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Gotta Meme 'em All: The mother of all... (view source)
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{{CategorizeIn|Columns|5|15}} | {{CategorizeIn|Columns|5|15}} | ||
==Introduction== | |||
It only takes a few rules working in tandem to create an amazingly complex system. The most evident example of this is found in Conway’s Game of Life[1], but you can see a similar phenomenon with the mechanics behind Pokémon breeding[2]. You have the Pokémon first divided into egg groups, apply mechanics for passing down of stats and traits, and add in some effects of various items. Most of the time, the rules are quite boring but what results can be quite interesting[3]. It is only on a rare occasion that it is the rule that becomes the point of interest, and in the mechanics of Pokémon breeding that rule goes by one name: Ditto[4]. | It only takes a few rules working in tandem to create an amazingly complex system. The most evident example of this is found in Conway’s Game of Life[1], but you can see a similar phenomenon with the mechanics behind Pokémon breeding[2]. You have the Pokémon first divided into egg groups, apply mechanics for passing down of stats and traits, and add in some effects of various items. Most of the time, the rules are quite boring but what results can be quite interesting[3]. It is only on a rare occasion that it is the rule that becomes the point of interest, and in the mechanics of Pokémon breeding that rule goes by one name: Ditto[4]. | ||
==Ditto== | |||
It might be strange that in a game about collecting or competing that a Pokémon that is literally the definition of gimmick should be so popular or highly sought after. In battle its utility is tempered by its ability[5] to transform[6], which depending on how you use it can be of some asset or a great hindrance. In contests you might have some luck since at least its sole move doesn’t bore the judges, although you’d be better off using a Claydol. Even for the sake of collecting or Pokédex completion it’s just one more entry. The actual strange thing is that its original transforming gimmick has taken the backseat to its most famous ability that was introduced later: the universal breeder. | It might be strange that in a game about collecting or competing that a Pokémon that is literally the definition of gimmick should be so popular or highly sought after. In battle its utility is tempered by its ability[5] to transform[6], which depending on how you use it can be of some asset or a great hindrance. In contests you might have some luck since at least its sole move doesn’t bore the judges, although you’d be better off using a Claydol. Even for the sake of collecting or Pokédex completion it’s just one more entry. The actual strange thing is that its original transforming gimmick has taken the backseat to its most famous ability that was introduced later: the universal breeder. | ||
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There is still one last meme that Ditto can teach us that is often overlooked: That no matter who you are or even what you are, there will always be someone or something that loves you. Or to simplify: Ditto is love, Ditto is life[14]. | There is still one last meme that Ditto can teach us that is often overlooked: That no matter who you are or even what you are, there will always be someone or something that loves you. Or to simplify: Ditto is love, Ditto is life[14]. | ||
==Closing== | |||
This has been the sixth edition of Gotta Meme ‘em All, a column dedicated to exploring the strange depths and origins of Pokémon pop culture and memes. This special article was a Mother's Day edition guest article written by fellow Bulbanews staff member [[User:Maxite|Maxite]]. Comments, critiques, and suggestions for future topics can be directed [[Special:EmailUser/ShinyLinoone|here]] as always, but I specifically urge you to contact me and ask how this article went with you, and if you would be interested in more guest articles being written. As always, keep it [http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dank-memes dank] up there! | |||
Also, on this special holiday, I would like to give an extra-special thanks to my own mother, without whom I probably would not be writing this column. I love you. :) | |||
-[[User:ShinyLinoone|ShinyLinoone]] | |||
IMAGES: | IMAGES: | ||
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Caption: “Eevee x Ditto: The Results.” | Caption: “Eevee x Ditto: The Results.” | ||
==References== | |||
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conway%27s_Game_of_Life | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conway%27s_Game_of_Life | ||
http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_breeding | http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_breeding | ||