The Totodile Takeover: Why IGN's Poll (and Our Hearts) Are All In On the Bitey Boi
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
IGN's recent poll for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters reveals a massive preference for Totodile, with over half of players choosing the bitey water-type, much to the (gentle) surprise of no one. While stats and fan nostalgia play a part, our resident digital wizard Jeff reminds us that every starter is a solid choice, and the real fun is in the adventure itself – even if some Mega Evolutions are a bit 'weird'.
Right, so picture this: You’ve just loaded up *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, the screen goes dark, then *bam* – Professor Cyllage is staring you down, offering up the Holy Trinity of starter Pokémon. You’ve got Chikorita, the leaf-necked wonder. There’s Tepig, the fiery little piggy. And then, lurking with a cheeky grin and probably a tendency to nip fingers, is Totodile. What’s a self-respecting trainer to do?
Well, if a recent poll from our mates over at IGN South Africa is anything to go by, most of you are apparently picking the water-type scamp with the ferocity of a starved Stantler chasing an Oran Berry. In an article penned by Rebekah Valentine, it appears the collective consciousness of over 32,000 IGN readers has firmly decided: Totodile reigns supreme. Seriously, this isn't just a slight majority; we're talking a landslide. The poll, which has been up for a good while now, shows Totodile chomping down a whopping 56% of the votes. Chikorita, bless its grassy little heart, managed to snag a quarter of the pie at 25.3%, while poor old Tepig was left looking a bit... well, *tepid* at a mere 18.7%.
Now, for those of us who’ve been around the block a few times – perhaps even tripped over a few stray Poké Balls in our day – this might not come as a colossal shock. Totodile has always had that mischievous glint in its eye, that undeniable charisma that screams "I might bite you, but I'll also be your best friend." It’s the kind of starter that promises both adventure and a trip to the Pokémon Centre for tetanus shots, and honestly, what's not to love about that chaotic energy?
But let's dig into the *why* a bit, shall we? Because it’s never just about raw appeal, is it? It’s about history, about nostalgia, and maybe, just maybe, about the subtle digital whispers that guide our collective choices. Totodile, alongside Chikorita, hails from the iconic Johto region (Generation 2, for the purists out there). Tepig, on the other hand, is a Unovan native from Generation 5. While this might seem like a minor detail to the uninitiated, for long-time fans, regional allegiance can be a surprisingly potent force. It’s like choosing between your favourite obscure indie band and a pop star everyone knows. Sometimes, the deeper connection to a beloved era wins out. And Johto, let’s be fair, holds a special place in many hearts.
IGN's original article even leaned into the idea that Totodile is the "best pick, stats-wise," though they did add a few caveats. And look, I’m all for optimising your playthrough, planning your perfectly balanced team, and crunching those numbers like a mad scientist brewing a potent potion. But sometimes, mate, you just gotta go with your gut. Or, in this case, your heart. I mean, Rebekah Valentine herself, the author of the original IGN piece, admitted to choosing Chikorita, despite having a history of picking Totodile every single time in Gen 2. See? Even the pros sometimes throw caution (and optimal stats) to the wind for a change of pace!
And speaking of throwing caution to the wind, let's talk about those glorious, glorious Mega Evolutions. *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is bringing 'em back, and every one of these starters is getting a shiny new form. The original article playfully teased them, and without spoiling the visuals too much, suffice to say that Emboar (Tepig's final form) apparently looks "awesome." Feraligatr (Totodile's big boy evolution) is described as "weird," and Meganium (Chikorita's ultimate leafy form) was, rather disappointingly, "rather disappointing."
Now, this is where my gentle skepticism kicks in, like a poorly aimed Quick Attack. "Disappointing" or "weird" Mega Evolutions? That's fighting talk! I mean, who's to say what constitutes "awesome" when you're talking about giant digital monsters? One trainer's "weird" is another's "unexpectedly brilliant." Perhaps Feraligatr’s new form has a certain avant-garde charm? Maybe Meganium’s 'disappointment' is actually a subtle, understated elegance that defies convention? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s all in the eye of the beholder, much like whether you prefer the English translation's "tummy troubles" for Pikachu or the Japanese version's more... *specific* description of its digestive plight (yes, that was a real thing discussed in a related IGN article – game localisation is a wild beast!).
But here’s the absolute beauty of it all, and something the original article wisely points out: you truly cannot go wrong. All three starters are perfectly viable for the entirety of *Z-A*'s campaign. You won't be stuck in a miserable grind because you picked the "wrong" one. And for those with a touch of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) about completing their roster, rest assured you can easily catch all three Pokémon for your Pokédex once you hit the endgame. So, no need to perform any complex ritualistic sacrificing of other Pokémon just to get your hands on a Chikorita if you didn't pick it initially. The game’s got your back.
What this poll really highlights, beyond Totodile's undeniable charm, is the enduring power of community sentiment and nostalgia in gaming. It’s a testament to how deeply these digital companions embed themselves in our memories. When a new Pokémon game drops, it’s not just a new experience; it’s a reunion, a callback to simpler times spent yelling at a Game Boy screen. And in that context, choosing a starter isn't just a mechanical decision; it's an emotional one. It's about forging a new path while still honouring the old.
So, whether you're team Totodile, bravely waving the Chikorita flag, or daring to be different with Tepig, know that your choice is valid. The important thing is diving into that new adventure, exploring whatever *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* throws at us, and maybe, just maybe, seeing if that "weird" Feraligatr Mega Evolution is actually secretly magnificent.
**Original Source:** This article draws inspiration from "Over Half of You Are Picking Totodile as your Pokémon Legends: Z-A Starter" by Rebekah Valentine, published on IGN South Africa (za.ign.com).
Tags: Pokemon, Pokemon Legends Z-A, Starter Pokemon, Gaming Polls, Community
Original article: IGN South Africa