Warning: SPOILERS for episode #20 of Pokémon Horizons’s new main characters Pokémon Horizon still figuring out what it’s like to be a Pokémon trainer, but the latest challenge has forced them to start thinking differently. Tro already known. Out-of-the-box thinking and creative application of Pokémon moves have been Ash’s specialty, and now Riko is showing a similar talent in a fitness test.
For Ash, creative thinking is essential. Ash often faces unique opponents in the form of Team Rocket and their robots, built in such a way as to directly counter any Pokémon they wish to steal. That leads to common Pokémon attacks being used in unexpected ways, such as Razor Leaf to cut open a rubber bag or having bird Pokémon dive-bomb their balloons. The stamina test that Kabu gave to Riko and Roy in episode #20 of Pokémon Horizons forced them to think about using different moves, by challenging them to light the Litwick flames or extinguish them .
Riko & Roy are learning to use Pokémon attacks in unique ways just like Ash did
For Roy, lighting Litwick’s bonfire with Fuecoco was fairly straightforward, but Riko’s task of putting out a fire was a bit more difficult. Sprigatito knows only a handful of moves, and none are suitable for fighting Ghost and Fire-type Pokémon. Riko soon discovers that Sprigatito’s Leafage attack can be used in a variety of ways, and that by giving more specific commands, Sprigatito can direct the attack towards a specific purpose. The large, buzzing leaf clouds can traverse a large area, attacking multiple Litwicks at once, while she can also target Sprigatito very specifically by firing small, controlled volleys of projectiles. controlled, just large enough to hit a flare.
In some ways, using a single attack in different ways mirrors the Agile/Strong style attack mechanics from Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which similarly allows players to tailor attacks to suit different situations. However, what makes these more similar to Ash is the fact that these attacks are not launched with the intention of causing damage but to achieve another goal (in this case, blowing out the fire ). Ash is known to use attacks to deflect or block other attacks, such as his famous Counter Shield strategy. Riko applies what she learned during the trial and uses Leaf to obscure her opponent’s vision when she confronts Kabu’s Centiskorch.
Ash may be gone, but he’s left his mark on Pokémon
While this is a small first step towards Ash’s basic expertise, Riko is proving that she is capable of thinking in a similar way, something that could see her become a trainer in someday. Roy also demonstrated his ability to think outside the box a few episodes ago, when he performed a combined attack between his Fuecoco and Wattrel. Although Ash may be gone, he certainly left his mark on the new main characters of the series. Pokémon Horizonand as they continue to grow as trainers, that can be critical to their success.