The best Pokémon often have memorable designs. They're not necessarily the most over-designed or the ones with the most elements; in fact, simplicity goes a long way in the world of Pokémon. However, they still need something memorable, an extra factor that takes them from merely okay to absolutely iconic.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces seven new evolutions to previously existing Pokémon, each unique in its own way. However, it's undeniable that some are better-looking than others, whether because of their striking features, vibrant color scheme, or a combination of these and more factors.
Ursaluna
Ursaluna might be the strongest of the new species in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but it doesn't have much in terms of design. A new evolution to the underrated Ursaring, Ursaluna actually seems like a downgrade compared to its predecessor. There's something about Ursaring's simplicity that makes it memorable and intimidating; however, Ursaluna looks like a duller and less impressive version of what came before.
It doesn't help that Ursaluna is also the least useful of the ride Pokémon, meaning players will often forget about it even while still playing the game. Credit should go to the design team for sneaking in several references to the moon, like the distinct figure on Ursaluna's forehead. However, the design itself isn't striking enough to make an impression.
Enamorus
Human-like Pokémon are notoriously infamous among fans. There are exceptions, of course -- Mewtwo, Lucario, Gardevoir -- but this particular type of design is often divisive. The Unova Forces of Nature were already controversial, with many resenting their overly genie-like appearance, so it makes sense that Enamorus would follow suit and be as divisive as its predecessors.
Unlike Ursaluna, Enamorus is over-designed, with too many elements clashing without ever creating harmony. Like many Pokémon before, Enamorus wears its influences on its sleeve -- it draws inspirations from multiple snake goddesses, particularly Ugajin and Benzaiten -- but the result is more jarring than awe-inspiring. The bizarre heart-shaped pattern atop its head and its pose, which resembles that of an angry matronly figure, bring further chaos to an already uneven design.
Sneasler
Sneasler is the coolest ride Pokémon in Legends: Arceus, not to mention the most useful. Indeed, players will spend considerable time inside its basket, climbing steep mountains and cliffs. However, its design is... bizarre. Overly long and with some very weird proportions, Sneasler almost looks like a fakemon, at least at first glance.
Although it isn't the first Pokémon to draw inspiration from ninjas, Sneasler is the one who applies it the worst. Its claws have a clear purpose in the game, but they look out of place in the overall design. The overlong feather atop its head is a nice touch, but it can't overcome Sneasler's other weaknesses. The truth is, Sneasler looks awkward, and it's certainly not what fans expected out of a new Sneasel evolution, especially when Weavile is one of the sleekest Pokémon out there.
Overqwil
Some Pokémon have very lazy names, but not Overqwill; in fact, it has one of the all-time best names in the franchise. It also has one of the most obvious Pokémon designs: it's very obvious a pufferfish, to the point where many fans compare it to the popular character of Mrs. Puff from SpongeBob SquarePants.
Heavily borrowing from naval mines, Overqwil lives up to its dual Dark/Poison-type, thanks to the menacing spikes protruding out of its tiny round body. Its color scheme is also a perfect reflection of its typing, as is its fierce facial expression. Overqwil has a nearly perfect design, not too complicated but memorable enough to stand out among the many Water-types in the franchise.
Basculegion
Like Overqwil, Basculegion has one heck of a name. It also has one heck of a design that does justice to its lore while immediately making it a Hisui icon. Basculegion rescued its revolution, the all but forgotten Basculin, from total oblivion by making it a fearsome Pokémon that also plays a vital role in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Basculegion's design is pretty straightforward, looking like a natural progression of Basculin. Its smoky tail goes well with its lore, embodying its secondary Ghost-type without needing to use the traditional purple or gray tones that most ghosts have. Fierce and mighty, Not only is Basculegion one of the Pokémon with the best lore in the franchise, but it also commands respect from Trainers all around Hisui; indeed, only the strongest can tame it.
Wyrdeer
Wyrdeer is the perfect representation that less is more. There's not much to its design; indeed, other than its overlong beard-like mane, Wyrdeer is a straight-up deer. However, there's an elegance to its simplicity, with its regal poses and graceful moves helping it stand out.
Thanks to its striking golden antlers, Wyrdeer is instantly memorable. However, its beard is the true standout of the design. Echoing everything from a wise old magician to Santa Claus himself, Wyrdeer commands respect wherever it goes; some might even confuse it for a Legendary Pokémon, especially with Glastrier and Spectrier being so fresh in fans' minds.
Kleavor
The best Pokémon have a somewhat straightforward design enhanced by one particular feature that elevates them. Kleavor is the best example of this rule, looking like a straightforward bug, for the most part, a mantis in the land of Pokémon. However, its massive and lethal axe-like hands take it to the next level, instantly turning it into one of the coolest-looking Pokémon in the franchise.
Kleavor's understated color scheme prevents it from looking overly designed and accurately portrays its secondary Rock-type. The mask of rocks around its face is the perfect touch to enhance its already menacing appearance, confirming it as the best of the new species in Legends: Arceus -- and one of the best-designed Pokémon in the entire franchise.