Zorua and Zoroark | |
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Pokémon character | |
![]() Artwork by Ken Sugimori of Zorua (left) and Zoroark (right)
National Pokédex Garbodor - Zorua (#570) - Zoroark (#571) - Minccino |
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First game | Pokémon Black and White (2010) |
Voiced by (English) | Eileen Stevens (Zorua, film) Chiaki Takahashi (Zorua, Luke's) Romi Park (Zoroark) |
Voiced by (Japanese) | Kurumi Mamiya (Zorua, film) Chiaki Takahashi (Zorua, Luke's) Romi Park (Zoroark) |
Zorua (ゾロア Zoroa?) and Zoroark (ゾロアーク Zoroāku?) are two fictional creatures, linked by evolution, in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. They are two Dark-type Pokémon resembling foxes, debuting in the film Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Zorua and Zoroark were directly obtainable by attendees to the film in the games Pokémon Black and White.
Zorua and Zoroark were first shown in CoroCoro Comic and Pokémon Sunday. As the first fifth-generation Pokémon to be introduced, the news of their introduction spread quickly. They have been well received by the video game press.
Contents
Design and characteristics
Zorua and Zoroark are two Pokémon species linked by evolution. They are Dark-type, and resemble foxes with elements of kabuki and noh theatre makeup.[1] They are recognized by the National Pokédex as the "Tricky Fox Pokémon" and "Illusion Fox Pokémon" respectively.[2][3][4] Zoroark is bipedal, and has a long, thick mane which resembles a fox's tail at its termination. Zorua evolves into Zoroark at Level 30.[5] These Pokémon are able to take the appearances of different Pokémon at will using their "Illusion" abilities.[6] In the games, Illusion borrows the appearance of the last Pokémon in the player's party, and is deactivated when hit by a damaging attack.
Zorua
Zorua frightens opponents by assuming their appearance. It seems to often take on the guise of a silent child.[7] It protects itself from danger by keeping its own true form hidden.[8] It might also trick opponents by changing its form to look like them, and use that opportunity to flee.[9]
Zoroark
Zoroark protects its pack by deluding opponents. Unity among the group is strong.[10] It has the power to delude many people at one time. It protects its den by displaying an illusory landscape.[11] Stories in the Pokémon world say about people who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished.[12]
Appearances
In the video games
Zorua and Zoroark can be both obtainable through normal gameplay, although, not directly obtainable without the involvement of promotional events in Black and White version, it can be either obtained from events linked with promotional event (see below) or by trading through PGL. In the sequel Black 2 and White 2, N's Zorua can be obtained directly as a gift from Rood of the Seven Sages.
Zoroark is also one of the Pokémon used by N in the player's final battle against him in Black and White.
Zorua and Zoroark are boss Pokémon in Pokémon Rumble Blast in Cobalion's Castle in the area 3-3 Firebreathing Mountain. They are also NPCs in PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond.
Zorua and Zoroark are obtainable through normal gameplay in Pokémon X and Y.
Zoroark also appears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as a Poké Ball Pokémon.
Events
Attendees to the Japanese film Phantom Ruler: Zoroark who owned a copy of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver were able to directly download a Celebi to their game. If the attendees to Phantom Ruler: Zoroark bought a pre-order ticket, they could obtain a shiny Entei, Raikou, or Suicune.[13] They can be transferred to Black or White to instigate two events, allowing the player to encounter Zorua and Zoroark.[13] A feature in the games called the Relocator is used exclusively to transfer these event Pokémon to Black and White. The Relocator can be used early on in the game once the player tells a certain phrase to a man in Castelia City. The event Celebi can be taken to another building in Castelia City to encounter Zorua, whilst the Legendary Beasts Entei, Suicune and Raikou can be taken to Lostlorn Forest to instigate an encounter with Zoroark.
Zoroark was also directly obtainable in Japanese version directly through Wi-Fi for a limited period of time, as a part of the campaign of TV Programme Pokémon Smash![14]
To promote the North American release of Black and White, players were able to download the shiny Entei, Raikou, and Suicune from GameStop stores during various weeks in January and February 2011.[15] Celebi was available for download from GameStop stores during February 21 to March 6, 2011.[citation needed]
In the anime
Zorua and Zoroark play prominent roles in the film Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Zoroark, tricked by Grings Kodai, attacks Crown City while transformed as Raikou, Entei, and Suicune after Zoroark is shown a projection of an abused Zorua. Little does Zoroark know, Zorua is safe and sound with Ash and his friends. As Zoroark attacks the city as she was ordered to, Grings sends out lies to the people of Crown City about Zoroark saying that she is evil and has gained control over the legendary beasts.
A female Zorua appears from the episode "Movie Time! Zorua in "The Legend of the Pokémon Knight!"" to "Club Battle Finale: A Hero's Outcome!" as the Pokémon for a film-maker named Luke. She reappears again with Luke in "An Epic Defense Force!"
A Zoroark owned by Nurse Joy appears in an episode of the anime. When Zoroark was a Zorua, it was injured and Nurse Joy helped it. It used illusions to scare tourists until it was reunited with Nurse Joy at the end of the episode.
