Long-Lost Comment From Pokemon Designer Explains Mega Dragonite’s Awkward Look

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Since the Pokemon Presents in July 2025, fans have been buzzing about the unveiling of Mega Dragonite. While the new trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A was a major highlight of the event, some were disappointed instead of excited by what was supposed to be the perfect finishing touch. However, opinions on Mega Dragonite have been split.

Fans of Pokemon have been eagerly anticipating Mega Dragonite since the time of the X & Y series, as depicted in fanart and creative 3D models on platforms like Twitter. Over the years, people’s imaginations ran wild about what this powerful Dragon-type might look like. However, when the official unveiling was finally made, it did not quite live up to the expectations that had been built over time.

Nevertheless, a thorough investigation by a YouTube user has led to the discovery of an older interview with Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori. This interview could potentially explain why the design in question seems somewhat unusual.

Mega Dragonite Got The “Uncool” Effect

In a recent social media update by YouTuber Cecilily, she shares her perspective on the criticism surrounding Mega Dragonite in the Pokémon community.

As a gamer, I’ve been noticing an unusual trend lately – everything I share seems to be catching fire! Speaking of which, let me tell you about a fascinating snippet from my latest video. Ken Sugimori, the legendary game designer, shares his insights on why no Pokémon should ever be too perfect or adorable.

Apparently, their design philosophy is all about creating creatures that have a quirk or an oddity to make them stand out and memorable.

— cecilily (@cecililytweets) July 28, 2025

In a YouTube video, Cecilily explores why some fans have a negative opinion towards the new design of Mega, focusing on the disappointment over its perceived cuteness. She notes that previous Mega designs were characterized by sharpness, coolness, and power. A significant criticism leveled against Mega Dragonite is that its design appears too gentle or lacks the desired toughness that some players expected.

Cecilily asserts that this isn’t justification for disliking the Pokemon, addressing fans who demanded a grittier or “masculine” appearance for Dragonite. The scene transitions to footage of Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori working on designs, followed by a quote from an old interview with him, originally posted on Siliconera, being narrated.

During the interview, Sugimori shares a crucial aspect of designing iconic Pokemon: “I frequently advise design team members to ‘strip down designs that are overly impressive,'” although this might be hard to understand. Ultimately, what’s cool and not is subjective. To put it simply, my role is to find something that could seem even more striking if a particular element were removed, and intentionally add it back in. [laughs] In essence, when a design appears too impressive, it may detract from what makes it memorable for the players.

Later, he continues by stating, “You see, since we’re introducing Pokémon into the world, we aim for them to be distinct and memorable. However, I believe that a subtle touch makes them truly unforgettable. Let me give you an example – Oshawott has three freckles on its cheeks, which many people have suggested removing. But in my opinion, keeping those freckles makes it more recognizable. Despite requests to remove the freckles, I’ve stood firm that they should stay as part of the design.

It’s plausible that the specific approach taken is what gives Mega Dragonite its unique appearance. Fans envisioned intricate, intense, and sharp versions of Mega Dragonite. While the official version showcases powerful aspects, adjustments have been made not only to appear appealing but also to stand out in a player’s memory. Complexity often makes it harder for something to be easily remembered by players.

Making it distinctive by simplifying its design and incorporating some whimsical elements, the character Mega Dragonite gains greater recognition and notoriety.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that this new Mega Evolution duo has left me with a mix of feelings. On one hand, there’s Mega Slowbro, who seems to be living life confined within a massive shell. On the other, we’ve got Mega Glalie, a sight so terrifying, it sends chills down my spine!

Although some fans might find Mega Dragonite’s unique design surprising, there’s no question that this unusual design will not only spark conversation, but also create an unforgettable interpretation of the Kanto Dragon-type.

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2025-07-29 23:46