One of my favourite things to do in Pokemon Sword & Shield is hang out with my little Pokepals around the campfire. Admittedly, I thought this was pretty pointless back when I originally started playing a little over a year ago. But ever since I completed the game, I’ve slowly but surely changed my mind about that - mostly because the Pokemon in Sword & Shield are all pretty stupid, in a very endearing way.

Earlier today I was messing around in my Pokemon camp and saw my Gengar knocking about. He moves by doing a Naruto run except he’s actually floating - it’s incredibly funny to watch. Anyway, I called him over and threw a couple of Poke Balls to play fetch with him (can you play fetch with Pokemon like pets? And what about throwing their literal containers down the field for them to retrieve? Seems a bit weird).

After playing for a bit, I said “Let’s chat” and Gengar’s disposition changed dramatically. “Gengar looks like it wants to be with you forever,” the textbox read. Nice one, bud. You’re alright as well.

Anyway, that massive smile of his somehow grew even wider, which I reckon is because me and him are best mates now. So I took a photo of him, and then it hit me: why not take photos of some of my other favourite ‘mons before and after I called them beautiful, like all those hipster photographers do with their mates (who pretend they’re not their mates for the photo)? Great idea, I thought. Pat on the back for me. Here are the results.

Gengar

Before being called beautiful:

Typically menacing Gengar here, sinister smile and devious eyes. You know he’s up to something - let’s try to catch him off guard.

After being called beautiful:

Look at that smile! He’s chuffed! And actually a bit scary, if I’m honest. What’s he plotting?

Weavile

Weavile has always been one of my favourite Pokemon ever. It looks too cool for school here - slight frown with a single sharp tooth hanging out. Weavile, bud, you look great.

Ah, would you look at that. Weavile’s a softie after all. Look how sincere that smile is - you can tell by the eyebrows.

Lucario

Lucario is super serious. No messing around with this lad. Today is for training. If you pull out a toy I will not play with you. I will simply try to slap the toy out of your hand, which is fun for me but that’s not the point.

Obviously Lucario doesn’t even smile. It just does a cool pose and quietly nods its head. I want to be Lucario when I grow up.

Tyranitar

Have I got something on my face? Why are you staring at me like that?

Oh wow. That’s a response. You don’t need to cry mate, I’m just saying I’m glad we’re on the same team. You don’t have to shout that you’re going to be with me forever in front of the others. You’re already one of my favourites - but shhh, don’t tell anyone.

Sableye

You’re up to something. You’re the image of mischief. Your eyes are lovely.

WHERE DID THOSE TEETH COME FROM???

Charizard

Hey, Charizard. Come here. I’ve got something to tell you.

Listen, you looked better a minute ago, stop shouting and doing T-rex arms and go back to your calm air.

Espeon

Everyone knows that Espeon is lovely. Does Espeon know?

Espeon definitely knows. That face has got, “Oh, where did that come from, I can’t believe you said that” written all over it. You know what you look like. You’ve seen your reflection - don’t tell me otherwise, you can literally learn Reflect.

Grimmsnarl

I have no idea about what any single part of your anatomy is supposed to be, but you look pretty cool I suppose.

OK, this has just completely confused me in terms of what your teeth are.

Mimikyu

(Hey Mimikyu, you’re my favourite, don’t tell Tyranitar.)

I wish I recorded a video of this instead of taking a screenshot, because Mimikyu’s response was frankly amazing. Listen, right. Play Pokemon. Go to your camp. Bring Mimikyu. Say nice things to it. Enjoy.

Reuniclus

You’re already so happy - is it possible to make you even happier though?

Of course it is.

Wartortle

Oi, what’s the matter? Cheer up.

See? You’re delighted now. Eejit.

Jolteon

Don’t you look at me like that, mate.

Much better. All is forgiven.

Hippowdon

Pokehippo, get over here for a minute. Why have you got nostrils on your back? On second thought, they look like cannons, which is quite cool, actually.

Glad to know you’re happy with your nostril cannons. Self-esteem is very important.

Galarian Rapidash

Galarian Rapidash must know that, as a fairy unicorn with luscious locks of magical hair, it’s pretty great. I’ll tell it anyway.

Yeah. You look like you’re having loads of fun. Jesus. Have a bit of a laugh - just because you’re some magic horse doesn’t mean you can veer away from all of the banter.

Eevee

And here we are - the star of our show. Come here Eevee, I have a secret to tell you.

Ah, would you look at that. You’re only lovely pal.