TLDR;
This video explores the intriguing anomalies in Pokémon data, particularly focusing on the mysterious “???” type and the inner workings behind the Curse move. It delves into the historical context of Pokémon game development, the origins of the lost Doll Pokémon Norowara, and how the Curse move underwent significant changes throughout the generations. The video concludes with the legacy of the “???” type and its eventual removal in the context of Arceus’s creation.
- The data structure of Pokémon games assigned index numbers to Types, with an unused slot for the mysterious “???” type.
- Norowara, a removed voodoo doll Pokémon, had a unique evolutionary feature that highlighted the complexities of early game mechanics.
- The Curse move features different effects depending on its user type and went through multiple iterations before its defined place in the game.
The Anomaly in the Data [0:00]
The Pokémon games categorize Types with internal index numbers for programming. Early generations sorted Types into physical (0-20) and special damage categories, with some unused slots designated for potential future Types. This foresight allowed for the introduction of new Types in Generation 2, including the Steel Type. Notably, an enigmatic “???” type took up index 19, with its origins linked to the move Curse, which had varying effects depending on whether it was used by a Ghost Pokémon or not.
The Lost Doll [3:00]
The development of Generation 2 introduced unique moves, including Curse, which features a dual effect based on the user’s Type. While the Ghost version of Curse involves self-damage, the non-Ghost version boosts Attack and Defense at the cost of Speed. The video discusses the peculiar lost Pokémon, Norowara, a voodoo doll that attempted to evolve with each level. This concept of continuous evolution raised questions about its gameplay balance. Additionally, Norowara’s signature move “hit the nail” mirrors the mechanics of Curse.
The "???" Type [8:16]
The video's investigation into the “???” type reveals a shift in development that led to the dual functionality of Curse. Initially, both Ghost and non-Ghost uses of Curse functioned the same, but the developers eventually differentiated them, leading to the need for a new category. This Type's neutrality was established to avoid complications with interactions. Speculation follows on why such an effort was put into the complexity, possibly due to fascination with the move's mechanics, leading to its establishment as a featured element within certain game elements, such as the Ecruteak Gym.
Arceus's Quiet Erasure [14:50]
The discourse transitions to the impact of Generation 4’s Arceus, which required data structures for all Types, including the problematic “???” type. This led to concerns about potential glitches within the game if an Arceus of the “???” type were to be accessed. Ultimately, the decision to retain the “???” type until the next generation prevented unforeseen complications. In Generation 5, the “???” type was finally removed alongside Curse being reclassified back to its Ghost type. This subtle yet significant alteration concluded the “???” type's legacy, which went largely unnoticed by the Pokémon community.
