Pokémon UNITE might be one of the most controversial games in recent memory. When GameFreak hyped up a new Pokémon game, many were hoping for the first look into the next mainline entries in the series. What they got was a Pokémon MOBA that felt like it was five years too late.
On its own, the game looks like an exciting new entry into the Pokémon franchise. There's already been a few Pokémon that have been revealed to be playable. However, hopefully, more will be included in the base game or added in updates after the game launches. There's some that definitely deserve to be and some that definitely don't.
10 Do: Zorua
There's so much this rare Dark-type could bring to the table. Aside from its bevy of dark side attacks, it also has the ability to appear as other types of Pokémon.
It could do wonders for team composition. Imagine the enemy team structuring their team around the fact that they think a player will be bringing a Charizard to battle.
Then, surprise! It's actually Zorua and the other team has the edge in battle. Add that to the fact the Zorua is already a beloved (yet sadly underused) Pokémon and it almost makes too much sense not to include. But in all honesty, that's just a theory.
9 Don't: Charizard
While Charizard was once one of the most popular characters in the franchise, overexposure has made fans sour on this Fire-Flying type. (Who should really be Fire-Dragon type, right?)
While it was low on the list of complaints many fans had with Pokemon: Sword and Shield, many disliked the fact that Charizard had such a large role in the story at the expense of new Pokémon. Even the franchise mascot Pikachu felt like it was pushed to the side to accommodate Charizard. It would be silly to take them out of UNITE now, but it would have been nice to let another Fire-type take the lead.
8 Do: Guzzlord
While Ultra-Beasts where one of the many cool additions to the franchise that Sun and Moon introduced, due to the limiting new approach to the National Dex its likely that they'll be lost to time.
Its bizarre design and large size could add an interesting new angle to the game. Maybe it couldn't move fast or attack that much but it could block potential pathways the enemy team could take. It could lead to some fun team organizations that would make the game more interesting.
7 Don't: Arceus
Short answer: They're pretty much the god of the Pokémon universe
Given that the series has a history of catching flack from religious groups, GameFreak may not want to invite new controversy by reintroducing this all-powerful Pokémon. There's also the fact that they'd be way too overpowered on the battlefield.
It may be cool as a summon or a special event tied to a stage, but as a playable character, it'd probably be for the best if Arceus sat this one out.
6 Do: Oshawott
They're a cute little otter. What more is there to say?
While at first glance, it's hard to see why another Water-type would bring too much to the game. However, that little shell on its belly makes all the difference. As Oshawott evolves he turns into a sealion-esque Samurott and the shell morphs into four blades situated on its four flippers.
Seeing the adorable Oshawott morph into a cool sword-wielding sealion is something every Pokémon fan should want to see.
5 Don't: Absol
Absol is a beloved Pokémon from the third generation of games. However, its appearance is always bad news.
Absol is a Dark-type Pokémon that lives in mountainous regions. Their white coat and horn create a horrifying appearance and they're one of the few Pokémon that are capable of Mega Evolution. For decades, people have blamed natural disasters on appearances by an Absol. However, in reality, their anger is misplaced. Absol is actually adept at predicting devastating storms and often comes to warn humans. So it's possible keeping it from Pokémon UNITE would be a bad idea.
4 Do: MissingNo
MissingNo may not be an actual Pokémon, but that would make his inclusion in UNITE all the more interesting.
This glitch Pokémon first appeared in the original entries in the series, Red and Blue. There are five different forms of MissingNo, so it's possible its moveset could involve switching between them. Despite its popularity in the fan community, MissingNo hasn't appeared or been referenced in any recent Pokémon media. So including it in Pokémon UNITE would be the perfect way to reintroduce it (However, if the game has a number of bugs and glitches when it launches players could always assume this is an unofficial appearance of MissingNo).
3 Don't: Mewtwo
Just like Charizard, Mewtwo is one Pokémon who's suffered from overexposure.
Since its inclusion in the first Pokémon game, Mewtwo has been the spotlight of multiple card games, events, and movies. Even in the most recent entry, Sword and Shield, there have still been events centered around the character. While there is no doubt that Mewtwo is beloved, it would also be great to see some other legendary Pokémon take center stage. Imagine Suicune, Registeel, or Azelf debuting on the battlefield. It'd be a great chance to cater to some Pokémon fans whose favorite games are often ignored.
2 Do: Ditto
Choosing the right Pokémon to bring into battle is always a struggle. However, with Ditto players never have to make that choice!
Ditto is a unique Pokémon that can change its entire molecular makeup to duplicate another Pokémon or even human being. Its inclusion in UNITE could allow players to easily counter the enemy team. Whether they'd be able to switch to another Pokémon only once a game or once a respawn is up in the air. However, Ditto would be a refreshingly unique addition to UNITE that could make battle endlessly interesting.
1 Don't: Incineroar
The concept of Incineroar came out of nowhere. Almost no one could have guessed a cute Fire-type cat would have evolved into a professional wrestler. Since their debut in Sun and Moon, Incineroar then showed up in the most recent Smash Bros. game. However, maybe the threatening feline has outstayed his welcome.
First of all, it might be nice to see another Sun and Moon starter be included in Unite. Another reason could be that they're no longer the most recent Fire-type starter. It would be nice to see a Sword and Shield starter like Cinderace.