Part 44: Rocket Lollies (HGSS)

Update 35.5: Rocket Lollies

Pokemon Gym



Brr, it's time to take on Pryce's Gym. It's had a bit of a redesign, with some fun sliding puzzles. Yaaaaaaaaay.



: As you'll find, his attacks will make you shiver in this freezing Gym. Are you ready to be frozen solid? I mean--keep up a hot fighting spirit against ice!



Being the first puzzle, it isn't very difficult. Really, none of them are, but you might take a minute to figure it out. All you need to do is slide one ice block into another to "lock" them together. If you mess up, well, that's what the doors are for.



Boop.



Alright, last one. Can you figure it out?



Yeah, just that. Hopefully the battle is a bit harder.



: I, too, have seen and suffered much in my life. Since I am your elder, let me show you what I mean. I have been training Pokémon since before you were born. I do not lose easily. I, Pryce--the Winter Trainer--shall demonstrate my power!

Gym Leader Battle








Pryce has changed slightly to not be too much of a pushover, being, like, three levels higher than before. He also uses Hail and Rest strategies to be a bit annoying, but it's better than Hypnosis.



Wonderful.



If Seel didn't set up Hail, then Piloswine definitely will, so if you're unlucky, you'll be screwed over by Snow Cloak.



Still crazy weak to Water and Grass moves though.



Otherwise, not particularly notable. Final Pokemon!



Dewgong hasn't changed too much, it still sleeps, still hits you with Ice attacks, but now it can talk in its sleep and keep hitting you. You just gotta wear it down and take it out.

"I'm not giving up yet."


Survey says you're done old man.

Pokemon Gym



: With your strong will, I know you will overcome all life's obstacles. You are worthy of this Badge!



: It also lets your Pokémon use Whirlpool to get across real whirlpools. And this... This is a gift from me!



: It summons a hailstorm that lasts for five turns. The hailstorm damages all types except Ice. When the ice and snow melt, spring arrives. You and your Pokémon will be together for many years to come. Cherish your time together!




Man, that's seven badges done so I'm feeling pretty great! Nothing could bring me down after this!



I should listen to the radio and find a song to reflect my mood.

Rocket Killed the Radio Star



: ...We finally did it! Where could the boss be, I wonder? I wonder if he heard this announcement...



I'm just trying to become the champion, why do I have to get dragged along into this bullshit? Like, I'd care more if I was saving the world from end of existence. But this is just clearing out a rat infestation.



: I was told not to let anyone pass but Team Rocket! Do you understand? You are only allowed to come through when you are wearing the cool black uniform for Team Rocket!

Goldenrod City



Well, I have been dying to expand my wardrobe.



: Then we ran out of uniforms. I heard this studio has some, so I decided to "borrow" one. Since you are here, why don't you change as well?



: Oh, but you shouldn't try to scare people walking around looking like that, OK?



Oh yeah, we're the baddest and blandest team around. In a nice change from GSC, we can move around in a TR outfit for a bit to infiltrate the tower. It even changes our hair if you're playing as a boy. Oh, why am I still playing Japanese HeartGold? Uhhhhh...

"the mission!"

We can't leave town while in this outfit, nor can we Fly away or anything like that. If you did hack your game to enter a battle in this outfit... nothing would change. Oh well!



: You Gym Trainers can be a problem. Stay in the Gym and stay out of the way!



: We, as Gym Trainers, will never allow Team Rocket to do nasty things here in our city!

Rocket Killed the Radio Star

"uniform!"

: Go on ahead!

Rival Theme



Aw crap.


"What are you doing here?"

: No way... You think you're strong now that you look like them? That's foolish! You shouldn't wear those things!


"Then battle with me!"

What a crazy turn of events. I'm all hot and bothered now.



: You could spoil our plan. I have to inform the others...



: Huh! A typical idea of the meek! No matter. I'll let you handle this. I have to defeat the Dragon Tamer... What's his name...? Lance! After that...it will be your turn. Be ready for it!



I'll be waiting.

Rocket Killed the Radio Star



There not much that's changed, so straight to the top we go!



: We have decided to broadcast wonderful shows to praise Team Rocket! Everyone, I don't want to hear you complain. Just do a good job to...



: Who are you? ...Oh no, it's you again, Kotone?

"region to support Team Rocket!"

: This time I won't hold back! Give me all you've got!



Yeah, Petrel is the five Koffing, one Weezing trainer.



Fuuuuuuuuck that.



: We stashed the real Director in the underground warehouse. It's at the far end of the Goldenrod Tunnel. I am a nice guy. I will give you the Basement Key to get to the underground warehouse. Take it with gratitude!



Okay everyone, say bye Petrel, cause we're never going to seem him again. Anyway, to the Underground!

Rival Theme



: What I told you before was to deceive you. I thought it would let me tail you, and it would lead me to Lance. Well, he never showed up. ...No matter. I was planning to beat you after Lance, but since you are here, I will repay my debts!



Uhuh. Maybe I'll go over your team when it's actually ready.



The door puzzle has changed for the better, thankfully. Press the coloured switch to open the respective doors of that coloured room. It's very welcome.

Rocket Killed the Radio Star



Okay, time for the boss rush.



: Aren't you the one who got in our way at the SLOWPOKE Well? I see... You're doing all this because you want to make me angry. Be careful! But since you seem to wish it, I'll show you the full extent of a Team Rocket Executive's wrath!



He replaces the Team Rocket fortress. And is even less interesting.

"wrath grow..."

I'm sure. Two executives left.

"Mahogany Town?"

: This time... Hee hee hee. This time...it looks like you're really all alone. All alone... So it should be quite easy. Bring it! Let's finish this!




: I fought hard, but I still lost...

"bad things!"

: Feh... People like you will never in a million years understand our brilliance! It's too bad... I've really come to respect your strength.



Okay, we've got a more climactic location to face the head honcho, but are they more interesting than Rocket Executive We've Never Met Before?



The result may surprise you.



: You must be quite the Trainer. We intend to take over this Radio Tower and officially announce our comeback. That should bring our boss Giovanni back from his solitary training. We are going to regain our former glory... I will not allow you to interfere with our meticulous plans!

Team Rocket Battle




(Archer may be from the AA-11 Archer, a short air-to-air missile from the Soviet Union first used in 1984. Apollo may be named after the Apollo space program, which helped America win the Space Race, as well as the Greek god of the sun and knowledge. He's even an archer. Ehhhhhh?)



So now that the leader of Neo Team Rocket has a face and a unique appearance and name, does it make him any more interesting than nameless executive?



Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm no.

"reaches Giovanni!"

: That's impossible...



I don't really give him a fair fight since I have a Feraligatr and I was just real bored of Team Rocket by now. Bugger off now, m8.



: Our dreams have come to naught. I was not up to the task after all. Like Giovanni has done before me, I will disband Team Rocket here today. Farewell...



And that's the last we see of Team Rocket. Depending on your version, you'll get either the Rainbow Wing or Silver Wing. What do we do with those items? Well, unlike Crystal, we don't head straight off to say hi to the cover legendary, but we will be doing something with it pretty soon. But until then, I'll catch you later!