Pokémon have some incredible designs that show how awesome, cute, or terrifying the in-game creatures can be. Some even have beta versions that changed during development and became the ones we know and love. That’s one of the reasons why 2D sprites are still beloved to this day. But that’s not to discredit the modern 3D models GameFreak use today for their more recent titles. Some Pokémon benefit from appearing in 3D. Just look at Porygon-Z, Rotom, and Ludicolo, to name a few. But are all 3D models an improvement from the 2D animated sprites?
To answer that, it depends on the specific Pokémon. Not all 3D models are exactly perfect. Some happen to be a downgrade of the ones that originate from 2D sprites. Due to 3D models opting for simpler animations compared to the amazing ones for the 2D sprites, there are a handful that just take away the spirit the Pokémon have. Here’s a list of ten Pokémon that completely lost their charm moving to 3D.
10 Hippowdon
One of the saddest things about transitioning from 2D to 3D has to be whenever the Pokémon loses a type of animation that has to do with its typing. From Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Hippowdon was not the most viable Pokémon for competitive battling, but it has an awesome design accompanying it with gender differences and sand pouring from its backports and sometimes nostrils.
When it turned into a 3D model, Hippowdon lost some of its cool features and shows up as a typical hippopotamus. Why couldn’t Hippowdon have a little bit of sand coming from the backport to show off how strong and cool it can be? Perhaps only Game Freak knows at this point.
9 Purrloin
We must ask this question: why in the world is Purrloin standing on two feet? In the sprites for Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, is sitting down like a normal cat, differentiating itself from classics like Meowth. For whatever reason, 3D models have the Dark-type cat stand on two legs. Even Ivysaur stood on its hind legs, but that was during the first generation games and Game Freak corrected it in later games.
To our relief, Liepard still stands like how a real-life leopard should be doing. It is definitely a story we need to hear from Game Freak on the questionable decisions that lead to Purrloin standing up like a person or other humanoid Pokémon.
8 Sceptile
Is there anything wrong with Sceptile’s 3D model? Not really, but it does pale in comparison to the epic 2D sprites it had ever since its debut in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Especially in the Gen V games, the animations for Sceptile are awesome and give the Forest Pokémon some flair.
At the very least, the 3D model for Sceptile’s Mega Evolution is honestly really cool, giving it a laid back, but magnificent stance when it becomes a half-Dragon-type ready to be more offensive, fast, and slightly bulkier. Thankfully for Sceptile, it does not have the worst transition from 2D to 3D for the final evolved starter Pokémon. That unfortunate honor goes to…
7 Typhlosion
When Typhlosion does not get the show off its threatening and fierce stance, it looks like a giant weasel. The poor Volcano Pokémon has been reduced to the fiery and outstanding Johto starter to a Pokémon that’s just there. By having its flames exposed, then later animated to have it burn brightly, Typhlosion rivals to the other Fire-type Pokémon just for its 2D sprites alone.
In defense of Typhlosion, it does have decent attacking animations, but those last a few seconds when you will mostly see it stand somewhat awkwardly. As one of the beloved final evolved starter Pokémon, Typhlosion deserved better.
6 Xatu
Xatu has a decent 3D model. In fact, it just looks great in the modern Pokémon games, but its problem has to do with its constant need for flying when it is bipedal and could stand just like in its debut from Pokémon Gold and Silver. Add the fact that its design is based on Native American totems, and by design, they stand on their feet.
Fans have noted that Xatu looks incredibly awkward just flying still and not feeling tired whatsoever. Even if it can fly and is half Flying-type, the 2D sprites were more faithful to Xatu’s design concepts.
5 Nidoking
Nidoking and Nidoqueen could have shared a spot on this list, but the former appears on the list for losing some of his cool in moving from 2D sprites to 3D models. For one of the OG Pokémon, Game Freak could have done so much more to make Nidoking the imposing classic Gen I Pokémon stand out while new Pokémon are being introduced in future generations. Instead of just moving his arms, preparing for battle, he stands idly, being more relaxed than he needs to be.
By losing his intimidating and ferocious appeal, Nidoking appears very basic and cannot compare to other 3D models such as Mr. Mime and Charizard’s Mega Evolutions. If Game Freak or another developer can make the Drill Pokémon look cool like in the good old days, then it will be when the king ascends to the throne.
4 Hitmontop
How can one Pokémon like Hitmontop go from spinning upside down without breaking a sweat to standing on its short legs preparing for some sort of dance contest? That would be another question we’d ask Game Freak. By not consistently spinning upside down, the Fighting-type Pokémon loses points for being the memorable and awesome debut from Gen II. Not only that, it takes away its name in Japanese, inspired from the Brazilian martial art capoeira.
If there is one thing to say positive about Hitmontop’s transformation from 2D to 3D, its 3D model funnily has the privilege of being a meme with its simple movements that can be edited into a dance depending on the music’s tempo.
3 Marshtomp
For having one of the most infamous 3D models in current Pokémon games, Marshtomp takes the glory for having one of the unintentionally funniest models ever. Its 2D sprites showcase the Mud Fish Pokémon smiling and having a cheerful attitude overall. That all changed when Marshtomp made the move to 3D and it looks like it is staring into space never blinking unless it moves.
Marshtomp looks really derpy that it has been meme’d to death. The end results are wholesomely positive even if the 3D model does look super silly at best. Luckily for Marshtomp, it would evolve into the physical fighter Swampert and show those the truth definition of the famous saying, “Be careful who you call ugly in middle school.”
2 Salamence
Similar to Xatu, Salamence is one of the many Pokémon that just flies idly. What makes it ironic is that could have used Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness’ Salamence 3D sprite as a reference so that it does not continuously fly. If Flying-types have are bipedal at most, they should at least stand in their models to conserve their energy in a realistic way.
To Salamence’s credit, its Mega Evolution at least gives it a reason to rely on its wings to fly due to tucking in its forelegs. Salamence is still one of the coolest Pokémon from the third generation, but it is another victim to the 2D to 3D transfer.
1 Eelektross
There was no doubt that Eelektross would appear on this list. It had one of the most menacing, but coolest sprites from the fifth generation games. Its 2D animation involved has its lights come from the yellow spots on its body and swaying side to side and jumping with confidence. But then Gen VI happened…
Ever since Pokémon X and Y, it fell from grace by having an unsettling 3D model, despite being more realistic to an electric eel and its movements. Many fans have agreed that Eelektross has one of the worst glow ups in the mainline games, effectively losing its charm and what makes it one of the coolest Pokémon from the fifth generation.
