The Rite of the Island Challenge Discussion Thread

[Chaos Rush]

I'd just like to post this here for everybody's reference:

Champion's Pokemon Levels (Main Storyline):

RBY: Lv 59-65 - Blue
GSC: Lv 44-50 - Lance
RSE: Lv 55-58 - Steven and Wallace
FRLG: Lv 57-63 - Blue
DP: Lv 60-66 - Cynthia
Pt: Lv 58-62 - Cynthia
HGSS: Lv 46-50 - Lance
BW: Lv 50-52 - N*
B2W2: Lv 57-59 (Normal) - Iris**
XY: Lv 64-68 - Diantha
ORAS: Lv 55-59 - Steven

*Alder (Lv 75-77) is a post-game Champion since you fight N in the final battle in BW.
**Iris' Easy/Challenge Mode levels are unlocked post-game.


Interesting to see that despite Diantha having the highest level of Pokemon, XY was claimed by many to be the easiest game.
Saying they they are too over-leveled while ignoring the fact that the EXP Share can be turned off.

In B/W you fought Ghetsis after N, and Ghetsis was Lv52-54. Also in B2/W2 even though Easy/Challenge mode is locked until post-game, you can transfer the key to someone who hasn't beaten the game yet and play through B2/W2's story with Easy/Challenge mode on, and even the Gyms and Elite Four are affected.

Anyhow I think it's important to keep in mind that levels =/= difficulty, as the difficulty also depends on the level that you, the player, is at, and that is roughly dependent on how big the region is. Kalos, being the largest region, naturally has the highest level Champion. But Diantha is said to be the easiest because of the broken Gen 6 Exp Share.

I've played through X without ever using the Exp Share and I found Diantha's difficulty to be roughly the same as past Champions, battling her with a team of Lv60-64.

In regards to how difficult the Champion battle itself is, I found that B2W2 Challenge Mode Iris (not the rematch, but the initial battle with her) is the most difficult. I understand that not very many people got to experience this specific battle due to the stupid way B2W2's key system was done, but being fortunate enough to have gotten to experience Challenge Mode during the actual story and not just post-game, I will say that Challenge Mode Iris was the hardest non-rematch Champion battle. Not only are her levels higher, but her entire team has hold items and revised movesets, and it actually felt like I was battling a JRPG final boss. My team was around Lv55-58, while Iris's initial Challenge Mode team was Lv61-63. Elite Four was probably also the toughest out of any game, as they all had hold items and extra Pokemon (Caitlin even uses Metagross in her initial battle, while she only uses Metagross during rematches in Easy & Normal mode).

Even though B2/W2's Elite Four wasn't the highest leveled, I think B2/W2's Challenge Mode Elite Four (http://serebii.net/black2white2/elitefour.shtml) is definitely the most difficult with respect to the game's overall level curve (I'm not talking about the Lv70+ rematches, I'm talking about the initial battles, and I understand very few got to experience Challenge Mode during the actual story and not just postgame).

 

[Missingno.Fan]

My speculation:
Gyms:
Avery (Flying): an old retired war pilot with the regional bird.
Brooke (water): pirate girl whose gym looks like a ship
Hawthorne (poison): old man in a wheelchair
Tara (ground): cave diver
Ferris (steel): construction worker
Diana (ghost): a creepy little girl
Merlin (fairy): a crazy conspiracy theorist
Mildred (dark): a flapper whose gym looks like a speakeasy

Elite Four
Gemma (rock): old lady with diamond necklace
Buddy (grass): farmer guy
Cordell (electric): storm chaser
Blanche (normal): I have no idea

 

[Amanojaku]

Given the space theme, I think it'd be neat if the Gym Leaders were based on the planets on the Solar System.
1) Rock or Fire, based on Mercury (It's the closest to the sun)
2) Either Steel or Fairy, based on Venus (Venus has the densest atmosphere and is associated with the goddess of love)
3) Grass or Ground, based on Earth (Kinda obvious)
4) Fire or Fighting, based on Mars (It's associated with the god of war)
5) Electric, based on Jupiter (since the planet has lots of storms and the Roman god Jupiter throws lightning)
6) Ghost or Dark, based on Saturn (Since the Roman god Saturn is associated with Cronus, the titan of time)
7) Ice, based on Uranus (It's the coldest planet in the Solar System)
8) Water, based on Neptune (God of the sea)

 

[Ace Kenshader]

Going on the hunch that this will be based in a tropical region. Here's my guesses on Gym Leaders and Elite 4 in no particular order.

