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Revision as of 01:11, 6 February 2024
Psyduck | |
---|---|
Pokémon character | |
First game | Pokémon Red and Blue (1996) |
Designed by | Ken Sugimori (finalized)[1] |
Voiced by | Rikako Aikawa |
In-universe information | |
Species | Pokémon |
Type | Water |
Psyduck (/ˈsaɪdʌk/), known as Koduck (コダック, Kodakku) in Japan, is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon franchise. Created by Ken Sugimori, Psyduck first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and later in sequels. They have later appeared in various merchandise, spinoff titles and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. Psyduck is voiced by Rikako Aikawa. A Psyduck also appears as part of the main cast in the live-action animated film Pokémon Detective Pikachu.
Known as the Duck Pokémon, Psyduck is constantly stunned by its headache, and usually just stands vacantly, trying to calm itself. In the anime series, Psyduck's appearances became a running gag; Misty would often release Psyduck by accident instead of the Pokémon she wanted to use. Also, Misty's Psyduck has not evolved in the anime.
Design and characteristics
Psyduck is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the Pokémon franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy.[2] In these games, the player assumes the role of a Pokémon Trainer whose goal is to capture and train creatures called Pokémon. Players use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution.[3]
Introduced in Red and Blue, the design started as pixel art sprites by the development team first, with a single color identity chosen to work within the Super Game Boy hardware limitations.[1] While conceived as a group effort by multiple developers at Game Freak,[4] the finalized design and artwork was done by Ken Sugimori. Originally tasked with drawing the characters to illustrate a planned strategy guide by Game Freak when the games released, Sugimori drew all the sprites for the game in his style to not only unify their designs visually but also modify any design elements he felt were amiss, while trying to retain the original sprite artist's unique style.[5]
Originally called "Koduck" in Japanese, Nintendo decided to give the various Pokémon species "clever and descriptive names" related to their appearance or features when translating the game for western audiences as a means to make the characters more relatable to American children.[6] As a result, they were renamed "Psyduck", a combination of the words "psychic" and "duck".[7]
Psyduck resembles a yellow duck billed platypus with a vacant stare. It has a small tuft of black hair at the top of its head. It walks on its hind legs, and has arms rather than wings. Its arms are useful in using its powerful psychic abilities. Its appearance is meant to trick enemies into thinking it is weak. It has arms with three claws on each to deliver scratches if threatened. Psyduck live in freshwater lakes, small ponds, or rivers in tropical areas.[8][9] When a Psyduck receives enough experience from battles, it evolves into Golduck, which appears to be based on the kappa.[10]
Psyduck is constantly stunned by its headache,[11] and usually just stands there vacantly, trying to calm its headache.[12] When the headache gets too bad, its brain cells awaken, allowing it to use strong psychic powers.[13][14] Some use their vacant look to their advantage, lulling the enemy and then using its psychokinetic powers.[12] Psyduck do not remember using their powers, which they use while in a state of deep sleep, so they tilt their head in confusion.[15][16][17] Psyduck is Pokémon developer Junichi Masuda's favorite Pokémon.[18]
Appearances
Psyduck made its debut appearance in the Pokémon series in Pokémon Red and Blue, before later appearing in all mainline entries in the series. Outside of the main series, it appears in Pokémon Snap as a Pokémon that could be photographed. It also appears in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, including as a partner in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Adventure Team.[19] It also appears as a Pokémon that can be caught in Pokémon Go.
In the anime, Misty has a Psyduck that she accidentally caught, serving as a constant source of frustration for her, as it frequently emerges to attempt to battle the opponent in substitution of the Pokémon she intends to use, and in instances where she does intend to use it, it often doesn't act. When its headache gets bad enough, it has been shown to use phenomenally powerful Psychic-type moves which far exceed its perceived potential. Psyduck have appeared at various points in the Pokémon Adventures manga. Psyduck appears in the 2019 film Pokémon Detective Pikachu as the partner to the female lead of the film, junior unpaid reporter Lucy Stevens (portrayed by Kathryn Newton).[20]
Reception
Psyduck has appeared in multiple pieces of merchandise, including plush toys,[21] battery-powered toys,[22] pins, and cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Zavvi has launched licensed T-shirts featuring Psyduck and other popular Generation I species.[23][24] Psyduck-inspired cast necklaces have also been available in Japan.[25] The first Pokémon Jet, a Boeing 747-400D for All Nippon Airways, has Psyduck and nine other Pokémon on its livery.[26]
Described as "silly" by GameSpy and The New York Times, Psyduck has been well received by the media, identified as one of the most popular characters in the original games by GamesRadar+ and Kotaku.[27][28][29][30] GameDaily staff felt it was among the more unique Pokémon designs, while IGN felt it was a cult favorite among fans due to its "bizarre, bewildered appearance."[31][32] It was also cited as a favorite character around the IGN offices.[33] The Coventry Evening Telegraph also praised its design, stating the character was "more interesting" in comparison to more commonly seen Pokémon such as Squirtle.[34] James Stephanie Sterling of Destructoid was critical, calling "annoying" and "irritating."[35] Psyduck has also been criticized for associations to the occult. Author Cindy Jacobs criticized Psyduck's occult powers as being associated with the occult.[36] Meanwhile, Pastor Phil Arms discussed how its psychic powers reflected the "New Age concept that parallels this ability falls under the heading of an altered state of consciousness."[36]
See also
References
- ^ a b Morrissy, Kim. "Pokémon Designers Reflect on History of Eevee's Design". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 2022-11-26. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ Hilliard, Kyle (December 25, 2016). "Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All". Game Informer. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Allison, Anne (May 2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 192–197. ISBN 9780520938991.
