The Pokémon Black and White games, released for the Nintendo DS, introduced players to the Unova region, a new and expansive area filled with unique Pokémon. Among the highlights of these games are the Legendary Pokémon, which play crucial roles in the storyline and offer impressive abilities. This article delves into the Legendary Pokémon featured in Pokémon Black and White, exploring their lore, roles in the games, and their impact on the Pokémon series.
Overview of Legendary Pokémon in Black and White
1. Legendary Pokémon Basics
Legendary Pokémon are rare and powerful creatures that are often central to the plot of Pokémon games. They typically have unique abilities and are not usually available for capture through standard gameplay methods. In Pokémon Black and White, the Legends are deeply intertwined with the game’s storyline and thematic elements.
2. Unova Region Introduction
The Unova region, inspired by New York City, brings a fresh perspective to the Pokémon universe with new characters, locations, and Pokémon. The Legendary Pokémon of this region are integral to the narrative and lore of the game.
Reshiram: The Vast White Pokémon
1. Appearance and Typing
Reshiram, known as the Vast White Pokémon, is a Dragon/Fire-type Legendary Pokémon. It features a majestic white appearance with blue eyes and a flowing tail, symbolizing its connection to fire and light.
2. Role in Pokémon Black and White
In Pokémon Black, Reshiram is the central figure, representing truth and the ideals of balance. It is featured as the counterpart to Zekrom, embodying the themes of light versus darkness. Reshiram’s abilities and its role in the story make it a key figure in the game’s plot.
3. Signature Moves and Abilities
- Fusion Flare: Reshiram’s signature move is Fusion Flare, a powerful Fire-type attack that becomes even stronger when used alongside its counterpart’s move, Fusion Bolt.
- Turboblaze: Reshiram’s ability, Turboblaze, allows its moves to bypass the opponent’s abilities that might otherwise block them, making it a formidable opponent in battles.
4. Cultural and Mythological Significance
Reshiram’s design and concept are inspired by various mythological and cultural elements. Its association with fire and light aligns with the themes of truth and enlightenment found in many ancient stories and legends.
Zekrom: The Deep Black Pokémon
1. Appearance and Typing
Zekrom, the Deep Black Pokémon, is a Dragon/Electric-type Legendary Pokémon. It has a striking black appearance with sharp, angular features and a tail that resembles a lightning bolt, symbolizing its connection to electricity.
2. Role in Pokémon Black and White
In Pokémon White, Zekrom represents ideals and the concept of opposing forces. It serves as the counterpart to Reshiram and symbolizes the balance of power and darkness. Zekrom plays a crucial role in the storyline, particularly in its interactions with the player and the antagonist team.
3. Signature Moves and Abilities
- Fusion Bolt: Zekrom’s signature move is Fusion Bolt, an Electric-type attack that becomes more powerful when used in conjunction with Reshiram’s Fusion Flare.
- Turboblaze: Zekrom’s ability, Teravolt, is similar to Reshiram’s Turboblaze, allowing its moves to ignore opposing abilities that would normally block them.
4. Mythological and Symbolic Connections
Zekrom is inspired by various mythological figures associated with darkness and electricity. Its design and role reflect the duality and balance present in many cultural myths and legends.
Kyurem: The Boundary Pokémon
1. Appearance and Typing
Kyurem, known as the Boundary Pokémon, is a Dragon/Ice-type Legendary Pokémon. Its design is notably more monstrous and enigmatic compared to Reshiram and Zekrom. Kyurem is often depicted as a frozen, shadowy figure with a fragmented appearance.
2. Role in Pokémon Black and White
Kyurem’s role in the games is significant as it is the embodiment of a missing piece in the Dragon/Ice-type lineage. In the lore of Unova, Kyurem represents the remnants of a once-powerful Pokémon, left incomplete after the split with Reshiram and Zekrom.
3. Signature Moves and Abilities
- Ice Burn and Glaciate: Kyurem has unique moves like Ice Burn, a powerful Ice-type attack, and Glaciate, which lowers the speed of opponents while dealing Ice-type damage.
- Ice Body: Kyurem’s ability, Ice Body, restores HP during hailstorms, making it a resilient and strategic Pokémon in battle.
4. Cultural and Symbolic Significance
Kyurem’s design is inspired by the concept of an incomplete or shattered being. It represents themes of loss, fragmentation, and the remnants of ancient power, reflecting the broader themes of balance and duality in the Pokémon universe.
Legendary Pokémon and Game Mechanics
1. Role in the Storyline
In Pokémon Black and White, the Legendary Pokémon are integral to the storyline. They are not only powerful but also represent deeper themes related to truth, ideals, and the balance of power. Their interactions with the player and the game’s antagonists drive the narrative forward and add depth to the overall experience.
2. Gameplay Impact
The Legendary Pokémon provide unique challenges and opportunities for players. Their powerful moves and abilities can influence strategies in both single-player and competitive battles. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for players aiming to build a strong team or complete the Pokédex.
3. Legendary Pokémon in Post-Game Content
In addition to their roles in the main storyline, these Legendary Pokémon often appear in post-game content, providing additional challenges and opportunities for players to capture and train them.
How to Capture Legendary Pokémon in Black and White
1. Obtaining Reshiram and Zekrom
- Pokémon Black: Players encounter and capture Reshiram in the game’s storyline, typically towards the end after defeating the Elite Four and Champion.
- Pokémon White: Similarly, Zekrom is available for capture in Pokémon White under similar conditions.
2. Finding and Capturing Kyurem
- Event Locations: Kyurem can be found in the Giant Chasm, accessible after completing the main storyline. Players need to have defeated the Elite Four and obtained the National Pokédex to encounter and capture Kyurem.
3. Special Events and Distribution
- Event Pokémon: Occasionally, special events and distributions allow players to obtain Legendary Pokémon with unique attributes or moves, enhancing the overall experience and collecting opportunities.
Conclusion
The Legendary Pokémon of Pokémon Black and White—Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem—are central to the lore and gameplay of the Unova region. Their unique abilities, roles in the storyline, and symbolic significance contribute to their status as some of the most memorable and powerful Pokémon in the series.
Understanding these Legends provides deeper insight into the themes of truth, ideals, and balance that underpin the Pokémon Black and White games. As players continue to explore and engage with the Pokémon universe, the legacy of these Legendary Pokémon remains a testament to their enduring appeal and impact on the franchise.