Gym
------
Normal
Dark
Ground
Flying
Bug
Poison
Grass
Water

Elite 4
---------
Fire
Electric
Rock
Fighting

Edit

Given the space theme, I think it'd be neat if the Gym Leaders were based on the planets on the Solar System.
1) Rock or Fire, based on Mercury (It's the closest to the sun)
2) Either Steel or Fairy, based on Venus (Venus has the densest atmosphere and is associated with the goddess of love)
3) Grass or Ground, based on Earth (Kinda obvious)
4) Fire or Fighting, based on Mars (It's associated with the god of war)
5) Electric, based on Jupiter (since the planet has lots of storms and the Roman god Jupiter throws lightning)
6) Ghost or Dark, based on Saturn (Since the Roman god Saturn is associated with Cronus, the titan of time)
7) Ice, based on Uranus (It's the coldest planet in the Solar System)
8) Water, based on Neptune (God of the sea)

It is a very interesting theory, and plausible to. But a major flaw is that Diamond and Pearl already did a space theme of sorts.

 

[jskylinegtr]

The champ would be an actress, I guess Denise would be the champ's name

 

[Lord Godwin]

The champ would be an actress, I guess Denise would be the champ's name

Or it will be an actor his name will be Oscar and he will have a Lion (Leo) pokemon, when you fight with him for the 5th time;-D

 

[WhiteBlair]

The champ would be an actress, I guess Denise would be the champ's name

I don't find it likely to have another Champion to have the same profession in a row. To add, as much as I would like to get a female Champion, I doubt we would get a female after Cynthia/Iris/Diantha trio owning the Pokémon League since the past decade.

 

[Chomper4]

Gym Leaders (based on my still belief it is based off Pittsburgh)

Gus: Uses Ghost types. He is known to be a great actor for a seven year old. He likes to wear a mask to emphasize his love for theater. In the anime, he will be a traveling companion of Ash after being defeated and lends his gym to his instructor. Team: Shuppet, Litwick, Braiby
Velma: Uses Fire types. She likes to tackle any marathon within her region. She is most famous for her bald head. This is because Velma claims that her bald head helps her remain cool and calm. She's the least likely Fire type specialist to show herself as a hothead. Team: Litleo, Darumaka, Stegerno
Tex: Uses Poison types. Tex is a very nurturing Doctor that treats both people and Pokémon. He is similar to Marlon, being friendly to bad people, even when he tries to stop bad people himself. Team: Gophump, Haunter, Battical
Mallory: Uses Dark types. She is famous for her glow in the dark paintings. Most of the time, she prefers to paint alone in the dark so that she can good concentrating on what her next masterpiece will be. Her design is based off of Andy Warhol. Team: Vorascum, Zoroark, Goblawful
Dracen: Uses Dragon types. An All-Star shortstop playing for the Coblot City Draconids, he views battles as if they are actually baseball match ups. His current total average is .419, with 389 total hits, 216 total rbis, and 198 total home runs. His gym design is based off of PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Team: Noibat, Draceon, Fraxure, Friskewt
Amber: Uses Electric types. She used to be an orphan, until a kind rich man adopted her due to her sweet charm. She also owns a Herdier named Dusty, who she treats as a pet and loyal companion. All of the servants are treated nicely by her and is very whimsical. Her design is based off of Annie, the little red head. Team: Raichu, Shiwakka, Electabuzz, Tricerohm
Sylvester: Uses Fairy types. Sylvester is a radio broadcaster whose station is also his gym. Many Pyratt civilians view him as the godfather of modern radio. Sylvester's friendly personality makes him very lovable and is adored by many children. Team: Klefki, Dolfantasy, Gardevoir, Angerene
Penny: This construction worker stands at a surprising 8 feet 2 inches. Penny's Gym is located in the player's hometown and during the main storyline is the most seen Gym Leader helping you out or giving you advice. She even helps you try to thwart Team Snow's evil plan to destroy everything (including themselves) in the world once you obtain seven badges. Her father is a CEO of a company that makes official gym badges for every region. Team: Lucario, Automile, Aegislash, Grandaddy

 

[Faunaat]

Given the space theme, I think it'd be neat if the Gym Leaders were based on the planets on the Solar System.
1) Rock or Fire, based on Mercury (It's the closest to the sun)
2) Either Steel or Fairy, based on Venus (Venus has the densest atmosphere and is associated with the goddess of love)
3) Grass or Ground, based on Earth (Kinda obvious)
4) Fire or Fighting, based on Mars (It's associated with the god of war)
5) Electric, based on Jupiter (since the planet has lots of storms and the Roman god Jupiter throws lightning)
6) Ghost or Dark, based on Saturn (Since the Roman god Saturn is associated with Cronus, the titan of time)
7) Ice, based on Uranus (It's the coldest planet in the Solar System)
8) Water, based on Neptune (God of the sea)

This is exactly what I was thinking. 8 planets/gods, 8 gymleaders. My list is slighty different.

1. Flying. Because the God Mercury has a pair of winged sandals and cap. Mercury is also much faster than the other planets in the Solar System.
2. Fairy. Venus is the Godess of Love.
3. Normal. We all know that Earth is a special planet, so it would be funny to give this planet the Normal type. Also the only planet not named after a Roman/Greek god.
4. Fire. Mars is the red planet. Also Mars is the ruler of the Aries, which is a Fire Zodiac sign.
5. Electric. Jupiter is the God of Thunder. And bacause of the heavy storms on the planet.
6. Dark. Saturn is also connected with Satan. And I want a Dark type gym.
7. Ice. Coldest planet. Also because of its color.
8. Water. Obvious, Neptune is the God of the sea/water

Space/planet themed gyms and gymleaders as Team Galactic is not necessary. Only the use of the types.