- ^ "Creator Profile: The Creators of Pikachu". Pokemon.com. 26 July 2018. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ Ken Sugimori Works (in Japanese). Tankobon Softcover. January 2014. pp. 342–343. ISBN 9784198638061.
- ^ Chua-Euan, Howard (November 22, 1999). "PokéMania". TIME. Archived from the original on 2008-09-13. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ^ Staff. "#054 Psyduck". IGN. Archived from the original on 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
- ^ Game Freak (2016-11-18). Pokémon Moon. Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo.
- ^ Game Freak (2017-11-17). Pokémon Ultra Sun. Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo.
- ^ Data_Error (2019-08-20). "Psyduck, Golduck". Dextraneous. Archived from the original on 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ Game Freak (1999-10-19). Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy). Nintendo.
Pokédex: Always tormented by headaches. It uses psychic powers, but it is not known if it intends to do so.
- ^ a b Game Freak (1998-09-30). Pokémon Red (Game Boy). Nintendo.
Pokédex: While lulling its enemies with its vacant look, this wily Pokémon will use psychokinetic powers.
- ^ Game Freak (2000-10-15). Pokémon Silver (Game Boy Color). Nintendo.
Pokédex: If its chronic headache peaks, it may exhibit odd powers. It seems unable to recall such an episode.
- ^ Game Freak (2001-07-29). Pokémon Crystal (Game Boy Color). Nintendo.
Pokédex: The only time it can use its psychic power is when its sleeping brain cells happen to wake.
- ^ Game Freak (2007-04-22). Pokémon Pearl (Nintendo DS). Nintendo.
Pokédex: It never remembers using its odd powers, so it always tilts its head in puzzlement.
- ^ Game Freak (2003-03-17). Pokémon Ruby (Game Boy Advance). Nintendo.
Pokédex: Psyduck uses a mysterious power. When it does so, this Pokémon generates brain waves that are supposedly only seen in sleepers. This discovery spurred controversy among scholars.
- ^ Game Freak (2003-03-17). Pokémon Sapphire (Game Boy Advance). Nintendo.
Pokédex: If it uses its mysterious power, Psyduck can't remember having done so. It apparently can't form a memory of such an event because it goes into an altered state that is much like deep sleep.
- ^ Kensaku Nabana (Dec 18, 2018). Pokémon Challenge: Mr. Masuda versus...Mr. Masuda?!.
- ^ Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Hits WiiWare - IGN, 15 July 2009, archived from the original on 2021-05-12, retrieved 2021-07-18
- ^ Zakarin, Jordan (2019-05-08). "Why Psyduck — yes, Psyduck — was the key Pokémon in Detective Pikachu". SYFY WIRE. Archived from the original on 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ Makedonski, Brett (2020-06-08). "This giant Psyduck is a $300 roommate". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ "Hasbro Electronic Talking Pokemon - 54 Psyduck". www.amazon.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ Alexander, Susannah (2021-07-03). "Pokémon launches summer clothing collection inspired by Sun and Moon games". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 2021-07-12. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ Lane, Gavin (2021-06-28). "Deals: Pokémon Summer Collection Brings An Alola Theme To Zavvi". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ Hashimoto, Kazuma (2021-02-08). "U-Treasure to Release Psyduck Inspired Pokemon Necklace". Siliconera. Archived from the original on 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ Ashcraft, Brian (24 June 2021). "Japan Gets A New Pokémon Airplane And It's Glorious". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2021-07-09. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ Leeper, Justin (April 24, 2004). "GameSpy: Pokemon - Page 1". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2023-07-05.
- ^ New York Times Theater Reviews (2001). The New York Times Film Reviews 1999-2000. Taylor & Francis. p. 178. ISBN 0-415-93696-9.
- ^ Elston, Brett. "The complete Pokemon RBY pokedex, part 5". GamesRadar. Future Publishing. p. 10. Archived from the original on 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
- ^ Hernandez, Patricia (2012-12-17). "Pokémon Designs Aren't Getting Worse, They May Be Getting Better". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2016-01-21. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
- ^ Workman, Robert. "Retro Rewind: Then and Now - Pokémon". GameDaily. AOL. Archived from the original on 2009-04-13. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
- ^ "Psyduck Biography". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2009-09-28.
- ^ "Pokémon of the Day: Psyduck". IGN. IGN Entertainment. 1999-11-11. Archived from the original on 2001-03-31. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
- ^ Tim, Frings (December 22, 2000). "CINEMA: PEAK emon!". Coventry Evening Telegraph.
- ^ "Thirty rubbish Pokemon: Red/Blue edition". Destructoid. 2008-06-26. Archived from the original on 2023-03-23. Retrieved 2021-07-18.
- ^ a b Jacobs, Cindy (2001-11-05). "3". Deliver Us From Evil: Putting A Stop To The Occult Influences Invading Your Home and Community. Gospel Light Publications. p. 48. ISBN 0830728007.