WARNING: SPOILERS for Pokémon Legends: Arceus are discussed in this article.
Like with the release of any new mainline Pokémon game, the hype around Legends: Arceus has begun to build up as fans are getting first looks at new Pokémon. Leaked screenshots displaying some of the new monsters to be released in Pokémon Legends: Arceus have surfaced, giving internet communities a taste of what's to come on January 28th.
Reddit user JamezGaming started a thread displaying 20 images of the new "Hisuian" forms of Pokémon from previous generations of game releases. The reception of these new forms was met with mixed results like always, and users gathered to compliment, insult, and meme the new designs.
Qwilfish
One of only a few Water/Poison-type Pokémon, Qwilfish is a Generation II Pokémon making a return in Legends: Arceus with a new Hisuian variation. This is one of the less popular Pokémon in the leaks, seeing very few mentions in the comments.
One Redditor, Fifi_is_awesome, described the new Qwilfish as "LITERALLY JUST PALLET SWAPS." Fortunately, the Pokémon does have some buzz surrounding a seemingly evolved form of it which would be brand new. It will be interesting to see how fans react to it.
Voltorb
This particular Pokémon is known for tricking players into thinking they'd found an item lying on the floor. This Generation I electric Pokéball look-alike was one of the Pokémon revealed in the leaks to have a Hisuian form.
Though Voltorb did not receive as much support from the fans as some other iconic Pokes, surely the classic monster will find a home in some nostalgic trainer's lineup.
Lilligant
A Generation V Grass-type Pokémon was amongst the new leaks, though unfortunately was one of the handful that was memed by the community. Some fans speculated that Lilligant, as well as a few others, seemed bare, and might be missing parts.
A Reddit user, GGABueno, came to the defense of the Grass type with an interesting consideration about the bare design. "They wrote Lilligant is supposed to look like a ballet dancer... No skirt makes her look smaller and more nimble."
Samurott
When it was announced that the starter Pokémon in Legends: Arceus would be a mix of different generations, fans of the Generation V Water-type were excited to get another chance to use their favorite. Unlike some of the other variants, Hisuian Samurott is not too far off from its original version. Samurott wasn't the most popular Water-type starter Pokémon in the past, so hopefully, its new form gives it some new attention.
Though some fans expressed their distaste for Samurott, a user named Calos75 shared his support. "Samurott design in Arceus Legend looks cool though. Looks like something straight up from any villain corporation," he joked, as others commented to agree.
Rowlet/Decidueye
Rowlet and its fully evolved form, Decidueye, were among the leaked Pokémon. They have both received acclaim for their new designs, and seem to be a popular starter option behind Typhlosion. Decidueye is already is considered to be one of the most popular Grass-type starter Pokémon.
One Redditor, Draeygo, said "Rowlet and Decidueye have been my boys since they were leaked. I have plushee of the whole family," to announce his fealty to the Pokémon.
Sneasel
The Generation II Dark/Ice-type Pokémon and its Generation IV evolved form have earned themselves new Hisuian variants. Unfortunately for Weavile, Sneasel was the one to earn praise among Redditors.
A Reddit user named Chama-Axory commented, "when it gets to Sneasel I was like 'cool! Hissuian Sneasel, I wonder what Wea-OH GOD'" referring to himself viewing the difference in quality between Sneasel and its evolved form.
Dialga and Palkia
Two of the most powerful Pokémon in the universe. The masters of space and time have received new variations, referred to as their "Lord" forms, in Legends: Arceus.
Though some fans have seen the leaks and are not thrilled with them, others have chosen to avoid seeing them to enjoy the surprise when they launch the game themselves. Original poster JamezGaming states in the comments that "it would be too much of a spoiler to post them."
Arcanine
As a massive fan favorite from Generation I, fans were ecstatic when images of the Hisuian Growlithe were released. There was much speculation of the look of Hisuian Arcanine. Arcanine was one of the few Hisuian designs that received acclaim from fans.
One Redditor, Jarsky2, declared "Arcanine looks kickass," as other comments agreed its design was one of the best from the leaks. The new Fire/Rock variation of the classic four-legged Pokémon will likely see a ton of action as players venture into their gameplay.
Typhlosion
Fans were thrilled when the classic Generation II Fire Pokémon was announced as a starter option in Legends: Arceus. Through leaks, images of the Pokémon were released to the public with some backlash at first. Typhlosion is considered to be one of the most popular Fire-type starter Pokémon.
The drooping Hisuian variant of the beloved Pokémon had fans disappointed until footage was released of the monster's majestic new purple flames. Since then, the new Typhlosion has gained tons of support from fans, many of whom have declared it their most looked forward to of the new Pokémon. Hisuian Typhlosion is still a source of memes, as the top commenter, Pootania, referred to it as "Highphlosion."