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  • 10 Captivating Pokemon Game Characters We Want to See Make a Comeback in Future Games

    10 Captivating Pokemon Game Characters We Want to See Make a Comeback in Future Games

    The Pokemon games have had some fascinating characters over the years. However, many of these individuals are often forgotten or overshadowed by the main protagonist and rivals. We’ve rounded up ten of the most intriguing and lovable Pokemon characters who deserve to make a comeback in future games, revisiting what makes them so special and where they could go next.

    Zinnia

    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    Having made her debut in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Zinnia is a character that deserves so much more attention. Not only is her design near flawless, but she also came with one hell of a battle theme to get you truly pumped. Zinnia was the starring character within ORAS’ post-game Delta Episode, which created much intrigue towards her character and story; and who could forget her beloved partner Pokemon? This girl had ‘Mons of both the small and cute variation with her Whismur, Aster, as well as powerful and menacing with her Mega Salamence.

    It’s been nine years since Zinnia made her appearance, and she’s yet to show up in a mainline Pokemon game since. For someone who had ties to Mega Evolution and the secrets of the Legendary Rayquaza, this is highly disappointing. It would be great to see Zinnia return to future Pokemon titles, perhaps to research mysteries regarding a new powerful, Legendary, or Mythical Dragon Type. Bring her back, bring back her theme, and let her thrive; please, Game Freak, all I want is a Zinnia Rematch outside of Hoenn.

    Silver

    Silver from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    If there’s a Pokemon rival who stands out from others, it’s certainly Silver. This guy made an unfavorable first impression by stealing a Pokemon from Elm’s Lab and barging into you with some pretty harsh words. Despite his mysterious allure, the most interesting thing about Silver is the fact that he is Giovanni’s son, which explains his behavior in the earlier stages of the game.

    However, as you progress through the story, Silver learns from his defeat, changes his views on Pokemon, and even gains the courage to stand up to his father. By the end of the game, Silver is on a mission to establish genuine connections with his team and become a truly great Trainer, the right way. For that reason alone, Silver is long overdue for another game appearance; we all want to see his transformation into the Trainer he wanted to be.

    Lance

    Lance from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    Who could forget the iconic Champion Lance? After all, this guy comes equipped with three Dragonite on his team! Aside from being one of the most badass Dragon Type Trainers in existence, Lance also holds the title of Elite Four and Champion, proving his power is no joke. Lance also has a very interesting background with his relation to Gym Leader Clair and the clan of Dragon Masters, and it would truly be incredible to see this explored more if he were to make a return to a future Pokemon title. Bring him back, Game Freak! Nobody would complain.

    N

    N from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    N is certainly one of the most mysterious Trainers who has ever made an appearance in the series. Not only does N have the fascinating ability to understand Pokemon speech due to his upbringing, but he also has a mysterious link to the Illusion Fox Pokemon, Zoroark, which makes him even more of an enigma. N just so happens to be a fan-favorite Pokemon character, and people have been eager to see him make even more appearances due to his interesting background and storyline in the B/W and B2/W2 games.

    I mean, come on, this guy has a Legendary Pokemon by his side, there’s plenty of opportunity to have him make a surprise comeback in a new Region, putting a stop to more plans of those who aim to divide people from Pokemon.

    Guzma

    Guzma from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    It’s ya boi Guzma! I struggle to think of another Team Leader who managed to draw me in from the very first encounter, such as Guzma managed to do. Perhaps it’s the amusing fact that his Team Skull are nothing more than rebels and hooligans just doing their best to be bad guys, or the fact that Guzma turns out to not be that bad at all, and instead rather misunderstood and misguided.

    Guzma’s story and change of heart were quite fascinating to watch unfold, as he just wanted to be a genuinely respected Trainer. I say bring him back after having completed that goal, giving Guzma and his beloved Wimsipod a moment to shine; it’s what he truly deserves to round out his redemption ark.

    Bede

    Bede from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    Bede is a very interesting character whose story still feels somewhat unfinished. Starting as one of your rivals in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Bede was a Trainer who utilized Psychic-type Pokemon by choice. However, at about the halfway mark of the game, his potential was noticed by Fairy Type Gym Leader, Opal. Next thing you know, Bede’s throwing on a Gym Leader outfit, switching his team up to Fairy Types, and stepping into the role of new Gym Leader.

