Okay, for those of you living under a rock, the Nuzlocke Challenge (named after its inventor--in a twist of fate, he failed his own challenge, though the fact that he documented his progress through webcomics probably has something to do with its continued popularity) is a new way to play the games you loved as a kid in a manner that's actually difficult. The particulars vary (you can search for one that you like if you want) but the basics are as follows:
1. You are only allowed to catch the first Pokémon you encounter in any given area. If for any reason this is impossible (for example, the first route in which you are bereft of balls), then tough baloney sandwiches, you get nothing from that area. A shiny does not count towards this limit. (thanks xVaLoRx)
2. Battle style is to be on Set at all times. No free switching after KO!
3. If a Pokémon faints in battle, it is not allowed to be revived, and must be released at the first available opportunity, as it is considered dead.
Errata: In some games, there are "team-ups" while going through certain areas. All wild encounters are 2v2 while this team-up is in effect, and your Pokémon are fully healed after each encounter. There is nothing you can do about this, so in these situations the fainting rule is waived and you may pick either of the first pair that comes out of the grass.
4. All your Pokémon are to be given nicknames. This does nothing to enhance the difficulty of the game on a technical level. Rather, it serves to increase the jimmy-rustling factor.
5. If you get wiped out, you may continue your challenge with any Pokémon languishing in your PC, though your old party is to be released as per the third rule. If you get wiped out and your box is empty, it's game over. Exception: If the team-up errata were in effect during this battle and your partner wins it for you, your party is fully healed by your partner as normal and you may continue.
I tried this the other night with Platinum, and to my surprise, it was actually a lot of fun. I picked Chimchar and started the match with Roark with an X Attack, which allowed Monferno the power he needed to pull off the sweep. Sadly, my run ended with Commander Mars in the Valley Windworks. FUCK that Purugly.
So yeah, share your stories of triumph and teeth-gnashing defeat. And remember, crit happens.
1. You are only allowed to catch the first Pokémon you encounter in any given area. If for any reason this is impossible (for example, the first route in which you are bereft of balls), then tough baloney sandwiches, you get nothing from that area. A shiny does not count towards this limit. (thanks xVaLoRx)
2. Battle style is to be on Set at all times. No free switching after KO!
3. If a Pokémon faints in battle, it is not allowed to be revived, and must be released at the first available opportunity, as it is considered dead.
Errata: In some games, there are "team-ups" while going through certain areas. All wild encounters are 2v2 while this team-up is in effect, and your Pokémon are fully healed after each encounter. There is nothing you can do about this, so in these situations the fainting rule is waived and you may pick either of the first pair that comes out of the grass.
4. All your Pokémon are to be given nicknames. This does nothing to enhance the difficulty of the game on a technical level. Rather, it serves to increase the jimmy-rustling factor.
5. If you get wiped out, you may continue your challenge with any Pokémon languishing in your PC, though your old party is to be released as per the third rule. If you get wiped out and your box is empty, it's game over. Exception: If the team-up errata were in effect during this battle and your partner wins it for you, your party is fully healed by your partner as normal and you may continue.
I tried this the other night with Platinum, and to my surprise, it was actually a lot of fun. I picked Chimchar and started the match with Roark with an X Attack, which allowed Monferno the power he needed to pull off the sweep. Sadly, my run ended with Commander Mars in the Valley Windworks. FUCK that Purugly.
So yeah, share your stories of triumph and teeth-gnashing defeat. And remember, crit happens.
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