The anime is super hax in general. I wish I could go, "I believe in you, [insert pokemon here]!!!" and have them power level x10 for no reason.... and win the battle..... all because I cheered them on a little or recalled some sappy story about all we've been through together. -_-
Also, Thunder Armor. 'Nuff said.
Yes, but earlier there was semblance of strategy in his battles.
I just saw Ash's battle against Barry today though, and...
"Empoleon! Use steel wing!"
"Pikachu! counter with Iron Tail!"
"Empoleon! Now use Hyper beam!"
"Hang in there Pikachu! Use thunderbolt while Empoleon recharges!"
"Now use Volt Tackle!"
"Empoleon is unable to battle Ash wins!"
"Blah Blah Blah Power of Friendship etc. etc."
I remember when Pokemon the Anime didn't have battles that could have just as easily taken place in the video games. I also remember a time when Ash would have been more creative than to counter a steel type attack with another steel type attack repeatedly. He doesn't even use the stupid "spin to avoid attacks" technique anymore. It can't even be blamed on overconfidence, because he isn't overconfidence.
Ash just became really, really bad at Pokemon, and I can't figure out how. I blame bad writing.