Another thread discussing intro songs got me thinking about the show again so I ask of you, what do you think the greatest pokemon battle ever was?
For me it was Ash vs Paul at the league. In my opinion Paul was the greatest rival. I think we could all see a bit of ourselves in Paul, the way he went about things. Releasing pokemon that weren’t up to his standard, using strategies which harmed his own pokemon to gain an advantage without a second thought. The rivalry was developed well throughout that part of the series and it all came together beautifully with their final battle at league. That battle was fucking personal. Not just between them, but between Paul and Infernape. The battle was overall pretty good and although you knew it was going to be close it was still quite enjoyable to watch, knowing that the epic climax was coming, speaking of which:
Spoiler
I remember when that Final flare blitz went through feeling completely unsure about who was going to win as Ash had been disappointed so many times before. I waited for that recoil from Flare blitz, unsure if that was going to spell the end of Infernape. When it seemed like it would hang on you waited for the burn damage to hit Electivire and man was it glorious, perfect amount of timing between the two for maximum effect. If you havnt seen it go and watch it to find out who wins.
Their have been some awesome other battles over the series however the only other one that REALLY hit me in the feels was with Guzma and his Golisopod vs Ash. The character development of Guzma was absolutely stunning.
Side point: Worst moments in battles?
Gladion throwing a fire drive or whatever into silvally so it could tank turtinators inferno overdrive. That was probably hands down the most pissed off I have been at how a battle has gone, absolutely ridiculous.
Ash’s Metapod Vs the Samurai kid’s Metapod. Never seen anything so intense.
Ash Vs Paul comes in close second for me. Very good build-up and payoff. Also the realization of having more than one ways to train your Pokemon and be a really good trainer.
Ash Vs Brandon was hype because Ash’s Kanto Pokemon made a return and Bulbasaur was a total boss in that fight.
My favorite doesn’t have a trainer involved. Rather, it would be Rayquaza vs Deoxys in the destiny deoxys movie. They literally tear up the North Pole and then half of LaRousse city. Perfect amounts of destruction and classic 2000’s animation. I could watch the battle just by listening to it.
When Bulbasaur learns Solarbeam against team rocket trying to capture all the Ivysaur/Venusaur. I remember rewinding my VHS tape as a kid to watch that scene over and over again.
Orange Islands had some good ones. My favourite would probably Ash vs Drake, but Ash vs Rudy (not from Alpha Investments) was also great: Squirtle learning hydro pump in midair, set against the backdrop of both of them fighting for Misty’s affection.