    This was a cool little story ark for him, but felt rather sudden and rushed, with the way he just tossed his old team aside. Most importantly, I want to know about Bede’s challenges adjusting to his new role and the struggles he’s had to overcome, as well as his progression into a powerful Gym Leader for opposing Trainers to face off against. I’d love Bede to make a comeback in future titles, perhaps stepping out of Galar for a mission to help a new young Gym Leader settle into their role, or investigate a mysterious new phenomenon, much like the Steven Stone of Fairy Types.

    Solana

    Solana from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    Solana is one of the two playable characters in the Pokemon Ranger game, and one of the first characters who introduced that wild Pokemon could be tamed and utilized for helpful scenarios other than battling. With games such as Scarlet & Violet taking a much more open-world approach, it would be fascinating to see some new mechanics developed, such as temporarily taming Pokemon to assist you in clearing obstacles, solving puzzles, and unlocking new paths.

    Nobody would be better than Solana when it comes to introducing players to how to tame Pokemon for these scenarios. This would be an amazing and nostalgic appearance for many players who grew up with the DS era of games and spent time playing the Pokemon Ranger spin-off, and given a chance to develop her character even further, with her adorable partner Pokemon, Plusle, by her side, of course.

    Gladion & Lillie

    Gladion and Lillie from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    There’s nothing quite like a classic sibling bond in video games, and Gladion and Lillie are no exception here. These two have shared anything but the cliche sibling love during their adventures, with Gladion abandoning Lillie, and running away without a trace. However, by the end of the game narrative, Gladion has shown to feel remorse for his actions and revealed that he does indeed care deeply for his sister, having left not only to escape their mother but to train so he could get stronger to protect his family.

    The story concludes with Gladiona and Lillie having patched up their relationship, and moving forward in life. However, it would be incredibly satisfying to see these two make a return, with a bond stronger than we’ve ever seen. Just imagine how satisfying and entertaining it would be to go up against these two in a friendly double battle.

    Wes

    Wes from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    Wes is certainly an intriguing (and often overlooked) individual, starring as the protagonist of the spin-off title, Pokemon Colosseum. While Wes has an extremely mysterious past that is never completely explained in-game, this could work in favor of bringing him back in a future title.

    Bringing Wes back could feature an explanation of this vague past, or even explore where he goes next following Colosseum, as his future whereabouts are never disclosed. Besides, he has the coolest partner Poekmon in the world, wielding Umbreon and Espeon as a powerful night and day duo. Who wouldn’t want to see this team in action?

    Ball Guy

    Ball Guy from Pokemon
    Image Source: The Pokemon Company

    C’mon, who doesn’t love the goofy and unexpected addition of Ball Guy? This guy is pretty much a living breathing gacha machine, giving you a gift of various Pokeballs each time you visit a Gym in Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Galar Region. Ball Guy was such a fun little mechanic, and I genuinely looked forward to finding out which Pokeball I’d be getting as a freebie every time I headed into a Gym. If there’s one thing I miss from Galar’s Gym system, it’s Ball Guy.

    It’s an absolute crime that this funny little fella has yet to return in the following titles. He’s like the perfect little meme character to keep things light and entertaining – I mean, just look at that wacky Pokeball face mask. How is it so hilarious and so cursed at the same time? Ball guy. That’s how.

    About the author

    Grace Black

    Grace is a writer, digital artist, and character illustrator from New Zealand with a love for fiction and storytelling. Grace has been writing for Twinfinite for seven months and in the games industry for a year. She’s a horror enthusiast, occasional anime enjoyer, and die-hard Ghost-Type Pokemon fangirl. Her favorite video games include Overwatch 2, Life is Strange, The Last of Us, and Pokemon – all of which she will never tire of.

    Grace Black

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  • Harper, Phillies tie World Series mark with 5 HR, top Astros

    Harper, Phillies tie World Series mark with 5 HR, top Astros

    PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper bashed a home run on the first World Series pitch he saw in Philadelphia, and then figured out how the Phillies could hit a few more.

    The $330 million star offered quiet advice to Alec Bohm — and then it got really loud in Philadelphia.

    As for those whispers in May that the Phillies were finished? Forget about ’em. The secret has long been out: these Phillies are for real.

    Now, they’re two wins away from their first World Series championship since 2008.

    Harper hammered his sixth postseason home run, whispered an assist to Bohm before his solo shot and the Phillies tied a World Series record with five homers to rout the Houston Astros 7-0 Tuesday night and take a 2-1 Series lead.

