One of my favourite things to do in Pokemon Sword & Shield is hang out with my little Pokepals around the campfire. Admittedly, I thought this was pretty pointless back when I originally started playing a little over a year ago. But ever since I completed the game, I've slowly but surely changed my mind about that - mostly because the Pokemon in Sword & Shield are all pretty stupid, in a very endearing way.
Earlier today I was messing around in my Pokemon camp and saw my Gengar knocking about. He moves by doing a Naruto run except he's actually floating - it's incredibly funny to watch. Anyway, I called him over and threw a couple of Poke Balls to play fetch with him (can you play fetch with Pokemon like pets? And what about throwing their literal containers down the field for them to retrieve? Seems a bit weird).
After playing for a bit, I said "Let's chat" and Gengar's disposition changed dramatically. "Gengar looks like it wants to be with you forever," the textbox read. Nice one, bud. You're alright as well.
Anyway, that massive smile of his somehow grew even wider, which I reckon is because me and him are best mates now. So I took a photo of him, and then it hit me: why not take photos of some of my other favourite 'mons before and after I called them beautiful, like all those hipster photographers do with their mates (who pretend they're not their mates for the photo)? Great idea, I thought. Pat on the back for me. Here are the results.
Gengar
Before being called beautiful:
Typically menacing Gengar here, sinister smile and devious eyes. You know he's up to something - let's try to catch him off guard.
After being called beautiful:
Look at that smile! He's chuffed! And actually a bit scary, if I'm honest. What's he plotting?
Weavile
Before being called beautiful:
Weavile has always been one of my favourite Pokemon ever. It looks too cool for school here - slight frown with a single sharp tooth hanging out. Weavile, bud, you look great.
After being called beautiful:
Ah, would you look at that. Weavile's a softie after all. Look how sincere that smile is - you can tell by the eyebrows.
Lucario
Before being called beautiful:
Lucario is super serious. No messing around with this lad. Today is for training. If you pull out a toy I will not play with you. I will simply try to slap the toy out of your hand, which is fun for me but that's not the point.
After being called beautiful:
Obviously Lucario doesn't even smile. It just does a cool pose and quietly nods its head. I want to be Lucario when I grow up.
Tyranitar
Before being called beautiful:
Have I got something on my face? Why are you staring at me like that?
After being called beautiful:
Oh wow. That's a response. You don't need to cry mate, I'm just saying I'm glad we're on the same team. You don't have to shout that you're going to be with me forever in front of the others. You're already one of my favourites - but shhh, don't tell anyone.
Sableye
Before being called beautiful:
You're up to something. You're the image of mischief. Your eyes are lovely.
After being called beautiful:
WHERE DID THOSE TEETH COME FROM???
Charizard
Before being called beautiful:
Hey, Charizard. Come here. I've got something to tell you.
After being called beautiful:
Listen, you looked better a minute ago, stop shouting and doing T-rex arms and go back to your calm air.
Espeon
Before being called beautiful:
Everyone knows that Espeon is lovely. Does Espeon know?
After being called beautiful:
Espeon definitely knows. That face has got, "Oh, where did that come from, I can't believe you said that" written all over it. You know what you look like. You've seen your reflection - don't tell me otherwise, you can literally learn Reflect.
Grimmsnarl
Before being called beautiful:
I have no idea about what any single part of your anatomy is supposed to be, but you look pretty cool I suppose.
After being called beautiful:
OK, this has just completely confused me in terms of what your teeth are.
Mimikyu
Before being called beautiful:
(Hey Mimikyu, you're my favourite, don't tell Tyranitar.)
After being called beautiful:
I wish I recorded a video of this instead of taking a screenshot, because Mimikyu's response was frankly amazing. Listen, right. Play Pokemon. Go to your camp. Bring Mimikyu. Say nice things to it. Enjoy.
Reuniclus
Before being called beautiful:
You're already so happy - is it possible to make you even happier though?
After being called beautiful:
Of course it is.
Wartortle
Before being called beautiful:
Oi, what's the matter? Cheer up.
After being called beautiful:
See? You're delighted now. Eejit.
Jolteon
Before being called beautiful:
Don't you look at me like that, mate.
After being called beautiful:
Much better. All is forgiven.
Hippowdon
Before being called beautiful:
Pokehippo, get over here for a minute. Why have you got nostrils on your back? On second thought, they look like cannons, which is quite cool, actually.
After being called beautiful:
Glad to know you're happy with your nostril cannons. Self-esteem is very important.
Galarian Rapidash
Before being called beautiful:
Galarian Rapidash must know that, as a fairy unicorn with luscious locks of magical hair, it's pretty great. I'll tell it anyway.
After being called beautiful:
Yeah. You look like you're having loads of fun. Jesus. Have a bit of a laugh - just because you're some magic horse doesn't mean you can veer away from all of the banter.
Eevee
Before being called beautiful:
And here we are - the star of our show. Come here Eevee, I have a secret to tell you.
After being called beautiful:
Ah, would you look at that. You're only lovely pal.