From the charred remains of a well-worn journal on Cinnabar Island, its pages marked with ink stains and soot, a single passage stands out amongst the dry script that remain:
Today marks the anniversary of its birth and we feel it only fitting to look back at its development as a Pokémon and as a character, one that stands as supremely powerful and recognizable.
For those that braved the Cerulean Cave to find it waiting at the end, Mewtwo represented either one of the most intense battles and captures in the game or the moment where saving Silph Co. paid off completely. Personally I could never bring myself to use the Master Ball, finding the tense atmosphere of the encounter a fitting conclusion to my Pokémon journey. With a massive Special stat and great Speed, Mewtwo had earned its reputation as a legendary and at the time strongest Pokémon. While others such as Rayquaza and Arceus have come along to shake that standard, Mewtwo has always remained more notable in the holding of that title.
As a genetic experiment it served as the perfect means to explore relatively mature themes in the first animated movie of the Pokémon anime. Its original sprite seemed fittingly unnatural, with an awkward posture and dis-proportioned head. While this appearance was maintained in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mewtwo has since adopted a more streamlined and defined look that comes off as more telling of its prominence and intimidating nature. Even in the face of new generations, Mewtwo has gained tools to keep it powerful, such as its signature move Psystrike and a pair of Mega Evolutions.
In spin offs Mewtwo is a common addition, such as holding prominence in the Pokémon Special manga series’ Kanto centric story arcs where it gained a relationship with Cinnabar Island gym leader Blaine. After sitting out Brawl, it became the first DLC fighter in the Super Smash Bros. series, coming free to those who owned both the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game and it has since received an amiibo in its likeness. Soon it will be at the forefront of Pokkén Tournament, with a new “Shadow” version as a special addition and amiibo card coming alongside its classic look.
For fans of the original generation of games Mewtwo is something supremely special, and it has managed to keep that pedigree throughout the last twenty years. Make sure to head to a local GameStop this month to receive a code to download its parent Pokémon Mew. Most importantly, remember the words it once left us with:
“I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant;
it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.”
Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