    Brandon Marsh also homered, and Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins hit back-to-back shots in the fifth inning to chase Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. Philadelphia used the long ball to end the long wait for its first World Series home win since Game 5 of the 2009 World Series.

    Those Phillies couldn’t finish the job.

    Ranger Suárez tossed three-hit ball over five shutout innings and inched this year’s team closer to getting it done.

    Harper, Bohm, Marsh and the rest of the Phillies on the last team to qualify for the playoffs are two wins away from ending the season as the last team standing. With a sparkling 6-0 record at Citizens Bank Park this postseason, the Phillies just may not return to Texas.

    “It’s our fan base. I mean, plain and simple.” Harper said. “They keep us going, keep us fired up.”

    Another red, raucous, resolute crowd of 45,712 let the Astros have it from the first pitch with chants of “Cheater! Cheater!” for Jose Altuve and “Check the Bat! Check the Bat!” for Martin Maldonado.

    The fans — already amped from the jump after another sliding catch by right fielder Nick Castellanos in the first — didn’t wait long to go wild for the home run barrage.

    With leadoff hitter Schwarber on first base, Harper repeated his flair for playoff power when he ripped a two-run shot off McCullers into the right field seats for the fast lead. That made Harper 2 for 2 on home run swings in Philly — he sent the Phillies to the World Series with a two-run drive in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series to beat San Diego.

    Harper crossed the plate and again exclaimed “This is my house!” before he ripped off his helmet, exposed his Phillie Phanatic headband and was mobbed by teammates in the dugout.

    Harper’s homers shake the stadium to the point they should be measured on the Richter scale rather than in feet — and they seem as automatic these days as a Phillie Phanatic spin on his ATV. Harper has hit four postseason homers that gave the Phillies the lead and showed that, yes, Bryce Bombs do go off in November, the first time more World Series games will be played in this month than October.

    Oh, and Harper might have a second career as a homer whisperer.

    Harper beckoned Bohm from the on-deck circle and back to the dugout for a quick word of advice.

    Maybe Harper saw McCullers tipping his pitches?

    “I think that’s just general conversation,” Harper said. “Trying to get as much information as we can from each other. We just tried to have the best at-bats we could.”

    Whatever the quiet counseling was, it worked, and Bohm lined his first postseason homer leading off the second inning and the 1,000th in World Series history into the left field seats for 3-0 lead.

    So c’mon, Alec, fess up, what did Bryce tell you?

    “That’s between us,” Bohm said on TV with a shrug and a big smile.

    Marsh took the baton on the long-ball relay and knocked one into the right field seats that was dropped by a young kid from Delaware. The home run stood after a brief review — as it seems nothing can interfere with Philadelphia’s playoff push — and it was 4-0.

    With that, McCullers had allowed four homers to his first nine batters. The right-hander who got his left triceps inked with nods to Houston got absolutely tattooed by the Phillies.

    Schwarber, the NL home run champion, again dumped a two-run shot into a thicket of English ivy, Arborvitae and Holly beyond center field, and Hoskins connected on solo shot for a 7-0 lead that ended McCullers’ night.

    McCullers became the first pitcher to give up five home runs in a World Series game.

    “I don’t really get hit around like that, so I was a little bit in disbelief,” McCullers said.

    Suárez, the scheduled Game 4 starter before Game 3 was postponed a day by rain, delivered with the performance of his career and shut down the big bats in the AL champs’ lineup.

    He needed only two pitches to get the first two outs of the game and struck out Yordan Alvarez to end the first. The few jams he got into, Suárez worked his way out, notably in the second when he whiffed Chas McCormick and left two runners stranded. He retired Altuve to end the fifth on a soft foul pop with two runners on base.

    Four relievers each tossed a scoreless inning to finish the five-hitter.

    THE CHAMPS ARE HERE

    Philly sports champions Mike Schmidt, Julius Erving, Brandon Graham and Bernie Parent threw first pitches to 2008 World Series champions Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino. Country music star Tim McGraw, son of the late Phillies reliever Tug McGraw, received a huge ovation and wore his dad’s No. 45 McGraw jersey. McGraw closed the 1980 World Series with a strikeout.

    UP NEXT

    The Phillies send RHP Aaron Nola (2-1, 4.57 ERA in the postseason) to the mound against Houston RHP Christian Javier (1-0, 1.35 ERA) in Game 4. Nola was done after 4 1/3 innings in Game 1 of the World Series, though he retired the final six batters he faced and left in a tie game after the Phillies rallied from an early 5-0 deficit — and won 6-5.

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