Welcome to my series of potential character essays. Ever hear a character suggestion for SSB4 and think "Who the heck is this guy?" These essays are for you. These essays will go over the history of the character, the abilities of the character, arguments for and against the character and finally a potential move set. I hope to introduce people to likely newcomers for SSB4 and to help people learn a bit more about characters they already know. So let's get into the fray! Feel free to comment or even suggest characters, if you like. I'm open to suggestions as long as I have time to write.
Essay 5:
Name: Zoroark
Series: Pokemon
Gender: Either
First Appearance: Pokemon Black and White (2011)
Character Biography:
This biography will be a bit different from the others as Zoroark is a Pokemon species and not an individual. There have been many individual ones and theoretically you can have hundreds in one game. Because of this, I will briefly go over some facts about Zoroark in general, and then talk about some important Zoroark. Let's go!
Zoroark is the Illusion Fox Pokemon. It is a dark type and evolves from Zorua at level thirty. Zoroark have a strong pack mentality and can easily trick people with its Illusion ability. It is said that those who try to catch Zoroark will be trapped in illusions and punished.
Zoroark with it's prevo!
On to the important Zoroark!
First off and most importantly, N used a Zoroark in his final battle with the Main Protagonist in Pokemon Black and White. This Zoroark is seen again in Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, where it guarded the entrance to the ruins of N's castle. It is never fought in this game.
A pic of N. For all you fangirls out there. 
Zoroark was also an event pokemon in Pokemon Black and White. By transferring a special shiny Raikou, Entei or Suicune to the game and bringing it to Lostlorn Forest, the players could catch a Zoroark. Zoroark is no longer an event pokemon however. In Black 2 and White 2, the player could recieve N's Zorua. This was the only way to get a Zoroark ingame.
Zoroark appeared in Pokepark 2: Wonders beyond as a recruitable pokemon. She is fought in Wish Park.
Zoroark was able to have a perfect link with Kotaro in Pokemon Conquest.
... Creepy....
It's not a game appearance but I feel it is worth noting. Zoroark was one of the main stars of the 13th Pokemon movie. aptly named "Zoroark: Master of Illusions." In this movie, a female Zoroark is being blackmailed by the evil Grings Kodai. If Zoroark terrorizes Crown City under the guise of Entei, Raikou and Suicune, Grings Kodai will not hurt Zorua, Zoroark's child. Ash and friends stop Grings Kodai and reunite the family of Pokemon.
One of the few time you will ever see a movie poster on this board.
Game Appearances:
Pokemon Black and White( Catchable Pokemon) (Event Pokemon)
Pokemon Rumble Blast (Usable Toy)
Learn With Pokémon: Typing Adventure (Japan and Europe only) (Catchable Pokemon)
Pokepark 2: Wonders Beyond (Recruitable Ally)
Pokémon Card Game: How To Play DS (Japan Only) (Pokemon Card)
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 (Catchable Pokemon)
Pokemon Dream Radar (Obtainable Pokemon)
Pokemon Conquest (Catchable Pokemon)
Pokedex 3D (Pokedex Entry)
Pokedex 3D Pro (Pokedex Entry)
Pokedex for IOS (Pokedex Entry)
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (Recruitable Ally)
Zoroark has been playable in 6 of its appearances.
Abilities:
Ooooooooooh boy.....
Zoroark is a pokemon. IT CAN DO TONS OF STUFF!!!!
For a full list of attacks, you can check Serebii.net or Bulbapedia.com. I will not list EVERY attack in this essay. Typically, Zoroark can learn attacks that utilize its claws and crafty nature.
Zoroark is a dark type. So it specializes in dark type attacks such as Night Slash, Thief, Faint Attack, Foul Play and Dark Pulse.
Zoroark and it pre-evolution Zorua are the only pokemon who can learn Night Daze.
Night Daze. It looks terrifying!
This is where Zoroark gets interesting. Zoroark has Illusion as its ability. Illusion disguises the pokemon as another pokemon. In games, this will disguise Zoroark as the last member of the team. Zoroark can disguise himself as both a pokemon and a human.
Debate:
Why Zoroark Should Be In:
1. It's a popular pokemon: Zoroark has developed quite the fanbase. It's pretty popular.
I mean, look at all this junk!
2. It's a new face of pokemon. Zoroark represents the newer Gen V. That's pretty nifty.
3. He's flavor of the month: He's a new Pokemon character. They always seem to get in Smash Bros.
Reasons Why Zoroark Should Not Be In:
1. GEN VI: Zoroark's time in the spotlight has gone. Leave a spot for a Gen VI pokemon.
2. The Pokemon roster is in chaos! Who's getting in? The only surefire Pokemon is Pikachu. Zoroark has a lot of competition against its poke-brethren
3. He's a less popular Lucario: The Pokemon Company used Lucario to advertise Gen IV and somehow, Lucario remained immensely popular! Lucario is still being used to advertise. The Pokemon Company tried to use the same method with Zoroark and ultimately it failed, especially compared to Lucario's sucess.
Who will get the spot for SSB4? Who knows?
Possible Moveset:
Disclaimer! This moveset is an example and will need changing in the future. Please suggest improvements :D
Neutral B: Zoroark uses Theif. Zoroark will swipe at the opponent. If the opponent is holding or using an item. Zoroark will steal it. This move has no knockback.
Side B: Zoroark uses Night Slash. Zoroark will dask forward while slashing the foe. This move has high knockback.
Up B: Zoroark uses Foul Play. Zoroark will disappear and reappear elsewhere attacking as he reappears. This can be used for recovery.
Down B: Zoroark will use substitute. Zoroark will create a small dummy that will act as a sheild. After a a certain amount of damage, the dummy will fly away. Think of this as a stationary Waddle Dee.
Final Smash: Zoroark uses Night Daze. A large ball of purple fire will appear around Zoroark and burn his enemies. This will cause little knockback but a lot of damage.
Images made by Pwnagemaster67
Codec Call:
Snake: "Colonel!!! This thing! It can shapeshift!"
Colonel: "Calm down Snake. You're fighting Zoroark. It's a pokemon. He's not actually changing shape. It's all an illusion."
Snake: "Illusions.... Like Decoy Octopus?"
Colonel: "Yes. Exactly."
Snake: " Might as well be Decoy Octopus. This thing looks sinister."
Colonel: "It's a dark type pokemon, but I assure you, Zoroark is not evil. I hear that they're actually pretty caring pokemon."
Snake: "Dark is not evil? Doesn't that go against the name of the type?"
Colonel: "Just because it's called something doesn't mean it is, Snake. Or are you telling me you slither?"
Snake: "Touche."
C'mon give him a hand!
I hope you enjoyed this essay. I hope I can write another one soon. Please say what you think. Are there more reasons why Zoroark should or should not be in? Did you learn something about him? Did you come up with a great moveset? Did you enjoy the essay? Comment away!