Cultural impact
Exposition
Zorua's and Zoroark's silhouettes were shown in on Pokémon Sunday. The Pokémon's full bodies were first shown in the February 2010 issue of CoroCoro Comic. They were the first Pokémon introduced from the fifth generation and from Phantom Ruler: Zoroark. News quickly circulated online that the total number of Pokémon had risen to 495.[16]
Critical reception
The characters have been generally well received by the video game press. Joystiq staff writer JC Fletcher called Zorua "smaller and cuter, but evil" compared to Zoroark. He also expressed pleasure that Zoroark was not a werehog creature as some fans had speculated.[1] IGN writer Jack DeVries also identified Zorua as small and cute, and speculated that the pair would not be legendary Pokémon, but would probably serve as antagonists in Phantom Ruler: Zoroark.[17] Staff of Kotaku called Zorua "adorable" and "small, fluffy, and thoroughly evil, much like a Pekingese."[18] They also compared Zoroark's hairstyle to those of Gary Glitter, Kishidan's lead singer Show Ayanocozey, and Angelina Jolie.[19] Shortly after the Pokémon's introduction, Official Nintendo Magazine writer Thomas East remarked that Zorua "looks quite cute" but that Zoroark's appearance is more menacing: "[i]f Zorua is described as an angry fox what does that make Zoroark?"[2] East later commented that Zoroark's transformation ability could make it "one of the coolest Pokémon ever".[20] Game Informer 's Jeff Marchiafava stated "Zorua is another example of the original form being cooler than the evolved form".[21] In a poll by Official Nintendo Magazine, Zoroark was voted as one of the best Pokémon from Black and White. Editor Thomas East stated that "We remember the reaction to Zoroark being (mostly) positive and it's good to see that it still remains popular to this day".[22]
Merchandising
Zorua- and Zoroark-designed plush dolls have been manufactured as part of the Diamond and Pearl line.[23][24] Other Zoroark merchandise includes action figures,[25] keychains,[26] and wristwatches.[27] A lunch box promoting Phantom Ruler: Zoroark features Zoroark and other film characters such as Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.[28]
References
- ^ a b Fletcher, JC (February 10, 2010). "Who's that Pokemon? It's Zoroark!". Joystiq. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
- ^ a b East, Thomas (February 11, 2010). "Who's That Pokémon?". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
- ^ "Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version | Zorua". Retrieved December 7, 2010.
- ^ "Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version | Zoroark". Retrieved December 7, 2010.
- ^ McElroy, Griffin (February 8, 2010). "Let's all analyze this new Pokemon's silhouette". Joystiq. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
- ^ Gifford, Kevin (May 19, 2010). "Nab These Pokemon Now". 1UP.com. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
- ^ Game Freak (2010-09-18). "Pokémon Black". Nintendo DS. Nintendo.
It changes into the forms of others to surprise them. Apparently, it often transforms into a silent child.
- ^ Game Freak (2010-09-18). "Pokémon White". Nintendo DS. Nintendo.
To protect themselves from danger, they hide their true identities by transforming into people and Pokémon.
- ^ Game Freak (2012-06-23). "Pokémon Black 2 and White 2". Nintendo.
It changes so it looks just like its foe, tricks it, and then uses that opportunity to flee. .
- ^ Game Freak (2010-09-18). "Pokémon Black". Nintendo DS. Nintendo.
Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.
- ^ Game Freak (2010-09-18). "Pokémon White". Nintendo DS. Nintendo.
Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.
- ^ Game Freak (2012-06-23). "Pokémon Black 2 and White 2". Nintendo.
Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished.
- ^ a b Gudmundson, Carolyn (May 12, 2010). "Pokemon Black and White starters revealed, plus tons of info leaked via CoroCoro scans". GamesRadar. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
- ^ "特別な技「バークアウト」を覚えた「ポケスマ!のゾロアーク」をプレゼント!!". Pokémon. Jan 9, 2011.
- ^ "Pokémon | HeartGold & SoulSilver". Retrieved 2010-12-21.
- ^ Aziz, Hamza (February 10, 2010). "Who's that new Pokemon?! It's Zoroark!". Destructoid. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
- ^ DeVries, Jack (February 10, 2010). "New Pokemon Revealed". IGN. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
- ^ "Pokémon's Fifth Generation Begins With Zoroark". Kotaku. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
- ^ "This Pokemon Is Somehow Strangely Familar [sic]". Kotaku. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
- ^ East, Thomas (May 13, 2010). "Pokémon Black and White: Zoroark's ability revealed". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
- ^ Jeff Marchiafava (February 10, 2011). "Analyzing The New Pokémon - Features - www.GameInformer.com". Game Informer. Retrieved 2011-02-12.
- ^ Thomas East (7 Apr 2011). "Best Pokemon Black and White Pokemon". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
- ^ "Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Pokedoll Plush Doll Zorua 8". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
- ^ "Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Pokedoll Plush Doll Zoroark 12". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
- ^ "Zoroark (MC-064) - Pokemon Monster Collection ~2" Figure (Japanese Imported) - Nintendo (205214)". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
- ^ "Pokemon Diamond & Pearl 2010 Keychain - 3" Zoroark". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
- ^ "Pokemon 2010 Wrist Watch - Zoroark (Ver. A)". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
- ^ "Pokemon 2010 Movie Lunch Box - Zoroark, Entei, Suicune, Raikou, and Suicune". Amazon.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
External links
- Zorua at Bulbapedia
- Zoroark at Bulbapedia
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