Part 11: Bugs and Wells and Sticks (HGSS)

Update 09.5: Bugs and Wells and Sticks (HGSS)

Slowpoke Well



It's time for another delicious serving of HGSS content. Yum yum. And here's eyecatches. Really should've been showing them off, but I forget a few things here and there, unfortunately. The journey here wasn't very interesting, Union Cave is practically the same, though Route 33 has perpetual rain.



: The guard up top took off when I shouted at him. But then I took a tumble down the well. I slammed down hard on my back, so I can't move.

: Rats! If I were fit, my Pokémon would've punished them... Ah, it can't be helped. Kotone, show them how gutsy you are in my place!

Team Rocket Battle



Still have Team Rocket with their fabulous music.



But, uh, this guy is new.



: I am often labeled as the scariest and cruelest guy in Team Rocket... I strongly urge you not to interfere with out business!







(The new Team Rocket Executives all have their names based on, well, rockets. Proton comes from the Proton UR-500 rocket, which is an expendable launch system (only used once and usually to send big stuff into space) first used for commercial and Russian government use in 1965. Lance, meanwhile (no, not THAT Lance) comes from the MGM-52 Lance, a nuclear or conventional surface-to-surface missile first deployed by the US army in 1972.)



For the meanest, cruelest guy in Team Rocket, his Pokemon aren't too impressive, but he's taken a level hit compared to his GSC counterpart due to using two Pokemon. I also find it's a bit dumb that the executives don't get animated sprites.

"with us..."

Maybe cause you're being massive pricks.

"I didn't see it coming."

Overall, not particularly difficult, as the GSC trainer wasn't that tough either.



: A small obstacle like you won't be much of a problem for our mission. I advise you to be very afraid of what is to come!

Azalea Town



Blah blah blah, Proton. Anyway, we get a Fast Ball as a reward instead of a Lure Ball and, like with Crystal, we can give him multiple of an Apricorn. We also have a nice little collection since unlike GSC where there are only three locations to obtain the various colours, there's now plenty to find around Johto and even Kanto. It's pretty great, especially since all the balls actually work properly now. I'll go over their updated effects here so I don't grind this update to a stop.



We can also get Kurt's number, so he'll ring us when the balls are done. Pretty nifty. The only other new number we've gotten so far is Professor Oak's, but that does what you'd expect.



Well those were some interesting steps. Anyway, Gym time.

Pokemon Gym



Oh hey, it's an actual Gym puzzle this time! Bugsy's Gym has been completely redesigned, something that's happened to a fair few leaders in this game. Ride the Spinarak cars and try your luck!



It's not very tough, since you only have three options, but it's the one on the far left. The one in the middle leads you to a trainer, while the one on the right leads you to a dead end with nothing.



Now things get a bit trickier with the introduction of levers that lower and raise some strands. Lowering the strand lets you fight one trainer.



Riding it with everything up lets you fight these two, with a proper double battle. There aren't many in the game, but it's still a nice change of pace.



We lower the blue strand, head over here and lower the orange strand. Now we can face the Gym Leader.



: My reseatch is going to make me the authority on Bug-type Pokémon! Let me demonstrate what I've learned from my studies.

Gym Leader Battle








Now this is an interesting fight. In what is currently the only time in the series, Bugsy leads off with his ace Pokemon. So if we just take it down, then we should win no problem, right?



No, of course not. Bugsy uses a pretty nasty strategy in U-turn, to deal a good chunk of damage and then switch to his other Pokemon scot free.



Thankfully he still uses the useless cocoons, so that's one down at least.



But Scyther can just come right back in and do more damage, though if you resist Bug, Bugsy will start using the other moves.



And if that thing wasn't annoying enough, it can also heal a good chunk of health.



And if THAT wasn't annoying enough, he also has a Super Potion. Try and make him waste that on one of his cocoons if you can.



Despite resisting Bug, Scyther is still dangerous with a combination of Focus Energy and Quick Attack, allowing it to just sweep if you get unlucky. This is one nasty Pokemon.



But eventually, it goes down. Man that was a really tough match, though we made it in the en-



Oh yeah, he still has one more damn thing left...



With great difficulty, I manage to beat Kakuna.



Hmm, maybe I should change the nickname now...

Pokemon Gym



Another badge down. Maybe now they'll start getting easier.



: If you have it, Pokémon up to Lv. 30 will obey you, even traded ones. Pokémon that know Cut will be able to use it outside of battle, too. Here, I also want you to have this.



: It lets your Pokémon attack, then switch with the next Pokémon in your party. Isn't that great?

: Bug-type Pokémon are deep. There are many mysteries to explore. Study your top choices thoroughly.



Yeah, U-turn is a lot better than Fury Cutter. One of the many good moves introduced in 4th gen.

Pokemon Center



Crazy things happen with steps when you have three Eggs in your party. Well, now one. Anyway, let's now head off to a new area: the Ilex Forest.

Ilex Forest



: The FARFETCH'D that cut trees for charcoal took off in the forest. Can you catch them for me? FARFETCH'D have sensitive ears. If you step on a branch, they will face towards you. That's your chance. Sneak up from behind and catch them... Do you think you can do that?

"noise when you step on a branch."

The Farfetch'd quest has changed for the better, with some puzzle aspects. Our rival is as boring and smelly as ever, so we're not covering him just yet since he hasn't really changed.



It's still not a difficult puzzle, but it's better than chasing it around a million places.



: But... There is one more missing.



Alright, here we are. This one's a little trickier.



We can't nab it from its current position, so let's just move it to somewhere where we can get it.



Like so.



Is now really the time???



Well okay then. Since this is a rare opportunity, I'll be using this fire slug on my HGSS team. We won't be seeing this sucker for a while in the main LP.



It's got some catching up to do, but it should be a worthwhile member very soon.



Especially if we give it something better than Smog, using the TM found in Union Cave.



Aaaaaaaand you know the rest. Got our first HM.

Azalea Town



And always go back to get the Charcoal. That's it for now, but I'm sure next time will be lots of fun. Pink, cute fun.