Howdy all. I'm not gonna lie, this concept exists because I like puns. But regardless, here's an idea for a simple shift that radically changes the game to create a brand-new meta: Bluntmons!
The shift?
Pokemon may not use any moves which receive a STAB boost.
Bullet Punch on Scizor? Nope. Outrage or Draco Meteor on any Dragon type? Kaput. Suddenly the offensive game is focused on the wideness of movepools, rather than the power of STABs. Typing is now primarily a defensive component, and bizarre new counters and threats emerge: Skarmory counters Fire-Types, Ghosts and Psychics can switch from Dark types without fear of Pursuit.
Note that this meta only accounts for moves that get a power bonus: utility and fixed-damage moves are still fair game.
The inaugural game can be seen here: http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/customgame-37728155. It was impromptu, with teams designed in less than ten minutes on a whim from the chat, but already we see a blend of predictable aspects of the game with the bizarre new twists that come from a STABless battle. Bluntmons is loads of fun, and best of all, it can be played right now, provided you find an individual opponent whom you trust to follow the rules.
So give it a try, it's a blast. Just not a very sharp one.
The shift?
Pokemon may not use any moves which receive a STAB boost.
Bullet Punch on Scizor? Nope. Outrage or Draco Meteor on any Dragon type? Kaput. Suddenly the offensive game is focused on the wideness of movepools, rather than the power of STABs. Typing is now primarily a defensive component, and bizarre new counters and threats emerge: Skarmory counters Fire-Types, Ghosts and Psychics can switch from Dark types without fear of Pursuit.
Note that this meta only accounts for moves that get a power bonus: utility and fixed-damage moves are still fair game.
The inaugural game can be seen here: http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/customgame-37728155. It was impromptu, with teams designed in less than ten minutes on a whim from the chat, but already we see a blend of predictable aspects of the game with the bizarre new twists that come from a STABless battle. Bluntmons is loads of fun, and best of all, it can be played right now, provided you find an individual opponent whom you trust to follow the rules.
So give it a try, it's a blast. Just not a very sharp one.