Ash and friends.

During their trip to find Mew, they happen to stumble upon some Time Flowers, unique flowers that show visions of what happened many years ago. While the second Time Flower the group find causes them to wonder if Aaron truly did abandon the kingdom, it's not until they find the third and fourth Time Flowers that reveal the reason why Sir Aaron did what he did: it was because he knew that, to stop the war, he would have to give all of his aura to Mew so it can give it to the Tree of Life. However, this process would kill him. He knew if Lucario learned about this, he would either risk his life with him, or decide to sacrifice himself to save Aaron, so he sealed Lucario away in his staff to spare him. Upon learning of the truth, Lucario changes his attitude towards Sir Aaron.

After saving Pikachu, Ash and Lucario would use their Aura to save Mew and the Tree of Life, both who have grown sick and are dying. However, in the last few seconds, Lucario shoves Ash out of the way to save him and ends up sacrificing himself to revive Mew. Mew would then use Lucario's power to save the Tree of Life. With his time running out, Lucario would rest himself near the crystals where Aaron is, and would give some final words to Ash, Pikachu, and Mew before passing away.

Some time later, when Ash and friends head back to the castle, the mural painting of Sir Aaron has been modified to include Lucario. During the credits, a scene shows Lucario reuniting with Aaron, and two have chocolate together.

Notable Lucario in the games - besides the previously mentioned one with Riley - is Korrina's two Lucario in "Pokémon X & Y." She and her two Lucario were doing some special training, but once the player enters Route 5, one of Korrina's Lucario runs off to find the player, as he has taken an interest to them. Korrina catches up, notices this, and apologizes if the Lucario was bugging them. Later on in Geosenge Town, the player meets up with them again, and this time she challenges the player to a battle with her two Lucario. 

Finally, the player encounters them again at her hometown of Shalour Town. After proving themselves worthy of owning a Mega Ring and beating her at her gym, she gives the player said ring. That's when the Lucario who took a liking to the player decides he wants to journey with the player. After a battle with Korrina to show off how Mega Evolution works, Korrina allows the player to take Lucario with them if they choose to do so.

In Super Smash Bros., Lucario uses his aura abilities to keep ahead of the competition! Even if he's losing, you'll soon learn that Lucario won't give up so easily!

Special Moves

Neutral Special: Aura Sphere 

Lucario charges up a sphere of aura. Pressing the Special Button again will have him fire it. Depending on how much you charge it will depend on how big, fast, and powerful it is. You can cancel the charge by shielding, or moving left or right.

Anyone who happens to run into the Aura Sphere as Lucario is charging it will take minor damage. It can potentially hit an opponent multiple times, but this benefit is not to be relied on.

Inspired by the move, Aura Sphere, introduced in "Pokémon Diamond & Pearl." Aura Sphere is a Special Fighting Type move with a power of 90 (in Gens 4 and 5) or 80 (in Gens 6 and onwards). Aura Sphere will always successfully hit its target unless they are in an semi-invulnerable state, though the "always hit" part of the move is not included in Super Smash Bros.

Lucario learns this move at the high levels, though starting in "Pokémon Sun & Moon" it learns it as soon as a Riolu evolves into it.

Side Special: Force Palm

Lucario extends his hand and fires a blast of aura in front of him.

If used up-close to an opponent, Lucario will grab them and then blast them with aura at point-blank range!

Inspired by the move, Force Palm, introduced in "Pokémon Diamond & Pearl". Force Palm is a Physical Fighting Type move with a power of 60, and has a 30% chance of paralyzing the foe.

Lucario used to be learn this move at very low levels, but starting in "Pokémon X & Y" it can no longer learn it. However, its younger form, Riolu, can still learn Force Palm.

Up Special: Extreme Speed

Lucario pauses for a sec, before flying off in whatever direction you're holding, the default being upwards if nothing is held. Lucario can also change his trajectory as he's flying. The move does no damage to opponents...

... except at the very end of the move, where it deals decent knockback.

Lucario can also briefly cling to walls if he aims at one while using the move. 

Inspired by the move, Extreme Speed, introduced in "Pokémon Gold & Silver". Extreme Speed is a Physical Normal Type move with a power of 80 and a priority of 2, meaning the user will go first even if they are slower than the opponent, unless the opponent uses a higher priority move, or also uses Extreme Speed and is faster. (in the case of a speed tie, it's randomly decided who attacks first) Back in "Pokémon Gold & Silver", it was the signature move of Arcanine.

Lucario learns this move at the higher levels.

Down Special: Double Team

Lucario strikes a pose. If anyone hits him during this, Lucario teleports away...

... and reappears a certain distance away, yelling "Weak!" as he flies straight towards the opponent to deliver a powerful kick! Holding left or right will decide where Lucario will reappear to perform his flying kick, otherwise it's randomly chosen.

Loosely inspired by the move, Double Team, introduced in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Double Team is a Status Normal Type move that increases a Pokémon's evasion slightly. The move does not act as a counteract like it does in Super Smash Bros.

Lucario can learn this move through the use of a TM, at least until "Pokémon Sword & Shield" removed Lucario's ability to do so.

Final Smash: Aura Storm

Lucario starts off by Mega Evolving into Mega Lucario while shouting "Max Aura!"

Lucario then flies towards the top-center of the stage and unleashes Aura Storm! Opponents that get hit will have a hard time escaping! Pressing left or right will have Mega Lucario slowly tilt himself to aim towards that direction.

Near the end of the move, Mega Lucario will fire a stronger blast, which flings anyone trapped in the beam away. After which Lucario reverts back to normal and returns to the stage.

Aura Storm is original to Super Smash Bros., though it seems to be inspired by Lucario's aura abilities. The attack itself resembles Hyper Beam, a move that debuted in "Pokémon Red & Blue." Hyper Beam is a powerful Special Normal Type move with a power of 150 and an accuracy of 90%, though after using it the Pokémon will waste their next turn due to having to recover from using it. Lucario is capable of learning Hyper Beam through the use of a TM.

Mega Lucario is a special form Lucario can obtain that debuted in "Pokémon X & Y." Once the player obtains the Mega Ring, the Mega Evolution Stone Lucarionite, and a Lucario, giving the Lucarionite to Lucario and entering battle will give you the option to Mega Evolve Lucario. Mega Lucario is stronger than regular Lucario, and has the ability "Adaptability," which increases the power of moves that share the same type as Mega Lucario. (in this case, Fighting and Steel type moves)

Additional Notes

Lucario has a unique gimmick: Aura's Power! Essentially, when Lucario has fewer KO's than his opponents, has been KO'd more than the others, has taken a lot of damage in regular battles, and/or his HP pretty low in Stamina Mode, his moves that involve aura get stronger! As you can probably guess, his Special Moves also get effected by this. For example...

Aura Sphere can get even bigger and faster!

Force Palm's beams fire even farther...

... while using Force Palm to grab someone could be devastating! (For the opponent, that is!)

Lucario can also fly pretty far with Extreme Speed, though this could also lead to you accidentally flinging Lucario off the stage if you're not careful.

Of course, Aura's Power does have a limit. For example, assuming no one has scored a KO yet, it'll max out if Lucario manages to survive to 190% damage.