Parasect
Pokémon character
First gamePokémon Red and Blue (1996)
In-universe information
SpeciesPokémon
TypeBug/Grass

Parasect is a Pokémon species in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise, and the evolved form of series mascot Paras. First introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue, it has since appeared in multiple games including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, as well as various merchandise. It is classified as both a Bug and Grass-type Pokémon.

Conception and development

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Parasect is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.[1] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.[2] Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[3] A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.[2]

Design

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Appearances

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First found in Pokémon Red and Blue, Parasect has appeared in most Pokémon titles since.[citation needed] It has appeared in the mobile game Pokémon Go and, in physical media, the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Critical reception

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Parasect has been regarded as a particularly frightening Pokémon, with Nintendojo writer Joseph Nelson discussing how while Paras appears to have a symbiotic relationship with the mushrooms, Parasect shows that it is a parasitic situation due to Parasect being "essentially braindead." They suggested that they were based on the ophiocordyceps sinensis.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (December 25, 2016). "Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All". Game Informer. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Allison, Anne (May 2006). Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination. University of California Press. pp. 192–197. ISBN 9780520938991.
  3. ^ Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook. Scholastic Inc. July 28, 2015. p. 5. ISBN 9780545795661.
  4. ^ Nelson, Joseph (August 22, 2012). "Top Ten: Scariest Pokémon". Nintendojo. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
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