Focus On: Castform

Today’s Castform predicts a Rattata of rain in the morning followed by a short Bellossom in the afternoon; however it’ll soon turn Thundurus in the evening with a Vigoroth storm overnight. This pun filled Trubbish was brought to you by the Weather Institute.

As some of you may have fathomed from my wonderfully bad intro, today’s “Focus on” is about our unique friend. He has a stylish quiff and absurdly large family jewels. That’s right I can only mean one Pokémon, Castform!

Basic Info:

This cloud inspired puff made its debut in the 3^rd generation of Pokémon video games (R/S/E).

 Its name derives from the words “Forecast” and “Transform” (the latter I will talk about shortly). It is one of a few “artificial” Pokémon in existence. It was made solely for weather predictions by the Weather Institute in Hoenn, and to help with their ongoing research. Despite the fact it was manmade, Castform can be either a male or a female (I’ll refer to Castform as a “he” for the sake of ease). Also, weirdly enough it can breed which would surely create a religious outrage across the planet (if Pokémon had religions). But back on topic, here are some other quick facts:

Japanese Name: Powarun/Powalen.

Type: Normal.

Height: 1’00”/0.3m.

Weight: 1.8lbs/0.8kg.

Gender Ratio: 50/50.

National Dex Number: 351.

Ability: Forecast.

What makes it unique?

All Pokémon are unique, however Castform’s ability really stands out. You could say that he doesn’t just predict the weather, but he IS the weather. Yes I didn’t just make that up Pokémon really has become that crazy, and it’s no longer just creatures on steroids. The aptly named “Forecast” ability allows him to “transform” into a type based on the current weather. So if it’s sunny, he’ll turn into a fire type. If it’s raining, he’ll turn into a water type, and if it’s hailing, he’ll turn into an ice type. However he doesn’t change form/type for when Sandstorm, Shadow Sky, or Fog are in effect. Also all his weaknesses change if he becomes a different type so bare that in mind. Although he may seem a bit too similar to Ditto with the whole transformation gimmick, trust me when I say he is no clone. With this transformation he not only changes his typing and appearance to represent the current weather (changes design to sun/raindrop/storm cloud), but it also changes the effect of his signature attack...

Battle Uses:

This little stress ball may look harmless but don’t be fooled. The very reason (in fact it’s probably the only reason) you would want to use this Pokémon in battle is due to its diverse and equally devastating attack named “Weather Ball”. Now to begin with, this attack is nothing special. However if one of the weather effects are in play then the opponent on the receiving end is going to be in a world of pain. This move starts off as a normal type move with 100% accuracy, 10pp, and only 50 base power. However due to Castform being a normal type; he will also receive STAB (same-type attack bonus) so the damage is increased to 75. This isn’t very impressive, but if a weather condition is in effect then the move will change type to match the weather (just like Castform), but it will also double in power! So the base power would be 100 and with the possibility of STAB being added (as Castform will probably be the same type unless Sandstorm/Shadow Sky is in play), the power could rise to an eye watering 150! That’s not only stronger than a Fire Blast but the move also retains its 100% accuracy, and 10pp. This makes it all very exciting, unfortunately though that’s where the good stuff ends. The major problem is that Castform’s stats are quite poor overall. He doesn’t excel at anything, and even though both his attacks and both his defences aren’t bad, they’re still not great. Also he’s pretty slow. Here are his base stats:

HP: 70

Attack: 70

Defence: 70

Sp. Attack: 70

Sp. Defence: 70

Speed: 70

Another problem for Castform is that for Weather Ball to be truly effective there needs to be a weather effect in play. This usually requires a move such as Rain Dance or Sunny Day to be used first (unless you’re in one of a few areas where weather is active outside of battle). This means that it’s unlikely Castform will be able to defeat a Pokémon in 1 turn, and it will probably leave him vulnerable to at least one or two attacks. But if you’re lucky enough to survive or another Pokémon uses a weather effect, then Castform could become a worthy foe, and a force to be reckoned with. Especially if used well in conjunction with a useful item, and nature. The versatility in its move pool is one of its core strengths. Being able to change type enables it to use a big variety of attacks. You could max out its power by using moves such as Blizzard, and Thunder or you could be more strategic (basically annoy the opponent as much as possible), by using moves such as Thunder Wave or Toxic. Also don’t underestimate egg moves. In the right (or wrong) hands, this cute weather predicting blob could become quite menacing. But if I’m brutally honest, I don’t think he’s cut out for competitive play. I mean just look at him he’s too innocent looking, though having said that there’s something about him I don’t trust...

Major Roles:

Since its birth in 2002 (Japan), Castform hasn’t had many major appearances. In game you were given one as a gift for saving the Weather Institute from Team Magma/Aqua. In the anime it was the main focus for the episode “Unfair Weather Friends”, where Team Aqua tried to steal data about the legendary Pokémon Kyogre. Other than that, it has only appeared as a cameo in a couple of other episodes. On the manga side of things, main character “Ruby” of the Pokémon Adventures series was given a female Castform named “Popo”. She was previously owned by Mr. Stone who is the president of the Devon Corporation in Rustboro City in Hoenn, and father or Hoenn Champion Steven Stone. Unfortunately he was injured in an attack by Team Aqua so he gave her to reporters “Gabby” and “Ty” (also known as “Maryann” and “Tyler” in the Chuang Yi translation) to look after. From there she travelled around with them for a bit but soon became lonely, therefore after the battle between Ruby, and his Dad Norman at the Weather Institute, Gabby & Ty decided to give him Popo. Ruby went on to enter Popo in the “Smart” Pokémon Contests throughout Hoenn.

Interesting Facts:

•     Castform is the only Pokémon who can learn both “Ember” and “Water Gun”, as well as Ember and “Powder Snow”.
•     He is also the only Pokémon who by levelling up can learn both “Fire Blast” and “Hydro Pump”, as well as Fire Blast and “Blizzard”.
•     He’s the only Pokémon who has the dual egg group “Fairy” and “Amorphous”.
•     He’s the only Pokémon to always get STAB on Weather Ball (unless Sandstorm or Shadow Sky is in effect or he loses his ability).
•     His Ice form is the first “pure” ice type Pokémon in the National Dex.
•     Castform is the lightest Normal type Pokémon.

Thanks to Bulbapedia for these interesting facts.

So there you have it, as much as you could possibly want to know about this deformed marshmallow. What are your thoughts on him? Do you find him cute or crude? Would you let him shine in your team or let him become a tear of despair? Would you ever want to see new forms or an evolution? Leave your comments below.

P.S. Does this orange guy remind you of him? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXa2F3kYeBI

This was for the second round of the Pokéjungle competition (#351).
http://pokejungle.net/2012/05/21/jungle-games-episode-2-gimmick/

- Sam Peace