Raikou

File:RaikouArt.png

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Raikou (ライコウ, Raikō) is a fictional creature in the Pokémon media franchise.

Creature description

Raikou is one of a trio of legendary Pokémon introduced in the Second Generation of the franchise in Pokémon Gold & Pokémon Silver, named the Legendary Beasts. Raikou is a powerful beast with strong electric ability. In the RPGs, when it appears it randomly roams the game world, and a trainer wanting to catch it must encounter it by chance and try to catch it before it runs away.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee

Raikou makes a noteworthy appearance in Melee.

File:Raikou copy.jpg

As a Poké Ball Pokémon

Raikou is treated as a "legendary" Poké Ball Pokémon; its chance of appearing is much rarer than most of the others, and in return its effect is more powerful. Raikou uses Thunder as its attack. A current of electricity will form around Raikou. Any character (other than the summoner) that makes contact with the ground within the current of electricity will take damage and be thrown a short distance up into the air, similar to Venusaur's Earthquake, though more powerful and in a much larger area. It's attack animation is the same as from Pokemon Colosseum.

As a trophy

Raikou features as a collectible trophy, unlocked as one of the 100+ trophies that can be collected randomly during normal play, such as in the Trophy Lottery and throughout the various Single-player Regular Matches. It reads as follows:

Raikou:

These Thunder Pokemon travel near and far, blasting out electrified whirlwinds. They carry storm clouds on their backs, so they can produce lightning regardless of the local weather; it's even said that they descended to the earth with via lightning bolts. Their extreme quickness lends itself to flight, so they're very hard to capture. (Pokemon Gold & Silver 10/00)

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl

It is worth noting that Raikou is the only one of the 3 "Legendary Dogs" to not reappear as a Poké Ball Pokémon in Brawl.