Game Freak Just Gave A Pokémon A Gun, And The Internet Has Reacted
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Featured Image Credit: Nintendo
Yesterday's Pokémon-themed Nintendo Direct revealed some exciting news. Sword & Shield, which I argued in my review are good fun but a little bare-bones, will be getting a major expansion. The two-part DLC will bring back a ton of old monsters, new areas, new story elements, new accessories, features, and loads more. It's super exciting!
Among the slew of new features, players can expect new Gigantamax forms for their starter Pokemon's final evolution. Rillaboom whips out a giant set of drums. Cinderace stands atop an imposing massive ball of fire. And Inteleon? Well, Inteleon - the final form of the adorable and innocent Sobble - picks up a sniper rifle and appears to camp at the top of a raised pillar of water.
Yes, Game Freak really seems to have given a Pokémon a gun. Run for your lives, because nobody is safe from the keen aim of Inteleon's rifle.
If you've played Sword/Shield, you'll be aware that Inteleon's standard form was always evocative of a spy or secret service agent of some kind. Its regular pose is a clear nod to James bond, as it stands there with its hand fashioned into a pretend gun. But a Pokémon with a make-believe gun is one thing - Inteleon's Gigantamax form looks like it's about to assassinate JFK.
This is, as far as I'm aware, the first time Game Freak has given a Pokémon something so evocative of a real-life gun. I know Blastoise has two cannons sticking out of its back, but this feels different. It feels kind of weird. I'm not saying it's a good or bad thing. It's just... peculiar for a franchise that has always embraced whimsy to suddenly give one of its critters something that looks like an actual rifle.
Predictably, the internet has a lot to say about this latest development in the world of Pokémon. Take a look below at just a few of the many, many memes this gun-toting 'mon has inspired.
Leaked model of Gigantamax Inteleon pic.twitter.com/rDb4CeqigO
- teh @ comms!!! (@nyonsense) January 9, 2020
We finally have the fabled Pokémon Gun pic.twitter.com/ustAXtey6R
- फ़ैलकूपा:rainbow::snowflake: (@FalKoopa_) January 9, 2020
inteleon has a gun what. the fuck what the fuck. it has a gun. what. the fuck inteleon where did you get that. inteleon put the gun down please. inteleon. pic.twitter.com/YyVRfYHq2t
- female protagonist (@WeegeeWuvver) January 9, 2020
Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon's gigantamax forms revealed in #PokemonDirect pic.twitter.com/1us4TKUb5e
- your mom's gf (@hastaravistabby) January 9, 2020
Boone Inteleon pic.twitter.com/DyCPyJ7OPj
- Cult of Lycanroc (@GoodGalGaymurr) January 9, 2020
"Ah yes, Kill the monkey inteleon"
- Childish Gogeta [Secre Szn]:flag_pr::bee:☘️ (@Childish_Gogeta) January 9, 2020
"As you wish, Lord Freeza" pic.twitter.com/6ptIuW1aHm
I can't believe they actually made Pokemon Gun real #PokemonDirect pic.twitter.com/w4EMa19LSG
- Jeff Ramos (@ohjefframos) January 9, 2020
The Pokémon Sword/Shield expansion pass is available to buy now. The first part, the Isle of Armor, will release in June 2020 alongside Inteleon's terrifying new form.
Topics: Game Freak, Pokemon Sword & Shield, Nintendo