 

[Mrs. Oreo]

The obvious Dark type gym, as well as a Fire gym.

Assuming that the new region is based on Hawaii like several people believe, then I'd love to see a fire gym set inside of a volcano. :3

 

[Class Zero]

Assuming that the new region is based on Hawaii like several people believe, then I'd love to see a fire gym set inside of a volcano. :3

Throwback to anime Blaine ;D
But yeah a volcano would be a pretty sweet place for a battle, especially with today's graphics!

Spoiler: Blaine's Gym

 

[Zealot]

It's very likely that they are going to come up with another Fairy gym.

I think the 8 gyms will be the following (in any order):
- Fairy (just because there's only one so far, but hey, we don't have a Dark-type gym yet so...)
- Grass (related to the sun and photosynthesis lol)
- Dark/Psychic (in relation to the moon)
- Water (tropics, aloha~)
- Fire (based on the volcanoes of Hawaii + the Maori deity, Pele, and her sisters that guard them, or a fire pit/crater)
- Ground (the mountains of Southern Kalos)
- Electric (the token electric-type gym lol)
- Ghost (it seems fitting with the spooky Hawaiian legends/folklore)

 

[jskylinegtr]

The E4 could be
Grass
Fighting
Electric
Steel
Champion's name is Denise, and she specializes in various Pokemon, and is an actress.

 

[Alexander18]

The E4 could be
Grass
Fighting
Electric
Steel
Champion's name is Denise, and she specializes in various Pokemon, and is an actress.

We already got a champion as an actress. Plus it could be a male champion for all we know. Nothing is confirmed.

 

[Anti Spiral]

I'd like if the Elite 4 were randomised each time, so we didn't know which we would battle first.

 

[freezer1]

I still believe in an E4 showcase, where in the rematches they would have 1 signature Pokemon (a Mega likely) and a pool of 10-15 other Pokemon of their type to use that are completely random every time you face them. There's not really anything to lose by doing it, and will make facing them a challenge rather than an EXP farming chore.

-It would add difficulty as there are no patterns you might memorise / you don't know who's coming out first / you don't know their whole team.
-For the aforementioned reasons, it's more fun.
-Showcasing lots of Pokemon that we might not otherwise see (with 700+ now!), which is always a good thing.

It would also be good to have more variety in strategy than standard 4-attack Pokemon which is tedious and predictable to see.

 

[Thunderfox]

Given that we haven't had a Fire Gym Leader since Flannery in Gen III, and given the likely tropical/Hawaiian setting of Gen VII I really hope we get one. yes there was Flint and Malva in the Elite 4, but they were both disappointments.

I'd also like to see the Trio completed and have a Grass Elite 4, hopefully with some unique type combinations to downplay the weaknesses and provide a bit of a challenge. Especially if the Hawaii theory is true, I could see a sort of older Medicene-man/Shaman concept wqorking really well. (Though yes, it would also work for Ghost or other types).

Those and the often-mentioned Dark Gym are my big wishes for the Gyms and E4.

 

[Wryteous]

I had a thought the other day about Dark gym leader/Elite Four possiblities.

Am I the only one who thinks it would be awesome if Silver(Johto rival) appeared in the new games?

He hasn't been seen since the original/remake Johto games

 

[clbgolden12]

My gym leader ideas:

1. Normal gym- Really bland and boring guy. No gym puzzle, just a narrow path with two or three trainers, and the whole place is just grey. Gives out the Ordinary Badge.
2. Flying gym- Bird whisperer lady. Gym theme and puzzle could have to do with nests. Gives out the Feather Badge.
3. Water gym- Run by your dad, and located within the resort place shown in the teaser. Puzzle would have to do with floaties in a pool. Not sure about the badge, though.
4. Dark gym- Run by a guy who has something to do with space (could be astronaut or astronomer). Entire inside of gym looks like outer space (kinda like Anistar Gym) and have anti-gravitational puzzle. Gives out the Black Hole Badge.
5. Fire gym- Traditional chef like guy. Not sure about the puzzle, but gym design looks like a restaurant. Could be either the Torch of Flame Badge.
6. Electric gym- Inventor, but unlike Clemont he makes more practical things like phones and computers. Puzzle could do with connecting cords to open the door to the leader. Not sure about the badge, maybe Battery or Energy Badge or something.
7. ??? gym- not sure at all about this one. Maybe ground or rock.
8. Various gym- Traveler who uses starters from nearly every region. Gives out the Various Badge.

 

[Zoruagible]

Yeah, let's not have the champion be an actress again. That wasn't a good idea, especially given how terrible she was.

I still hope we skip Rock/Ground for once and let unused/lesser used types take the Gyms this region