While Game Freak's leaks have given us new information about the Japanese studio's upcoming projects, they have also led to discoveries for games that have already been released. Between the rejected ideas of Pokémon X and Y and the sublime concept art of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, now we have an abandoned starter from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, finally replaced by the popular Mudkip.
A starter abandoned to replace Gobou in Pokémon
When looking at the various Internet surveys on the popularity of Pokémon starters, several names come up regularly. Hector, Rowlet, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Pushcha, Pokémon that have managed to conquer the hearts of trainers. But another name regularly appears at the top of the list: Gobou. The Water starter from the 3rd generation is very popular among Pokémon players, whether for its design, its evolution possibilities or its abilities.
Gobou is undeniably one of the most popular starters in Pokémon.And with 27 starters (not counting Pikachu and Eevee), that's saying something. But this pole position could have never existed. With the massive leaks that hit Game Freak, the most curious had access to countless files, folders and other confidential data. This is where Pokémon fans discovered Game Freak's initial plans for Ruby and Sapphire versions of Pokémon.
And at the beginning, Gobou was not supposed to be part of the trio of starters of the 3rd generation of Pokémon. The Mudfish Pokémon was not planned and was initially supposed to be replaced by a certain Warabbit. A Water-Type rabbit Pokémon whose design can be found just below.
[OC] Warabbit Home model bc he's iconic
byu/AndeeWow inpokemon
Upon discovering this Pokémon, many fans shared their disappointment at the idea being abandoned. A rabbit with a float as a Water starter, a prospect that seems to have quickly caught on. However, if we rely on the popularity of Gobou, it must be admitted that Game Freak did not make a mistake.And even if Warabbit never came to be, it's possible that the ideas for its design were recycled for other Pokémon.
The idea of a Water Pokémon with a float finally saw the light of day with the 4th generation and Mustébouée, then its evolution Mustéflott. As for the rabbit starter, we would have had to wait for the eighth generation with Flambino. Nevertheless, it is possible that Game Freak kept these ideas to bring them out later. Obviously, no confirmation from the Japanese studio.
Despite All in all, it is possible that Warabbit could have become popular with gamers, as evidenced by the comments. “It was discovered 4 days ago and has already become iconic” shares a certain Aniruddha_Panda. The most interested continue to scour Game Freak's data in search of other juicy information, which we will communicate if necessary.