As announced earlier, the Pokemon Company's Junichi Masuda has officially revealed the latest Pokemon and its official English name, Honedge, to the English speaking world. He also revealed intimate details of how he took inspiration from France and did a lot of research on the country to create Pokemon X and Y's new region, Kalos.
Mr. Masuda recently revealed Honedge, a new Steel- and Ghost-type Pokémon for #PokemonXY! http://t.co/rwpbeY7VNd
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) July 5, 2013
In his video, Masuda explains how he first got inspired by France when he went there to watch the premiere of the first Pokemon movie. France was selected as a country that typifies beauty, in its fashion and landscapes. Kalos itself comes from the Greek word for beauty. He visited Paris and many landmarks such as Marseilles and Versailles and went back with staff on 2011 for a proper tour. Kalos also takes elements from Lyons and Reims, and added the Carnac stones from Brittany as can be seen in the overworld map.
Masuda then reveals the new Pokemon Honedge, a Steel and Ghost type Pokemon. Masuda elaborates that an ancient soul seems to reside inside the sword.
Nintendo released more details about Honedge in a press release. They confirm that a Honedge comes into being when a departed spirit takes possession of a sword that was once used by humans. The blue cloth around its hilt acts as an arm. However, Pokemon Trainers who try to grab Honedge directly will find the blue cloth will wrap itself around them and try to take their energy. As you can see below, Honedge is show unsheathing itself.
Honedge has a Normal-Type move called the Swords Dance. This dance will raise the Pokemon Trainer's fighting spirit, as personified in his or her Attack stat. Swords Dance can be used multiple times to keep raising the stat and overwhelm opponents.
I must admit I was skeptical earlier, but Honedge seems more interesting now, with a great backstory and possibly a cheap Pokemon to use.
You can see more screenshots of Honedge below.
