| Zorua and Zoroark | |
|---|---|
Artwork by Ken Sugimori of Zorua (left) and Zoroark (right) National Pokédex Garbodor - Zorua (#570) - Zoroark (#571) - Minccino |
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| Series | Pokémon |
| First game | Pokémon Black and White (2010) |
| Voiced by (English) | Eileen Stevens (Zoroa, film) Chiaki Takahashi (Zoroa, Luke's) Romi Park (Zoroark) |
| Voiced by (Japanese) | Kurumi Mamiya (Zoroa, film) Chiaki Takahashi (Zoroa, Luke's) Romi Park (Zoroark) |
Zorua (ゾロア Zoroa) and Zoroark (ゾロアーク Zoroāku) are two fictional species of Pokémon creatures, linked by evolution, in Nintendo's and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. They are two Dark-type Pokémon resembling foxes. They first appeared in the film Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions, and were directly obtainable by attendees to that film in the games Pokémon Black and White.
Zorua and Zoroark were first shown in CoroCoro Comic and Pokémon Sunday. As the first fifth-generation Pokémon to be introduced, the news of their introduction spread quickly. They have been well-received by the video game press.
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Zorua and Zoroark are two Pokémon linked by evolution. They are of the Dark type, and resemble foxes as well as elements of kabuki and noh theatre makeup.[1] They are recognized by the National Pokédex as the "Tricky Fox Pokémon" and "Illusion Fox Pokémon" respectively.[2][3][4] Zoroark is bipedal, and has a long, thick mane which resembles a fox's tail at its termination. Zorua evolves into Zoroark at Level 30.[5] The characters are able to transform into different Pokémon at will using their "Illusion" abilities.[6]
Zorua frightens opponents by assuming their appearance. It seems to often take on the guise of a silent child.[7] It protects itself from danger by keeping its own true form hidden.[8] Zoroark protects its pack by deluding opponents. Unity among the group is strong.[9] It has the power to delude many people at one time. It protects its den by displaying an illusory landscape.[10]
Zorua and Zoroark can be both obtainable through normal gameplay, although, not directly obtainable without the involvement of promotional events. A special Celebi is needed to activate Zorua in-game, while Zoroark is activated by obtaining event shiny Entei, Raikou, or Suicune or directly obtained through the Wifi-event. After obtaining either Celebi or the legendary trio, they can be transferred to Black or White to activate the events that allow for capture.[11] A feature in the games called the Relocator is used exclusively to transfer these event Pokémon to Black and White. It is usable early in the game so the player can obtain Zorua and Zoroark, and use them in their team.
Zoroark is one of the Pokémon used by N in the player's final battle against him.
Zoroark is also rumored to appear in the next Super Smash Bros. game, although nothing has been confirmed.
Attendees to the Japanese film Phantom Ruler: Zoroark who owned a copy of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver were able to directly download a Celebi to their game. If the attendees to Phantom Ruler: Zoroark bought an pre-order ticket, they could obtain a shiny Entei, Raikou, or Suicune.[11]
Zoroark was also directly obtainable in Japanese version directly through Wifi for a limited period of time, as a part of the campaign of TV Programme Pokémon Smash![12]
To promote the North American release of Black and White, players were able to download the shiny Entei, Raikou, and Suicune from GameStop stores during various weeks in January and February 2011.[13] Celebi was available for download from GameStop stores during February 21 to March 6, 2011.
Zorua and Zoroark play prominent roles in the film Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Zoroark, tricked by Grings Kodai, attacks Crown City while transformed as Raikou, Entei, and Suicune after Zoroark is shown a projection of an abused Zorua. Little does Zoroark know, Zorua is safe and sound with Ash and his friends. As Zoroark attacks the city as she was ordered to, Grings sends out lies to the people of Crown City about Zoroark saying that she is evil and has gained control over the legendary beasts.
Zorua also appears from the episode "Zorua the Movie!Legend of the Pokémon Knight" to "Decisive Don Battle! Ash vs. Iris" as the Pokémon for a film-maker named Luke.
Zorua's and Zoroark's silhouettes were shown in on Pokémon Sunday. The Pokémon's full bodies were first shown in the February 2010 issue of CoroCoro Comic. They were the first Pokémon introduced from the fifth generation and from Phantom Ruler: Zoroark. News quickly circulated online that the total number of Pokémon had risen to 495.[14]
The characters have been generally well-received by the video game press. Joystiq staff writer JC Fletcher called Zorua "smaller and cuter, but evil" compared to Zoroark. He also expressed pleasure that Zoroark was not a werehog creature as some fans had speculated.[1] IGN writer Jack DeVries also identified Zorua as small and cute, and speculated that the pair would not be Legendary Pokémon, but would probably serve as antagonists in Phantom Ruler: Zoroark.[15] Staff of Kotaku called Zorua "adorable" and "small, fluffy, and thoroughly evil, much like a Pekingese."[16] They also compared Zoroark's hairstyle to those of Gary Glitter, Kishidan's lead singer Show Ayanocozey, and Angelina Jolie.[17] Shortly after the Pokémon's introduction, Official Nintendo Magazine writer Thomas East remarked that Zorua "looks quite cute" but that Zoroark's appearance is more menacing: "[i]f Zorua is described as an angry fox what does that make Zoroark?"[2] East later commented that Zoroark's transformation ability could make it "one of the coolest Pokémon ever".[18] Game Informer's Jeff Marchiafava stated "Zorua is another example of the original form being cooler than the evolved form".[19] In a poll by Official Nintendo Magazine, Zoroark was voted as one of the best Pokémon from Black and White. Editor Thomas East stated that "We remember the reaction to Zoroark being (mostly) positive and it's good to see that it still remains popular to this day".[20]
Zorua- and Zoroark-designed plush dolls have been manufactured as part of the Diamond and Pearl line.[21][22] Other Zoroark merchandise includes action figures,[23] keychains,[24] and wristwatches.[25] A lunch box promoting Phantom Ruler: Zoroark features Zoroark and other film characters such as Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.[26]