Sandshrew/Sandslash
Yelsha42:
A very interesting pangolin Pokémon.
moltres93:
Although it's obviously based on the pangolin, it's interesting how much shorter they made the snout.
Yelsha42:
And then called it a mouse XD
moltres93:
However neither shrews, armadillos nor pangolins- all animals on which Sandshrew is based, are rodents. It’s strange that they seem to push this idea of a mouse on Sandshrew.
Yelsha42:
Probably to make the concept more child friendly - a child is more likely to have heard of a mouse than a pangolin.
moltres93:
Yes, but one of the best things about the Pokémon creatures is that you learn about so many new animals! We don't know the exact reason why Sandshrew is called a mouse when it clearly isn't, but it's not really important. Sandshew's concept is great. Like the pangolin, it curls up in a ball and protects itself with its tough scales. The Sandshrew line is also mentioned in some sources to have poisonous spikes, like some species of shrew.
While its appearance and behaviour are based on real-life animals, it still has a unique enough design that it can be recognised as a Pokémon. The beady eyes and short limbs also make it look cute, an important feature of an unevolved Pokémon.
Yelsha42:
Moving onto Sandslash now- one of the most epic Pokémon ever. Great design with a strong emphasis on the claws, making it look super-powered but still realistic.
moltres93:
Sandslash is another of my favourite Pokémon designs. It has unique traits, and looks powerful but at the same time, kind of cute!
Yelsha42:
I'd say Sandslash is definitely one of the more badass Pokémon, as a lot of gen 1 Pokémon were.
moltres93:
I guess I say that because of the head and body shape. They are kind of plump and rounded, giving it that slightly cute appeal. But at the same time, there are the spines on its back and the claws that make it look like it's gonna rip you apart XD
I think in terms of evolution, the Sandslash line as a whole is fantastic. The transition from Sandshrew into Sandslash is just right, with the cute pre-evolved form becoming more complex and dangerous looking.
Yelsha42:
I agree! And the evolutions are still recognisable as being related.
moltres93:
The consistent colour scheme adds to that I think, and I also like that it makes them a little more realistic looking. My only criticism is that there could have been a TINY bit more colour variation. While the yellow and brown suit the Pokémon, and as I mentioned before, make them look more realistic, it's a little boring.
Yelsha42:
Hard to distinguish the Shrews from the ground they dig in!
moltres93:
Exactly, but this could be an attribute to the Pokémon themselves to be able to camouflage easily.
Yelsha42:
Very true, as a lot of ground dwelling creatures need camouflage to hide from flying predators.
moltres93:
As a whole, I give this evolution line 9/10. Great character design with fitting trademark attributes.
Yelsha42:
I agree completely - and Sandslash looks so cool! 9/10 from me as well.
Next: Nidoran F/Nidorina/Nidoqueen & Nidoran M/Nidorino/Nidoking
A very interesting pangolin Pokémon.
moltres93:
Although it's obviously based on the pangolin, it's interesting how much shorter they made the snout.
Yelsha42:
And then called it a mouse XD
moltres93:
However neither shrews, armadillos nor pangolins- all animals on which Sandshrew is based, are rodents. It’s strange that they seem to push this idea of a mouse on Sandshrew.
Yelsha42:
Probably to make the concept more child friendly - a child is more likely to have heard of a mouse than a pangolin.
moltres93:
Yes, but one of the best things about the Pokémon creatures is that you learn about so many new animals! We don't know the exact reason why Sandshrew is called a mouse when it clearly isn't, but it's not really important. Sandshew's concept is great. Like the pangolin, it curls up in a ball and protects itself with its tough scales. The Sandshrew line is also mentioned in some sources to have poisonous spikes, like some species of shrew.
While its appearance and behaviour are based on real-life animals, it still has a unique enough design that it can be recognised as a Pokémon. The beady eyes and short limbs also make it look cute, an important feature of an unevolved Pokémon.
Yelsha42:
Moving onto Sandslash now- one of the most epic Pokémon ever. Great design with a strong emphasis on the claws, making it look super-powered but still realistic.
moltres93:
Sandslash is another of my favourite Pokémon designs. It has unique traits, and looks powerful but at the same time, kind of cute!
Yelsha42:
I'd say Sandslash is definitely one of the more badass Pokémon, as a lot of gen 1 Pokémon were.
moltres93:
I guess I say that because of the head and body shape. They are kind of plump and rounded, giving it that slightly cute appeal. But at the same time, there are the spines on its back and the claws that make it look like it's gonna rip you apart XD
I think in terms of evolution, the Sandslash line as a whole is fantastic. The transition from Sandshrew into Sandslash is just right, with the cute pre-evolved form becoming more complex and dangerous looking.
Yelsha42:
I agree! And the evolutions are still recognisable as being related.
moltres93:
The consistent colour scheme adds to that I think, and I also like that it makes them a little more realistic looking. My only criticism is that there could have been a TINY bit more colour variation. While the yellow and brown suit the Pokémon, and as I mentioned before, make them look more realistic, it's a little boring.
Yelsha42:
Hard to distinguish the Shrews from the ground they dig in!
moltres93:
Exactly, but this could be an attribute to the Pokémon themselves to be able to camouflage easily.
Yelsha42:
Very true, as a lot of ground dwelling creatures need camouflage to hide from flying predators.
moltres93:
As a whole, I give this evolution line 9/10. Great character design with fitting trademark attributes.
Yelsha42:
I agree completely - and Sandslash looks so cool! 9/10 from me as well.
Next: Nidoran F/Nidorina/Nidoqueen & Nidoran M/Nidorino/Nidoking
