Pokemon are a unique group of creatures that were invented by a company called Game Freak in Japan. Pokemon (original name in Japanese-Poketto Monstaa) are based on the creators' childhood fascinationwith collecting insects-Pokemon themselves are involved cros-hybrids of different animals, such as the mouse-like Pikachu or the bear-like Cubone. Pokemon are unique in the fact that some of them evolve into other Pokemon. Based on a popular series video games, Pokemon Players (known as trainers) battle their stored Pokemon against Pok�mon they encounter. The winner of a match is a trainer whose Pok�mon cause opposing Pok�mon to either faint or flee. You can also catch these Pok�mon and keep them for your own. Another aspect of the Pok�mon games that is so appealing is the amount of interaction between characters and other players. In order to progress through the game and find all of the Pok�mon, you have to speak with other non-playable characters in the Pok�mon worlds, challenge other trainers, and even exchange Pok�mon with friends via a link cable.
The Pok�mon universe is more than just the games. Theres a popular television show that remains in the top spot on the KidsWB network, a series of successful movies (the first, Pok�mon: The First Movie, had an opening weekend take of $31.04 million, beating the Titanics opening of $28.64 million), and a trading card game distributed and sold by Wizards of the Coast that are central to Pok�mons success. It has become a global enterprise with its own retail store, website, and even a float in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A brief history must include the core characters of the animated series. Ash Ketchum, an affable, ageless ten-year old, is on a quest to win the Pok�mon regional championships and become a Pok�mon master. He starts his adventure with Pikachu, a Pok�mon given to him by his mentor, Professor Oak. Pikachu has certain electrifying characteristics, mainly his special abilities Thundershock and Thunderbolt.
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![[Games]](http://us.yimg.com/i/ligans/cb/smgame.gif)
![[Jokes]](http://us.yimg.com/i/ligans/cb/smjoke.gif)
